Eating in New York: Shake Shack

When I was in New York this past summer, one of my favorite places to eat was Shake Shack. I had it for the first time on my way to Central Park and it was instant love! Honestly, that thick, juicy burger was seriously one of the best hamburgers I have ever had. I went back to the restaurant two more times during my visit to the Big Apple. Let’s just say, I’m kind of obsessed (come to Utah, puh-lease!).

Shake Shack originated as a food cart at Madison Square Garden and has since transformed into a chain restaurant, with locations scattered throughout the city (and several locations across the world!). For those unfamiliar with the fast food joint, Shake Shack has a similar style to In-N-Out or The Habit Burger Grill. Shake Shack offers a variety of hamburgers, fries, shakes and other delicious food. On an average day, you can often see a line of people stretching out the door!

Upon entering one of the restaurants you will be greeted with a HUGE menu on the wall (no more squinting at the tiny letters behind the counter) with a heap of options. How to choose something to settle on is the question. I guess that’s why you gotta keep coming back to try everything, right? Personally I don’t think you can go wrong with a classic ShackBurger and fries (did I mention they are crinkle cut?!) with one of their creamy shakes on the side, although the chicken sandwiches look pretty dang good too. As for seating, the restaurants all have huge seating areas so you won’t usually have a problem finding a place to sit, unless of course you are dining at the restaurant during the heat of the summer then you might be hard pressed (Central Park picnic anyone? – I mean who doesn’t want a thick chocolate cookie dough concrete on a blazing hot day?).

One of the best parts of Shake Shack, in my opinion, is the shakes and the concretes (hence the name Shake Shack, amiright?). The restaurant doesn’t necessarily offer tons of flavors of the ice cream concoctions, but that just means it’s easier to pick one! The cool thing is is that Shake Shack offers not only a flavor of the week to keep guests coming back for more, but they also have unique flavors that are tailored to each restaurant location. Wall-nut Street, offered near Wall Street and Brooklyn Pie oh My in Brooklyn are just two of the options – definitely a great excuse to try a shake at each restaurant!

If you ever find yourself in New York City (or Las Vegas, or Phoenix, or Hollywood), I suggest you try Shake Shack…like ASAP. I’m pretty sure that chocolate cookie dough concrete is already calling your name!