Five Guys in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re craving a customizable burger and fries in Atlanta, Five Guys is one of the most recognizable names around. Whether you live in the city, commute in for work, or are here for a quick visit, it helps to know how Five Guys works specifically in Atlanta—from locations and parking to portion sizes and ordering tips.

What Makes Five Guys Different in Atlanta?

Five Guys is a fast-casual burger chain known for:

  • Cooked-to-order burgers (no microwaves, no freezers in-store)
  • Custom toppings at no extra charge
  • Hand-cut fries, usually served in generous portions
  • A relatively simple, meat-focused menu

In Atlanta, you’ll mostly find Five Guys in:

  • Busy in-town neighborhoods
  • Major shopping centers and retail corridors
  • Areas near office buildings and high-traffic roads

If you’re used to Atlanta’s mix of local burger spots and national chains, Five Guys sits somewhere in the middle: more customizable than many fast-food drive-thrus, but simpler and quicker than a full-service restaurant.

Where You’ll Commonly Find Five Guys in Atlanta

Exact store details can change, but Five Guys typically shows up in or near:

  • Downtown & Midtown – Popular with office workers, students, and event-goers
  • Buckhead & Lenox area – Close to malls, hotels, and business centers
  • Perimeter / Sandy Springs – Near large office parks and shopping areas
  • Airport & airport-area hotels – Convenient for travelers on layovers or overnights
  • Suburban corridors like Cobb, Gwinnett, and along I‑285 – Often in shopping plazas

If you rely on MARTA or walking, in-town locations around Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead are usually the most accessible. Many suburban locations cater more to drivers, often with shared parking lots in shopping centers.

What’s on the Menu at Five Guys?

Five Guys keeps its menu straightforward. In Atlanta, you’ll typically see:

Burgers

All burgers are made to order, and you can pile on toppings at no extra charge.

Common options include:

  • Hamburger / Cheeseburger – Two patties by default
  • Little Hamburger / Little Cheeseburger – One patty (often better for lighter appetites)
  • Bacon Burger / Bacon Cheeseburger – With crispy bacon

You can customize with toppings like:

  • Fresh veggies: lettuce, tomato, onions (raw or grilled), jalapeños, green peppers, pickles
  • Condiments: ketchup, mustard, mayo, relish, hot sauce, BBQ sauce
  • Extras: grilled mushrooms, extra cheese, extra bacon (usually for an added charge)

💡 Atlanta tip: If you’re planning to eat before a game, show, or concert, consider a “Little” burger—it’s still filling but easier to manage if you’ll be walking or sitting for a long time afterward.

Hot Dogs and Sandwiches

Most Atlanta locations also offer:

  • Hot dogs (plain, cheese, bacon, or both)
  • Veggie sandwich (toppings and veggies on a bun, no patty)
  • Grilled cheese (simple, customizable with available toppings)

The veggie option is not a plant-based patty—it’s more of a grilled veggie-and-toppings sandwich.

Fries

Fries are a major draw at Five Guys:

  • Fresh-cut potatoes, fried in peanut oil
  • Usually served in large portions (many people share)
  • Available in Regular or Cajun seasoning

If you’re sensitive to spice, stick with Regular; if you like heat, Cajun fries add a flavorful kick.

Drinks & Extras

Most Atlanta locations offer:

  • Fountain drinks (often with a wide variety of flavors)
  • Bottled water in some stores
  • Milkshakes at many, but not all, locations—often customizable with mix-ins like chocolate, peanut butter, and fruit flavors

Pricing and Portions: What to Expect in Atlanta

Five Guys is typically more expensive than basic fast food but less than many full-service restaurants in town.

General patterns you’ll notice in Atlanta:

  • Burgers – Priced above typical dollar-menu fast food, reflecting made-to-order prep and larger patties
  • Fries – Often enough for two people to share a regular size, especially if you’re also having burgers
  • Drinks & shakes – Similar to other national chains, with shakes usually at a premium

If you’re feeding a family or group in Atlanta, it can be cost-effective to:

  • Order Little burgers for smaller appetites
  • Share fries between two or three people
  • Opt for water instead of multiple soft drinks if you’re on a tighter budget

Peanut Oil and Allergies

A key detail for consumers in Atlanta:

  • Five Guys cooks in peanut oil
  • Whole bags of peanuts are typically available for customers to snack on while waiting

This matters if you or someone in your group has peanut or tree nut allergies:

  • The environment may not be safe for people with severe peanut allergies
  • Cross-contact is difficult to avoid because peanuts are common on-site

If allergy risk is a concern, many Atlantans choose an alternate restaurant with a different oil and no open peanuts.

Eating at Five Guys Before or After Atlanta Events

Because Atlanta has a busy event calendar—sports, concerts, conventions—Five Guys can be a practical choice if you’re timing it right.

Before a Game or Concert

  • Expect longer waits at locations near State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Georgia World Congress Center, and large Midtown venues, especially on weekends or event days
  • Portions are generous; consider splitting fries to avoid feeling overly full while walking
  • If you’re on MARTA, try to choose a location near your station to avoid backtracking

During Lunch Rush

In areas with lots of offices—like Midtown, Buckhead, and Perimeter—weekday lunch can be busy. To save time:

  • Aim for early lunch (around 11–11:30 a.m.) or later lunch (after 1:30 p.m.)
  • Consider calling ahead if a given location offers phone orders or use an approved ordering app if available

Dine-In, Takeout, and Delivery in Atlanta

Most Five Guys in the Atlanta area offer a mix of dine-in and takeout, with many also partnering with third-party delivery services.

Common patterns:

  • Dine-in:

    • Casual seating, typically counter service with your number called
    • Good for a quick meal between errands or after shopping
  • Takeout:

    • Burgers generally travel well over short distances
    • Fries can get softer as they sit; if you’re driving across town through Atlanta traffic, expect less crispness
  • Delivery:

    • Available through popular delivery platforms in many Atlanta neighborhoods
    • Often makes sense if you’re at a hotel or staying in an area with heavy traffic or limited parking

Parking and Transportation Considerations

Atlanta is car-heavy, and where a Five Guys sits often determines how easy your visit will be.

Inside the Perimeter (ITP)

  • Shopping center locations usually have shared surface parking lots
  • Some in-town locations may have limited parking during peak hours
  • Walking from nearby offices, hotels, or MARTA stations is often practical in Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead

Outside the Perimeter (OTP)

  • Most OTP locations in places like Cobb, Gwinnett, or North Fulton are in strip malls or shopping plazas with free surface parking
  • Traffic waves around lunchtime and early evening can affect how long it takes to get in and out

If you rely on public transit, check how far the location is from the nearest MARTA rail station or bus stop; some suburban Five Guys may still require a short rideshare or walk from the stop.

Comparing Five Guys to Other Atlanta Burger Options (Experience-Only)

Without ranking or recommending brands, it helps to place Five Guys in the broader Atlanta burger landscape:

  • It’s more customizable and cooked to order than many basic fast-food drive-thrus
  • It usually has a simpler, more focused menu than many sit-down burger restaurants
  • It’s often seen as a “go-to” for quick but substantial burgers and fries, especially near shopping centers and office hubs

If you’re deciding where to eat based on time and effort:

  • Choose Five Guys when you want fast-casual speed, full control over toppings, and you’re okay with ordering at the counter and bussing your own table
  • Consider other styles (like local full-service spots or different fast-food chains) if you want table service, drive-thru convenience, or more varied menu categories

Quick Reference: Five Guys in Atlanta at a Glance

AspectWhat to Expect in Atlanta
Food styleMade-to-order burgers, hot dogs, fries, simple sandwiches
CustomizationMany toppings at no extra cost
Typical locationsShopping centers, office districts, near major roads and event areas
Price levelMore than basic fast food; less than many sit-down restaurants
PortionsBurgers are hearty; fries are often shareable
Allergy considerationsPeanuts and peanut oil are common in all locations
Service modelOrder at counter, wait for number, casual dine-in or takeout
Good forQuick meals before/after events, office lunches, casual group outings
Potential downsidesBusy during peak hours; not ideal for severe peanut allergies

Tips for Atlantans and Visitors Planning a Five Guys Visit

  • Time your visit: Try off-peak hours to avoid long lines in high-traffic neighborhoods.
  • Right-size your order: Consider Little burgers and shared fries; portions are larger than many first-time visitors expect.
  • Watch for peanuts: If anyone in your group is allergic, factor in the open peanuts and peanut oil before choosing Five Guys.
  • Plan transport: For in-town visits, check how close the location is to MARTA or your parking options, especially around Downtown and Midtown.
  • Event days: If you’re going to a game, concert, or convention, expect crowds at nearby Five Guys and budget extra time.

With these points in mind, you can decide whether Five Guys fits your plans in Atlanta and, if it does, how to make your visit smoother and more enjoyable.