Five Guys Burgers and Fries: What to Order and Where to Find Them in South Carolina

What Five Guys Offers and Why People Go There

Five Guys makes burgers to order, one at a time, with toppings you choose from a long list. You pick your meat (one or two patties), your bun, and then walk down a line of toppings—lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, mushrooms, jalapeños, grilled onions, and more—adding as many as you want at no extra charge. The fries come in a paper cup and overflow into the bag, cooked fresh in peanut oil. The whole operation is visible: you watch your burger get built and your fries get fried.

The chain started in Virginia in 1986 and has grown to hundreds of locations. In South Carolina, you'll find Five Guys in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and several other cities. The restaurants are small, usually with a counter and a few tables, and the focus stays narrow—burgers, hot dogs, fries, and milkshakes. No chicken sandwiches, no salads, no breakfast menu.

Key Takeaways

• Five Guys builds each burger to your specifications with unlimited toppings included in the price, so you pay the same whether you add two toppings or ten.
• The fries are hand-cut and cooked in peanut oil, and the portion is generous enough that you'll find fries in both the cup and the bag.
• Locations in South Carolina include Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach, with hours typically 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
• The menu is intentionally small—burgers, hot dogs, fries, and shakes—so you can order quickly once you decide what you want.
• Peanut oil is used throughout the kitchen, so anyone with a peanut allergy should not eat there.

How to Order and What the Toppings Cost

You order at the counter. Tell the person taking your order how many patties you want (one or two), what kind of bun (regular, bacon, or cheese bun), and which toppings. They write it on your receipt, and the kitchen starts building. Most people wait five to ten minutes for their order.

The price for a single burger with one patty runs around $7 to $8, and a double is roughly $9 to $10, depending on your location. Every topping is included—you don't pay extra for adding jalapeños or grilled onions or anything else. A regular fries order costs around $4 to $5, and a large is a dollar or two more. Milkshakes are typically $6 to $7.

Hot dogs are also on the menu, built the same way with toppings of your choice. A hot dog costs less than a burger, usually $5 to $6. Drinks come in small, medium, and large, and refills are free if you stay in the restaurant.

Popular Burger Combinations People Order

There's no official menu of named burgers—you build what you want—but certain combinations show up again and again. A burger with grilled onions, mushrooms, and mayo is common. So is one with jalapeños, grilled onions, and ketchup. Some people load theirs with bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Others keep it simple: just ketchup and mustard.

The fries are a separate decision. Some people eat them plain. Others ask for them "Cajun style," which means they're seasoned with a spice blend. You can also get them with cheese sauce, chili, or bacon on top, though those cost extra. The standard order—a cup of fries that overflows into the bag—is enough for two people to share.

South Carolina Locations and Hours

Five Guys has restaurants in Columbia (multiple locations), Charleston, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head. Most open at 11 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. daily, though hours can vary slightly by location. A few locations may stay open later on weekends.

The best way to confirm hours and find the exact address nearest you is to visit the Five Guys website or call ahead. Parking is usually available in the shopping center or lot where the restaurant sits, though some locations in downtown areas may have street parking only.

What to Know About Allergens and Dietary Restrictions

Peanut oil is used throughout the kitchen—for frying fries, cooking hot dogs, and preparing the grill. If you have a peanut allergy, Five Guys is not a safe choice. The restaurant takes this seriously and lists it clearly, but cross-contamination is possible in any kitchen.

The buns contain gluten, so anyone avoiding gluten should not order a burger or hot dog with a bun. Five Guys does not offer gluten-free buns. You can order a burger or hot dog without a bun, but again, the peanut oil used in cooking means the restaurant is not a safe environment for severe peanut allergies.

Vegetarian options are limited. You can order a veggie sandwich with toppings and no meat, or just fries and a shake. Vegan options are even more limited, since the buns contain dairy and the fries are cooked in peanut oil.

Parking, Seating, and What to Expect Inside

Five Guys restaurants are small by design. Most have a counter where you order, a few high-top tables, and sometimes a bench or two along the window. Don't expect a large dining room. During lunch and dinner rushes, it can be crowded, and you may not find a seat. Many people take their order to go.

Parking is usually in a shopping center lot or street parking nearby. The restaurants are designed for quick service, not lingering, so turnover is fast. Restrooms are available, though they're typically single-stall and may have a line during busy times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my burger with ingredients not on the topping line?

No. Five Guys offers a set list of toppings, and you choose from those. You can't bring your own ingredients or ask for something not on the menu. The idea is speed and consistency—they know exactly what they have and can make it quickly.

Do I have to tip at Five Guys?

Tipping is not required, but the payment screen at the register does show tip options. Many people leave a dollar or two, especially if they're eating in the restaurant rather than taking it to go. It's your choice.

Are the fries really unlimited?

You get one order of fries, which comes in a cup and overflows into the bag. You don't get unlimited refills of fries like you might with a drink. The portion is large, though, and most people find it's more than enough for one person.

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

A bacon burger comes with bacon already on it, and you pay a bit more—usually $1 to $2 extra. You can also order a regular burger and add bacon as a topping for the same price. Either way, you're getting bacon on your burger.

Can I order online or through an app?

Five Guys does not offer online ordering or a mobile app. You order in person at the counter. This keeps the operation simple and means you're not waiting for a delivery driver—you get your food fresh, made to order, right away.