Five Guys Burgers and Fries Exeter — Restaurant in Exeter

Since they first opened over here, I've been 3 times to different Five Guys outlets (I was going to say 'restaurants', but that word seemed wrong, somehow...): the first time was driven by curiosity; the second, by necessity; and the third, by convenience. Little has improved in that time, I'm sorry to say.

They claim to be award-winning, and on a par with Byron Burger, but I honestly fail to see why... They seem to me to be the place twenty-somethings go to when they realise they're too old for McDonald's (all grown up and sophisicated). Though the standards, methodology, and dining experience are not dissimilar, Five Guys are, however, priced beyond mere pocket money.

Their menu and method of giving the customer 'options' is the ILLUSION of choice, manufactured to enable the staff ample opportunity to up-sell and nothing more. Items you would expect to come as standard - grilled onion, sauce - are here offered as optional extras, which therefore come at a price. As a result, a simple hot dog, fries, and shake set me back more than £20 yesterday, for which I could've had a far better meal had I gone elsewhere).

That shake was bacon flavoured - an unusual option, which I was curious to sample for its unusualness. I was, however, encouraged to add another flavour - as if two flavours is the norm and included in the price, which it isn't. The result was a shake that tasted of peanut butter alone, which had irretrievable, straw-denying bits of bacon at the bottom of the cup at the end.

I'm not blaming the staff - they just do as they're told. They clearly aren't valued by their employer as people - all but one of them bore frowns and harrassed expressions while carrying out their rushed work - nor are they allowed tips, despite this being an American chain, as their decor and branding will tell you repeatedly, and tipping being the way they justify underpaying their staff over there.

That decor is mostly made up of acoustically reflective tiles in blood-red and surgical-white, suggestive of an autopsy room and about as comfortable and welcoming.

Amongst these tiles were dotted framed magazine covers, as a cheap way of looking cool and trendy without having to pay for a graphic designer themselves. (A word to the wise - if you want to look cool and trendy with a Clip-Framed print, choose a timeless icon, not a magazine with a cover date that'll be old when the next issue is published.)

The 'ambience' wasn't helped by the effect such acoustics had on the nostalgic 80s rock and pop playlist chosen (Back In Black and The Reflex, though both great songs, don't necessarily aid digestion).

And speaking of which, their bathrooms were not clearly signed, and I had to ask where they were. Furthermore, if the Asst. Manager hadn't come with me down the unnecessarily narrow steps, passing a staff member climbing up carrying a box of stock, I wouldn't have been able to open the door to the gents which required a coded entry. God help you if you're disabled! (The American way, it would seem...)

Furthermore, the food eaten yesterday has come 'back in black' today... my Sunday morning having been somewhat ruined by the 'reflex' of a less than pleasant Saturday dinner.

I would heartily recommend...

Relatively new to Exeter Five Guys offer great burgers (and dogs), a simple un fussy menu and good service. The afore-mentioned clinical feel of the restaurant will go - it is new after all, and the staff are always pleasant. Every body has there own taste, i do not feel that comparing this place to a chain is fair - the menu and the pricing is clear and you get what you pay for. I like McDs etc but as a quick fix - if you like a burger ..who doesnt ?, if i want a real burger though i will choose Five Guys or similar. I like the place, and would recommend and of course there are other burger places in Exeter but try them all!! why not....but include Five Guys as it is worth it every time.

The Five Guys story is interesting as well.

The worst thing about Five Guys is that they have now chosen Deliveroo to bring the experience to your door. Bad move. Deliveroo are terrible, and in my own opinion will not only destroy any customer loyalty built thus far but may potentially damage the whole experience - not worth the risk - returning customers is where the profit lies, not a delivery service managed by students who do not give a shite as they know they will be off to pastures new come term times. Five Guys is worth a trip, they DO NOT need a delivery service that delivers your food, which is not cheap to start with, cold, open bagged and basically a mess in a ball of foil. Order once and never return - that is not business. As a regular it is stark how bad it gets when you take a delivery service on board and cheapens it all the way. Never again via Deliveroo which do not 'deliver'. I cannot emphasise enough how bad and indifferent this makes buying food especially when you know what you get in store. I give 5 stars to Five Guys, but the Deliveroo thing should be binned ASAP as when convenience becomes in-convenient then there...

In mine travels across this fair land, where many an inn and tavern hath been graced by mine presence, I didst chance upon a humble establishment named Five Guys, nestled in the heart of Exeter. Verily, I declare unto thee, 'tis one of the finest eateries to e'er tempt my discerning palate.

The victuals presented were naught but mouth-watering delights, each morsel a veritable ambrosia for the senses. The burgers, crafted with such care and skill, were succulent and flavorful, their juices mingling in a symphony of taste. The fries, golden and crisp, were as a feast for the gods, and the milkshakes, rich and creamy, didst cool the ardor of the day.

Moreover, the service was naught short of exemplary. The attendants, with their courteous demeanor and swift attentions, didst elevate the experience to new heights. Each gesture, each word, bespoke a dedication to the art of hospitality seldom witnessed in these times.

The ambiance, too, must be lauded. The style of an American diner, with its nostalgic charm and vibrant energy, didst set the scene most perfectly. It was as if I hadst been transported across the vast ocean to a land where such diners do flourish, replete with their joyous atmosphere and welcoming spirit.

In sum, Five Guys of Exeter stands as a beacon of culinary delight and impeccable service, a haven for the weary traveler and the epicure alike. I do heartily commend it to all who seek sustenance both delicious and bountiful. Anon, I shall return, forsooth, to partake once more of its...