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Can someone explain the mystique of Shake Shack?
Posted: 3:38 pm, May 28th, 2009 in Eating in Other Areas of NYC
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18 Comments
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Someone told me yesterday that it's because it's in a park (because the lines at the UWS location aren't as crazy).
Anyway, I was just looking at the Shack Cam and there's no line. Go get yourself a Shackburger and really concentrate while you eat it. And know that you made a little girl cry today.
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I actually pass it 2-3 times per day when I walk my dog in the park, and even when there's 0 line, like last night or the night before, I am not tempted, at all, ever. 2 times last spring I ate there when I was out of food at home, and knew I couldn't bear another night of street meat from the 28th and Madison street meat truck. I had their chicago dog and fries one time and the shack burger and fries another. Both times, I was left shaking my head wondering what I did to the shack people, who clearly decided not to give me the magic spice mix that makes people ignore 90 degree heat, or pouring rain, to wait on that ridiculous line to eat the shack food. Maybe they could feel my hating vibe, though I thought I was pleasant to the workers when I ordered...
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The burgers are good, I find the meat to be really tasty. But I totally see your point about waiting in line, that's why I have only been there twice despite the fact that I am around the park about once a week. On the other hand, I eat from my local burger spot in Astoria, Petey's, all the time. Yeah, they serve an inferior (though very satisfying) burger, but its a fraction of the price and they deliver in about 15 minutes.
I think what I am trying to say is if you discount the hype, don't stand on line, and pretend you spent a couple bucks less, then you should enjoy Shake Shack.
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I refuse to wait in line for just about everything in the world, including Shake Shack, but it's still my favorite burger. To me, it is sized well, and the combination of ingredients works for my palate. Butter lettuce, buttery bun, tomato, shack sauce, properly cooked meat, just all works to create what I find to be the best burger experience I've had in NYC.
But I have never waited long in line because if the line extends beyond the rocks, I go somewhere else. For something else.
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agree completely, shake shack may be the most overhyped aspect of the already usually overhyped food scene here. I feel like this is exactly how most chains get their start, one place gets this huge cult following (it seems especially contagious in NY), next thing you know they're opening up a few branches in the city and at stadiums, 10 years from now the chicago midtown lunch correspondent will be lamenting the arrival of another generic shake shack burger chain where some interesting place once stood.
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i think its not just about the food its more the experience...your in the park..your waiting for food which kind of makes you hungrier as your wait...and lets be homnest its a pretty solid burger. its probably more fun if you go with friends and just enjoy and relax but i guess if you are just going alone trying to get a quick bite you should look elsewhere to satisfy your hunger...i still think its awesome though.
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I live nearby, and I really enjoy the Shack burger. As Yvo said, it is a solid burger, far better than average, and it is also very consistent. Every one I've had is really tasty. The price isn't so bad--the double shack is pretty filling, and I've paid more for worse burgers. I can't think of a better burger value in the area (quality for the price)--maybe Molly's if you want a big "bar" burger.
I agree the line is silly, and waiting an hour or so in line is not worth the hassle. Unless it's nice out because you're in the park chatting with friends, etc. Which makes it not so much of a "horrible wait in line" but just hanging out having a good time and anticipating a good burger. There is a huge working crowd in line on nice days, though, and I am amazed that they all have a long enough lunch break to spend in line.
Sometimes I will hang out in the Shack area tables working, and just the smell of the burgers is pretty satisfying. (Until I eventually break down and have to get something to eat!!!)
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I appreciate all of your insights. Personally, I would say Houston's around the corner on 27th and park has a far better burger, hands down, but that is likely to be viewed as blasphemy on this board....but there, I said it anyway. Houston's kicks shakeshack's ass when it comes to burgers! Plus, they make a nice honey mustard sauce for the fries if you are into that and you ask nicely....
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I never had it before. I really like burgers but Shake Shack? Ehhh. I'll avoid their hype for as long as I can. Haha. If anything, I haven't even eaten at Burger Joint @ Le Parker Meridien yet. They might be more worthy of trying.
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Agreed--Parker Meridian is on my "to try" list as well...I just need to make it a vacation day or half day friday priority.
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Shake Shack is one of my favorites but certainly not worth a wait like that. Go walk 4 blocks to Blue Smoke and get a burger there. It is identical to the Shake Shack burger but double or triple the size.
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Houston's does have a good burger, but the wait isn't that short. And, it's more of a big bar burger type, closer to Molly's. The Shack burger has that combo of good char and juiciness (as do Burger Joint burgers). Burger Joint and Shake Shack are probably my 2 favorite non-bar burgers in the city to date. Both places generally require a significant wait, though. 5 Guys is further down mu list, and I was disappointed by Blue 9 (smaller patty w/o a decent char or the juiciness of SS or BJ).
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Went there for the first time yesterday for lunch. I had heard the hype since I moved here last summer. I've got to admit it, it lived up to all the talk. The line moves fast (I went there @ 12:30 peak time and got my food before 1) and the food tastes like it was made 2 minutes before. The patty is incredibly juicy and delish, the bun is sweet and tasty, and they use very very fresh veggies. I also heartily enjoyed my vanilla shake, though I thought it was a little overpriced. The burger & fries were a good deal, esp considering the quality.
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I live a block off Madison Square Park. I see people lining up all hours of the day and night for the burgers, fries, and shakes. I've had the food. It is slightly above average, at best. There is not a hidden tribe of secret gourmet chefs in the basement of the building, so what gives? Why do people flock to this place like it's a burger mecca? It is not particularly cheap, nor is it anything to write home about. I call it a tourist trap, but I am hoping sommeone has some insight to prove me wrong...