An Early Look at NYC’s First Steak ‘N Shake

Tomorrow morning at 10 a.m., New York’s first Steak ‘n Shake will open its doors on Broadway between 53rd and 54th streets, right next to the Ed Sullivan Theater. The exact time is important, of course, because, as we mentioned earlier this week, the Midwestern chain will give their first 150 customers free Steak ‘n Shake meals for a year! (Public service announcement: Weather Channel currently predicts rain, so be prepared.) So what exactly can Midtown Lunchers expect?

Chances are, if you’re from the Midwest, you probably think you have a pretty good idea, but apparently this new store will be a slight departure from the diner-style restaurant you are used to. Steak ‘n Shake Signature is a takeout joint with limited seating and offers a pared-down menu. Along with the standard $3.99 original double cheese ‘n fries combo (two thin patties topped with American cheese and standard fixings), they are introducing the signature steak burger ‘n fries combo, which is a 6 oz organic beef steak burger topped with American cheese and standard toppings. Clocking in at $5.99, the signature steak burger combo is (amazingly) the most expensive food item available. Other specialty steak burgers ‘n fries offerings may look familiar, though, including the grilled portobello ‘n swiss ($4.99), fresh guacamole ($4.99), western bbq ‘n bacon ($4.79) and the frisco melt ($5.49).

Hand-dipped shakes start at $2.99, and beer and wine also make an appearance on the menu, ranging in price from $3.50 to $15. In fact, that $15 glass of Darioush Cabarnet from 2008 is, by far, the most expensive item on the menu, and the only item over $10.

I’m told the prices at Steak ‘n Shake franchises nationwide are exactly the same, which is pretty cool considering the rent they must be paying in Times Square, and they’re operating under a price freeze this year, which makes this a Midtown Lunch for the foreseeable future. Want to see more? Eater did a really comprehensive piece with more photos, so check them out for additional details. And, we’ll see you on Thursday to see what all the hubbub is all about!

Steak ‘n Shake, 1695 Broadway btw 53+54, 212-247-6584

20 Comments

  • has the economy gotten so bad that white people are working there? maybe they’re trainers or something.

  • I could go for an avocado burger….and a $15 glass of wine. LOL.

    But seriously, avocado burger.

  • I really don’t understand the economics of this, but whatever. I’ll hike over after the mobs of homeless people have cleared.

    FragileThisSideUp12: slumber party @steaknshake tonite RT @hobojoe409 @OlderEnglish800 awwwwww yeaaahhhhh

  • So they let you in, but didn’t let you eat? That wasn’t nice of them.

    • Not exactly … they were very gracious, but I elected not to eat. You see, it’s not particularly useful for ML readers to know how the food tasted at a special event. You need to know how the burgers will be at lunchtime on any given day. So, expect a food post after they open and we have a chance to sample the food a bit. Cool?

      See you there on Thursday!

      • Who turns down food?

      • elected not to eat? Zach please rip up her food blogger ID.

      • It’s still their food! After all, they won’t have special versions of meat and cheese and shakes and fries for you guys. Sure, maybe a little extra care will go into it, but at least you get a feel for what it ought to be like. Plus, yeah, free food.

        I’ll be on the opposite corner getting a Torta Cubana tomorrow, marveling at the ridiculous lines at the S&SS.

      • Rachel – kudos for maintaining ML integrity and not taking the free food.

      • what Rachel did has nothing to do with “integrity.” She would have lost her “integrity” if she got free food, raved about it(regardless of how it tasted) and didn’t disclose that she received it for free.

      • Nothing wrong with free food at all. Heck, I just want pictures of what they are serving up.

      • I’m of the opinion that bloggers never turn down the opportunity to effectively yell “SCOOPED”!

      • Besides, its lack of cost wasn’t the reason given for turning it down.

        Otherwise, what Steve said: “They gave us free food, and while you can take it with a grain of salt, my opinion was…”. Alongside a few photos, boom! Instant classic post.

    • Fuck photos of PR food put together for a bunch of grubby bloggers. We’ll go on Thursday and eat the food they’re serving to the real customers and post photos of that…

      • Which definition of grubby are you going for?

        1. Dirty; grimy
        2. Infested with grubs
        3. Contemptible; despicable

      • Eesh. You can’t do both?

        We’re all well aware that the food given to PR people in a controlled setting is going to be in somewhat better shape than when the kitchen is slammed, but it’s the same food – they’re giving you the same fries and burgers, and certainly not making them bigger.

  • I am still a not certain that having a Steak n Shake in midtown is either good or bad. It’s so strange to have beer and wine on a list of fast food burgers and fries. I might have to give it a go, just to see what the fuss is all about.

  • Prices indicate bulk food supplied by the low bidder.

    Target audiences: students, tourists, hobos, food bloggers

    (placed in order of both potential future income and usefulness to society)

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