Come Monday, the Bay Street News Place project will have world class beef on each end of the block.
On the east end, the much-anticipated Ruth’s Chris steak house opens after three says of VIP and trade dinner. On the west end, Virginia-based Five Guys Burgers and Fries has already been wowing Savannahians and tourists with its simple and well-executed menu.
More on Ruth’s Chris in a few weeks, but last weekend the youngest Lamb and I ventured into a standing-room-only Five Guys with our hearts set on a stacked-high burger.
We weren’t disappointed at what is obviously the fine dining version of burger joints.
Our Bacon Burgers ($3.69) offered two hearty, juicy hamburger patties in a fresh, soft bun. I went old school with lettuce, tomato, grilled onion and mustard; Ted followed that lead and added pickles. Those are a handful of more than 15 free toppings you choose when you order.
We were both blown away by the burger’s size and its freshness. The restaurant uses ground beef that has not been frozen and cooks at a temperature that yields that perfect little bit of crunchiness on the edges of the handmade patties – while keeping the plump middle juicy.
Our order taker told us that one order of regular fries ($2.59, large $4.09) would be enough – and she was correct. The fresh cut potatoes are served packed tightly in a large cup – with plenty of plump, tender “ex-pats” that fell from the cup and migrated to the bottom of the bag. In all, we shared plenty – and still didn’t finish the order. Like your fries spicier? Try Cajun style.
I bumped into a friend who was having her first Five Guys hot dog ($2.89). Again, it’s your choice of toppings and for an additional charge, you can order your dog with cheese or bacon – or both.
She loved hers. The Kosher hot dog was split, then grilled before being wrapped in a soft, fresh hot dog roll.
“Little” burgers are single patty sandwiches and begin at a modest $3.19). Drag along your vegetarian friends and they can sample a veggie (all vegetable toppings) or grilled cheese ($2.59 each)
All frying in performed in peanut oil with no trans fats. Peanut wary consumers be aware that roasted peanuts in shell are part of the Five Guys atmosphere and are freely cracked, eaten and shells dropped.
There had been plenty of buzz about this newcomer – and now I see why. Five Guys offers excellent food, fast service and good value. Our very unscientific poll says that Five Guys is Savannah’s best burger and fries!

Reviewers do not notify restaurants in advance of their visits. The Savannah Morning News pays for all meals.

Three and One-half Stars
Pete Lamb’s scoring of one to four stars indicates his impression of food, service, ambiance and value.

What: Five Guys Burgers and Fries
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Seven days a week.
Address: 175 W. Bay St. (Corner of Bay and Barnard streets)
Telephone: 238-1227
Reservations: No
Credit Cards: Yes
Bar: No
Meal for two: $15-$20