We tried Five Guys next to its biggest competitor — here's who does it best

The hamburger: It's the greasy, delicious, unabashedly all-American meal.

Within the past decade, burgers have experienced a renaissance.

No longer the derided fast-food staple, an entire better-burger industry has blossomed around the humble hamburger.

But there appears to be a divide in the field.

There are chains aiming to elevate the burger experience to the next level of dining, and those looking to serve big, no-fuss, quality burgers.

We've visited two fast-casual chains that exemplify both approaches — Smashburger and Five Guys, respectively. Here's what we've found:

Smashburger, with locations in 32 states and seven countries, is known for its wide array of interesting and high-quality burgers that go beyond the basic patty, cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

The menu is daunting. Premium ingredients like avocado and truffle oil make appearances, as do options other than burgers, like chicken sandwiches and salads. Everything hovers around the typical fast-casual price point, with burgers typically $7 to $9.

You order at the counter, then wait at a table for servers to bring your food. The system falls in comfortably between counter and table service, and the staff is incredibly friendly.