You’re driving down George Washington Way, or maybe you're cutting across from the Bypass Highway, and that familiar red-and-white checkered sign starts calling your name. It’s a craving. We’ve all been there. When you think about Five Guys burgers and fries Richland WA, you aren't just thinking about a quick meal; you’re thinking about that specific grease-soaked brown paper bag that somehow signifies a Friday night done right.
It’s weirdly consistent.
Most people in the Tri-Cities have their "burger spot." Some swear by the local charm of Zip's or the classic drive-in feel of Baby's, but Five Guys occupies this strange, high-velocity middle ground. It's fast, but it doesn't feel like "fast food" in the way a frozen puck from a clown-themed franchise does. In Richland, specifically at the Target-adjacent shopping center on Queensgate Drive, this location has become a literal landmark for hungry Hanford workers and PNNL scientists alike.
What's actually happening in that Richland kitchen?
If you walk into the Five Guys on Queensgate, the first thing you notice isn't the menu. It's the noise. It is loud. You’ve got the rhythmic thwack of the fry cutter and the shouting of order numbers. It’s chaotic, but it’s a controlled chaos that seems to work for the Richland crowd.
There are no freezers here. That’s not marketing fluff; it’s a legitimate operational constraint that defines the flavor. In an era where most chains are optimizing for shelf-life and supply chain "efficiency," the Richland crew is literally chilling potatoes in water tubs. These aren't pre-cut, frozen strips. They are Idaho or Washington potatoes (depending on the season) that were likely in the ground a week ago.
The burger patties are hand-formed. They aren't perfectly circular. They have those craggy, uneven edges that get crispy on the flat-top grill. That’s the "smash" technique before it was a trendy buzzword in every gastropub in Seattle. Honestly, the beauty of the Richland location is that they don't overthink it. They just get the grill hot and let the Maillard reaction do the heavy lifting.
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The peanut situation and the wait times
Let's address the elephant in the room: the peanuts. You see the boxes stacked high near the door. For some, it’s a nostalgic ritual—cracking shells while waiting for a "Little Bacon Cheeseburger" that is actually massive. For others, it’s a minefield. If you have an allergy, this obviously isn't the spot for you. But for the rest of us, it’s the only way to survive the wait.
Because you will wait.
Five Guys in Richland isn't a "three minutes and you're out" kind of place. Because they cook the fries in a two-stage process—first a precook to soften them, then a final fry to crisp them—it takes time. If you’re in a rush to catch a movie at the Queensgate 12 across the street, you better give yourself a twenty-minute buffer.
The secret to ordering Five Guys burgers and fries Richland WA like a local
You’ve probably seen the signs saying there are over 250,000 ways to order a burger here. That’s math. But in reality, most people fall into the "All the Way" trap.
Pro tip: "All the Way" includes mayo, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, ketchup, and mustard. It’s a lot. If you want the flavor of the beef to actually shine through, skip the mushrooms. The mushrooms are canned/marinated and can sometimes make the bottom bun a soggy mess by the time you drive back to the north end of Richland.
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Instead, try this:
- The "Richland Heat": Jalapeños (they use fresh ones, not the pickled nacho kind), grilled onions, and hot sauce.
- The Bunless Wonder: If you’re doing the low-carb thing (which is hard in a place famous for fries), they do a surprisingly good lettuce wrap. It's messy. Bring extra napkins.
The fries are the real hero, or villain, depending on your calorie goals. They use peanut oil. This is non-negotiable. It gives the fries a higher smoke point and a distinct, nutty finish that you can't replicate with vegetable oil blends. And the "extra scoop" in the bag? That’s not a mistake by a generous teenager behind the counter. It’s a corporate mandate. They want the bag to look like a potato explosion.
Does the Richland location live up to the hype?
Look, we have options in the Tri-Cities. We have local legends like Aki's and the long-standing tradition of various drive-ins. So why does the Richland Five Guys stay packed?
Consistency.
You can go to a Five Guys in New York City or London and get the same burger, but there’s something about the Richland spot—maybe it’s the proximity to the Yakima River or the constant flow of people heading to the soccer fields—that makes it feel like part of the neighborhood. The staff here generally seems more tenured than your average fast-food joint. You see the same faces. That matters.
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Managing the "Sticker Shock"
We have to talk about the price. It’s not 2010 anymore. A burger, large fries, and a drink at the Richland location can easily push $20. Some locals complain that it’s getting too expensive for what is essentially a burger in a bag.
Is it worth it?
If you compare it to a $15 "Craft Burger" at a sit-down restaurant in Kennewick where you also have to leave a 20% tip for table service, the value proposition starts to make sense. You're paying for the fact that the meat was never frozen and the toppings are cut fresh every morning. It's a premium product in a casual wrapper.
- Size matters: A "Little Burger" at Five Guys is a single patty, which is roughly the size of a Quarter Pounder elsewhere. The "Regular Burger" is two patties. Unless you’re a competitive eater or haven't eaten since yesterday, the "Little" is usually plenty.
- Share the fries: A "Large Fry" can easily feed three people. Don't be the person who orders a large fry for yourself unless you want to feel the immediate need for a four-hour nap.
Logistics for your visit
The Richland location is strategically placed. If you're coming from West Richland, you just hop over the hill. If you're coming from Pasco, the 182 exit is right there.
- Parking: The lot is shared with several other businesses. During peak lunch hours (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM), it's a nightmare. Park further back toward the cinema if you value your car's paint job.
- Online Ordering: Use the app. Seriously. You can't skip the line entirely because they don't drop the fries until you actually walk in (to keep them from getting soggy), but it saves you the hassle of shouting your order over the sound of the fryers.
- The Milkshake Factor: This location has the milkshake station. The bacon bit add-in is a polarizing choice. Some people swear it's the ultimate salty-sweet combo; others think it's a culinary crime. If you're feeling adventurous, the peanut butter and chocolate mix is the safest bet for a win.
Why the fries are different every time you go
Have you noticed the white board near the counter? It tells you exactly where today’s potatoes came from. Sometimes they're from Othello, sometimes from Rexburg. Because the starch content in potatoes changes throughout the year, the fries might be a little softer in the spring or crispier in the fall. It’s a reminder that you’re eating actual produce, not a lab-grown starch extrusion.
Actionable Steps for your next Five Guys Richland run
If you want the best possible experience at the Five Guys burgers and fries Richland WA location, follow these steps to avoid the common pitfalls of a soggy meal.
- Eat in the store if possible. The steam inside that foil wrapper is the enemy of a toasted bun. If you wait until you get home to West Richland, the bottom bun will be a sponge. Eat it while the cheese is still in its peak molten state.
- Order the fries "well done." Most people don't know you can ask for this. If you like a crunchier fry that holds up to being dipped in mayo (no judgment), ask them to leave them in the oil for an extra minute.
- Check the "Board of Potatoes." It’s a fun bit of local trivia to see which farm provided your meal. It connects the food to the region in a way most chains ignore.
- Skip the "All the Way" if you hate mess. Ask for your toppings on the side if you’re traveling. It keeps the burger structural integrity intact.
- Utilize the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine. Don't just get a Diet Coke. The Richland location maintains their machine well, so try the weird stuff—Peach Mello Yello or Cherry Vanilla Sparkle.
The Richland Five Guys isn't trying to be a five-star dining experience. It's loud, it's greasy, and it's expensive. But in a world of increasingly processed food, there’s something refreshing about a place that just gives you a massive pile of fresh potatoes and a burger that actually tastes like beef. Just remember to bring your appetite and maybe a few wet wipes for the car ride home.