Five Guys in South Carolina: What to Order and Where to Find It

What Five Guys is and where to find locations in South Carolina

Five Guys is a fast-casual burger chain where you order at a counter, watch your food cook, and pick it up when it's ready. The restaurant started in Virginia in 1986 and has grown to hundreds of locations across the United States, including several in South Carolina. Unlike typical fast-food drive-throughs, Five Guys emphasizes made-to-order burgers, hot dogs, and fries cooked fresh while you wait.

In South Carolina, Five Guys locations are concentrated in the Upstate and Lowcountry regions. You'll find restaurants in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Spartanburg, with additional spots in smaller cities like Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach. Each location operates as a standalone restaurant with limited seating, designed for quick service rather than lingering. The chain does not have a drive-through window, so you'll need to order inside or through their mobile app for pickup.

Key Takeaways

• Five Guys cooks every burger and hot dog to order with your choice of toppings at no extra charge, which takes longer than typical fast food but means fresher food.
• The menu is simple: burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, fries, and drinks, with customization built into every item.
• Fries come in regular or "Cajun" seasoning and are cooked fresh in peanut oil, and the chain serves peanuts free at the counter while you wait.
• Prices run higher than chain burger places like McDonald's or Burger King, typically $10 to $15 per person for a burger, fries, and drink.
• The mobile app lets you order ahead and pick up without waiting in line, which is useful during lunch and dinner rushes.

The menu: burgers, hot dogs, and customization

Five Guys offers a deliberately short menu. You can order a burger (single or double patty), a hot dog, a grilled cheese, or a veggie sandwich. Every burger comes with two patties by default for a "Five Guys burger," or you can choose a single patty. The kitchen builds each one to your specifications: you pick your toppings from a list that includes lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mushrooms, jalapeños, grilled onions, and more. There is no upcharge for adding toppings, no matter how many you choose.

The fries are a signature item. They come in regular or Cajun seasoning, cooked fresh in peanut oil. A "regular" order is larger than it sounds—the kitchen fills your cup and then adds a scoop more into the bag, which is part of the Five Guys experience. If you have a peanut allergy, the fries are cooked in peanut oil, so you'll want to avoid them or ask about their allergen procedures. The restaurant also serves complimentary peanuts in the shell at the counter while you wait, which is a nod to the chain's casual, unpretentious style.

Drinks include sodas, bottled water, and milkshakes made with real ice cream. The shake menu rotates seasonally and includes flavors like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and combinations like "Bacon Milkshake" (which tastes like bacon and chocolate). Hot dogs are grilled and customizable the same way burgers are, and the grilled cheese is a solid option if you're not in the mood for meat.

Pricing and what to expect to spend

A single burger at Five Guys costs around $6 to $7, and a double runs $8 to $9, depending on the specific location and current pricing. A regular order of fries is $4 to $5, and a drink adds another $2 to $3. A typical meal for one person—burger, fries, and drink—comes to roughly $12 to $15 before tax. This is noticeably more than McDonald's or Wendy's, but less than a sit-down restaurant.

The higher price reflects the made-to-order approach and the quality of ingredients. Five Guys sources fresh beef daily and cooks it in small batches rather than keeping food under heat lamps. If you're budget-conscious, you can order a single burger and share fries with a friend, or skip the drink and bring your own water bottle. The mobile app sometimes offers deals or promotions, so it's worth checking before you visit.

How to order: in-person, mobile app, or catering

Walk into any Five Guys location and you'll see a counter with menu boards above. You order directly with a cashier, tell them your burger customizations, and pay. They give you a buzzer or a number, and you wait for your food to come out—usually 5 to 10 minutes depending on how busy it is. The restaurant has limited seating, so many people take their food to go.

The Five Guys mobile app lets you order ahead and pick up without waiting in line. You select your items, customize your burger, and choose a pickup time. This is especially useful during lunch (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and dinner (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) when the line can be long. The app is available on iOS and Android, and you pay through the app when you order.

Five Guys also offers catering for parties and events. You can order through the restaurant directly or through their website. Catering orders typically need to be placed at least 24 hours in advance, and the restaurant will prepare burgers, hot dogs, fries, and drinks in bulk. This is a popular option for office lunches, birthday parties, and small gatherings in South Carolina.

Dietary considerations and allergen information

Five Guys does not offer vegetarian or vegan burger patties—the grilled cheese and veggie sandwich (which is a grilled cheese with tomato, lettuce, and other toppings) are the closest options for vegetarians. The fries are cooked in peanut oil, which is a significant concern if you have a peanut or tree nut allergy. The restaurant also serves peanuts free at the counter, so cross-contamination is possible if you have a severe allergy.

If you have a gluten sensitivity, Five Guys does not offer gluten-free buns or a dedicated gluten-free preparation area. You can order a burger without the bun (sometimes called a "lettuce wrap"), but the kitchen is not certified gluten-free and cannot may provide the absence of cross-contamination. For the most accurate allergen and dietary information, ask the staff at your local Five Guys or contact the restaurant directly before you visit.

Five Guys locations in South Carolina

Five Guys has restaurants across South Carolina, though the exact number and locations change over time. Charleston has multiple locations, including one downtown and one in the suburbs. Columbia has locations in the midtown and northeast areas. Greenville has several Five Guys restaurants in and around the downtown and shopping districts. Spartanburg, Hilton Head, and Myrtle Beach each have at least one location.

To find the nearest Five Guys, use the location finder on the Five Guys website or search Google Maps for "Five Guys near me." You can also call ahead to confirm hours, especially on holidays or during special events. Most locations are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, but hours vary by restaurant.

Why Five Guys appeals to South Carolina diners

Five Guys fits into South Carolina's casual dining culture—it's fast enough for a quick lunch but feels more intentional than a drive-through. The made-to-order approach appeals to people who want control over what goes into their food, and the customization options mean you can build exactly what you want. The fries are a draw for many regulars, and the milkshakes are popular with families and groups.

The restaurant also works well as a casual meeting spot. The counter service and limited seating mean you're not expected to linger, but the quality of the food and the friendly atmosphere make it a comfortable place to grab lunch with coworkers or a quick dinner with family. In smaller South Carolina towns where dining options are limited, Five Guys often stands out as a reliable, consistent choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to order a double burger, or can I get a single?

Yes, you can order a single patty burger. A "Five Guys burger" comes with two patties by default, but you can ask for a single patty instead, which costs less. Either way, all toppings are included at no extra charge.

Are the fries really that much bigger than other places?

Yes. Five Guys fills your cup and then adds extra fries into the bag as a standard practice. A regular order easily feeds two people or serves as a side for two burgers. If you want less, you can order a "little" size, though it's still a generous portion.

Can I order Five Guys through a delivery app like DoorDash or Uber Eats?

Some Five Guys locations partner with delivery services, but not all. Check the delivery app to see if your nearest Five Guys is available. Delivery adds time and cost, so pickup through the mobile app or in-person ordering is usually faster and cheaper.

What's the difference between regular and Cajun fries?

Cajun fries are seasoned with Cajun spices (paprika, cayenne, garlic, and other seasonings) and have a spicy kick. Regular fries are unseasoned. Both are cooked fresh in peanut oil. You can order half regular and half Cajun if you want to try both.

How long does it take to get your food?

Typically 5 to 10 minutes from the time you order, depending on how busy the restaurant is. During peak lunch and dinner hours, it can take longer. Using the mobile app to order ahead can cut your wait time significantly.