Five Guys charges by the burger, not the combo, and prices shift based on what you add
Five Guys does not post a single price for a hamburger because the price depends on what goes inside it. You start with a base burger or hot dog, then choose from toppings at no extra charge — lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, and others. The restaurant charges you once at the register for the sandwich itself, plus a separate line item for each topping you select. A plain hamburger costs less than one loaded with five toppings, even though both are made to order at the same counter.
Prices vary by location and region. A hamburger in New York City will cost more than the same burger in rural Ohio. Five Guys does not publish a national price list; you see the actual cost when you order. The base price for a hamburger typically falls between $5 and $7, and each topping adds roughly $0.50 to $1.00 depending on the item and your location. Fries come as a separate order and cost between $3 and $5 for a regular size.
This structure means two customers ordering "a hamburger" can pay very different amounts. The model rewards people who want a straightforward meal and does not penalize those who want customization — both pay only for what they order. It also means Five Guys does not offer a traditional value menu or combo deal where you save money by bundling items together.
Key Takeaways
- Five Guys charges separately for the base sandwich and each topping you add, so your final price depends on what you choose.
- Prices vary by location and are not posted nationally, so you will see the cost when you order or check the register display.
- Toppings are included at no extra charge, meaning a burger with five toppings costs more than a plain burger but less than ordering two separate burgers.
- Fries are ordered separately and come in regular or large sizes, with large portions notably bigger than regular.
- Five Guys does not offer combo pricing or value menus, so you build your meal à la carte.
How the topping system works and what it costs
When you order a hamburger or hot dog, the cashier asks what toppings you want. The restaurant provides about 15 standard toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion (raw or grilled), mushrooms (sautéed), pickles, green peppers, jalapeños, A.1. sauce, barbecue sauce, mayo, mustard, ketchup, and relish. You can choose any combination, and the cost per topping typically ranges from $0.50 to $1.00 depending on whether it is a vegetable or a prepared sauce and what your local Five Guys charges.
The restaurant does not limit how many toppings you can add. A burger with ten toppings is possible and will be priced accordingly. Because toppings are charged individually rather than bundled, you pay only for what you actually want. This differs from restaurants that charge a flat price for a burger regardless of toppings, or those that charge extra only after you exceed a certain number.
Cheese is typically a separate charge from toppings — adding a slice of American cheese usually costs between $1.00 and $1.50. Bacon is also a line item, usually between $1.50 and $2.00. These protein additions are charged in addition to the base burger price and any vegetable toppings you select.
Fries and sides pricing
Five Guys fries are cut fresh from whole potatoes during your order and cooked in peanut oil. A regular order costs between $3.00 and $5.00 depending on location; a large order costs roughly $1.00 to $1.50 more. The restaurant is known for filling the container generously and often adding extra fries in the bag — this is standard practice, not an error.
Cajun fries (seasoned with Cajun spices) cost the same as regular fries. Hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, and veggie sandwiches are priced similarly to hamburgers, with the same topping system applied. Milkshakes come in small, regular, and large sizes and typically range from $4.00 to $6.00 depending on size and location. Drinks are ordered separately and priced like drinks at most fast-casual restaurants.
Why Five Guys does not use combo pricing
Five Guys' parent company, Restaurants Unlimited, has maintained the à la carte pricing model since the chain expanded beyond its original Washington, D.C. location. The model reflects the restaurant's emphasis on customization — you pay for exactly what you order, nothing bundled or assumed. This approach also simplifies the menu board and the ordering process: instead of listing dozens of combo options, the restaurant lists burgers, toppings, sides, and drinks separately.
From a customer perspective, this means you can order a burger with no toppings for less money than a burger with many toppings, or you can order just fries without a sandwich. You are not locked into a predetermined meal package. The trade-off is that a typical meal (burger, fries, drink) will cost more than a combo meal at a traditional fast-food chain, because you are paying full price for each item rather than getting a discount for bundling.
How Five Guys pricing compares to other fast-casual chains
Five Guys is positioned at the higher end of the fast-casual price range. A burger-and-fries meal typically costs between $15 and $20 before tax and tip, depending on location and what you order. Chipotle and Panera Bread offer meals in a similar price range but use different models — Chipotle charges one price for a bowl or burrito regardless of protein choice (within categories), while Panera bundles sandwiches with sides in combo pricing.
Shake Shack, another burger-focused fast-casual chain, uses traditional combo pricing and charges roughly the same per meal as Five Guys, though the structure is different. Smashburger and similar regional chains vary widely in pricing but generally fall in the same category. Five Guys' model is distinctive because it charges per topping rather than offering a fixed price for a burger with a set number of toppings included.
Compared to traditional fast-food chains like McDonald's or Burger King, Five Guys is significantly more expensive — a Five Guys meal costs roughly double. Compared to sit-down casual restaurants, Five Guys is less expensive and faster. The price reflects the fresh-cut fries, made-to-order preparation, and customization options rather than economies of scale.
Regional price variation and how to find current prices
Five Guys locations set their own prices within ranges set by the company, which means a burger in San Francisco will cost more than the same burger in Nashville. Urban locations typically charge more than suburban ones. Prices also increase over time — the company raises prices periodically to account for inflation and local cost-of-living changes.
The most reliable way to find current prices for your location is to visit the Five Guys website, enter your zip code or city, find your nearest location, and check the menu and pricing displayed for that restaurant. You can also call the location directly or visit in person to see the menu board. Some locations display prices on their website; others require you to call or visit. Prices shown online may not reflect the most recent changes, so calling ahead is the safest approach if exact pricing matters to your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay extra for each topping at Five Guys?
Yes. Five Guys charges a separate price for each topping you add to a burger or hot dog. The base burger price is one line item, and each topping is another. Toppings typically cost $0.50 to $1.00 each depending on the item and your location. Cheese and bacon are also separate charges, usually $1.00 to $2.00 each.
Can I get a combo meal at Five Guys?
No. Five Guys does not offer combo pricing. You order a burger, fries, and drink as three separate items and pay full price for each. This means a typical meal costs more than a combo at a traditional fast-food restaurant, but you pay only for what you want and can customize each item independently.
Why are Five Guys fries so expensive?
Five Guys fries are cut fresh from whole potatoes and cooked in peanut oil during your order, which takes more time and labor than frozen fries. A regular order typically costs $3.00 to $5.00 depending on location. The restaurant also fills the container generously and often adds extra fries in the bag as standard practice, so you receive more product than the container size suggests.
Do prices change by location?
Yes. Five Guys does not publish a single national price. A hamburger in New York City costs more than the same burger in a smaller city. Prices vary based on local rent, labor costs, and cost of living. Check your nearest location's menu online or call ahead to see current prices for your area.
What is the cheapest thing I can order at Five Guys?
A plain hamburger with no toppings is typically the least expensive burger option, usually between $5.00 and $7.00 depending on location. A grilled cheese sandwich may cost slightly less. A regular order of fries costs $3.00 to $5.00. You can order just fries without a sandwich if you want the lowest-cost item available.