Five Guys Cheap Eats - What to Order When on a Budget

As a student on a budget watching your pennies there aren’t many cheap eats out there these days. Even the fast food chains are driving up the prices of their meals. So how do you get quality food at affordable prices? While Five Guys may not be known for cheap eats, we found that you can still save money following our recommendations. Here’s what to order when on a budget.

When it comes to enjoying a hearty meal at Five Guys without breaking the bank, there are strategic choices you can make to savor their famously satisfying fare while keeping your spending in check. Known for its generous servings and customizable menu, Five Guys can still be a destination for budget-conscious diners.

Eating at Five Guys doesn’t have to be a splurge. By selecting smaller portions, sharing where possible, and maximizing the free toppings, you can indulge in their tasty offerings without stretching your budget.

How To Make The Most of Your Five Guys Visit

Five Guys do not offer meal deals so ordering their burger, fries and drinks would amount to twice or even three times the cost of dining when compared to your regular fast food burger joint. But there is hope. Here’s how to enjoy their offerings without splurging too much.

1. The Little Hamburgers – Same burger but with one patty

Opting for one of the “Little” burgers is a perfect way to shave off a few dollars while still enjoying the robust flavors of Five Guys. The Little versions come with the same options for toppings as their larger counterparts, allowing you to personalize your burger without paying for the extra patty. A Little Hamburger offers a satisfying meal, especially when you load it up with complimentary toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, and mushrooms.

To keep the costs down on your burgers, forget the Cheese, Bacon or Bacon and Cheese extras. Go with the standard Hamburger or Little Hamburger on its own. These will save you a couple or dollars at least.

2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Best value on the menu

For something different yet affordable, consider the grilled cheese sandwich. It’s less expensive than the burgers or even the beef dogs (detailed below) and similarly customisable with any of the free toppings. This can turn a simple grilled cheese into a more substantial meal. It’s especially great for vegetarians or those looking for a lighter option. The grilled cheese sandwich is made of two halves of a brioche bun toasted with a thin layer or mayo until golden brown and melted cheese and your choice of toppings. Ours standard toppings go-to is “All the way” which includes a bit of everything, see image below.

3. All Beef Hot Dog – The cheapest meat item

Don’t overlook the all-beef hot dogs, a less costly alternative to the burgers. Just like the burgers, these hot dogs can be topped with any of the free toppings. This makes for a filling and cost-effective meal that still lets you enjoy the quintessential Five Guys taste. Again, we went “All the way” with our toppings but you can be more creative with your choices just like in a deli and ask for extras of your favourite topping.

Also on the menu under the Beef Dogs section but slightly more expensive are the Cheese Dog, Bacon Dog and Bacon Cheese Dog options.

4. Shareable Fries – Even the small is enough for two

The fries portions at Five Guys are famously generous. Even a small fries can often serve two people, making it an ideal option for saving money. Share a small or regular size with a friend, or take home leftovers for a second snack. We have done this a couple of times when we opted for the Large option. The portion was so big that we had to bag them for later. You just have to stick it in the air fryer to reheat for a couple of minutes and they are good to go again.

Their fries are also customisable with options like Five Guys Style or Cajun if you’re looking for an extra kick at no additional cost. Plus, at Five Guys, all their fries are deep fried in peanut oil, which makes them all the more savoury and tasty with a mouth-watering aroma.

5. Free Toppings Galore – 15 to choose from

Five Guys offers a plethora of toppings for free. This is an excellent way to enhance your meal without needing to spend extra. From jalapeños and green peppers to several sauce options, you can make a simple burger or hot dog into something special with a little creativity. Don’t be shy about piling on these flavourful additions!

The 15 free toppings to choose from include:

Lettuce
Tomato
Pickles
Fresh Onion
Jalapeno Peppers
Green Peppers
Grilled Mushrooms
Grilled Onions
Ketchup
Mayo
Mustard
HP Sauce
BBQ Sauce
Hot Sauce
Relish

6. Drinks and Free Refills

Instead of opting for bottled drinks, go for a regular-sized fountain drink if you’re dining in. Five Guys offers free refills on all fountain drinks, so you can quench your thirst without extra expense. This is particularly cost-effective if you’re planning to sit down and enjoy your meal at the restaurant.

7. Bulk Buys for Groups

If you’re dining out with friends or family, consider combining orders to save money. Buying food in a group allows you to split larger, more cost-effective menu items like the large fries. It’s also a great way to share a variety of toppings and create a more communal dining experience, which is part of the fun at Five Guys.

Bonus Tip: Check for Special Deals

While Five Guys generally does not offer a traditional value menu or frequent promotions like other fast-food chains, it is always worth checking their website or signing up for newsletters for any potential deals or limited-time offers that might align with your visits.

Five Guys Bath – Diner Inspired Interior

Here is a look at our local Five Guys in Bath.

Gallery – click on thumbnails for a closer look.

Final Thoughts

Dining at Five Guys on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste or quantity. By choosing smaller or shareable portions, taking full advantage of the free toppings, and strategically selecting your drink options, you can enjoy the robust Five Guys experience without overspending.

Remember, it’s all about choosing wisely and customising your meal to get the most bang for your buck! Lastly, don’t forget the All You Can Eat Monkey nuts while you wait. It’s just as good as ordering a ‘starter’, only FREE.