If you’re a born and bred California girl like me, chances are you have no idea what Five Guys is. If you live on the east coast, however, chances are you won’t know what In-N-Out is. Lucky for those that live in the Ventura County area (and neighboring cities), we get to experience them both.
Five Guys recently came to Thousand Oaks a couple of months ago and I don’t know why I waited so long to try it. My DB was the one that insisted we had to go, since it won best burger over In-N-Out from Zagat this year. Supposedly, Five Guys is a lot like In-N-Out.. just with more toppings.
Walking in, you can definitely see the similarity between the two chains. Red and white are noticeably plastered on the walls and the menu remains quite simplistic.
After ordering our burger, I noticed a huge cardboard box with peanuts. We grabbed a tray and filled it up. Appetizers? Awesome.
Not only that, you get to throw the peanut shells on the floor if you want to be barbaric! Doubly awesome (for the classier ones, you can always get a brown paper bag to throw out your shells).
My DB, brother, and I shared a large order of cajun style fries that were never ending. The cup was filled to the rim, along with the entire bottom of the bag.
The burgers were wrapped in foil and each had a number on them- 1, 2, and 3. They were marked in the same order that they were placed. Brilliant. No opening up and touching everyone’s burgers to figure out whos is whos.
I got a little hamburger with lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, and ketchup. T’was a good burger.
So now, the question still stands. In-N-Out or Five Guys? From the six of us that went on this food excursion, two voted for In-N-Out, three for Five Guys, and one undecided. We all agreed that the Five Guys’ fries were much better, though.
Personally, I’m for In-N-Out. They toast their buns, which is a huge plus for me, and the thousand island sauce is just unbeatable. Not to mention animal style fries… Yum! Five Guys does get bonus points for their grilled mushrooms and french fries, though. What’s your favorite?
487 N. Moorpark Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
tel: 805-496-0173
fax: 805-496-1586
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
tel: 805-496-0173
fax: 805-496-1586
Hours: 11am – 10pm Everyday
Yum, your pictures made me hungry! I guess I had a bad experience with 5 Guys because I wasn’t impressed at all! I need to try the other one in my city I think.
there’s no question…Five Guys rocks my world! I’ve been eating In-n-out forever and they make a damn good fast burger. everything changed when I went to Alabama last July. Fries-bomb, burger-bomb plus I can get it with bacon and BBQ sauce(love that they have that as an option!)I’m not kidding you…I’m dropping all my plans for the day and driving to Thousand Oaks. I should get there in about 1 hour. Thanks for letting the Angelenos know what’s up.
Oooh tricky! I grew up in CA, and LOVE In-N-Out, but now I live around the corner from a 5 Guys, and I may have to say that it’s better? I love them differently – 5 Guys burgers are huge and messy and sloppy, while In-N-Out’s are much more manageable. Also, 5 Guys doesn’t have milkshakes! (right?)
I confess I dont get the big deal on In & Out, I like it but dont LOVE it. Never heard of 5 guys. Sont laugh but I like a sourdough jack.
we have it up here in norcal too 🙂 never been there but my friend works there and thinks it’s the best thing ever! love in-n-out though… i’m so with you on the animal style fries! neopolitan shake… mmm..
Hmmm, it really is a tough call, isn’t it? I have to say I love them both, and am glad that both are within close driving distance. My waste might not agree, but I’ll have self control and limit my trips. Just tried 5 Guys within the past week. I do like having more topping options…
I live in Canada and haven’t been able to try In & Out yet (its on my “must eat” list though lol)
We recently had Five Guys and it was fantastic!! I had a single cheeseburger with bacon… so so so good!! I love bacon on a cheeseburger but am really particular… they did their bacon perfect!! Crisp but not burnt to a crisp.
mmmm I want some right now 🙁
We have 5 Guys in STL and I’ve never tried it yet…been meaning to and after you review now I have to!! 🙂
I’ve never been to In-N-Out (which is really sad, given that I live in Oregon), but my brother has tried both and votes for Five Guys. Personally, I can’t find a better bacon cheese burger and fries for the price!