Five Guys Burgers and Fries has long been considered expensive for fast food. In 2026, they sell one of the most expensive burgers in the fast food space. Along with Shake Shack, Five Guys burgers now easily sail past $10 before you even think about fries or a drink.
Fast food prices keep soaring. And that makes the value conversation unavoidable.
Last week, I tried a $9 smash burger from Jack in the Box. If you missed the video, you can catch my full dissatisfaction with the Smashed Jack there. But that was last week.
This week, I’m in the business of even more expensive fast food.
Which brings us to Five Guys.
I tried to get my money’s worth. And at Five Guys, that meant getting every topping I could.
To their credit, Five Guys offers extras like grilled mushrooms and grilled peppers at no additional charge. At most places, those kinds of add-ons cost extra. Here, they’re included.
That’s a real point in their favor.
The Vitals:
the spot: Five Guys locations nationwide
the eats: Cheeseburger
the bucks: $12
the full nelson: the most expensive burger in fast food
I’ve had Five Guys a handful of times over the years, and it never really moved me. The first time I had it, I found it expensive. And it’s always irked me that they cook their burgers well done but still call them “juicy.”
For what it’s worth, I think the fries are the best thing on the menu.
With all that said, I was pleasantly surprised this time.
The burger is massive. Despite the price tag, you are getting a substantial amount of food. It may come in a brown paper bag, but you’re getting one hearty meal, even without the fries.
In short: it was almost worth it.
I get into this more in the video, but I do think Five Guys comes close to making a real case for value compared to other fast food restaurants.
The problem is context.
For working families, Five Guys starts to feel like a luxury fast food option—one that doesn’t always add up. I wouldn’t be mad about eating a Five Guys burger again. But I also don’t think it would be my first choice, especially if I could find a better burger restaurant for just a little more money.
This post is part of an ongoing series examining fast food chains through the lens of economics, value, and reality in 2026 and beyond.
If fast food is going to cost more, it has to earn its place.
You can explore more in the series here:
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