In-N-Out vs. Five Guys vs. Shake Shack: The First Bi-Coastal Side-By-Side Taste Test
Thoughts? As a Chicagoan, I 'd say Red Hot Ranch beats them all but I have conducted the extensive scientific inquiry that Kenji has.
by pirandomwords
15 Comments
usernameforkris
Where I am in Southern California, I can get to an In N Out, Five Guys, and Shake Shack within 10 minutes of each other. I think they should redo the test with fresh burgers. Just for fun, since I do agree that Shake Shack has the superior burger of the three.
goosereddit
It’s weird that they had to fly burgers across the country. Kenji had a restaurant in San Mateo, CA. There’s a Shake Shake in San Mateo. There’s a 5 Guys in Burlingame 4 miles away. And an In-N-Out 3 miles north of that by the airport. I’d figure he’d know that. Yes, technically they’re not in the same city but the Peninsula/Silicon Valley is basically 1 giant city.
As for the burgers, I like In-N-Out. And I’m not a California native so it’s not that I’m biased b/c that’s what I grew up with.
ins0ma_
I like In-n-Out best out of these. Shake Shake makes a delicious burger but they’re almost too rich for me, and expensive. In-n-Out is surprisingly inexpensive, uses fresh ingredients, and if you ask for extra-crispy fries they’re pretty good. Their double-double “animal style” is hard to beat.
MCLMelonFarmer
From 37.25027° N, 121.87069° W you’ve got In-N-Out, Shake Shack, and Five Guys all within about 0.6 miles.
DocCharlesXavier
In n out is true fast food. 5 guys and shake shack are more casual sit downs. In n outs were designed initially with an drive thru, the other 2 weren’t.
In n out also won’t leave a hole in your pocket like the other 2 will. All 3 will leave you happy.
Outrageous_Arm8116
Big Kahuna Burger for me.
Temporary_Draw_4708
I like in n out the beta because how the lettuce makes the burger feel so fresh
freneticboarder
I’ve eaten all three, including SS in NYC. In-and-Out wins for burger, Five Guys for fries, Shake Shack for concretes.
Overall value, In-and-Out, takes it. I can get a Double Double meal for ~$11, _**in California, after the $20/hr fast food worker pay raise.**_
lizardsandcaves
I feel like you gotta include the fries and shakes for the overall experience! I’m an in n out person but definitely enjoy the other two
ThePillsburyPlougher
Only had in n out once about 14 years ago and it was soggy and terrible. I remember animal style being particularly bad. But I’m very open minded to try it again, as I ate it bright home from drive through I think so might be better fresh.
CakesRacer522
Hate this comparison, the disclaimers and caveats ruin the value of it. If none of the burgers were good because they ate them the next day instead of fresh, then it’s pointless and they’re not really comparing the true products.
makemeking706
Shake shack is bland and not worth the money. I live a couple blocks from one and never go. I would choose a big mac over shake shack, despite the fact that the big mac has gotten so bad.
joelfinkle
No Culver’s? Your argument is invalid.
Shake Shack is a blander, smaller menu, more expensive version of Culver’s.
Nothing beats Culver’s mushroom Swiss double for beefy umami. And add curds!
CallMeErnie
Culver’s is better than all of them
Shaun32887
I’ve long held that Shake Shack is the best chain restaurant burger out there. 5 Guys has always struck me as aggressively mediocre, not doing anything well but doing just enough to keep it above a McDonalds level. With the inflation of their prices lately, I just can’t fathom ever deciding that you wanted to pay that much for that burger.
In n Out is a cult. I’ve lived in San Diego for years and I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t born here who genuinely loves it. Is it good? Sure it’s fine, but it’s nowhere near the high art that locals profess it to be. Secret menu or no, it’s just not great. Yes it wins in price, but it loses on service. Lines are always way too long to the point that they are nearly 24/7 traffic obstructions. I don’t understand why they don’t build them with bigger kitchens and hire an extra cook to manage the demand.
15 Comments
Where I am in Southern California, I can get to an In N Out, Five Guys, and Shake Shack within 10 minutes of each other. I think they should redo the test with fresh burgers. Just for fun, since I do agree that Shake Shack has the superior burger of the three.
It’s weird that they had to fly burgers across the country. Kenji had a restaurant in San Mateo, CA. There’s a Shake Shake in San Mateo. There’s a 5 Guys in Burlingame 4 miles away. And an In-N-Out 3 miles north of that by the airport. I’d figure he’d know that. Yes, technically they’re not in the same city but the Peninsula/Silicon Valley is basically 1 giant city.
As for the burgers, I like In-N-Out. And I’m not a California native so it’s not that I’m biased b/c that’s what I grew up with.
I like In-n-Out best out of these. Shake Shake makes a delicious burger but they’re almost too rich for me, and expensive. In-n-Out is surprisingly inexpensive, uses fresh ingredients, and if you ask for extra-crispy fries they’re pretty good. Their double-double “animal style” is hard to beat.
From 37.25027° N, 121.87069° W you’ve got In-N-Out, Shake Shack, and Five Guys all within about 0.6 miles.
In n out is true fast food. 5 guys and shake shack are more casual sit downs. In n outs were designed initially with an drive thru, the other 2 weren’t.
In n out also won’t leave a hole in your pocket like the other 2 will. All 3 will leave you happy.
Big Kahuna Burger for me.
I like in n out the beta because how the lettuce makes the burger feel so fresh
I’ve eaten all three, including SS in NYC. In-and-Out wins for burger, Five Guys for fries, Shake Shack for concretes.
Overall value, In-and-Out, takes it. I can get a Double Double meal for ~$11, _**in California, after the $20/hr fast food worker pay raise.**_
I feel like you gotta include the fries and shakes for the overall experience! I’m an in n out person but definitely enjoy the other two
Only had in n out once about 14 years ago and it was soggy and terrible. I remember animal style being particularly bad. But I’m very open minded to try it again, as I ate it bright home from drive through I think so might be better fresh.
Hate this comparison, the disclaimers and caveats ruin the value of it. If none of the burgers were good because they ate them the next day instead of fresh, then it’s pointless and they’re not really comparing the true products.
Shake shack is bland and not worth the money. I live a couple blocks from one and never go. I would choose a big mac over shake shack, despite the fact that the big mac has gotten so bad.
No Culver’s? Your argument is invalid.
Shake Shack is a blander, smaller menu, more expensive version of Culver’s.
Nothing beats Culver’s mushroom Swiss double for beefy umami. And add curds!
Culver’s is better than all of them
I’ve long held that Shake Shack is the best chain restaurant burger out there. 5 Guys has always struck me as aggressively mediocre, not doing anything well but doing just enough to keep it above a McDonalds level. With the inflation of their prices lately, I just can’t fathom ever deciding that you wanted to pay that much for that burger.
In n Out is a cult. I’ve lived in San Diego for years and I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t born here who genuinely loves it. Is it good? Sure it’s fine, but it’s nowhere near the high art that locals profess it to be. Secret menu or no, it’s just not great. Yes it wins in price, but it loses on service. Lines are always way too long to the point that they are nearly 24/7 traffic obstructions. I don’t understand why they don’t build them with bigger kitchens and hire an extra cook to manage the demand.