MenuPages

I typically go to the MSP location 1/2X per year, lines be damned. I was apprehensive about trying the UWS incarnation but my friend was taking me to a concert close by and she wanted to try it. I must say, the line was there...but overall the wait for our food was no worse than sitting down at any greasy spoon. Cooking area looked clean, service was friendly..and dare I say...the $5.75 double patty hamburger was fairly good value and actually tasted better/hotter than the MSP versions I have had. We split one order of fries. which were generic, but not bad (or cold). Beers were typical NYC rip off price but this was a week night indulgence and we were only having one...at least the limited tap offerings are good. Seating is limited and people do try hogging tables...we were two people and offered to share out 4 seater which drew inquisitive looks...w/e I am a Queens native and deal with miserable attorneys all day long, I'll continue to be the lone exception. I can see how people trekking an hour or more to get here could be disappointed, however if you are in the area and the line is manageable its a fun little spot and the location warrants the additional cost IMO. I'd rather spend $25 for two people here than $20 at a dive any day.

Tasty burger! :) Tasty custard! :) Burger- ("Shack Burger") came out hot and seasoned, w fresh warm potato bun/ lettuce/ tomato- Yay!! Shared fries- tasty, fresh, hot, crispy, crinkly, not over-fried, tasted like potato- Yay!! Broke down and eventually got custard (chocolate scoop) w fancy chocolate crunchies and choc cookie dough pieces (very brownielike)- YAY!! Plus: line was not long at all. Went straight to counter all three times (since they have three separate lines: hot/cold/pick-up). Wait w buzzer was not long (few min). Sat at table by window. Extra plus: my friend somehow dropped his custard cone on the way out the door (SADDEST THING EVER!!), and since it was completely devastating to all-witnessed, I dragged him back to get another. Kind person behind counter understood our devastation and explained/asked (manager?) for a new one! (...we are now loyal devotees for life!) Yay!

In a city filled with $10-20 burger joints, some of which are actually worth the price, Shake Shack delivers a unique burger experience for around $5 (without the extras). If you want to spend a little more you can get a great burger, scrumptious fries, delectable custard shake and a drink for under $15. If you are going at a peak time, expect to wait in line. This place has sort of gone the way of Magnolia Bakery, meaning the lines are getting longer and the food is not as appealing, but overall it is a great treat, especially when you're on a budget.

Went to Shake Shack for the first time today (I'd never gone to the Madison Square location, scared off by the stories about the wait). Was really a test run, so I kept it simply, ordered just a plain, single-patty cheeseburger. It was perfectly adequate, a burger that I would expect at any semi-decent, walk-in place like that. But that was about it. To have read all the raves about how this is the greatest burger, etc., I would have expected to be dazzled and speechless. Not even close. While I know that opinions vary (widely) on Five Guys, in my opinion, that is the life-altering burger out there. I found that the quality of the meat at Shake Shack, while certainly ok/acceptable, was noticeably below the standard of Five Guys, which I believe is by far the best burger in the area.

I expected a lot better from a place that has received so much hype. The quality of the meat was poor and the special shake shack sauce had a fishy after taste. About the only thing I enjoyed was the chocolate milk shake. I will not be returning anytime soon - there are far more better burgers in this city.

There is no reason to travel to this spot for a burger. This place is solely for young moms to meet and kibbitz. The burger is decent but you need two if you are going to fill up. It is not cheap and the place is always a zoo. I agree with below that this place is a marketing marvel. I really don't understand how so many people swear by this place, especially without the park to sit in like the original.

if you don't like shake shack your hating to hate. shake shack is the best burger on earth. end of story.