Bites Nearby

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Hyattsville Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice:

There are sometimes when a Panini just won’t do it.

I know, I know Hyattsville, we all love our health food. But there are moments of weakness when you just must have a hamburger.

A really greasy hamburger, with cheese … and anything else you want … and a handful of peanuts while you’re waiting … and enough hand cut French fries to require a doggie bag.

McDonald’s has great snack burgers—the kind you get when you need a quick fix—and Franklin’s has its delicious king-size burgers, but by far, the best fattening fix comes from Five Guys Burgers and Fries at University Town Center.

I’ve ordered the regular size burger and the little burger, and while both are sinful, the smaller one is definitely enough to fill you up. The meat is high quality (you’re not going to get organic or free range beef here, but the distributor buys raw materials from the major U.S. meat suppliers who follow procedures set forth by the USDA) and the toppings are always fresh.

As a “cheese freak” I feel comfortable saying that the cheese melted into these burgers is a cut above.

And the fries? They come from places around the country and a sign inside the restaurant will let you know if it’s Idaho, Wyoming or wherever that particular day. These taters are deep fried in peanut oil, which while healthier than other types is also higher in monounsaturated fat than say, olive oil.

Anyhow, you’ll get a ton of these fresh, delectable fries and probably have to take them home—with a cup of malt vinegar you can also pick up at Five Guys.

The place is clean and the clerks are friendly. It’s a quick walk from most places in Hyattsville and the Prince George’s Plaza Metro station. You can also place your order online.

6451 America Blvd. 301-209-0880. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Prices for burgers: $3.69 to $6.59.