When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Five Guys
Why Five Guys is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Five Guys is an iconic fast-casual restaurant chain celebrated for its fresh, made-to-order American classics like hamburgers, hot dogs, and hand-cut french fries. Founded in 1986 by the Murrell family in Arlington, Virginia, Five Guys has grown into a beloved destination with over 1,800 locations worldwide. What makes Five Guys a great place to meet friends is its commitment to quality and a welcoming atmosphere that feels both casual and vibrant. The restaurants feature an open kitchen design allowing guests to see their food being freshly prepared, which builds trust and connection around their meal. The menu is straightforward yet flexible, offering customization with more than 250,000 possible toppings combinations, catering to a variety of tastes. Their famous fries are cooked in peanut oil with no timers used, exemplifying the brand’s obsessive pursuit of perfect flavor and texture. Additionally, the signature red and white color scheme creates a nostalgic, classic American vibe perfect for social outings. From the aroma of fresh buns baked multiple times a week to the free peanuts provided weekly to customers to enjoy, Five Guys offers both taste and an experience that makes catching up with friends enjoyable and memorable. Its business culture and marketing efforts also foster strong brand loyalty, ensuring guests feel a connection every visit.
Here's what people think of Five Guys
As of recent, Five Guys holds a 4.3-star rating based on 5509 reviews.
Customers consistently praise Five Guys for its high-quality, fresh ingredients and generous portion sizes, particularly highlighting the excellent taste of their burgers and fries. Positive reviews often mention the customizable menu options that allow guests to tailor their meals exactly to their preferences. Many appreciate the friendly, efficient service and the casual, welcoming environment that suits gatherings with friends or family. Reviewers frequently comment on the appealing open kitchen layout and the nostalgic ambiance created by the restaurant’s decor. However, some negative feedback focuses on the relatively high prices compared to other fast-food competitors, with a few mentioning that the wait times can be longer during peak periods due to the food being made fresh-to-order. Some customers have also noted that the seating space can be limited or cramped in certain locations. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the general consensus is that the quality and taste of Five Guys’ offerings justify the cost. Overall, reviews reflect strong customer satisfaction and loyalty, with many patrons returning repeatedly for the consistent quality and the brand’s inviting dining experience.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Aboudi Ghazal
Five Guys in Times Square delivers big flavor! The burgers are juicy, customizable, and always fresh. Fries are crispy with just the right amount of salt. Service is quick, and the vibe is upbeat despite the busy location. A solid spot for a satisfying bite in the heart of NYC. Never disappoints!
Laura Capovilla
Big shot out to this five guys, not only is it open at crazy hours of the night to feed your drunk need for warm and delicious burgers, the employees are amazingly nice (and keep in mind that they were serving us at 3am!) and the quality of five guys is still there. So happy I got to stop here and eat a late night burger with shake and fries during my trip.
Ankil Shah
Stopped by the Five Guys at 253 West 42nd Street near Times Square for a quick evening snack. As vegetarians, our options were limited, so we ordered a large Cajun fries and a soda, accompanied by the complimentary peanuts.  While the food and service at the counter met our expectations, our experience was marred by an unsettling interaction. As we were finishing our meal, a cleaning staff member approached our table and, without any prior conversation, asked, “Are you Indian?” We responded affirmatively, and he walked away without further explanation. This unsolicited question felt intrusive and left us uncomfortable, especially given the lack of context or follow-up. In a city as diverse as New York, such interactions can be disconcerting. It’s unfortunate that this incident overshadowed our visit. We hope the management addresses such concerns to ensure a more welcoming environment for all patrons.
Sofía Alarcón
Second time we visit and it’s amazing, super tasty food, all fresh. The sizes are more than fine, and the taste of everything is excellent. The staff is nice and the place is clean. The delivery is quite fast I recommend I will definitely miss this place!
Habiba Lightner
I went into five guys to order some burgers and drinks and this women in the image is the most rude disrespectful and most unprofessional employee ever . She definitely needs to check herself and know she’s only a worker and I pay her to do my food not vice versa . I ordered a burger and I was trying to respectfully address to her that my order is wrong … instead of fixing it she took it and gave me the most nasty attitude and didn’t fix the sandwich. I left the store and I will definitely not be returning .
How to reach Five Guys
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Why Five Guys may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Five Guys with your friends? Five Guys offers an inviting and lively spot where friends and family can come together for an enjoyable dining experience centered around classic American comfort food. Its reputation for quality, made-to-order burgers and hand-cut fries cooked in peanut oil creates a meal that is both satisfying and memorable. The casual, fast-casual environment encourages easy conversation and a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal place for group gatherings. With a strong emphasis on freshness and customization, each person can personalize their order to their taste, which makes it appealing for groups with varied preferences. Additionally, the open kitchens and the signature red and white decor provide a welcoming and vibrant setting that energizes the group spirit. Whether you’re catching up after a busy day or celebrating a special occasion, Five Guys’ consistent quality and friendly vibe make it a great choice for rallying with friends.
What activities are there to enjoy at Five Guys for group meetups? While Five Guys is primarily known for its food rather than a wide range of activities, the experience it offers is perfect for group interaction and shared enjoyment. The core activity is savoring delicious burgers, fries, and shakes, which can be an engaging, communal event in itself. Groups often enjoy creating custom burger combinations thanks to Five Guys’ extensive topping options — with over 250,000 possible combinations, there’s a fun element of discovery and sharing food preferences. The casual vibe encourages mingling and conversation, and the open kitchen allows friends to watch the cooking process, adding entertainment value to the meal. Moreover, the honest, simple menu without pictures invites discussion about the offerings, contributing to a lively atmosphere where friends can bond over their selections.
Why is Five Guys perfect for social gatherings and group meetups? Five Guys strikes a balance between quality food and an informal setting, ideal for socializing with friends and family. The layout typically includes ample seating designed to accommodate groups so that everyone can eat comfortably while chatting. Unlike some fast-food chains, Five Guys prides itself on fresh ingredients and made-to-order meals, which makes the experience feel more personal and less rushed—important factors for group enjoyment. The consistency of service and food quality across locations means that groups can expect the same positive experience regardless of which outlet they visit. Furthermore, the brand’s philosophy of simplicity and authenticity fosters a friendly environment where people feel relaxed and welcome, breaking down barriers to social interaction. All these aspects contribute to making Five Guys a dependable and crowd-pleasing venue for meetups.
What unique food experiences does Five Guys offer to enhance group visits? Five Guys stands out by providing freshly baked buns five days a week, hand-cut fries prepared with care, and burgers crafted from fresh, never frozen, beef patties. This commitment to quality makes the food a celebration on its own. The fact that Five Guys fries more than 165 million burgers annually underlines the popularity and reliability of its food offerings among large groups. The peanut oil used for frying adds a distinct flavor that many find addictive. Also, the availability of customizable toppings—from classic options like grilled onions and mushrooms to more unique combinations—enables groups to experiment with flavors and share their favorites. This combination of freshness, quality, and customization makes eating at Five Guys an interactive and rewarding experience for friends and family.
How does Five Guys maintain a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for groups? The interior of Five Guys locations is designed to evoke a classic American diner feel, with red and white décor that’s bright and cheerful, creating an uplifting environment. The open kitchen design is more than just aesthetic; it allows guests to see their food being freshly prepared, which adds transparency and builds trust while serving as a conversation starter. The brand’s policy of serving free peanuts while waiting helps to entertain groups and create a casual, communal vibe. This small but clever touch encourages guests to relax and interact as they anticipate their meals. In addition, the absence of photos on the menu pushes customers to focus on descriptions and personal choices, sparking discussion and excitement about orders. Together, these elements translate into a dynamic, fun setting where groups can connect effortlessly.
What makes Five Guys a reliable and consistent choice across different locations? Since its founding in 1986, Five Guys has expanded to over 1,800 locations worldwide while maintaining core values of freshness, quality, and customer satisfaction. This extensive footprint means groups can count on a familiar menu and dining experience whether they meet in the United States, Canada, the UK, or beyond. The company’s dedication to training staff through programs like Five Guys University ensures that employees understand the brand’s high standards and work ethic, providing consistent food and service quality regardless of the franchise. Guests benefit from fresh buns baked multiple times a week and meticulous preparation methods, such as “feeling” the perfect fry instead of timing it mechanically. Such attention to detail, combined with a fast-casual format, balances efficiency and quality, making group visits smooth and enjoyable every time.
Why is Five Guys noted for its customer engagement and brand loyalty? Five Guys has garnered strong consumer loyalty by honing in on values like simplicity, freshness, and excellent taste, communicated through its marketing and customer interactions. The company uses social media and user-generated content platforms to keep its audience engaged and foster a sense of community among fans. Such engagement enhances the emotional connection guests have with the brand, turning casual visitors into repeat customers and advocates. For groups, this sense of connection amplifies the enjoyment of dining together because the brand is seen as a shared cultural touchstone. Events, contests, and the exposure to brand narratives through attractive platforms ensure that customers feel part of something bigger than just a meal, making group outings feel more meaningful.
How does Five Guys’ food quality compare to other fast-food chains for meetups? Five Guys elevates the typical fast-food experience by focusing heavily on freshness and customization, which some competitors lack. Unlike many chains that use frozen patties, Five Guys uses fresh beef and prepares fries on-site from fresh potatoes daily. This emphasis on ingredient quality results in richer flavors and more satisfying meals. Additionally, customers can personalize their burgers with a vast array of toppings at no extra cost, encouraging everyone in the group to tailor their meal exactly to their liking. The service style is quick enough for convenience but deliberate enough to support made-to-order quality. This attention to detail provides groups a superior dining experience that balances taste, speed, and comfort—key for a successful meetup.
What dietary options does Five Guys provide for groups with diverse needs? While Five Guys is celebrated for its classic burgers and fries, it also offers options that accommodate various dietary preferences, which is valuable for groups with diverse tastes. In addition to traditional beef burgers, the menu includes hot dogs and a veggie sandwich option, appealing to non-meat eaters. Customers can also customize orders extensively to exclude or add specific toppings, enabling those with dietary restrictions or preferences to enjoy the meal fully. This flexibility makes Five Guys a practical option for group organizers who want to ensure everyone can find something enjoyable. The commitment to ingredient quality further supports those seeking clean and fresh meal options, enhancing the overall group dining experience.
How does Five Guys fit into modern trends for group dining and food culture? Five Guys expertly balances classic American fast food with contemporary consumer demands for transparency, fresh ingredients, and customization. It fits well within the fast-casual dining trend, offering higher quality and a better atmosphere than traditional fast food but with similar convenience. Social media-savvy marketing and an inviting in-store atmosphere cater to younger audiences and groups looking for sharable food experiences. The open kitchen model aligns with growing interest in seeing food preparation, while the absence of menu photos encourages curiosity and conversation. By incorporating these elements, Five Guys remains relevant and attractive for group outings, offering more than just a meal but a shared, engaging food culture experience.
Ultimately, Five Guys is a prime destination for friends and families to gather for a relaxed, tasty, and customizable dining experience that commands loyalty thanks to its focus on quality and customer engagement. Its approachable environment and reputable menu create the perfect backdrop for socializing, making it easy to see why so many choose to rally here when looking for a place to connect over great American classics. Its strong 4.3 rating based on over 5,500 reviews reinforces that Five Guys consistently meets the needs and expectations of groups seeking both familiarity and flavor.