Walk into the building at 1801 S Range Line Road and you're immediately hit by that specific, heavy scent of peanut oil and searing beef. It’s unmistakable. If you’ve spent any time driving through the commercial heart of Joplin, you know exactly where this is—right in the thick of the Range Line chaos, nestled near the other big-box retailers. Five Guys Joplin MO isn't trying to be a fancy bistro, and they definitely aren't trying to be health food. It's a loud, red-and-white tiled temple to the high-calorie American dream.
Most people come here for the "boardwalk style" fries, which honestly, are more of a commitment than a side dish. You see the signs on the wall telling you exactly where the potatoes were grown that morning. Maybe they’re from a farm in Idaho, or maybe Rexburg. It’s a nice touch, but let's be real: you’re here because they dump an extra scoop of fries into the brown paper bag until it becomes translucent with grease. It’s a local legend at this point.
What’s Actually on the Menu?
The menu is deceptively simple. You have burgers, hot dogs, and a few sandwiches that aren't burgers. But the "toppings" are where the real decisions happen. Everything from grilled mushrooms to jalapenos is free. You can technically build a burger with 15 different toppings, though your bun might give up on life halfway through the meal.
The Burger Breakdown
If you order a "Cheeseburger," you’re getting two patties. Period.
If you aren't that hungry, you have to specify a "Little Cheeseburger."
A regular bacon cheeseburger in Joplin will currently run you about $13.79, which has sparked plenty of local debate about whether a "fast food" meal should cost nearly twenty bucks once you add a drink.
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- Standard Cheeseburger: Two fresh, never-frozen beef patties.
- The Little Burger: A single patty for those who don't want a food coma.
- The Kosher Style Hot Dog: Split down the middle and grilled.
- The Veggie Sandwich: Not a patty! It’s just the toppings on a bun.
People in Joplin often argue about the price. "It’s too expensive for a bag of grease," some say on local forums. Others point out that you can’t get that specific char anywhere else in town. It’s a polarizing spot, but the parking lot stays full for a reason.
The Joplin Experience: Range Line Reality
Eating at the Five Guys Joplin MO location is a specific vibe. It’s usually loud. The 1980s and 90s rock music is cranked up, and the staff is shouting order numbers over the sizzle of the grill. You’ll see the massive stacks of peanut bags acting as a sort of edible decor. You can even crack a few open while you wait, though most people just stare at the ticket-tracking screen.
The seating is functional. Don't expect booths you can sink into. It's all hard chairs and high-top tables designed for people who are in, eating, and out.
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Why are the fries like that?
It’s not a mistake. It’s a corporate mandate called the "topper." They want the bag to look overflowing. In Joplin, the fry cooks usually have a heavy hand with the Cajun seasoning, so if you don't like heat, stick to the salted ones. They use 100% peanut oil, which is why the flavor is so distinct. If you have a peanut allergy, this is basically the most dangerous building in Southwest Missouri.
The Logistics: Getting Your Fix
If you're planning a visit, here is the boring-but-necessary info. They are open every day from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
You can find them at:
1801 S Range Line Road, Joplin, MO 64801
Phone: (417) 206-4000
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Ordering through the app is usually the move if you're trying to avoid the lunch rush. However, a weird quirk of Five Guys is that they won’t actually drop your fries in the oil until you physically walk in the door and tell them you’re there. They’re obsessed with the fries being hot. So, even if you "order ahead," you're still going to wait three to five minutes while the potatoes sizzle.
Is it Worth the Hype in 2026?
Value is subjective. Honestly, $50 for a family of three feels steep for burgers. But the quality of the beef at the Joplin location remains higher than the frozen pucks you get at the drive-thrus down the street. It’s a "sometimes" food.
The floors can get a little slippery from the airborne grease, and the napkins are basically useless against the Cajun spice, but it’s a staple of the Joplin food scene. It’s consistent. You know exactly what that burger is going to taste like every single time.
Pro Tips for Joplin Locals
- Split the fries. A "Large" is enough to feed a small army.
- The Patty Melt Secret. It’s not on the main board, but they’ll do it. It’s a burger between two grilled cheese buns.
- Toasted Buns. Ask them to toast the bun "extra" if you’re getting a lot of toppings like tomatoes or pickles to prevent the "soggy bottom" syndrome.
Next time you're stuck in Range Line traffic, just remember that the "Little" burger is plenty of food for most humans, and always check the bottom of the bag for the "bonus" fries that inevitably escaped the cup.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your Five Guys app for local "milestone" rewards before heading to the Range Line location, as Joplin often participates in regional app-only discounts. If you're sensitive to noise, aim for a 2:00 PM late lunch to avoid the peak acoustic chaos of the noon rush.