You’ll have high expectations upon entering Five Guys – even before you catch the scent of fresh, never-frozen, lean ground-beef patties being flipped by crimson-clad cooks. The restaurant’s red-and-white-checkered interior is covered with plaques of acclaim from various critics – “Heaven on a bun,” tells “The Tampa Tribune;” “Willy Wonkas of burgercraft!” wails “The Washington Post.”

While Five Guys may be lacking modesty, it’s nothing short of a hamburger haven serving some of the finest sandwiches ‘fast-food money’ can buy (main items range from $3.39 to $5.79, fries and drink not included). Not only that, but it deviates greatly from your typical burger joint. Kudos to whoever’s idea it was to provide customers complimentary peanuts while they wait for their greasy brownbag of food. As for the heaping sacks of potatoes mounted along the dining tables, well that’s just unique.

The rapidly expanding (three new KC area locations) Washington DC-based franchise scores further bonus points – remember I’ve yet to even bite into my burger – during the ordering process. There are four burger options: regular, cheese, bacon and bacon cheese respectively, each served with two third-pound patties. Can’t stomach the task of downing a double? You have the option of downsizing to the single-patty “junior” burger.

Now here’s the best part: the restaurant’s 15 toppings, ranging from lettuce and tomato to fried onions and grilled mushrooms, come absolutely free of charge. You could conceivably build a castle of toppings on top of your already colossal burger without spending a penny extra. Other entrees on the menu include hot dogs (regular, chili and chili cheese), the Veggie Sandwich and grilled cheese.

Oh, and don’t fret about inadequate side orders. Just as “The Long Island Press” put it, “fries alone are not to be missed.” Though the burger is its undoubted specialty, Five Guys takes plenty of pride in its hand-cut French fries imported from Rigby, Idaho. Cooked in cholesterol-free peanut oil, the fries taste similar to Chick-fil-A’s. Unless you’re bringing the entire posse, a regular size ($1.99) is more than enough. Not only could a large order feed an entire Girl Scout troop, but it’ll cost you $3.79, 40 cents more than a junior hamburger. I recommend getting them Cajun style for a spicy kick during the meal.

And once it’s finally time to eat, don’t blink. My one regret was chowing down too fast and failing to register more details about the sinful sandwich. This much is certain: my burger – dressed with lettuce, grilled onions, pickles and ketchup – was juicy, tender and seemingly melted in my mouth. I was slightly concerned upon learning from the menu that their burgers were cooked well done, but all worries were wiped away after the first bite. The high quality of the meat itself is very noticeable. ‘Hot and fresh’ sums it up perfectly. Unlike the perfect circles at Mickey D’s and squares at Wendy’s, the shape of each patty varied, and every mouthful was extremely tasty.

My friend faced a similar problem of eating too fast. His burger looked much prettier than mine for the very brief period of time it was both unwrapped and uneaten. I can picture it now: two patties, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato and a bit of mayo nestled between a sesame seed bun. I want one right now, really badly.

A few tips: if you want ketchup, mustard or mayo on your burger, refrain from telling the cooks when you order. Instead, keep your sandwich dry and go to the condiment area next to the soda machines. Get as much of the given sauce as you want and apply the desired amount to your burger. I ordered mine with ketchup, and the cook got Heinz happy and slopped on twice the amount of ketchup that was needed. Also, don’t get caught eating too many peanuts while your food is being prepared. Just calm down and know that a big, tasty gut-bomb awaits, which will likely obliterate your hunger for the remainder of the day.

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