Last updated on January 26th, 2017 at 12:53 am
Who makes the best burger is a very touchy subject. I’d argue that discussions surrounding the subject matter can be even more intense than those concerning politics. And we all know how intense those discussions are now in the U.S. But, like many of that can appreciate a good burger, I keep a mental list of my favorites. Actually, I keep two mental lists, since it isn’t always fare to compare a $10 burger with a $25+ one. Currently, though, Shake Shack New York tops my list of best inexpensive burgers.
Our stop at Shake Shack in New York wasn’t actually a planned one. We stumbled up on the Fulton St. location entirely by accident as we made our way from the Financial District, up to the Brooklyn Bridge. Yeah, it’s not the original location, but good enough, right?
Service
Shake Shack operates much like any other burger joint. You go up to the counter, order your food, and pick it up when it’s ready. The employees we did interact with were all genuinely friendly and helpful. Despite not being a peak meal time, the Fulton Shake Shack was super busy when we visited. So understandably, wait times were a little long, but all things considered, our order was completed in a reasonable amount of time. Even better, Shake Shack uses pagers instead of forcing to wait around a listen for your name or number to be called.
Food
We weren’t terribly hungry, so we decided to just split a burger and fries. We went with a ShackBurger (cheeseburger, lettuce, tomato, ShackSauce) and regular fries. The wife also got a lemonade (forget the flavor), while I got a Chocolate Peppermint (seasonal) Shake.
The burgers are a little on the small-ish size, so if you’re hungry, definitely go for the double! In terms of flavor, though, I think Shake Shack burgers are perfect. The beef flavor is really great, and everything tastes fresh. It’s definitely a simple burger, so if you’re the type that loves ones loaded with toppings, Shake Shack might not be for you.
The Shakes at Shake Shack are also surprisingly good. They’re thick, but not too thick, and tastes like they’re made with high-quality ice cream. They’re my favorite shakes so far, next to those from my hometown burger joint, Teddy’s.
Final Thoughts
If you like a pure, honest burger, Shake Shack is definitely for your. If you like burgers more for what goes on it, then perhaps look elsewhere. The menu is small, so there isn’t a ton of variety, nor can you really customize your burger. But that’s ok.
Now, which is better, Shake Shack or In-N-Out? I’d have to give it to Shake Shack. I love In-N-Out too, especially animal style burgers, but I do prefer the pure beef flavor, and simplicity of Shake Shack Burgers. The fries and shakes are much better at Shake Shack too. I only wish they’d open a location in Honolulu…
A Big Apple Holiday Adventure
- Introduction
- Alaska Airlines HNL-SEA
- Alaska Air N Terminal Lounge + SEA-JFK
- Renaissance New York Midtown
- Getting Around in New York
- Restaurant Review: Noreetuh
- CityPass New York City
- Big Apple Day 2: Rockefeller, Central Park, Times Square
- Review: Michale White’s Marea
- Review: Sushi Nakazawa
- Review: Jane Restaurant
- Big Apple Day 3: Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge
- Shake Shack
If you ever get to the midwest try Culvers. Like Shake Shack, but better.
Hmm, never heard of that one. Will have to check it out when I finally make it out that way… Thanks, Beth!
Five Guys is better than both. The other two are about as overrated as it gets.
I’ll get In-N-Out while out west and I always wish it was Five Guys instead.
lol. you know Jeff, we tried the Five Guys here on Oahu, and we didn’t care for it. Paid over $40 for two burgers, 1 order of fries, and two shakes. The shakes reminded me of McDonalds and the burgers were ok, though I didn’t put much on mine. Locally, I prefer to go to Kua’Aina for a great burger, or Teddy’s Bigger Burgers for the best shakes and tater tots! But each to their own :)
KH46,
Five Guys does make a solid burger. I also enjoy Smash Burger. If I lived on the West Coast, I would go to In-N-Out all the time, I do like the animal style burgers. I’m sure you have had one but a Marriott Burger is pretty solid too.
KS77, I’d say Five Guys isn’t bad :). I was just stunned when I paid $40 for 2 burgers, 1 fries, and 2 shakes the one time I went to a location here in Hawaii. That same $40 got me two burgers (both with avocado; and one even had a hash brown in it), onion rings, tater tots (super crispy!), a fountain drink, and a super thick shake from local chain Teddy’s Bigger Burgers. Plus Teddy’s is an Alaska Mileage Plan/AAdvantage Dining Network partner, so I earned 120 miles off my purchase. Locally, it’s Teddy’s for the win! I do love me my In-N-Out animal style burgers too, though. Never had a Marriott Burger, unfortunately… Closest was a Bistro Burger at the Courtyard in Kahului… it was the most mediocre burger I’ve ever had. But it did come from a CY Bistro… so… yeah lol
Almost everything from a CY Bistro is mediocre! The only reason to eat at one is either, it’s late at night and you don’t feel like leaving the hotel, or it’s early in the morning and you don’t have time to go out for breakfast. Too bad you can’t get some good pancakes like at Mac 24/7. The cinnamon sugar somethingorother one was delicious!
Yes! In our case, I wasn’t feeling that great and didn’t want to chance going out. So crappy hotel food it was! If you like Mac 24/7, you should check out Moke’s in Kailua next time you’re in Oahu. GREAT Lilikoi Pancakes, and you can get a prime rib moco. Also like Lee Anne Wong’s Koko Head Cafe in Kaimuki.
Yes! In our case, I wasn’t feeling too good and didn’t want to chance going out. So, Crappy hotel food it was! If you love Mac 24/7, though, you should checkout Moke’s in Kailua next time you’re in Oahu. GREAT lilikoi pancakes, and you can get a prime rib version of a loco moco. I do also like Lee Anne Wong’s Koko Head Cafe.