Today I had lunch at the Shake Shack, which if you aren't versed in Manhattan eats, is the very hyped, uber crowded outdoor dining joint in Madison Square Park. I've eaten there in the past, but didn't pay close attention at the time. This time around I have a couple tips to pass along, just in case anyone out there is considering a Shake Shack snack.
Tip #1 - Get there before Noon. Ideally at 11:30am. Unless, of course, you enjoy waiting for over an hour in line to get a hamburger. Because sometimes that's fun too.
Tip #2 - Unless you're a really big fan of "secret sauce" you should probably just get a cheeseburger instead of a Shackburger. Double cheeseburger? $6.50 each. Shackburger? $7.75 each. Both have lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and two burger patties. So essentially you're paying $1.25 for ketchup mixed with mayo.
Tip #3 - The Double Stack and Shack Stack burgers are, in theory, amazing. The Double Stack is a cheeseburger topped with a deep fried portabello mushroom which has been stuffed with two kinds of cheese. Yes, you read that correctly. Can't quite picture it? Let me help:
The Shack Stack adds another hamburger patty to the mix, just in case your arteries were a little too free-flowing. The first three bites? The way the cheese explodes out its deep fried mushroom envelope and merges with the hamburger patty and bun below? Heavenly. Unfortunately, as you keep chomping, the grease and oil start to build up, like a cholesterol-fueled Voltron, as the flavorful mix begins a civil war with your stomach. My suggestion? Split this baby with someone else if you're going to try it.
In the grand scheme of NYC burgers, I'm not on board with Shake Shack as my favorite. Burger Joint in the Parker Meridien is my #1 in NYC, with good ol' In N' Out still my all-time fav. Care to disagree? I'm all ears.
