I'm such an idiot. Shake Shack has proliferated into so many locations over the past few years that I could have gone to any of them. Instead, brilliant me decides to go to the original location in Madison Square Park (E 23rd Street at Madison Ave, 212-889-6600), largely because I was curious to see those long lines that I kept seeing in the photos.
Well, I got it alright: nearly an hour's wait in post-snowstorm temperatures surrounded by tourists (the fact that the line was in the shade didn't help either). There was another location just a few blocks away; by the time I realized that I could have just gone there to eat instead, I was already two thirds of the way through the line that I figured that I might as well stay. I'm so stupid.
Fortunately, it was pretty darned good. I can see where those Omakase Burger guys got their inspiration from, but there were two huge and very important differences: the beef here was much tastier without being overwhelmed by the cheese (one knew it was going to be good when you could smell the steakhouse-like aroma from across the park), and this one was salted borderline-excessively enough to give it just the right edge. It might even be better than In-N-Out from back home, and was definitely light years ahead of Five Guys. I'm still a big fan of Umami Burger though.
2 comments:
Thanks so much for braving the line to visit us at our original Shake Shack. We're thrilled to hear you had a great first experience at the Shack!
Hope you had an awesome time in NYC, and our team can't wait to see you again next time you're in town.
-Brandy, Shake Shack
In-n-Out is better than Five Guys??? I don't think so. Regardless, the Shake Shack burger looks good. Next time you're in Northern Virginia (outside of DC), try Elevation Burger...I'm curious to to hear your opinion. Safe travels and good eats my friend.
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