Shake Shack

I’m not really that much of a burger fan but after seeing Shake Shack in movies (specifically Tower Heist), it was like taunting me to taste its burgers. When the trip to New Jersey  happened, needless to say it was one of the top priorities I had in mind.
So one Sunday afternoon after bustling around Theatre District, we seized the opportunity to try  shake shack. I was quite surprised by the number of people lined up outside.  My friend told me that the place is always packed with people and it is worth getting in line for. It was an insanely long line and just ask myself “Do I really want to wait in this line for a burger”? As per their menu, they are famous for their burgers, hotdogs, milkshakes and concretes (a type of thick frozen custard). Shake Shack was named “The Best Burger” in 2005 by the New York Magazine. Good thing waiting in line goes by pretty qucik probably 10-30 minutes (faster compare to our Grimaldi’s experience). 
And then came our turn to order. I decided to order ShackStack ( a cheeseburger and ‘Shroom burger topped with lettuce, tomato and their secret ingredients The ShackSauce), fries  and Arnold Palmer for drinks.   The cashier gave me a vibrating tag. We hobbled on a small table  and waited for our order. Make sure to snag a seat if you see one, it’s really crowded inside the joint.
When I grabbed my order I was kind of disappointed – the fries is not on the serving tray! I hurriedly approached the cashier and told him that also I for a fries ordered fries. Upon checking my  receipt there was actually no fries on the order slip. Heck! I don’t want to fall in line again. I asked if I can order but the  cashier just gave me the fries for free. Woohoo! I have to say they have excellent customer service and despite the seemingly chaos inside and most of them are super friendly.
I took my first bite and it was good as advertised. And yes I have to say I really liked it. It was a bit small but the yummy ShackSauce made up for its lack in size. The perfectly sweet toasted bun is good especially the juicy patty  and few veggies in it. The crinkle cut fries is good and crispy. The only thing I regret is ordering Arnold Palmer, the drink is so freakin’ bland. I should have treated myself with shakes or the regular fountain soda. 
A couple of weeks later, after watching Something Borrowed (yes another movie which featured this restaurant) we ditched our plan to dine in Eataly and chose Shake Shack instead. We checked out the lovely Madison Square Park, the location of the first ever Shake Shack. What’s great about this place compare to the other location is its outdoor seating. I guess it comes with a great location the number of people that lined up is doubled as well. Anyway learning from what I ordered the first time, I had Fair Shake for the drinks, cheese fries and my favorite ShackStack.
I think I will never get sick of eating at Shake Shack. There was so much cheese oozing out of the crispy mushroom patty. It was sensory overload every time I take a bite of this burger.   I highly recommend that you get  the Fair Shake for your drink, the fusion of vanilla milk shake and the strong blast of Arabica coffee was so good. It wasn’t overly sweet but the shake was thick and perfect. I just wish they made the size a little bit larger or the size of a soda cup. And don’t forget the fries I have to say it’s not the best out of their menu but certainly anything with cheese is a notch higher for me compare to a regular fries.
Much has been said, raved and some even drooled when one mentions of Shake Shack. There have been some debates online mostly on reviews pitting In-N-Out ( LA) and Shake Shack (New York) as to who’s burger is the best among the two. I haven’t been to LA so I can’t really comment on this. But when I asked my wife  she said that Shake Shack is better than In-N-Out mainly because it’s only in NYC’s burger staple that she can finished a double patty burger. ‘Nuff said!
While the long lines may be a drawback for some, I’d still recommend to try the Shake Shack. It may be overhyped for some but definitely you’ll walk out here full and satisfied.
PS. It’s been 5 months since my last Shake Shack. Unfortunately it is only available in US (mostly in New York ) and one store in the Middle East. Here’s a fan wishing that a Shake Shack will sprout somewhere in Makati or anywhere in the Philippines.