Dining With Dave

Five Guys Burgers and Fries at the Oak Leaf shopping center

Dining With Dave

Welcome to Five Guys!

By DAVID THEUS

From the moment you enter the door you know you are in for something different. As the door closes behind you, the entire staff shouts "Welcome to Five Guys!"

I think my hair moved a little bit from the sheer force of the welcome.

I like it when the restaurant incorporates the front of the house into some of the storage of their

The kitchen is bright and clean, and the staff are friendly and hlepful.

dry goods. Quickly you realize that the isle you are standing is formed by stacked real peanut oil cases and massive bags of whole potatoes waiting to be cut into real french fries.

As you reach the counter you are greeted with a very enthusiastic young person ready to help in your selection.

The kitchen is bright and clean, and the staff are clearly busy about their work behind the counter awaiting your order and completing those that have ordered ahead of you. I ordered the bacon cheeseburger with everything on it. At that moment, the cashier quickly warned me of what "everything" meant to Five Guys. Mayo, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, ketchup, and mustard. I think I just said yes and moved to the next location.

It tastes as good as it looks too.

Needless to say, they called my number and when I approached the counter, they handed me a  brown paper bag that was so heavy, I thought I must have gotten someone else’s order. When I got to the table, there it was, this massive load of a burger wrapped in aluminum foil like a Christmas present come early. A massive cup of fries accompanied my burger too. As I carefully unwrapped my pride and joy, it became apparent to me that this was no ordinary burger, this is the kind of meal I would make if I were cooking on the grill and in charge of making my own. Very good!

I finished my burger with the help of a knife and fork, I couldn’t control it all. Upon finishing, I took the opportunity to chat with a few others enjoying their burgers. Ron and Ann Rogers 

Ron and Ann Rogers came to Five Guys on a recommendation from their grandson.

drove  over from White House with a recommendation from their grandson. Ann said: "the burger was very good." Her husband Ron had justified his choice of a cheeseburger and fries by ordering a Diet Coke to help balance out the calories.

One table over found the Davis family from the west side of Jacksonville. What’s that saying?.. "the West Side is the Best Side." Dad Tom clearly had his hands full with his massive burger.

I have to commend his choice of shirt too. If he spilled any thing, the combination of the mustard, ketchup, and mayo would probably not even show on his T-shirt.

This was truly a man’s night out said elder son Havis…."if you want real meat, this is the place to

Luke, Bronson, Havis and Tom Davis get down to the important task of lunch.

go, it’s good." Younger brothers Luke and Bronson were not available for comment, they were both too fully involved in the task at hand.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries at the Oak Leaf shopping center located at: 9630 Applecross Road, #106. Phone: 904-573-0900. There are several locations in the Jacksonville area, go online to www.fiveguys.com  and find a store near you.

It was fun and good food too. Enjoy.