Five guys in various positions

To fast food critics, I say: there's a time and a place for fast food. That is, when I'm hungry, in my stomach. But even without this highly-ambitious criteria it would be nice to think that we're in the middle of a fast food renaissance.

Imagine a world where 'fast food' becomes synonymous with food that's better when cooked fresh and fast. Burritos, crepes, pizzas, salads, sushi, all of these are at their apex when tossed together last minute. Bad fast food is the result when freeze-drying and preservatives must be used to force "quickness" on non-intuitive foods. When the last time you saw a roast chicken put together on a moments notice? No? then it shouldn’t be sold as fast food.

But enough philosophical rant. This is actually a review for Five Guys in China Town. Its alright to be skeptical the first time you go in. McDonalds and Burger king have hurt us all and only much mourning and reconciliation will help our nation accept and work through the damage that's been done to the American burger. Consider Five Guys the first required therapy session on your road to acceptance and recovery.

Burgers at this Zaggats-rated fast food place are large and juicy, made to order with whatever free toppings you can imagine by a line of frantic cooks. Also available: crispy, spicy fries and peanuts to grab by the handful, shell, and toss on the floor from the boxes by the door while you wait.

A board announces where the potatoes for their fries come from today. Comment cards plastering the announcements board contain shout-outs, random doodles, and, most of all, grateful teary-eyed tributes to the menu. Laminated newspaper articles on the wall have titles like " "...best damn burger on the planet" and "These guys are the Willie Wonkas of burger craft." This is what fast food was meant to be

Five Guys Chinatown | 808 H Street, N.W.
Cards are from the 5 guys website