Shake Shack

It’s officially summertime. And along with cravings for the beach and flip flops comes the overwhelming longing for a good burger and a cold milkshake.

Introducing the Shake Shack. It’s located in picturesque Madison Square Park, and just won Best Burger at the South Beach Food and Wine Festival in 2007. Along with burgers, the Shake Shack also sells hot dogs, frozen custards, and, of course, milkshakes. For the vegetarians in the crowd, no worries, they make a mean portobello burger too.

With its idyllic setting and retro menu and design, the Shack makes one think of beach-side stands of childhood. Although it may evoke nostalgia initially, don’t be fooled. This is definitely not the greasy spoon you stood outside of in your bathing suit, still salt-sticky from a day at the Jersey Shore.

This stand is run by Mr. Danny Meyer of the celebrated Gramercy Tavern and Union Square Cafe. He opened the Shake Shack in 2004 and it has been enormously popular ever since. The food is simple, good, and relatively inexpensive.

The line can be long at times, but people brave it regularly. In such a beautiful park, waiting is not that bad, and the end result is a fresh, delicious meal of high quality.

So if the warm weather causes a roadside craving, head instead to the Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. It’s the burgers and milkshakes of your childhood, all-- but not too-- grown up.

Tips:

-Hours: 7 days, 11am - 11pm, check website for changes
-the Shack does serve alcohol
-they do accept major credit cards
-the website has a live cam- log on to check out the line
-outdoor seating only
-prices for food range from $2.50 to $8.75
-open seasonally

~Maureen Fleming

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