Stay away from 5 guys. I finally bought into the hype and took the family last week. It was over $40 for a 5 year old, 11 year old, my wife and I to get burger, fries and a drink. I would have been okay with that, but the food was just not good. The burgers are flavorless and the fries were almost burnt. As we were leaving everyone in my family was saying how we should not go back there. I don't understand the whole Whataburger hype. I always just thought of it as drunk food, because it was the only fast food joint open at 3 in the morning. Having said that, Whataburger is a million times better than 5 guys.
I just had a Bacon Burger from Miller's for the first time a couple days ago. Now thats a man's burger. That bacon is legit.
I tried Carl's Jr. about a month ago, nothing special. It's slightly better than BK/McDonald's but not by much.
Ive been to N Shepherd and the Clear Lake location on Bay Area. You are right, they make some pretty badass burgers - thanks for the reminder. Anyone tried Mooyahs in Clear Lake? Its like Five Guys but better somehow.
Chili Cheese Fries and the new handbreaded Chicken Tenders are awesome. Everything else there is below average IMO. I much prefer Five Guys, Smashburger, and Whataburger. I think I even prefer IN-N-OUT burgers to Carls and I am not a huge fan of them.
Where is Fatty when you need him? A burger from a home grill or any good restaurant is better than fast food fare. but if we are talking fast food and west coast? <spoiler> </spoiler> That might be the only thing I'd pick over Whataburger, and I wouldn't.
I had Fatburger while in Vegas. They had a really good hamburger. It is by far the best burger I've seen mentioned in here.
I tried Carl's Jr. a few years ago here in Dallas after a bunch of Californicators said it's better than most fast food places. They were right. Not the best burger I've had, but it's the best fast food burger I've had. I tried Steak and Shake after hearing great things about them. Eh. They're ok. I tried a Five Guys near me after so many people went gaga over them. It was good, but not a "gotta have it again moment" has crept back into my head. I haven't been back, but I'd eat it again. In-N-Out should be opening near me in the next couple of months followed by a Smashburger. Can't wait to try those... my guess is they're overhyped, too. lol.