Shake Shack: Review

This is the first entry into the TFB Burger Battle and I’m worried the bar has been set too high. The chain, which started with humble beginnings as a New York City food truck, has been expanding rapidly.

I visited one of its newly opened locations just outside of Detroit in Troy, Michigan. The decor is the very in rustic chic motif, with reclaimed wood tables and exposed beams and subway tiles lining the walls. But that’s not what we care about. We’re here to discuss its status as a worthy burger.

I’ll tell you, it’s very much worthy. I was quite surprised as to how much I enjoyed it, this being my first Shake Shack experience. Simplicity is key. Beyond the proprietary but not so secret Shacksauce, the Shackburger single I had wasn’t complicated. For consistency, for all of the TFB Burger Battle entries, I’ll be consuming each chain’s classic cheeseburgers with suggested or house toppings.

Shake Shack’s burger shines because they showcase any good burger’s premier ingredient, the beef. Shake Shack’s Angus beef is cooked medium unless otherwise specified. It’s incredibly tasty coming from a chain.

The bun and toppings are nondescript but sufficient, offering a nice balance to the protein. The Shackburger’s other foremost feature is that it’s a clean burger. You won’t need a fork and shower to round out your meal. This may seem like a silly category to consider, but it’s important to me.

I’m almost regretful that I started with Shake Shack, for I think this could have been the climax of the series. However, I certainly don’t regret my visit. If you’re a burger fan, you likely won’t regret going either.