Finally Giving This SHACK the Fair SHAKE it Deserves: Making Amends with the Shake Shack

As any gastronome like myself would know, the interminable debate over the best burger in New York will always, at one point or another, address the small outdoor depot on the southeast corner of Madison Square Park known as the Shake Shack. Most have savored the burger there - everyone has certainly heard of it.

For the first time as the Ubereater, I would like to offer a most sincere apology to this thriving New York City institution. Up until a couple weeks ago, I had been neglecting this burger post out of nothing else but my own short-sightedness. A recent visit back to this hallowed hut has helped me realize how silly I’ve truly been. The burger at the Shake Shack is absolutely incredible.

What the hell was I thinking writing this place off so easily?

Allow me to explain myself.

As with the beginning of any doomed relationship, I remember my first ‘Shack experience like it was yesterday. I was on my first date with Meghan more than a year ago when she boldly recommended a popular burger spot in Madison Square Park.

Eager to please, just starting to ubereat, and never one to turn down a chance to stuff my face, I swiftly obliged, taking comfort in knowing that aside from being easy on the wallet, regardless of how good this place actually was at least I found a girl that thinks burgers!

Of course once at Madison Square Park, we were greeted by the the 'Shack's trademark (and now thoroughly tracked) ridiculously long line that was (and still is) unlike anything I have ever seen. You'd think they were giving these burgers away.

We should be so lucky.

As quite possibly the most impatient person in the history of time when it comes to food service, this situation was utterly terrifying. I was as anxious as Oprah at a continental breakfast buffet.

Had I not been so concerned with convincing my lovely company that I wasn’t some tyrannical, schizophrenic, manic-depressive, Draconian food-Nazi with severe anger management issues, I would’ve never survived the 60 minutes we spent waiting to order before getting our food. In the end, I left the Shake Shack enamored, not with the burger, but with the woman. But I knew this would happen. I'll always have a second chance with the burgers - I obviously couldn't say the same for the lady.

Only an idiot would jeopardize his chance at finding love for the sake of a burger.

A pizza is another story.

So after more than a year of unjustified apathy toward its unwavering popularity, I returned to the Shake Shack two Saturday's ago, appropriately, with Meghan. It should be no surprise that forgoing my innate need to fully immerse myself in my food (at least that night) in the name of love, was well worth it. But now it was time to give this burger another chance. A fair chance.

I can only say that my second trip to the Shake Shack was as invigorating as it was enlightening.

To the Shake Shack, I’d like to say I’m sorry.

I’m sorry, first and foremost, for not properly appreciating the beautiful, porous potato rolls you so proudly use to cradle your charred beef. These rolls do an exceptional job of absorbing every last drop of juicy, griddled goodness embedded within each beefy bite - and for this reason - I can't help but revel in all their salty slimy glory.

I’m also sorry for ordering improperly my first time around (only got one cheeseburger). This time I knew better, introducing myself to the wet and wondrous two-patty Double Shackburger, a devilish compilation of crispy, hearty, jagged-edged beef patties, slathered liberally with runny melted cheddar cheese interspersed with a beautiful pale pink “shack sauce”, that all together, join forces within a sweet and spongy potato roll that makes for an unsettlingly pleasing mouthful of textural perfection.

What an absolutely incredible burger, from top to bottom.

Now I'm sorry I didn't get another one.

Shake Shack

Southeast Corner of Madison Square Park

In a thought: Probably one of the most, if not, the most, all around satisfying burgers you'll have in the city.

Afterthought - Having originally opened as a Chicago-style Hot Dog stand, the Shake Shack offers a "Shack-cago" dog with all the trimmings. (below). Outfitted with all the necessary accoutrement, this was the closest you can get to Chicago dog in the city, and while very good, doesn't even come close to my beloved Wieners Circle.