Five Guys in South Carolina: Where to Find This Burger Chain and What to Order

Five Guys locations across South Carolina

Five Guys has six locations in South Carolina, all in the Upstate and Midlands regions. You'll find restaurants in Greenville, Spartanburg, Columbia, and Lexington. The chain does not currently operate in the Lowcountry or along the coast, so Charleston and Myrtle Beach visitors won't find a Five Guys nearby.

Each location operates as a standalone restaurant with the same menu and ordering format. Hours typically run from late morning through evening, seven days a week, though individual restaurants may vary slightly. The Greenville location on Haywood Road and the Columbia location on Forest Drive are among the busiest, especially during lunch and dinner rushes.

You can find the current list of addresses and phone numbers on the Five Guys website, which also shows real-time wait times at some locations during peak hours. Calling ahead during lunch (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) or dinner (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) can help you avoid long waits, particularly on weekends.

Key Takeaways

• Five Guys operates six South Carolina locations, all in the Upstate and Midlands, with none in the Lowcountry or coastal areas.
• The chain uses fresh, never-frozen beef patties and hand-cut fries cooked in peanut oil, with extensive customization options at every location.
• Prices run higher than typical fast-casual burger chains—a burger and fries combo costs roughly $15 to $18 depending on size and toppings.
• Five Guys does not take reservations, so expect to order at the counter and wait for your number to be called, especially during peak meal times.
• The restaurant is not a quick-service stop; food preparation takes 10 to 15 minutes even when the line is short.

What makes Five Guys different from other burger chains

Five Guys builds every burger to order using fresh beef that is never frozen, ground daily at each location. You choose your patty size (single or double), then select from toppings at no extra charge: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mushrooms, jalapeños, grilled onions, and more. The kitchen cooks your burger after you order, which is why the wait is longer than at chains that hold pre-made food under heat lamps.

The fries are hand-cut from whole potatoes and cooked in peanut oil. Five Guys serves fries in a paper cup, then adds a scoop to the bag—a practice that looks generous but reflects the chain's standard portion. If you have a peanut allergy, the peanut oil is a critical detail: the restaurant fries everything in the same oil, so cross-contamination is possible even if you order items without peanuts.

The menu is intentionally limited. Beyond burgers and hot dogs, you'll find sandwiches (grilled cheese, veggie), milkshakes, and drinks. There are no chicken sandwiches, salads, or breakfast items. This narrow focus allows the kitchen to do one thing well rather than spread attention across a large menu.

Pricing and what to expect when you order

A single burger with fries and a drink typically costs $15 to $18, depending on whether you choose a small, regular, or large drink and fries. A double burger runs $2 to $3 more. Milkshakes and specialty drinks add $5 to $7 to your total. Unlike many burger chains, Five Guys does not charge extra for toppings—you can load your burger with every available topping at no additional cost.

The restaurant operates on a counter-service model: you order at the register, pay upfront, receive a number, and wait for your food to be called. There is no table service, and you bus your own tray. Most locations have limited seating, so during busy times you may need to eat in your car or take food to go.

Five Guys does not offer a drive-through at any South Carolina location. You must park and enter the restaurant to order, which can add time during peak hours when the parking lot is full.

Customization options and dietary considerations

Five Guys excels at customization. You can request your burger cooked to a specific temperature (rare, medium-rare, medium, medium-well, or well-done), choose which toppings go on it, and specify how you want them prepared (raw onions versus grilled, for example). The staff writes your order on the bag so the kitchen knows exactly what you want.

For vegetarian diners, the grilled cheese and veggie sandwich are the main options. The veggie sandwich comes with the same toppings as a burger—lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mushrooms, jalapeños, and grilled onions—but no meat. You can also order a burger with no patty and all the toppings, though this is not an official menu item.

The peanut oil used for fries is the most significant dietary concern. If you have a peanut or tree nut allergy, Five Guys is not a safe choice because of cross-contamination risk. The restaurant also does not have a separate fryer or preparation area for allergen-free items. Gluten-free buns are not available at Five Guys locations.

Timing and how to avoid peak waits

Five Guys is slowest between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekdays and between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekends. If you arrive during these windows, expect a 15- to 30-minute wait from order to receiving your food. Mid-afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) and late evening (after 8 p.m.) are typically quieter.

The wait time reflects the cooking process, not a long line at the register. Even if you're the only customer, your burger takes 10 to 15 minutes because it's cooked fresh after you order. The kitchen does not batch-cook burgers or prepare them in advance.

Calling ahead does not reserve your food, but it can give you a sense of how busy the location is. Some Five Guys locations display estimated wait times on their website or social media during peak hours.

Five Guys versus other burger options in South Carolina

Five Guys occupies a middle ground between fast-casual chains like Smashburger and local burger restaurants. It's faster than sitting down at a traditional restaurant but slower and more expensive than McDonald's or Burger King. The fresh beef and hand-cut fries justify the higher price for diners who prioritize quality, but the cost and wait time make it less practical for a quick lunch.

South Carolina has strong local burger alternatives depending on where you are. In Charleston, Leon's Oyster Shop and The Ordinary serve excellent burgers in a sit-down setting. In Greenville, Smoke on the Water and Devereaux Burger Bar offer regional takes on the burger. In Columbia, Motor Supply Co. Bistro serves burgers alongside other dishes. These restaurants often have comparable or lower prices and allow you to sit at a table without busing your own tray.

If you're specifically looking for a national chain with customizable burgers and fresh beef, Five Guys is the most established option in South Carolina. If you're willing to explore local spots, you may find burgers that feel more connected to South Carolina's food culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Five Guys locations in South Carolina take online orders or delivery?

Five Guys does not offer online ordering or delivery through third-party apps at most locations. You must order in person at the counter. Some locations may partner with delivery services, so calling your nearest restaurant is the best way to confirm what options are available.

Can I bring my own drink or food into Five Guys?

Five Guys does not allow outside food or drinks. You must purchase beverages and food from the restaurant. This policy is standard across all locations.

What's the difference between a regular and large burger?

Five Guys offers single and double patties, not different sizes of the same patty. A single burger has one patty, and a double has two. Both come on the same bun. There is no "large" burger option—you're choosing the number of meat patties, not the overall size of the sandwich.

Are Five Guys fries really that much better than fast-food fries?

Five Guys fries are hand-cut from whole potatoes and cooked in peanut oil, which gives them a different texture and flavor than frozen fries from most chains. Whether they're "better" depends on your preference. They're crispier and less uniform than McDonald's fries, but they also cost more and take longer to prepare.

What should I order if I'm not a burger person?

Your main options are a hot dog, grilled cheese, or veggie sandwich. Five Guys does not serve chicken, fish, or other proteins. If none of these appeal to you, Five Guys may not be the right choice for your meal.