Since officially opening its doors last July, we’ve heard about, and witnessed, the famous Shake Shack lines. Starting out as a humble, New York City “roadside” burger stand in the middle of Madison Square Gardens, the modern day shack has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon. Serving the local neighborhood, New Yorkers raved about Shake Shack’s delicious burgers, hot dogs, frozen custards and life-altering milkshakes. A long awaited opening by our beloved burger-centric society, we were equally elated, and couldn’t wait to visit New York’s beloved Shack house, located in the heart of the Avenues.
Doing our research first, we notice that Shake Shack’s NYC location also uses the ‘Shack Cam’, where the store is visually streamed live on their main website for those wishing to check up on the crowds before venturing towards Madison Square Gardens. Although we may not have the same liberties to effectively prepare before our trip, we notice that upon our arrival, people are willingly standing in line, even smiling, eagerly anticipating their next taste of the famous Shack Burger. Truly a first, we decide to join the crowds, and enjoy the ambient Madison Square Gardens vibe recreated in K-town. With the funky music playing in the background and super-friendly staff greeting you ecstatically, the wait in line is actually an enjoyable experience, mainly supported by those amazing aromas rising from the grills in the back kitchens.
Deciding to go all out, we take the advice of the wonderfully helpful restaurant team, and order Shake Shack’s star burgers, including the ultimate ShackBurger, the Shack Stack, and the ‘Shroom Burger. The ShackBurger, a hand-molded patty crafted using 100 percent all natural, all American, Black Angus beef, is cooked to medium, so it is crispy on the sides, and perfectly juicy in the middle, complete with American cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato and last but definitely not least, that highly addictive ShackSauce, all nestled inside a buttery potato bun. Because of the special style used in preparing these delicious patties, the ShackBurger is a pleasure to consume from beginning to end. From the way the burger comfortably fits in the hand, the feel of the soft potato bread between the fingers, to the way the tender beef melts in the mouth, the ShackBurger has won our hearts. Perfect with an order of crinkle-cut golden fries, we also tried the second most ordered burger, and our favorite, the Shack Stack. In this mesmerizing case, the famous ShackBurger is complimented with a crisp-fried Portobello mushroom filled with Muenster and cheddar cheese, topped with lettuce, tomato and the addictive ShackSauce. Also a vegetarian favorite, the scrumptious Portobello mushroom could be ordered separately as the ‘Shroom Burger. Add an order of Black and White or Strawberry milkshakes; hand-spun with the delectable frozen custard and whole milk, the ultimate burger experience is finally achieved. For those of you already addicted to the famous ShackSauce, we would advise you to stop trying to decipher the mysterious mix of sauces, and instead enjoy as it tantalizes your palate with every bite.
Also catering to hot dog lovers, the SHACK-Cago Hot Dog is definitely a must, where the all-beef hot dog is decorated in a garden of vegetables, with mustard, Shake Shack relish, onions, cucumber, pickle, tomato, black pepper and celery salt. Fancy a taste of the hot dog with the famous ShakeSauce? Go for the Bird Hot Dog, as you can never go wrong with the griddled, crisp, beef nestled in those soft and squishy potato buns.
Open from 11 a.m. until Midnight Shake Shack is located at the 2nd Avenue – The Avenues (2223 3711); and The Grand Avenue – The Avenues (2228 3051); Al Fanar Mall in Salmiya (2574 0603); Gate Mall in Egaila (2208 1238) and Jabriya (2221 4860/4)
