I'll start by saying Shake Shack is one of my favorite fast food spots. It is more consistently good than any other chain. The food almost always looks like its photo: The buns aren't squished, the burger isn't dry, the pickles aren't mashed, and the tomato isn't sickly looking. I've never had a bad meal at Shake Shack.
So being asked to try everything on the menu was not a daunting chore, but more like a Sunday drive. I ate almost everything with pleasure and would do it all again next month. It's also worth mentioning that the Shake Shack menu is very manageable, especially compared to the last fast food menu I ate in its entirety.
Before I get into the best menu items, let's talk about the honorable (and not so honorable) mentions. A few times a year, Shake Shack rolls out a new limited-time offering. Right now they have a Hot Ones burger, chicken sandwich, and fries. In the past, they've had truffle oil-infused and buffalo sauce-drenched items. I didn't include the Hot Ones offerings, which are good, because they aren't permanent fixtures.
The only menu item I had that was less than good was the grilled cheese. It's just bleh.
With that being said, here are the eight best Shake Shack menu items.
Shack Stack
Why don't more people talk about this burger? It has a juicy beef patty, a GIANT crunchy fried portobello mushroom, plus all the regular fixings. It's enormous and delicious and the best thing on the menu.
Smoke Stack
Smokey, crunchy, spicy, and packed with bacon? Yes, please. My favorite part are the zesty and hot chopped cherry peppers. They add a zing and pop of color that most other bacon cheeseburgers don't have, cutting right through the fatty burger.
Chicken Shack
I'd be remised if I didn't mention a chicken sandwich, and this classic is their best one. The patty is always crispy, hot, and juicy. The pickles are always bright. The lettuce is always crunchy. And the buttermilk herb mayo? They should bottle and sell it.
Hot Dog
Yes, this may just seem like any old hot dog, but Shake Shack knows what they are doing. They split the frank down the middle so it gets a little charred and smoky on the inside, and the bun is buttery and toasted. Definitely add a side of cheese sauce for dipping.
Shakes
It's no secret that Shake Shakes' shakes are good—I mean, it's in the name. So they had to make my top five. The custard they use (that you can also order) makes the shake so creamy and luxurious. Call me vanilla, but my favorite is the chocolate.
Bacon Cheese Fries
Waffle fries are not my fave fries. But these, covered in cheese and bacon, are amazing. Eat them very fresh or get the cheese sauce on the side. Then dip the fries and the bacon for the cheesiest, saltiest bite every single time.
Root Beer Float
Go back to your childhood with a root beer float. It's creamy (made with that same custard!) and fizzy and packed with nostalgia.
Shack-made Lemonade
Crisp. Refreshing. The best way to wash it all down.
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