Five Guys Burgers and Fries have picked up no small share of plaudits during their two decades of business around the country.

The chain was launched in Virginia but has spread to some 1,200 locations, including 2950 Ryan St., Lake Charles.

“Fine dining of hamburgers,” is what The State of Columbia, S.C., said of Five Guys.

They’ve been selected as best burger by various publications around the country: boston.com; Capital Living Region Magazine in New York state; New Hampshire Magazine; Washingtonian Magazine.

We had our own nice things to say about Five Guys after our visit this week. Five Guys is a fun, tasty and friendly place to eat, certain of its identity and eager to please its customers.

Food is cooked in plain view of the customer, service is cheerful and prompt, and the dining area stays clean.

I selected the veggie sandwich, which included green pepper, onion, tomato, mushroom and lettuce, served on a sesame seed bun. The sandwich was filling and tasty.

My dining partners, Michael Cooper and my daughter, Tess, selected the cheeseburger and kosher style hotdog. Cooper said his cheeseburger was “well done” — that’s the house standard — but not overdone. “It was juicy, but a little messy, but that’s my fault because I added barbecue sauce. The jalapenos, he said, still had “some fire” to them, reflecting freshness.

Tess found the kosher dog “hearty” and “flavorful,” a meal in itself.

All of us sampled the fries, mine served without salt because of a dietary restriction. (The fries, incidentally, have been chosen as “best fries” in places as diverse as Montana and New Jersey.) Tess added some malt vinegar, which she found pleasing.

The fries were a winner. They are cut on the premises and cooked in peanut oil, served crispy yet soft inside. There is a Cajun fries option.

Five Guys’ menu is not extensive. It includes burgers, dogs, sandwiches and fries, with some selections starting at $2.99 and topping out at $7.09.

You can pick up free peanuts to accompany your meal, but don’t look for shakes or desserts.

Open seven days from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., you can order online at fiveguys.com.

Of special note, Five Guys drink options include Sprite Zero, of special value to me because I cannot drink caffeine found in most dark soft drinks. Most area restaurants I’ve visited don’t give an option on a light-colored, diet soft drink.

Total bill for meals and drinks: $26.08.

If you go

• Five Guys is located at 2950 Ryan St.

• Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m., seven days.

• Information: 721-1903.

(Michael Cooper / American Press)

The Five Guys’ single burger with grilled onions