You’re driving down Hixson Pike, the sun is hitting that weird angle where your visor is useless, and suddenly that red-and-white sign appears. You know the one. For a lot of folks in Chattanooga, Five Guys Hixson Pike isn’t just a place to grab a quick lunch; it’s a specific ritual. But honestly? Most people are doing it wrong. They treat it like a standard fast-food joint where you zip through a drive-thru, but there isn't even a drive-thru here. That’s by design.
Everything about this spot at 5110 Hixson Pike is built on a sort of controlled chaos. You walk in, the smell of peanut oil hits you like a physical wall, and you’re immediately confronted with stacks of potatoes that actually tell you where they were grown that morning. It’s loud. It’s bright. And if you aren't careful, you’ll end up spending $25 on a meal that could feed a small family.
Why Five Guys Hixson Pike Actually Hits Different
Most burger chains are obsessed with consistency through automation. Not here. At the Hixson location, the "human element" is actually the main ingredient. You can see the crew hand-forming patties right behind the counter. No freezers. None. That sounds like marketing fluff until you realize it means your burger was literally a ball of ground beef about five minutes before it hit your foil wrapper.
The Hixson Pike spot specifically has gained a bit of a reputation among locals for its speed—or lack thereof—depending on who you ask. Because they don't use timers for the fries (they go by sight and "the shake"), your wait time is basically at the mercy of the fry cook’s intuition.
The Potato Factor
Let’s talk about those fries. If you’ve ever looked at the chalkboard near the register, you’ve seen a farmer’s name. They aren't just being cute. The starch content in potatoes changes throughout the year, and Five Guys managers have to adjust their soaking and frying process based on where those spuds came from. At the Hixson shop, you’ll often see bags of Idaho or Washington potatoes stacked right in the dining room. It’s decor, but it’s also the inventory.
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And then there's the "extra" scoop. You order a small fry, and they dump an entire second container's worth into the bottom of the brown paper bag. It’s a psychological trick, sure, but it’s one that makes you feel like you’ve won a tiny lottery every single time.
The Customization Trap (and How to Avoid It)
With over 250,000 ways to build a burger, it’s easy to get choice paralysis. Most people just say "everything on it" (All The Way), which includes:
- Mayo
- Lettuce
- Pickles
- Tomatoes
- Grilled Onions
- Grilled Mushrooms
- Ketchup
- Mustard
But here’s the pro tip for the Hixson Pike crowd: the grilled onions and grilled mushrooms are the secret. If you go raw onions, you lose that Maillard reaction sweetness that balances the saltiness of the beef. Also, did you know you can get a patty melt? It’s not always on the big board, but they’ll do it—basically a grilled cheese with a burger patty and whatever toppings you want inside. It’s greasy. It’s heavy. It’s perfect.
Milkshake Math
People sleep on the shakes at this location. While everyone is fighting over the soda freestyle machine (which, let's be real, usually has at least one flavor "out of order"), the shake station is where the real magic happens.
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In 2026, we’ve seen some weird limited-time mix-ins, but the "Coffee" mix-in that became permanent is the real MVP. Pro-tip: ask for the bacon in your shake. I know, it sounds gross. It’s not. It’s salty, crunchy, and weirdly works with the salted caramel or vanilla base.
The Reality of the Price Tag
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. Or the peanut in the room. Five Guys Hixson Pike is expensive. We’re deep into 2026 now, and the days of a $10 burger, fry, and drink combo are long gone. You’re looking at close to $20 for a standard bacon cheeseburger and a regular fry.
Is it worth it?
That depends on what you value. If you want a thin, gray patty from a warming rack, go somewhere else. You’re paying for the fact that a human being spent their morning hand-cutting those potatoes and that the beef has never seen a temperature below 33 degrees. It’s a "special occasion" fast food.
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What You Should Do Next Time You’re Near 5110 Hixson Pike
If you’re planning a visit, don't just wing it. The Hixson location gets slammed during the Northgate Mall rush and weekend lunch hours.
- Order through the app. Seriously. It doesn't mean your food will be sitting there getting cold. They actually don't drop the fries into the oil until you physically walk in and announce yourself. It just saves you the hassle of shouting your order over the sound of the vents.
- Check the potato board. It sounds nerdy, but if they’re from Idaho, the fries tend to be fluffier. If they’re from further east, they might be a bit sweeter.
- The "Little" size is plenty. A "Little" burger is a single patty. The standard burger is a double. Unless you’re trying to nap for four hours after lunch, the single is usually enough.
- Mind the peanuts. If you have a nut allergy, stay far away. They fry in 100% peanut oil, and there are open shells everywhere. It’s a nightmare for the allergic, but a nostalgic snack for everyone else.
Basically, Five Guys on Hixson Pike is a lesson in doing one thing really well and refusing to change. No salads. No nuggets. No drive-thru. Just beef, potatoes, and a bag that’s going to have at least three grease spots by the time you get home. It’s honest food, even if your wallet feels a little lighter afterward.
Next time you're there, skip the "All The Way" default. Try the jalapenos (they’re fresh, not pickled, so they actually have heat) and ask for your fries "extra well done." It’s a game changer.