You know that specific feeling when you’re driving down Radio Drive and the hunger hits? It’s not just a "maybe I'll grab a snack" vibe. It’s a "give me a massive bag of fries or I might lose it" kind of emergency. If you've lived in the East Metro for more than a week, you've probably ended up at Five Guys Woodbury MN. It’s tucked into that busy retail stretch near Valley Creek Mall, and honestly, it’s a bit of a local staple for a reason.
While most fast-food spots are busy trying to reinvent themselves with kale salads or "artisan" flatbreads that taste like cardboard, Five Guys just stays in its lane. They do burgers. They do fries. They give you way too many peanuts while you wait. That’s it. In a suburb like Woodbury where everything feels meticulously planned and perfectly landscaped, there’s something refreshing about a place that’s unapologetically greasy and loud.
What makes the Five Guys Woodbury MN experience different?
Woodbury isn't exactly hurting for burger options. You’ve got the local favorites, the high-end sit-down spots, and the drive-thrus that everyone knows by heart. But Five Guys occupies this weird, beautiful middle ground. It’s "fast-casual," which is basically code for "nicer than a drive-thru but you still have to fetch your own soda."
One thing you’ll notice the second you walk in is the noise. It’s not just the classic rock playing over the speakers; it’s the sound of the fryers and the staff shouting out order numbers. It feels alive. Unlike some of the other locations in the Twin Cities that can feel a bit cramped, the Woodbury layout is relatively spacious, though it still gets absolutely slammed during the Friday night rush. If you’re trying to grab a table at 6:15 PM on a game night, good luck. You’re going to be hovering over someone finishing their milkshake like a vulture.
The "Woodbury tax" is real in a lot of places—prices seem to creep up just because of the zip code—but the pricing here is consistent with the rest of the metro. It's not cheap. Let’s be real. If you’re getting a bacon cheeseburger, a large fry, and a drink, you’re looking at a bill that rivals a sit-down meal at a casual bistro. But the sheer volume of food is the equalizer.
The "Little" Burger Myth
Here is a pro tip that people new to Woodbury often miss: a "Little" burger at Five Guys is actually a normal-sized burger. The regular burgers come with two patties. Unless you’re trying to enter a localized food coma, the "Little" version is usually plenty.
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The customization is where people get overwhelmed. There are over 250,000 possible ways to order a burger there. You want grilled jalapeños? Fine. Extra pickles? Sure. A1 sauce? Go for it. They don't charge for toppings (except bacon and cheese, obviously), which is a psychological win. It makes you feel like you’re gaming the system, even though you’re paying $12 for a burger.
Let’s talk about those fries
The fries are the main event. If you look at the whiteboard near the counter at the Five Guys Woodbury MN location, they’ll actually tell you where the potatoes came from that day. Usually, it’s a farm in Idaho or Washington. It’s a small detail, but it adds a layer of transparency you don’t get when you’re eating a mystery nugget elsewhere.
They use peanut oil. This is non-negotiable. If you have a peanut allergy, this is unfortunately the one place in Woodbury you absolutely have to avoid. For everyone else, that oil is what gives the fries that specific "boardwalk" texture—crispy on the outside, basically mashed potatoes on the inside.
- The "Topper" Scoop: When they put your fries in the cup, they aren't done. They grab another massive metal scoop and dump a mountain of extra fries into the brown paper bag. It’s a signature move.
- Cajun vs. Five Guys Style: The Cajun seasoning isn't just a light dusting; it’s a lifestyle choice. It’s salty, spicy, and will leave your fingers stained orange for three days.
- The Grease Factor: The bag will turn translucent. Do not put that bag on your car’s leather seats. Seriously. Use the floor mats or bring a towel.
The Woodbury team is usually pretty generous with the "extra" scoop. I've been to locations in other states where they’re a bit stingy, but the crew here seems to understand the assignment. They know we’re here for the excess.
Why Woodbury residents keep coming back
Woodbury is a town of convenience. We love our big-box stores and our sprawling parking lots. This location is perfectly positioned for the "post-Target" or "post-Home Depot" refueling mission.
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There’s also a level of consistency that’s hard to find. You know exactly what that burger is going to taste like. It doesn't matter if it's a freezing January afternoon or a humid July evening. The quality control is tight. This is likely due to the franchise’s strict "no freezers" policy. Everything is fresh. You won't find a microwave in that building. That matters in a world where everything feels increasingly processed.
Navigating the Woodbury location like a pro
Parking can be a nightmare. Let’s just be honest about it. That specific lot off Valley Creek Road is a chaotic puzzle of SUVs and delivery drivers. If you’re going during peak hours, park a little further back near the other shops and walk. It’ll save you the headache of trying to back out of a spot while someone in a minivan is tailgating you.
Ordering ahead is the move. The Five Guys app is actually decent. You can place your order while you’re still at the office or finishing up at the gym, and it’ll be ready when you walk in. Well, mostly. They don't actually drop the fries into the oil until you physically arrive. They do this to make sure the fries are hot, which is great for your taste buds but annoying if you’re in a massive hurry. Budget an extra five minutes for the "fry wait."
- Check the bags: Before you leave the counter, make sure you have napkins. You’re going to need ten times more than you think.
- The Shake Hack: You can mix as many flavors as you want into the milkshakes. Bacon in a chocolate shake sounds weird until you try it. Then it's a game changer.
- Seating: If the main area is full, check the high-top counters. People tend to linger at the tables, but the counters move fast.
Is it actually "healthy"?
Kinda? No. Not really. But you can make it work if you’re doing the low-carb thing. You can order any burger "all the way" and ask for a lettuce wrap or a bowl. It’s actually one of the better keto-friendly options in the Woodbury area because the ingredients are fresh. Just avoid the fries. But let’s be real: going to Five Guys and avoiding the fries is like going to a concert and wearing earplugs. You’re missing the point.
The caloric density of a meal here is legendary. A standard cheeseburger is around 840 calories. Add a regular fry (roughly 950 calories) and you’ve basically hit your daily limit in twenty minutes. It’s a "treat yourself" destination, not a "daily lunch" spot—unless you have the metabolism of a high school athlete.
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The Verdict on Five Guys Woodbury MN
There are flashier places to eat in the 55125 and 55129 zip codes. There are places with better lighting and quieter atmospheres. But for a straightforward, high-quality burger that actually tastes like beef and fries that are cut by a human being in the back room, this is the spot.
It’s reliable. It’s messy. It’s expensive for fast food, but cheap for a "good" burger. In a city that is constantly changing and growing, there’s a weird comfort in knowing that the brown paper bag is always going to be greasy and the fries are always going to be overflowing.
If you're planning a visit, here is your immediate action plan:
- Go during the "off" hours: Try 2:00 PM or after 8:00 PM to avoid the suburban rush and actually get a table.
- Download the app: Save yourself the ten minutes of standing awkwardly by the peanut boxes.
- One fry for two people: Unless you’re trying to set a record, a "Large" fry is genuinely enough to feed a small family. A "Little" fry is plenty for one person.
- The "All The Way" Rule: Just do it. It includes mayo, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, ketchup, and mustard. It’s the standard for a reason.
Stop overthinking your lunch. Sometimes the best choice is just the one that involves a massive amount of potatoes and a double-patty burger.