If you’ve ever spent a Saturday afternoon fighting for a parking spot near the Wyoming Valley Mall, you know the vibe. It’s chaotic. It’s busy. And usually, you’re starving. Right there in the middle of that retail madness sits the Five Guys Wilkes Barre location. It’s tucked into that strip on Mundy Street, sharing air with a bunch of other chains, but it somehow always feels like the busiest spot in the lot.
Most people think a burger is just a burger. They’re wrong.
Wilkes-Barre has plenty of options. You’ve got your classic diners, your drive-thrus, and those fancy sit-down spots downtown. But Five Guys occupies this weird, greasy, high-end middle ground that locals either swear by or complain about because of the price. Honestly, if you're going there, you aren't looking for a "value meal." You're looking for a bag that's translucent with peanut oil and a burger that requires about four napkins just to survive the first three bites.
Why the Wilkes-Barre Location is Different
Location matters. The Five Guys Wilkes Barre spot at 280 Mundy St is basically the epicenter of Luzerne County shopping. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the logistics. Unlike some of the newer builds in the area, this one feels lived-in. You walk in and you’re immediately hit by that wall of heat and the smell of frying potatoes. It's intense.
The layout here is pretty standard for the franchise—red and white tiles, boxes of peanuts everywhere, and that open kitchen where you can watch the chaos unfold. But the energy in the Wilkes-Barre shop is specific. It’s a mix of families taking a break from the mall, college kids from King’s or Wilkes looking for a massive calorie hit, and people just passing through on their way to the Poconos.
One thing people often overlook? The crew. Fast food is a grind, especially in a high-traffic zone like Mundy Street. The speed at which they move through those tickets on a Friday night is actually kind of impressive. You see the tickets lining up, the grill covered in patties, and the fry guy shaking baskets like his life depends on it. It’s loud. It’s sweaty. It’s exactly what a burger joint should be.
The Potato Factor
Let's talk about the board. You know the one. The little chalkboard that tells you exactly where the potatoes came from today.
Usually, it's some farm in Idaho or Washington. It’s a small detail, but it’s one of the few things that separates this place from the frozen-patty assembly lines down the road. In Wilkes-Barre, where we grew up on local favorites like Abe's Hot Dogs or those specific NEPA-style pizzas, we tend to value knowing where stuff comes from. Even if it’s just a chalkboard note about a farm three states away, it adds a layer of "realness" that hits different.
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The fries are the main event. If you order a large, you’re basically asking for a cardiovascular challenge. They fill the cup, then they throw an extra scoop into the bag anyway. It’s a ritual. By the time you get your order to your car or a table, the bottom of that brown paper bag is starting to turn clear. That’s the sign of a successful mission.
What Most People Get Wrong About Five Guys Wilkes Barre
The biggest gripe? The price. I hear it all the time. "Twenty bucks for a burger and fries?"
Yeah, kinda.
But here’s the thing about the Five Guys Wilkes Barre experience: you aren't ordering for one person most of the time. If you’re smart, you share the fries. A "Little Fry" is plenty for two human beings. A "Regular" can feed a small village. People get mad at the total on the screen because they order like they’re at a McDonald’s, but the portions here are built differently.
Also, the "Little Burger" isn't actually little. It’s a single patty. The standard burger is a double. If you aren't prepared for that much protein, you're going to leave feeling like you need a three-hour nap.
Customization is the Secret Sauce
The "All The Way" option is the default for a reason, but it’s not always the best way. For the uninitiated, that's mayo, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, ketchup, and mustard. It’s a lot.
In the Wilkes-Barre shop, I’ve noticed people get really specific. Some folks go for the jalapeños (they use fresh ones, not the pickled jarred kind), and others swear by the A1 sauce or the hot sauce. Since everything is "free" to add, the temptation is to put everything on it. Resist that. Pick a lane. If you want a savory burger, do the grilled onions, mushrooms, and steak sauce. If you want fresh, go heavy on the veg.
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The real pro move? The grilled cheese with a burger patty inside. It’s not officially on the giant menu board, but they’ll do it. They flip the buns inside out so the toasted part hits your tongue first. It’s a total game changer.
The Logistics of Eating at Mundy St
If you're planning a trip to Five Guys Wilkes Barre, timing is everything.
- The Lunch Rush: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM is a war zone. If you’re on a strict 30-minute lunch break, forget it.
- The Weekend Wave: Saturday afternoons are brutal because of the mall traffic.
- The Sweet Spot: Tuesday or Wednesday around 3:00 PM. You’ll get your food in under five minutes, and you might actually find a clean table without having to hover over someone finishing their last fry.
Parking is another story. That lot is cramped. People drive like they’re in a Mad Max movie trying to get into the Starbucks next door or the Vitamin Shoppe. Be careful. Honestly, sometimes it’s easier to park a little further back toward the mall side and just walk the extra thirty feet.
Delivery and Mobile Orders
Look, Five Guys doesn't travel well. I’ll say it. If you’re ordering through a delivery app to have it brought to your house in Kingston or Mountain Top, those fries are going to be sad by the time they arrive. Steam is the enemy of a fresh fry. The bag gets soggy. The bun gets squished.
If you have to do it, use the Five Guys app for a "pickup." They don't even drop the fries in the oil until you actually walk through the door and tell them you’re there. It’s their way of trying to keep things from getting mushy. It’s a bit of a wait when you arrive, but it’s better than eating cold, limp potatoes.
Is it Really "Better" Than Local Options?
This is where it gets controversial in NEPA. We are a land of incredible local food. We have Pierce Street Deli, we have the legendary burger nights at local pubs, and we have dozens of pizza places that serve surprisingly good cheeseburgers.
Does Five Guys Wilkes Barre beat a local mom-and-pop shop?
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Not necessarily. It’s a different beast. It’s about consistency. You know exactly what that burger is going to taste like. You know the cheese will be that specific American melt that glues the patties together. You know the peanuts will be salty and the soda machine (the Freestyle ones with the touchscreens) will have that weird Peach Mello Yello you can't find anywhere else.
It’s reliable. In a world where restaurants are constantly changing their recipes or shrinking their portions (hello, "shrinkflation"), Five Guys has stayed pretty stubbornly the same. They still give you too many fries. They still use fresh beef. They still don't have freezers in the building.
The Health Reality (Or Lack Thereof)
Let's be real for a second. You aren't going here for a salad. They don't even sell them.
The calorie counts are posted right there on the menu, and they are terrifying. A standard cheeseburger is around 800-900 calories. Add a large fry, and you’re looking at nearly 2,000 calories in one sitting. That’s a day’s worth of energy for most people.
If you're trying to be "healthy" at Five Guys, your options are basically the lettuce wrap (which they do surprisingly well) or the veggie sandwich. But even the veggie sandwich is basically just a bun loaded with grilled toppings and cheese. It’s delicious, but it’s not exactly "diet food."
The peanut situation is also a huge factor. If you have a nut allergy, stay far away. They fry everything in peanut oil, and there are open containers of peanuts everywhere. It’s a nightmare for anyone with sensitivities, but for everyone else, it’s part of the charm.
What to Do Next
If you're heading to the Five Guys Wilkes Barre location, don't just wing it. Follow these steps to actually enjoy the experience instead of leaving frustrated and broke.
- Check the App First: Even if you’re eating in, look at the prices. Know what you’re getting into so you don't get sticker shock at the register.
- Scale Down Your Order: One large fry for every three people. Trust me. You do not need your own.
- Napkin Strategy: Grab a stack of napkins before you sit down. Once you start eating, your hands will be too greasy to go back to the dispenser.
- The Shake Hack: If you’re getting a milkshake, you can mix flavors for free. Bacon in a chocolate shake sounds weird, but it’s a cult favorite for a reason. Don't knock it until you've tried it.
- Parking Escape: When leaving the Mundy St lot, don't try to turn left if it's busy. Turn right, go around the mall, and use the light. You'll save yourself ten minutes of frustration.
Five Guys isn't a "every day" kind of place. It’s a "I just finished my Christmas shopping and I need to feel something" kind of place. It’s loud, it’s expensive, and it’s undeniably one of the best burgers you can get without a waiter. Just remember to check that potato board—it’s the only way to know which farmer to thank for your food coma.