Your Guide to Ordering a Lettuce Wrapped Burger at 5 Guys
For anyone on a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diet, dining out at a fast-food restaurant can be challenging. Fortunately, Five Guys stands out for its customizability, making it one of the most accessible options for dietary modifications. This includes offering any of their burgers prepared as a lettuce wrap, providing a juicy, flavorful alternative to the traditional bun. This guide will walk you through exactly how to place your order, what to expect, and how to maximize your bunless burger experience.
How to Order Your Lettuce Wrap
Placing your order is straightforward, whether you are at the counter or using the Five Guys app. The key is to specify your request clearly. When ordering in person, simply ask for your chosen burger—for example, a "bacon cheeseburger, lettuce wrapped" or "little hamburger, no bun." The staff is accustomed to these requests, and you will receive your burger neatly wrapped in crisp, large lettuce leaves. If you prefer to eat with a fork and knife, you can ask for your bunless burger in a bowl, which is a great option for minimizing mess. The Five Guys app also includes a customization option to remove the bun and add toppings as desired.
Maximizing Your Flavor with Low-Carb Toppings
One of the best parts of the Five Guys experience is the generous list of free toppings. This is where you can truly build a fantastic, satisfying meal without the bun. Beyond the standard lettuce and tomato, you can load up on a variety of low-carb, flavor-packed additions.
- Veggies: Grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, jalapeño peppers, and green peppers add significant flavor and texture.
- Condiments: Yellow mustard, mayo, and hot sauce are great choices. You'll want to avoid sugary condiments like ketchup and BBQ sauce to keep the carb count low.
- Crunch: Pickles and fresh onions provide a welcome crunch.
- Cheese & Bacon: American cheese and crispy bacon are staples that pack in flavor and fat, making your low-carb meal even more satisfying.
What to Expect: Mess vs. Bowl
As many low-carb diners will tell you, a lettuce-wrapped burger can be a bit of a "delicious, sloppy mess". The multiple, juicy patties and generous toppings can lead to some drips, so be prepared with extra napkins. For a less messy experience, especially if you're eating at a table, the "bunless bowl" is the perfect alternative. Your burger patties and toppings will arrive in an aluminum foil-lined bowl, which is much easier to manage with a fork.
Lettuce Wrap vs. Bunless Bowl
| Feature | Lettuce Wrap | Bunless Bowl |
|---|---|---|
| Portability | Designed for on-the-go eating, though can be messy. | Best for dining in; difficult to eat while driving. |
| Cleanliness | Expect it to be a bit messy and require multiple napkins. | Significantly cleaner; uses a fork and knife to eat. |
| Assembly | Burger is pre-wrapped in lettuce leaves for you. | Contents are served in a metal foil bowl. |
| Keto Experience | Closest to the traditional burger-holding experience. | A more deconstructed, salad-like meal, but equally flavorful. |
| Best For | Those who want to maintain the feeling of eating a handheld burger. | People who prioritize a mess-free meal and prefer to use cutlery. |
The Nutritional Advantage of Going Bunless
The most significant advantage of ordering a lettuce-wrapped burger is the dramatic reduction in carbs and calories. The sesame seed bun at Five Guys contains approximately 39 grams of carbohydrates alone. By removing the bun, you can enjoy a hearty, protein-rich meal with minimal impact on your carb count. For example, a standard bunless cheeseburger has just 1 gram of carbs, saving you from a significant carb load. The exact nutrition will vary based on your choice of burger and toppings, but the bunless option is unequivocally a healthier, low-carb choice.
Other Low-Carb Options at Five Guys
While the lettuce-wrapped burger is a popular choice, it's not the only low-carb option. You can also order hot dogs without the bun, which can be wrapped in lettuce or served in a bowl. For vegetarians, the veggie sandwich can also be made bunless and lettuce-wrapped, though you should be mindful of toppings if you're strictly following a low-carb diet. The fries, however, are a no-go for keto or low-carb plans as they are high in carbohydrates, but the customizable bunless burgers and dogs ensure there is still a delicious meal to be had.
Conclusion
In short, can I get a lettuce wrapped burger at 5 Guys? Yes, absolutely. It is a simple and standard request that staff members are prepared for. Whether you choose the portable lettuce wrap or the tidier bunless bowl, you can build a satisfying and flavorful burger with all the toppings you love, all while adhering to your low-carb or gluten-free dietary needs. With plenty of options for customization, Five Guys proves that you don't have to sacrifice flavor for health-conscious eating when grabbing a quick bite.
One more tip: To avoid any mistakes, it's a good idea to confirm your order as "no bun" and "lettuce wrapped" with the cashier, just to ensure the message is clear to the cooks. Some customers have reported receiving their bunless order on a bun by mistake, so a quick confirmation can prevent any issues.
