Officially Bunless: The Five Guys Promise
Five Guys is renowned for its straightforward menu and extensive customization options. What many people don't realize is that these customization options extend to the buns themselves, catering to those who choose to avoid bread. Whether you're cutting carbs, have a gluten intolerance, or simply prefer a lighter meal, Five Guys has made it a standard practice to accommodate bunless requests. They even highlight these options on their mobile app and online menu.
Unlike a complex secret menu item, ordering bunless is a simple and common request that staff are trained to handle. The two primary methods for receiving your bunless burger are a sturdy lettuce wrap or a convenient aluminum bowl, both allowing for your choice of their signature toppings.
Your Two Main Options: Lettuce Wrap vs. Bowl
When you order a burger without a bun at Five Guys, you have two official presentation styles to choose from. Both options provide the same delicious, hand-formed patties and free toppings but offer a different eating experience.
The Lettuce Wrap
The lettuce wrap is a handheld option that provides a fresh, crunchy texture to complement the savory burger patty. It consists of the burger patty and all your chosen toppings wrapped snugly in large, crisp lettuce leaves. This is a popular choice for those who prefer the traditional burger-eating experience but without the added carbohydrates of the bun. It can be a little messier than a standard burger, so be sure to grab extra napkins.
The "No Bun Bowl"
The "no bun bowl" is the alternative for those who prefer to use a fork. The patties, cheese, bacon, and all your selected toppings are served in an aluminum bowl, resembling a burger salad. This can be a cleaner and easier way to enjoy your meal, especially if you plan on loading up on extra toppings like grilled onions, mushrooms, and jalapeños. It also works perfectly for mixing everything up and eating it with ease.
How to Build Your Bunless Masterpiece
Ordering a bunless burger is a breeze. Here is a simple step-by-step process:
- Step 1: Choose your burger base (e.g., Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Bacon Burger, Little Hamburger). The "Little" versions are single patties, while the standard burgers come with two.
- Step 2: Explicitly state "no bun" and request either a "lettuce wrap" or a "no bun bowl."
- Step 3: Add your free toppings. Five Guys offers a wide variety, including mayo, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, jalapeño peppers, and various sauces. Toppings like bacon and cheese are added extras, but all vegetable toppings are free.
- Step 4: Don't forget your fries! Five Guys fries are cooked in pure peanut oil in dedicated fryers, meaning they are a safe, gluten-free option. However, cross-contamination is always a risk.
Five Guys Bunless vs. Regular: A Comparison
| Feature | Bunless (Lettuce Wrap or Bowl) | Regular (With Bun) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | Minimal (from toppings) | Significant (around 39g from bun alone) |
| Convenience | Bowl is easy with a fork; wrap can be messy | Standard handheld burger experience |
| Calories | Lower (e.g., ~370 for a Little Bacon Cheeseburger) | Higher (e.g., ~690 for a Little Bacon Cheeseburger) |
| Flavor | Focuses on the patty and toppings | Combination of beef, toppings, and bun |
| Dietary Restriction | Accommodates low-carb and gluten-free diets | Not suitable for gluten-free diets |
Nutritional Considerations and Customization
By removing the bun, you are essentially reducing the calorie and carbohydrate load of your meal, making it more aligned with low-carb and keto diets. A Bunless Little Bacon Cheeseburger, for example, contains around 370 calories and just 1g of carbs. Your final nutritional profile will depend heavily on your topping choices. For a lean option, load up on vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños. For a richer, high-fat keto meal, add cheese, bacon, and mayo. For more detailed information on nutrition, it is best to review the official resources available on the Five Guys website.
Conclusion: Enjoying Five Guys Your Way
The ability to get a Five Guys burger without the bun is a testament to the brand's commitment to customization and customer satisfaction. It opens up a world of possibilities for those on specific diets or with allergies, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. By simply requesting your burger in a lettuce wrap or a bowl, you can experience the same great taste and quality without compromising your dietary needs. So next time you find yourself at Five Guys, don't hesitate to order it your way—bunless, with all the toppings you can handle.
