I went to Shake Shack, Five Guys, and Smashburger with a $20 budget. One chain offered the best food and the most value.

A meal at Shake Shack

Shake Shack began as a hot-dog cart in New York City’s Madison Square Park and became a permanent kiosk in 2004. I ordered a $7.79 ShackBurger with an Angus beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce.

The sauce tasted creamy and tangy, while the crinkle-cut fries were crisp outside and well salted. A vanilla shake cost $6.49; its classic flavor was pleasant, but I found the texture thin and watery.

The meal came to $19.27 before tax and tip. Though not especially inventive, it tasted good and included dessert while staying within the $20 budget.

Five Guys costs add up

Five Guys was opened in Arlington, Virginia, in 1986 by Jerry and Janie Murrell. The family-owned business now has a global presence. Its burgers come with a choice of included toppings rather than a standard set.

The patty had lightly crisp edges, and the cheese melted into the meat. I found it the most like traditional fast food of the three burgers, and its similarity to McDonald’s made the higher price harder to justify.

A Little Fry cost $5.30. The fries tasted good but seemed oily; the Five Guys website says they are soaked in water and absorb less oil during cooking. With the burger and fries, there was no room in the budget for a milkshake, so I ordered a $3.30 Diet Coke. The total was $17.85 before tax and tip.

What the account says about Smashburger

Smashburger was founded in Denver in 2007 and is owned by Jollibee Group, a Philippine-based restaurant company. Its portfolio also includes Jollibee and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

I had eaten there before, but it had been years since my last visit. I remembered little about that experience. I thought Smashburger’s burger tasted freshest of the three, and I enjoyed its fries. The account does not give prices or a total for this meal.