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Burger upgrade in UTC

Not really that "chowish", but perhaps newsworthy to some.

Burger King at the UTC Mall closed sometime in the past year. I don't know how I'll ever survive. Meanwhile, I discovered that the former Diva Flowers location in the Costa Verde Center will become a Five Guys. Interesting choice for a location.

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  1. Yeah I was at UTC yesterday and saw that Burger King had closed. But like you said I'm sure most people on this board won't be missing it.

    What's everyones opinion on Five Guys? From what I've heard seems most people prefer In and Out in terms of fast food burgers.

    Would be nice if a decent burger shop opened in the UTC area, one where the meat doesn't taste like cardboard and they actually cook the burger medium rare.

    16 Replies
    1. re: mliew

      IIRC, Five Guys sells commodity meat burgers.

      1. re: Josh

        Of course they do, Josh, and I was going to mention that but thought that putting in a "note for Josh" was being a little too mean to you. :)

        Considering that particular location, I don't think that the commodity meat issue is going to make much of a difference. "Tastes good", "good bang for the buck", and "cool place to be" are going to be the major factors there.

        1. re: RB Hound

          So it fails on all three counts. :-)

          1. re: RB Hound

            Thanks for the info, that parking lot is a nightmare at lunch as it is, this will probably take it over the edge. I hit bristol famrs for lunch/groceries once in a while and after noon it is imposible (read o'brians). Usually go to the MIHO truck if I'm craving a burger, they are in the area twice a week, but i'm willing to give 5 guys a try.

            1. re: stevuchan

              Secret parking information for the Costa Verde Center:

              1. If there are *any* outside spots to be had outside Bristol Farms, they are in area along the entrance drive from Nobel (near Coco's, the southmost part of the lot).

              2. Many people discount the garage, but usually there are quite few spots there.

              1. re: RB Hound

                The underground garage is pretty useful for finding parking, esp mid-day. It's almost funny sometimes how people tend to congregate on the lot above it.

                1. re: daantaat

                  Invariably, I see somebody waiting around for a spot above, and after I drive down to the garage, park, and walk upstairs, I see them *still* waiting.

                  1. re: daantaat

                    Was not aware of a subterranean parking, and I'm usually very observant. Duh. Thanks for pointing it out.

                    1. re: stevuchan

                      Entrance #1: up top, near the Roy's.

                      Entrance #2: on the lower level, just past the Apollonia Greek Bistro, right before you head up the ramp.

                      Apollonia Greek Bistro
                      8650 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92122

                2. re: stevuchan

                  Never had trouble in the underground lot. It's usually more than half empty.

                3. re: RB Hound

                  Hey, at least Josh is consistant. On the Five Guys thing, they're a flat patty style burger cooked well done and the fries are stick like. You're correct, it's a good value compared to the other fast food burger chains and it is a cool place to be. You should try them, but I can't imagine you'll go back often.

                  1. re: cstr

                    I'm sure I'll give it a try at some point, but I'm not *that* excited about it. Quite simply, I cannot afford to have too many burgers in my diet.

                    It's a good thing I don't still live essentially on top of that mall, though (Costa Verde Towers). It would have been too convenient (much like La Salsa was).

                    1. re: RB Hound

                      Just don't exclude an occasional patty melt!

              2. re: mliew

                Not impressed with 5 Guys. The burger is like a glorified Wendy's patty. Fries are quite good, but you must eat them on the spot. They get way soggy way fast if you leave them in the bag. I'd much rather enjoy a Smashburger! 3 locations in the SD area:

                1. La Jolla
                Prospect St. & Girard Ave.
                1000 Prospect St.

                2. Del Mar
                Camino Del Mar & 15th
                1555 Camino Del Mar

                3. Mission Valley
                Hwy 163 & Friars Rd.
                7610 Hazard Center

                Huge selection, including chicken sandwiches and entree salads. Nice variety of sides with some unique offerings. Pretty much totally yummy!


                1. re: GroovinGourmet

                  As long as we're listing other burger places, I have to say that while I found Smashburger to be ok, The Counter in Carlsbad is far superior.

                  1923 Calle Barcelona
                  Carlsbad CA 92009

                  1. re: karaethon

                    I quite enjoyed the Counter on my first visit, but on my second visit, I had a dry hockey-puck like turkey burger. I think they just overcooked it but I was too lazy to send it back. As an FYI, there is a new outpost of the Counter opening in the strip mall at the corner of Del Mar Heights and El Camino. Also saw signs up for a place called "Urban Plates" in the same mall. Not sure what that's going to be.

              3. I've never been to a Five Guys, but I know that they use peanut oil for frying. If done right, that has the potential to make their fries vastly superior to most other chains.

                1 Reply
                1. re: Encinitan

                  My one and only time eating at Five Guys, I found their fries to be relatively thick-cut and quite soft. While I prefer crispy, skinny fries, I realize many people really love their fries. To each his own. Personally, I don't think it's worth a return visit, unless reaaaaally desperate.

                2. Perhaps I am a bit biased considering I remember eating at 5 guys when they were a still a single location business..started in Northern Virginia....But I love 5 guys burgers. Fries I pass on, but the burgers are amazing. I don't eat fast food more than a few times a year, but they are head and shoulders better than in and out and fat burger.

                  1. Upgrade in the sense that one chain offering commodity meat is being replaced with another chain offering commodity meat?


                    1 Reply