Shake Shack Upper West Side

As this was our first time in NYC…we had to have a culinary classics: Shack Shack. As Californians, we had to compare this burger to In & Out. They are both amazing…but the flavors are SO very distinct, it’s not something we could separate. In & Out has a specific flavor. Shake Shack is slightly saltier and a smash burger so you get these delicious crusty bits. We had the double served straight up, with the chocolate malt and after careful consideration both agreed that Shake Shack came out ahead by a nose. I love a good chocolate malt, and this one was stellar. We visited on Columbus Day and the place was swamped so we had to wait about 15 min for our order but the staff handled it with Grace and friendliness. Kudos! We took our order across the street to one of the many benches and ate with the local delivery guys at the next bench. Something I HIGHLY recommend.

Food was good! Daughter had chicken bites and said they were the best she's had. I wasn't too hungry and had a hotdog. It was good. The staff were great. Was there with a friend who was in wheelchair and a lady who works there told her to let her know if she needed anything including the bathroom as it was downstairs she said she would carry her down if she needed to. It was not needed but the offer was appreciated.

We all know what it is, Shake Shack is consistently good but this is about shouting out the staff. Last Saturday (8/12) around 2pm there was a logjam of people in the lobby, elbow to elbow. It was impossible to create an orderly line but the staff did a good job sorting us all out. Naturally, in a high pressure environment like that there will be conflict and a little ruckus broke out in the kitchen..which was quickly put down by who I’m assuming was the manager. She firmly set everyone straight without freaking out and the machine kept rolling. Good work 👍🏼

Stopped in for lunch after walking the American Museum of Natural History. The walk up kiosks made ordering easy especially at the height of lunch time. While the first floor seating was taken we were able to find plenty of open seating downstairs. The tables were not properly cleaned in-between customers but with the high traffic area we didn't mind doing a quick wipe down. Our food was read in less than 10 mins. Chicken sandwich and chicken bites were hot and tasty. Fries were not hot, more room temperature and subpar. The shake flavor selection was small. We choose the mini size and it was a perfect way to end our meal.