The Experience: The Shake Shack empire continues its quick expansion across the globe, but nowhere is its influence more prevalent than in its birthplace of New York City. Despite the fact that Grand Central Station has in its food court a Shake Shack outpost, Danny Myers’ rapidly growing burger chain opened only three blocks away in the northwest corner of Murray Hill. Is there any truer display of burger dominance than slinging patties in two locations within close proximity? If there is, I don’t know it. So in honor of this new midtown burger oasis, I decided to revisit the NYC hamburger staple.
Burger Ordered: The Shackburger
The Taste: People ask me all the time what I think of Shake Shack, and I usually say that it is a competent burger in a city of both inferior and superior options. But upon eating my Shackburger from the new location, I couldn’t help but appreciate Shake Shack anew. Much in the same way that I respect Budweiser for putting out a beer that has to satisfy countless drinkers at a low price point, Shake Shack really should be commended for producing a quality burger, time in and time out, at a growing number of locations for less than five bucks. I especially came to appreciate the potato rolls used on Shackburgers, as their softness comforted me as my mind drifted from burger deliciousness to the workload I would return to in the afternoon.
The Verdict: Shake Shack makes good on its promise of tasty burgers at locations all over New York City (and now in many other cities across the globe) at a very fair price. For more gourmet versions of the burger, Myers’ restaurant group offers plenty of options. But for the money, there are few better than this standard bearer.
Shake Shack is located at 600 3rd Avenue in Manhattan, New York.
