Overall, I thought my meal from Smashburger offered the best combination of taste and value.
Before tax and tip, I spent $19.27 at Shake Shack, $17.85 at Five Guys, and $18.57 at Smashburger.
Shake Shack gave me a complete meal with dessert within my budget. Nothing stood out as especially memorable, but it felt like a solid, reliable option at a reasonable price.
Five Guys had the lowest total and provided by far the most fries. However, its more expensive burger left no room in my budget for a shake, and the greasy fries and standard burger didn’t feel worth the price. Although I spent less overall, I felt like I received the least variety for my money.
For $0.70 less than Shake Shack, Smashburger gave me a burger, fries, and a thicker milkshake. Its burger tasted the freshest, and the thin, rosemary-seasoned fries were easily my favorite.
Ultimately, Smashburger made my $20 stretch the furthest without sacrificing taste. It offered the best meal, the most distinctive flavors, and the strongest overall value.
Business Insider reached out to Shake Shack, Five Guys, and Smashburger for comment.
