oChef » Five Guys – San Diego

Five Guys - San Diego

Fast Food Restaurant Five Guys in San Diego
Photo from Five Guys
How do the guests rate it?
Five Guys at a glance
San Diego Clairemont
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 71 of the guests
#587 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#6 Fast-Food-Restaurant out of 18 in San Diego
Good
6.1 out of 10
6.5
Food
6
Service
6.1
Ambience
4
Value
378

Reviews

51.3%

Satisfaction

Often praised
  • Burger quality
  • Friendly staff
  • Clean environment
Frequently criticized
  • High prices
  • Slow service
  • Loud atmosphere

The restaurant Five Guys is a popular fast food spot located in San Diego’s vibrant Clairemont neighborhood. If you’re looking for a quick bite in a casual atmosphere, this is your go-to.

You’ll find it perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout. It’s a great choice for families too, offering a kids’ menu and high chairs for your little ones.

Overview: Introducting Five Guys

Five Guys generally delivers on its core offerings, with many appreciating the quality of their main dishes. Customers often find the food satisfying, particularly the burgers and the generous portions of fries.

The staff also frequently receives praise for being friendly and making guests feel welcome. However, the dining experience can be a bit of a mixed bag.

Some find the atmosphere to be loud, and cleanliness can occasionally be an issue. A common point of contention is the overall price, which many feel is on the higher side for what’s offered, leading to questions about its value.

Good
6.1 out of 10
378

Reviews

51.3%

Satisfaction

146

negative

38

neutral

194

positive

Overall, Five Guys holds an average standing with a Restaurant Score of 6.1 out of 10. This assessment is based on 378 customer opinions, with 194 positive and 146 negative remarks. The Food (6.5) is clearly a strong point, consistently receiving positive feedback for its quality.

The Ambience (6.1) also hovers around average, with some appreciating the vibe while others note issues like noise. Customer Satisfaction sits at a mixed 51.3%, indicating that while many are content, a significant portion leaves feeling less than thrilled.

Service (6.0) also falls into the average category, with experiences varying from attentive staff to slow order fulfillment. The most notable area for improvement is Value (4.0), which customers frequently find to be a significant drawback, often citing high prices for their meals.

What people like
  • Quality burgers and fries
  • Friendly, welcoming staff
  • Generally clean environment
What people don't like
  • High prices
  • Slow service, long waits
  • Loud dining atmosphere

Five Guys earns a Recommendation Score of 6.2, suggesting it’s a place worth considering, especially if you prioritize a satisfying burger and fries. It’s a solid choice for those seeking a classic, customizable meal, and the staff often adds a positive touch to the experience.

However, be prepared for potentially higher costs and occasional waits. If you’re looking for a quiet, budget-friendly meal, you might find it less appealing.

For a reliable, hearty burger experience, Five Guys can deliver, but manage your expectations regarding value and speed.

Similar Restaurants in San Diego

Verdict: Our expert take on Five Guys

Food (6.5 out of 10)

mentioned by 91% of the guests

When it comes to the food, theres definitely some good stuff happening! Many customers, with 120 positive remarks, rave about the delicious burgers, especially the juicy patties and fresh toppings. The Cajun fries also get a lot of love for being hot and crispy, and the shakes are often highlighted as a sweet treat.

The food scores an average 6.5, showing its generally well-received, though customer satisfaction is a mixed 58.5%. However, not everything is perfect. There are 60 negative comments, with some diners finding the portion size of fries to be stingy.

Issues like green tomatoes on burgers, over salted fries, or burgers that are dry and no flavor also pop up, suggesting some inconsistency in quality. While there are highlights, there's certainly room for improvement in certain areas.

6.5 Food

205

Reviews

58%

Satisfaction

60

negative

25

neutral

120

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Burgers cooked perfectly
  • Crispy Cajun fries
  • Amazing fresh shakes
What people don't like
  • Stingy fry portions
  • Dry, flavorless burgers
  • Inconsistent fry quality

Often praised

  • food
  • fries
  • burger
  • burgers
  • Bacon Cheeseburger
  • Cajun Fries
  • Five Guys
  • Food
  • Fries
  • cheeseburger

Frequently criticized

  • fries
  • burger
  • cheeseburger
  • portion size
  • French fries
  • bacon cheeseburger
  • food
  • A-1 on my hotdog
  • A1 sauce
  • Cajun fries

If youre craving a solid burger and some tasty Cajun fries, this place could hit the spot, especially with their great shakes. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in fry portions or burger quality. Its a mixed bag, so go in with balanced expectations.

Service (6 out of 10)

mentioned by 64% of the guests

When it comes to service, theres definitely a bright side! Many customers (53 out of 103 opinions) raved about the friendly staff and amazing service, often noting quick orders and an enthusiastic welcome. While the overall score sits at an average 6, theres a clear appreciation for these positive interactions.

However, the service isnt without its bumps, leading to a mixed 51.5% customer satisfaction. The 47 negative opinions frequently highlighted slow work, frustrating waiting times, and issues with order accuracy or even wrong orders. It seems theres room for improvement in consistency.

6 Service

103

Reviews

51%

Satisfaction

47

negative

3

neutral

53

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Friendly staff
  • Amazing service
  • Quick orders
What people don't like
  • Slow service
  • Order accuracy issues
  • Long waiting times

Often praised

  • service
  • staff
  • customer service
  • Mario
  • Service
  • Customer Satisfaction Service
  • Jasmine
  • Kasey, the manager
  • Yasmin
  • amazing service

Frequently criticized

  • service
  • order
  • order accuracy
  • waiting time
  • Service
  • employees
  • online order
  • 20-minute delay
  • Postmates
  • advertised hours

If you're looking for a place with genuinely friendly faces and potentially quick service, you might be pleasantly surprised. However, be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or order mix-ups, as consistency seems to be a challenge here.

Ambience (6.1 out of 10)

mentioned by 26% of the guests

When it comes to the vibe, many guests find things to love! Out of 30 customer observations, 14 positive remarks highlight the excellent cleanliness of the store, restrooms, and dine-in areas, often described as very clean and well-kept. People also appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and good vibes, making them feel right at home.

However, the overall experience is a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at 46.7% and an average score of 6.1. Among the 13 negative comments, some found the inside a little dirty with food on the floor and very few tables clean. The music also frequently comes up as far too loud, making it hard to chat.

6.1 Ambience

30

Reviews

46%

Satisfaction

13

negative

3

neutral

14

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Clean store
  • Welcoming atmosphere
  • Well-kept interior
What people don't like
  • Loud music
  • Dirty dining area

Often praised

  • atmosphere
  • Atmosphere
  • cleanliness
  • dine-in area
  • feel welcome
  • good vibes
  • interior/exterior
  • place
  • place was clean
  • restroom

Frequently criticized

  • atmosphere
  • music
  • Food on the floor
  • clean table
  • empty night
  • inside
  • loud
  • policy
  • tables

If youre looking for a generally clean and welcoming spot, you might find it here. However, be prepared for potentially loud music and keep an eye out for table cleanliness, as these are common complaints. Its a decent choice if you prioritize a clean space but aren't sensitive to noise.

Value (4 out of 10)

mentioned by 32% of the guests

Despite a low customer satisfaction of just 17.5% for value, there are a few glimmers of hope. With a score of 4, which is considered average, some customers (7 out of 40 comments) found certain aspects worth it, especially with the introduction of combo deals and meal deals that helped them get the most for their money. However, the overwhelming sentiment, with 26 negative comments, points to significant concerns.

Many found items like burgers and fries overpriced and expensive, leading to disappointment over the cost for what they received. The general feeling is that the price doesnt match the food' quality or portion size.

4 Value

40

Reviews

17%

Satisfaction

26

negative

7

neutral

7

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Worth it
  • Combo deals available
  • Meal deals available
What people don't like
  • Overpriced food
  • Expensive items
  • Poor portion size

Often praised

  • combo deal
  • meal deal
  • money
  • price
  • prices
  • the inconvenience
  • worth it

Frequently criticized

  • price
  • prices
  • $15 an hour
  • 4 items
  • Price
  • burger price
  • cheeseburger
  • dinner
  • expensive
  • fries

If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal, this might not be your first choice, as many find it quite expensive for what you get. However, if you stick to the new combo or meal deals, you might find some decent value.

How are the prices at Five Guys?

On average, you’ll spend around $24 per person – from 71 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Fast Food Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.

Looking at the price distribution, most diners spend between $11–$30, showing prices cluster nicely around the average, offering a good mix of options without being overly spread out.

Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 71 reviews.

A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.

Considering its a Fast Food Restaurant, we think the pricing feels fair. Its not the cheapest bite in town, but it offers good value in that mid-range sweet spot.

Customer Reviews: what people think about Five Guys

Service Intent
  • Food Exploration
Visit Type
  • Dine-in
Conor G.
Review date: 12/29/2025
10
Phenomenal 5 Guys Experience!
My experience at this 5 Guys was truly phenomenal. I've been to many 5 Guys locations before, but this one stands out. The service was amazing, contributing to an overall fantastic visit.
  • service10
  • food10
Visit Type
  • Dine-in
John B.
Review date: 12/03/2025
9
Fantastic Service from Mario!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic. The service was exceptional, and the worker Mario was incredibly friendly and genuine. This was some of the best service I’ve gotten.
  • service10
  • Mario10
Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Service Intent
  • Food Exploration
Visit Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Jeremy P.
Review date: 10/14/2025
9
Incredible Food, Worth the Price
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was incredible, and while it's a little on the pricey side, you definitely get what you pay for. The meat was juicy and flavorful, and the toppings were fresh and tasty. I particularly enjoyed the Cajun style fries, and the shakes were unbelievable. I tried the strawberry with Oreo, which was the best strawberry shake I've ever had, made with fresh strawberries right in front of me. The chocolate peanut butter shake was equally good. A special shoutout to Mario for being super helpful in getting us acquainted with the menu and helping us get the most for our money; he was also super cheerful and friendly.
  • food10
  • price6
  • meat9
Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Service Intent
  • Food Exploration
Visit Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Noise Level
  • Loud
s S.
Review date: 10/07/2025
7
Burger with Customizable Toppings
I enjoyed my experience at this restaurant, particularly the ability to select my own toppings for the burger. I chose Ketchup, Lettuce, Onion, Tomatoes, Pickles, and Grilled Onions. The burger itself was comparable to a McDonald's burger but felt more substantial. The fries were also good. There were hot taste options available. However, the music was too loud to talk comfortably.
  • burger8
  • toppings9
  • fries7
  • music3
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Service Intent
  • Quick Meal
Group Type
  • Family
Visit Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Noise Level
  • Moderate
James R.
Review date: 10/06/2025
6
Solid Food, Lacking Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was solid, earning a 4 out of 5. However, the service was a significant letdown, scoring a 2 out of 5. We specifically requested grilled onions for my wife's burger, but the order was entered incorrectly with raw onions. When we pointed this out, they mistakenly switched my daughter's burger. After a lengthy back-and-forth, even involving a manager, the order was corrected on screen, but the burger still arrived with raw onions. Instead of remaking it, the staff provided a to-go container of grilled onions, leaving my wife to manually remove the raw ones. For a place that emphasizes customizable burgers, this lack of order accuracy and customer service was disappointing. The atmosphere was rated a 4 out of 5, which was decent, but the overall experience was hampered by the service issues.
  • food8
  • atmosphere7
  • service2
  • order accuracy2
  • customer service2

What Five Guys offers

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom

Crowd

  • 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

  • Counter service
  • Dessert
  • Dinner
  • Seating
  • Lunch

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

What dining and service options does Five Guys in Clairemont offer?
At Five Guys, you can enjoy a quick bite with various service options including no-contact delivery, takeout, outdoor seating, and dine-in. You’ll find counter service available for lunch and dinner, with comfortable seating for your meal.
Yes, Five Guys provides convenient free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. The location is fully accessible, featuring wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms for your comfort.
Five Guys has an overall Restaurant Score of **6.1** out of 10, indicating an average experience. While **Food** (6.5) is a strong point, **Ambience** (6.1) and **Service** (6.0) are average, and **Value** (4.0) is a common concern.
Customers frequently praise the quality of the burgers and fries, often describing them as satisfying. Many also appreciate the friendly and welcoming staff who contribute to a positive experience.
The most common complaints revolve around the high prices, which many feel don’t offer good value. Additionally, some customers experience slow service and long waiting times, and the dining atmosphere can sometimes be loud.
Loading map…
Location
5650 Balboa Ave #101, 92117 San Diego
Opening hours
Monday – Sunday
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM