Eats for Under $7: Bacon Cheeseburger at Five Guys

I have a confession: Before last weekend, I'd never stepped foot into a Five Guys restaurant. I've heard hundreds of people talk about the chain, seen passionate emails fired back and forth debating the merits of their French fries, and read more than a few glowing reviews. I've just never searched out the chain to try it out for myself. That is, until you, the readers, voted Five Guys into a tie for best burger in Broward/Palm Beach. I'd like to thank each and every one of you personally, as this was easily the finest burger I've had at a chain.

I walked up to the crowded counter and ordered the Bacon Cheeseburger with ketchup, pickles, and jalapenos. A few minutes later, a gentleman screamed out my number and handed me a small paper bag with my burger and a few napkins tucked inside. By the time I'd brought the bag back to my table, the grease from the burger was already seeping out the side of the foil it was wrapped in and staining the brown paper bag. Before I even sat down all the way in my chair, I'd opened the foil and stared in amazement at the burger. Two patties, bacon crumbles, and jalapenos all melted together under a couple of slices of cheese.

The burger dripped grease with every bite, and despite the fact that this may have taken a few years off my life, each mouthful was followed by a semi-orgasmic moan. The patties were well done, as they always are, but still so juicy with grease and cheese that it tasted closer to medium rare than well. I'm completely convinced that no chain does burgers better than Five Guys. Especially when you've only got to pay just under $6 for a little slice of heaven.