Five Guys vs Shake Shack: Which Burger Chain Is Better?
If you just want a quick answer: Five Guys is better for huge, fully loaded burgers and massive portions, while Shake Shack is better for balanced flavors, crispy crinkle-cut fries, and a more modern, “restaurant-style” experience.
If I had to pick a winner overall, especially for most people most of the time, Shake Shack edges out Five Guys thanks to its flavor balance, fries, desserts, and vibe. But let’s break it down properly.
Short version for busy readers:
- Best for big portions and custom toppings: Five Guys
- Best for overall flavor and experience: Shake Shack
- Fries winner: Usually Shake Shack (crispy crinkle-cut), but Five Guys wins if you like soft, potato-heavy fries
- Price: Both are pricey, but Five Guys often feels more expensive (bigger portions though)
- Shakes & desserts: Shake Shack wins easily
- Vibe: Shake Shack feels like a cool modern burger spot; Five Guys feels like an old-school, no-nonsense burger joint
Think of it like this:
- Five Guys = heavy, messy, build-your-own feast
- Shake Shack = chef-designed, Instagram-friendly comfort food
What Is Five Guys Known For?
Five Guys built its name on big, juicy burgers and fresh-cut fries. A few things stand out:
- Burgers are big and messy – usually two patties by default
- Lots of free toppings – mushrooms, grilled onions, jalapeños, pickles, sauces, and more
- Huge fries portions – the “little” size already feels big, and they usually throw extra in the bag
- Simple menu – burgers, hot dogs, fries, and milkshakes
- Old-school vibe – red-and-white tiles, bags of potatoes, loud kitchen, and brown paper bags full of food
What Is Shake Shack Known For?
Shake Shack started as a small hot dog cart in New York City and turned into a global fast-casual burger brand. It’s known for:
- Smash-style ShackBurgers – thinner patties with crispy edges and a great crust
- Soft potato buns – slightly sweet, squishy, and perfect for the patty
- ShackSauce – tangy, creamy, and designed to balance the burger
- Crinkle-cut fries – crispy outside, soft inside, great with cheese or sauce
- Frozen custard shakes and concretes – thick, rich, and available in seasonal flavors
- Modern store design – clean, stylish, and more “restaurant” than “fast food”
Burger Battle: Are Shake Shack Burgers Better Than Five Guys?
Patty Style and Taste
- Five Guys burgers use thicker, hand-formed patties that are juicy and a bit greasy in a good way. They feel homestyle and rustic.
- Shake Shack burgers use thinner, smash-style patties with a caramelized crust. The flavor is concentrated, and each bite feels intentional.
If you love huge, dripping, overloaded burgers, you’ll probably lean Five Guys.
If you prefer a balanced burger where meat, bun, and sauce all work together, Shake Shack usually wins.
Buns and Build
- Five Guys uses a classic sesame bun. It’s decent, but the star is the patty and toppings, not the bun.
- Shake Shack uses a soft potato bun that slightly squishes around the patty and locks everything in. It adds a mild sweetness and makes the whole burger feel more “designed.”
For bun quality and how the burger holds together, Shake Shack is better than Five Guys.
Toppings and Customization
- Five Guys:
- Huge topping list
- All toppings are included in the price
- You can build exactly what you want – from simple cheeseburger to fully loaded chaos
- Shake Shack:
- Fewer topping choices
- Burgers come in chef-designed builds (ShackBurger, SmokeShack, etc.)
- You can tweak a bit, but it’s more about trusting the default combinations
If customization is the top priority, Five Guys wins.
If you prefer carefully designed flavor combos, Shake Shack wins.
Fries: Are Five Guys Fries Better Than Shake Shack?
Shake Shack Fries
- Classic crinkle-cut fries
- Usually crispy, with ridges that hold salt, cheese, or sauce
- You can get them plain, with cheese, or sometimes with special toppings
- They stay crisp longer and feel snacky and fun
Five Guys Fries
- Fresh-cut potato fries, cooked in peanut oil
- Come in huge portions, even with a small size
- Can be regular or Cajun seasoned
- Often more soft and potato-heavy inside, less crispy than crinkle-cut
Which Fries Are Better?
- If you want crispy, structured fries that are easy to dip and share, Shake Shack fries are better for most people.
- If you love soft, rustic, heavily potato fries and don’t mind a bit of greasiness, Five Guys fries will make you very happy.
For pure consistency and broad appeal, Shake Shack wins the fries battle, but this one is very taste-dependent.
Shakes and Desserts: Shake Shack vs Five Guys
Shake Shack Shakes and Frozen Custard
Shake Shack is built around shakes, so it really shines here:
- Uses frozen custard, which is richer and creamier than regular ice cream
- Offers classic flavors plus seasonal specials
- Also has “concretes” – super thick custard mixed with toppings
- Dessert options feel like something you’d order on purpose, not just as an add-on
Five Guys Milkshakes
Five Guys shakes are:
- Built on a simple vanilla base
- You can add lots of mix-ins – peanut butter, banana, Oreo, bacon, etc.
- Very customizable and fun if you like to design your own drink
Overall, if you want the best dessert experience, Shake Shack wins with its richer custard and curated flavors.
If you want to create a crazy custom shake, you’ll enjoy Five Guys
Price and Value: Which Is Cheaper, Five Guys or Shake Shack?
Prices vary by city, but generally:
- Five Guys often ends up more expensive per meal, especially when you add fries and a drink.
- Shake Shack is also not cheap, but portions are smaller and more controlled.
Value for Money
- At Five Guys, you pay more but get huge portions and can easily share fries.
- At Shake Shack, you pay a bit less but get smaller, more “normal” portions and a more polished experience.
If you judge purely by how full you feel per dollar, Five Guys offers stronger value.
If you judge by overall taste, experience, and quality balance, Shake Shack feels worth the price.
Menu Variety: Who Has More Options?
- Five Guys menu is very focused:
- Burgers
- Hot dogs
- Fries
- Shakes
- A few simple variations (little burgers, double, etc.)
- Shake Shack menu is more varied:
- Burgers
- Chicken sandwiches
- Hot dogs
- Fries and sides
- Shakes, frozen custard, seasonal desserts
- Limited-time collabs and regional specials
If you like trying new limited-time items, Shake Shack is more exciting.
If you just want a burger and fries every single time, Five Guys keeps it simple.
Nutrition and “Healthiness”: Is Shake Shack Healthier Than Five Guys?
Let’s be honest: neither chain is a health food brand. Both serve indulgent comfort food. But there are some differences:
- Five Guys meals are usually heavier in calories because of:
- Thicker patties
- Extra cheese and toppings
- Large fries portions
- Shake Shack portions are often smaller, and the patties are thinner, which can mean slightly fewer calories per burger or meal.
However, it depends entirely on what you order. A triple burger with loaded fries from either place will be heavy.
If you’re trying to go a bit lighter, Shake Shack’s smaller portions and simpler default builds make it easier to control how much you eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Five Guys better than Shake Shack?
Five Guys is better if you care most about big portions, custom toppings, and a heavy, classic burger. But if you care about balanced flavor, crispy fries, and desserts, most people will prefer Shake Shack.
Is Shake Shack healthier than Five Guys?
Neither brand is truly “healthy,” but Shake Shack can be slightly lighter because of its smaller portions and thinner patties. That said, the health impact depends on what and how much you order at either place.
Which is cheaper, Five Guys or Shake Shack?
Prices vary by location, but Five Guys often ends up more expensive per meal, especially once you add fries and a drink. Shake Shack is still pricey but usually feels more controlled in portion size and total cost.
Are Shake Shack fries better than Five Guys fries?
If you love crispy, crinkle-cut fries, you’ll probably say Shake Shack fries are better. If you prefer soft, potato-heavy, fresh-cut fries, you might prefer Five Guys. For most people, Shake Shack fries are easier to love.
Who has better milkshakes: Five Guys or Shake Shack?
- Shake Shack has richer, custard-based shakes with carefully designed flavors.
- Five Guys has super customizable shakes with lots of mix-ins.
If you want the best pure shake quality, Shake Shack usually wins. If you want fun custom combos, Five Guys is great.
Which burger chain should I try first: Five Guys or Shake Shack?
If you want to experience a modern, balanced burger with great fries and shakes, start with Shake Shack. If you’re in the mood for a huge, fully loaded, old-school burger experience, start with Five Guys—and maybe bring your appetite.
