Five Guys Burgers and Fries in South Carolina: What to Order and Where to Find It
What Five Guys Offers and Why South Carolinians Go There
Five Guys is a fast-casual burger chain where you order at a counter, watch your food cook in an open kitchen, and eat at a table or take it with you. The restaurant is known for customizable burgers—you pick your toppings from a long list at no extra charge—and hand-cut fries cooked in peanut oil. The menu also includes hot dogs, sandwiches, and milkshakes made with real ice cream and mix-ins you choose yourself.
South Carolina has Five Guys locations in major shopping areas and downtown districts across the state. The chain appeals to people who want a burger made to order rather than assembled ahead of time, and who don't mind paying more for that customization. A single burger typically costs between $6 and $8, and fries run $4 to $6 depending on size; a full meal with a drink and fries usually lands between $15 and $20 per person.
Key Takeaways
- Five Guys lets you customize every burger with toppings at no extra cost, from standard options like lettuce and tomato to jalapeños, grilled mushrooms, and bacon.
- The fries are hand-cut daily and cooked in peanut oil; a regular order is generous enough to share, and the chain gives you extra fries in the bag as standard practice.
- Locations in South Carolina are found in shopping centers and downtown areas, with drive-through service at most sites and dine-in seating available.
- The restaurant is peanut-heavy in its operations—peanut oil for cooking, peanuts in the dining area—so people with peanut allergies should inform staff before ordering.
- Five Guys does not serve alcohol, and the menu is limited to burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, fries, and shakes; there are no salads or chicken entrées.
How to Order and Customize Your Burger
When you walk up to the counter, you tell the staff what you want: a burger (single or double patty), a hot dog, or a sandwich. Then you choose your toppings. The standard list includes lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Beyond that, you can add grilled mushrooms, grilled onions, jalapeños, bacon, cheese, or a fried egg—all included in the burger price. Some locations offer additional toppings like sautéed peppers or caramelized onions.
The staff writes your order on a cup or bag and passes it to the kitchen. Your burger arrives cooked to order, usually within five to ten minutes. The fries come in a paper cup inside a bag, and the kitchen fills the bag with extra fries as a matter of course—you are paying for the cup, but the bag gets the overflow. If you want a shake, you order it at the counter and choose your mix-ins: Oreos, Reese's pieces, brownies, or fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas.
Where Five Guys Locations Are in South Carolina
Five Guys has restaurants in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and several smaller cities across South Carolina. In Charleston, you will find locations in the downtown area and in shopping centers like the Towne Centre on King Street. Columbia has multiple locations, including one near the Vista district and others in suburban shopping areas. Greenville has several Five Guys restaurants in and around downtown and in shopping centers along Haywood Road and Pelham Road.
Myrtle Beach has locations near the beach and in shopping centers along Highway 17. Most locations offer both dine-in seating and drive-through service, though a few are drive-through or takeout only. Hours typically run from late morning through evening, seven days a week, though specific times vary by location. You can find the nearest Five Guys and confirm hours on the chain's website or by calling ahead.
Peanut Allergies and Other Dietary Considerations
Five Guys operates in a peanut-heavy environment. The cooking oil is peanut oil, peanuts are available in the dining area for customers to snack on, and the kitchen handles peanut products throughout the day. If you have a peanut allergy, inform the staff immediately when you order. They can cook your food in a separate area and use clean utensils, but cross-contact is a real risk in this setting. People with severe peanut allergies may decide Five Guys is not a safe choice.
The restaurant does not offer a gluten-free menu, though the burgers and hot dogs can be ordered without the bun. Vegetarian options are limited to cheese sandwiches and veggie toppings on a bun. The chain does not serve dairy-free shakes or plant-based meat alternatives. If you have multiple dietary restrictions, Five Guys may not be the best fit for your meal.
What Makes Five Guys Different From Other Burger Chains
Five Guys stands apart from larger chains like McDonald's or Burger King because the burgers are made to order in an open kitchen you can watch, and toppings do not cost extra. You are not choosing from a preset menu of combinations; you are building your own burger. The fries are hand-cut daily rather than frozen, and the chain uses peanut oil instead of vegetable oil, which gives them a distinct flavor. The milkshakes are made with real ice cream and your choice of mix-ins, not a syrup-based shake.
The trade-off is speed and price. Five Guys is slower than a drive-through at a major chain—expect to wait five to ten minutes even if you are the only customer—and it costs more. A Five Guys meal is closer in price to a casual sit-down restaurant than to fast food. The experience is designed to feel more personal and customized, and the quality of ingredients reflects that positioning.
Tips for Your First Visit
Order a regular size of fries, not a large. The regular comes in a cup, and the bag is filled with extra fries; a large is substantially more food than most people expect. If you are new to the chain, start with a simple burger—single patty, cheese, and a few toppings—to get a sense of how they taste before you experiment with more elaborate combinations. The grilled mushrooms and grilled onions are popular additions that do not add cost.
If you are ordering a shake, decide on your mix-ins before you get to the counter so you do not hold up the line. The staff will blend your choice into the shake, and it takes a minute or two. Bring cash or a card; Five Guys accepts both. If you are eating in, grab a seat near the kitchen if you want to watch your burger cook. The dining areas are usually casual and not designed for lingering, so Five Guys works better for a quick meal than for a long sit-down experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order Five Guys online or through a delivery app?
Most Five Guys locations accept online orders through their website or app, and many partner with third-party delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats. However, delivery times and availability vary by location. Calling ahead to order for pickup is often faster than using an app, especially during busy times.
Do Five Guys locations in South Carolina have outdoor seating?
Some locations have outdoor seating areas, but it depends on the specific restaurant and its layout. Downtown and shopping center locations are more likely to have outdoor tables than drive-through-only spots. Call your nearest location to confirm whether outdoor seating is available.
What is the difference between a single and a double burger?
A single burger has one beef patty; a double has two. Both come with the same toppings and cost about $2 to $3 more for the double. Most people find a single burger filling, especially with fries and a drink.
Are there Five Guys locations near Myrtle Beach that are open year-round?
Yes, Five Guys locations in and around Myrtle Beach operate year-round, though hours may be shorter during the off-season. Call ahead to confirm hours during winter months, as some locations adjust their schedule based on tourism traffic.
What should I order if I do not eat meat?
Five Guys offers a cheese sandwich—a bun with melted cheese and your choice of toppings—as the main vegetarian option. You can also order fries and a shake. The menu does not include veggie burgers or plant-based alternatives, so options are limited for vegetarians.