Gastronome

Bacon Cheeseburger

FIVE GUYS BURGERS AND FRIES
Town Center of Mililani
95-1249 Meheula Pkwy.
Phone number (808) 625-4897
website fiveguys.com

Five Guys Burgers and Fries finally has arrived in Hawaii, and let me tell you something: It completely lives up to the hype.

For years I’ve heard tales of the Mainland-based company. And my fiancé has been waxing poetic about how it’s such a “good, solid” burger ever since Five Guys announced it’d be opening a location here.

So when they asked if I’d like to stop by before it opened, obviously I said yes.

Little Hamburger with Cajun Fries

But let’s talk about the location first, at Town Center of Mililani of all places. You’ll find Five Guys by the theatres (in the old Radio Shack spot for my fellow Mililani-ans). If you’re unfamiliar with the area, park anywhere — the center is easy enough to navigate and not so large you’ll find yourself lost.

There are a handful of tables outside of the restaurant and more inside, though the space itself feels rather small for what I suspect will be a very in-demand spot. The good news is that they are accepting online orders for pickup, which makes things rather convenient.

Now, the food. Let’s start first with a box of complimentary peanuts you’re free to help yourself to. I have been told that in locations on the Mainland, diners simply peel the shell away and throw it on the ground. Word has it, that’ll soon be the case here, too, so expect a fun, laidback atmosphere.

complimentary peanuts

The menu itself is a rather simple one, with options for burgers, hot dogs or sandwiches. Maybe I’ll return one day and sample something other than a burger, but I can’t imagine that day will come soon. Believe me, burgers are where it’s at.

I opted for a Little Hamburger, which comes with one hamburger patty instead of two. Toppings are complimentary, and there are a lot to choose from: mayo, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, jalapeno peppers, green peppers, and A1, BBQ or hot sauce.

There is nothing remarkable about the hamburger patty — no fuss, no muss. That’s why it’s the best I have eaten. Basic can be boring, sure, but for a hamburger, it’s that simplicity I desire.

The hamburger patty at Five Guys is not too thick and the meat itself, which is never frozen, tasted simply of beef. It was tender and succulent. I hadn’t planned on eating the entire thing and in minutes it was gone.

Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Banana Shake

Other options like the Bacon Cheeseburger were raved about that afternoon. (My fiancé, who tagged along, said it was a “spiritual moment.”)

If you have never been to Five Guys before, know this: You will be full — super full. The restaurant serves everything in a brown bag. If you order fries, and you should — go for the Cajun-style fries, which have a nice kick of heat — they are placed in the bottom of the bag in a cup … right before workers pile on another scoop of fries. It’s fries on fries, and the easiest way to eat everything is by turning your bag on the side, tearing it up and using it like a plate.

Usually I caution that drinking a milkshake with a burger and fries is a bit too much. But at Five Guys, just go for it. Consider it dessert and then run an extra mile later, you won’t regret it. Customizable flavors include everything from strawberry (with real strawberries) and malted milk, to coffee and salted caramel.

My combination included chocolate, peanut butter and bananas. I only took a sip, but damn, it was good — thick, creamy and icy.

Also, note: You can add bacon to any shake. Real, crunchy bits of bacon.

Yeah, I thought that’d catch your attention.

THE MORE YOU KNOW

Five Guys Burgers and Fries at the Town Center of Mililani marks the first location for the company in Hawaii. In August, expect to see another at Ka Makana Alii in Kapolei.

All you really need to know is that Five Guys is worth a visit — and a drive, for you townies. But here are a few other facts about the restaurant:

• The Murrell family began Five Guys in 1986 in Arlington, Virginia.

• The company only uses freshly ground beef, which means nothing is ever frozen. In fact, there are no freezers at any Five Guys location.

• About 8-10 locations are expected to open in Hawaii over the next few years.

• According to the company, there are more than 250,000 ways to order a burger.

And you know what that last one means. I now have more than 250,000 reasons to go back to Five Guys that many times.

JAIMIE SAYS:

PARKING Tons of parking available around the center NUMBER OF NAPKINS YOU’LL NEED Plenty WAIT TIME For now at least, expect long lines TIMES I SAID ‘MY GOD, THIS IS GOOD’ At least 10