Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Five Guys – San Diego
Five Guys - San Diego
Photo from Five Guys
Five Guys at a glance
San Diego Midway District
- 🍔 Fast-Food-Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 51 of the guests
#644 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#9 Fast-Food-Restaurant out of 18 in San Diego
Average
5.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
293
Reviews
48.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Juicy burgers
- Cajun fries
- Clean atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Long waits
- Poor service
The fast food restaurant Five Guys, nestled in San Diego’s vibrant Midway District, offers you the perfect spot for a quick bite. You’ll find a casual atmosphere where you can enjoy classic American fare.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch or dinner, this spot is designed for convenience and satisfying your cravings with fresh, made-to-order options.
Overview: Introducting Five Guys
Five Guys offers a straightforward burger experience where the focus is clearly on the food. Many appreciate the juicy burgers and addictive Cajun fries, often noting the generous toppings.
The atmosphere is generally clean, with some locations even offering easy parking and pleasant outdoor patios. However, the experience can be a mixed bag.
Some diners have found the overall offering to be over priced, especially considering potential issues like long waiting times or occasional service hiccups. While the food is often a highlight, there are instances of soggy fries or poorly prepared burgers.
Average
5.6
out of 10
293
Reviews
48.1%
Satisfaction
134
negative
18
neutral
141
positive
Overall, Five Guys holds an average standing with a Restaurant Score of 5.6 out of 10. Customer Satisfaction sits at a mixed 48.1%, indicating that while some patrons are pleased, nearly half have reservations. This assessment is drawn from 293 customer observations, with 141 positive remarks and 134 negative ones, showing a fairly even split in sentiment.
Delving into specifics, Food leads the way with a score of (6.6), suggesting it’s generally well-received, though still in the average range. Ambience follows closely at (6.1), offering a decent setting.
However, Service (5) is merely average, and Value (2.4) is a clear area for improvement, often cited as a significant drawback by many.
What people like
- Juicy, flavorful burgers
- Addictive Cajun fries
- Clean, inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- High price point
- Extended waiting times
- Inconsistent service
With a Recommendation Score of 5.9, Five Guys presents a somewhat average proposition. If you prioritize a satisfying burger and enjoy generous portions of well-regarded fries, it could be a worthwhile stop.
However, be prepared for a potentially higher bill and possible delays in receiving your order. Ultimately, your experience at Five Guys might hinge on your tolerance for the price and wait.
It’s a place that delivers on its core product for many, but those seeking exceptional value or consistently swift service might find themselves a little disappointed.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Five Guys
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to food, many customers rave about the experience, with 76 positive opinions highlighting delicious items like their burgers and fries, free peanuts, tasty shakes, and addictive Cajun fries. The overall score for food sits at an average 6.6, suggesting a generally satisfying culinary journey for many. However, it's not all perfect, as 35 negative opinions point to some areas for improvement.
Concerns include the food being expensive, soggy fries, no flavor patty, and greasy burgers. This contributes to a mixed 61.8% customer satisfaction, indicating that while many are pleased, some find the quality inconsistent.
Food
123
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
35
negative
12
neutral
76
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Juicy, customizable burgers
- Generous, tasty fries
- Free peanuts offered
What people don't like
- Often overpriced
- Soggy/cold fries
- Greasy, bland burgers
Often praised
- foodnever been disappointed with the food. Everything I ordered tasted great!
- friesAnd the fries? Quite possibly THE BEST fries I have ever had. The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- burgersThey burgers are juicy and delicious
- peanutsWe had a good time overall. Thanks for bringing back the peanuts 🥜!
- free peanutsThe free peanuts were a nice touch
- burgerMy experience at this restaurant was great! I had an awesome burger and the food was fantastic. The service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect score.
- good foodvery good place to get some fast, good food
- Cajun friesaddictive Cajun fries
- FoodFood:5
- bacon burgerThe small bacon burger was big also
Frequently criticized
- burgercook smashed my burger on the grill taking out most of the juice
- foodfood was stupidly over priced and not that good
- friesWhen I ate in person a few times, it was fine. However, I ordered delivery once and the fries were ice cold and the burger bun was wet and fell apart. I would recommend ordering delivery only if you are prepared for potential issues with food temperature and quality upon arrival.
- FoodFood:2
- French friesFrench fries, soggy and bad taste
- bunThe bun was soggy
- burger bunburger bun wet/moist fell apart
- burger, fries and shakeburger, fries and a shake cost $25
- cheeseburgerit was awful
- drink temperatureliquid not cold shake
If you're craving a customizable burger and love generous portions of fries and free peanuts, this spot could be a hit for you. Just be prepared for potentially higher prices and a chance of inconsistent quality, especially with fries, which might leave some feeling disappointed.
Service (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5 indicating an average experience. Many customers have praised the staff for their warm smile, quick service, and overall great service, often highlighting individuals like manager Cassie or employee Marko for being fast and friendly. Out of 93 customer remarks, 38 were positive, noting attentive and helpful interactions.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 40.9%, largely due to 53 negative comments. Common frustrations include long waiting time, slow service, and sometimes a rude attitude from staff. Some patrons reported issues with orders being incorrect or feeling the establishment was understaffed, leading to delays and dissatisfaction.
Service
93
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
53
negative
2
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, warm staff
- Quick, great service
- Attentive customer care
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Slow service
- Rude staff attitude
Often praised
- serviceThe food is fantastic. Kimberly (Truxton location) served us and she is awesome. The atmosphere is diner-esque.
- staffAlthough the staff was friendly, it definitely appeared as if they were understaffed. I put my order in (a bacon cheeseburger and small fries) at 1: 06 PM at the counter and didn't get my order until 1: 51 PM.
- ServiceService:5
- WilliamWilliam was polite, patient and kind to everyone
- attitudesBut always good attitudes
- cashier AlexisCashier Alexis was able to fix issues
- correcteverything was packed well and correct.
- customer serviceHe provided the best customer service
- dine inAte in person a few times it was fine
- employee Markosuper nice employee named Marko used a dollar of his own
Frequently criticized
- serviceWorst service the larger women who manages the place is rude
- waiting timesat there for 15 minutes and watched people who ordered after me get their food
- orderUnfortunately, the service was terrible. They didn't get a single part of our order right. This particular 5 Guys is a blemish on their reputation.
- workersworkers attention, they seemed annoyed
- 40 min waitand a 40 min wait
- ServiceService:2
- apologyno apology or sense of feeling bad
- attitudeInstead I got attitude
- cashierThe cashier was rude
- closing timeclosed at 7, google listing says closes at 9
If youre in a hurry, you might want to brace yourself for potential delays, as service can be inconsistent. However, if you catch them on a good day, you could experience genuinely friendly and efficient staff. Its a bit of a gamble, but some find the positive interactions worth the risk.
Ambience (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many guests really appreciate the cleanliness and convenience. There are plenty of compliments about the spotless restaurant, nice outdoor patio, and easy parking, all contributing to a pleasant experience. With 27 positive remarks out of 48 total, the atmosphere often hits the mark, helping achieve an average score of 6.1 and a 56.3% customer satisfaction, which is a mixed bag.
However, its not all sunshine and roses. Some customers have noted issues like doors locked unexpectedly, restrooms smelling of chemicals, and general messy conditions, especially around counters. The place can also get quite crowded, impacting the overall atmosphere.
With 19 negative comments, these points suggest theres definitely room for improvement in maintaining a consistent and comfortable environment.
Ambience
48
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
19
negative
2
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spotless restaurant
- Outdoor patio
- Easy parking
What people don't like
- Overly crowded
- Messy counters
- Smelly restrooms
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere were also top-notch
- cleanlinessvery clean and well run restuarant
- restaurantThe restaurant was very clean
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- culture of the franchisethe culture of the franchise too
- easy parkingI love the juicy burgers with nearly unlimited toppings, the addictive Cajun fries, and the tasty shakes. The nice outdoor patio and easy parking add to the convenience. It's probably my favorite location on the West Coast!
- experiencea great all around experience
- locationDefinitely a great location
- noise levelNoise level: Very quiet
- outdoor patioNice outdoor patio
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethat crew member just through the atmosphere out the window
- ACthe AC was a bit cold
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- Covid policiesCovid policies are asinine
- busyit was so busy. It seemed stressful to me as it was packed
- countersFive Guys clean your counters! This place isn’t covered in the free peanuts, it’s just messy.
- crowd controlpunks ran around
- crowdedIt gets crowded after 11 am
- doors lockeddoors were locked at 7:26
- establishmentrepresent a clean establishment
If youre looking for a generally clean spot with good outdoor options and easy parking, youll likely be pleased. However, be prepared for potential crowds and occasional cleanliness issues, especially during busy times. It's a decent choice, but not without its quirks.
Value (2.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres unfortunately not much positive feedback to highlight. With 0 positive mentions, customers havent found much to praise about the pricing. The customer satisfaction for this aspect is currently at a very low 0%, indicating a clear area for improvement.
Conversely, the sentiment around value is overwhelmingly negative. With 27 negative mentions, many feel the `price` and `pricing` are `over priced`, making it the `most expensive` burger joint for some. The score for value is a 2.4, firmly in the poor range, reflecting concerns about the `cost` and `bill`.
Value
29
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
27
negative
2
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- High burger cost
- Poor overall value
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- priceI felt sick all day after eating here and wouldn't recommend it even if paid. While the peanuts were cool and the milkshakes were great, the rest of the food was overrated and over priced. I also experienced a stomach ache from the meal.
- pricesthey have raised there prices
- California pricesNot used to California prices though
- French fries priceplus expensive as well
- billmilkshake 44 dollars
- burger jointmost overpriced burger joint I have ever been at
- costover $20 sadly
- hamburger priceExpensive by the hamburger they sell
- most expensiveit’s the most expensive “fast” food/casual burger
- over pricedway over priced
If getting good value for your money is a priority, you might want to reconsider. The general feedback suggests prices are quite high for the offering, so it could be a disappointing experience if you're watching your wallet.
How are the prices at Five Guys?
On average, you’ll spend around $20 per person – based on what 51 guests have shared. That puts this spot comfortably in the $11–$20 category. For a Fast Food Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe even a little above.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners find themselves in that $11–$20 sweet spot, showing prices are pretty consistent around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 51 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Fast Food Restaurant. Its not the cheapest bite in town, but youre getting a consistent experience for a reasonable mid-range price.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Five Guys
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Consistent 5 Guys Experience with Superb Service
My experience at this 5 Guys location was consistent with the brand's reputation, offering the same great menu and same great food I've come to expect. What truly stood out at this particular branch was the superb service. The atmosphere was also rated highly, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
- menu9
- food9
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Quick Bite with Great Service!
Stopped in for a quick bite. Abigail W greeted us with a really warm smile and good energy. Our food came out quick and perfect.
Thanks for making our days!
- quick bite8
- warm smile10
- good energy9
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
3
Rude Staff Ruined My Five Guys Visit
As a regular customer of Five Guys, this was my first visit to this particular store. Unfortunately, the experience was marred by a very rude crew member who was impolite to both customers and their co-workers. I don't know her name, but she appeared to be a manager.
While the food was okay, that particular crew member completely ruined the atmosphere.
- food7
- crew member2
- atmosphere1
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
9
Safe and Delicious for Celiacs!
As someone with celiac disease, finding safe fast food options is always a challenge. I was so pleased that the staff here listened to my requests for preparation and safely prepared my food. Thank you!
- staff10
- food preparation10
- celiac disease9
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
2
Burger Disaster: Plain and Wrong
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing. I ordered a burger with specific toppings, but they handed me a plain burger with no dressing, no veggies, and none of the items I selected from the list. They really suck.
- plain burger2
- burger1
What Five Guys offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Counter service
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is parking readily available at Five Guys in the Midway District?
Yes, you’ll usually find plenty of parking options when you visit Five Guys. The location offers both free street parking and a free parking lot, making your quick bite experience hassle-free.
What accessibility features does Five Guys offer for guests?
Five Guys ensures a comfortable visit for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and even a wheelchair accessible restroom, making it easy for all guests to enjoy their meal.
How do customers rate the overall experience at Five Guys?
Five Guys has an overall Restaurant Score of 5.6 and a Customer Satisfaction of 48.1%. While Food (6.6) is generally well-regarded, Ambience (6.1) and Service (5) are average, and Value (2.4) is a significant concern.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food at Five Guys?
Customers frequently highlight the juicy burgers and the addictive Cajun fries as particularly enjoyable. Many appreciate the quality and taste of these core offerings.
What are the main downsides or complaints about Five Guys?
The most common complaints revolve around the perception of being over priced. Additionally, some diners report issues with long waiting times and occasional instances of inconsistent or rude service.