Background: The first Shake Shack was opened in 2004 in Madison Square Park in New York City. Founded by New York Restauranteur Danny Meyer (Famous for Eleven Madison Park & Union Square Cafe), Shake Shack now is a publicly traded company with locations in over 10 major metropolitan cities around the world.
Order This: You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu, but if it's your first time you have only two options: The SmokeShack or the 'Shroom Burger. The SmokeShack is the Jesus of the hamburgers, with cheese, smoked bacon, chopped cherry pepper and ShackSauce. The words here do not do justice to just how good this burger is. The biggest mistake is only ordering one - because you're guaranteed to want another but there is another hour long line to wait through. The other option is the 'Shroom Burger, which is a portobello mushroom filled with melted cheese and deep fried. The first bite of this beauty will have you starting your own hipster food blog with a title something like "Shroomnami" or "Shroomapotamus".
They are also known for their crinkle cut fries, which are really good but slightly overrated when some people call them "the best fries in the world." They are definitely extremely good, but they aren't the best you've ever had. I recommend ordering them with cheese on top.
The hot dogs are good as well, but don't waste your time when you can have a SmokeShack or 'Shroom Burger.
Dessert: The other main reason besides the burgers to visit Shake Shack is their custard. They have chocolate and vanilla every day, along with a special flavor which they change once a week. The last time we were there they had a pumpkin pie flavor, which was amazing. I highly recommend getting a concrete (custard with mix-ins) with chocolate truffle cookie dough.
Drink: Brooklyn Brewery has crafted an exclusive beer for Shack Shake called the ShackMeister Ale. They also have numerous local brews on tap at each of their locations.
Atmosphere: Nothing fancy, but all you need for some quality burger-eating time.
Southern Hospitality: The service is super polite, but expect to wait a while as everything is made to order.
Ollie's Notes: AHHHH BURGERS
Ranking: 4 out of 5
Et Cetera:
Check their website at www.shakeshack.com for the nearest location and hours.