shake shack

new york, ny

website

my favorite thing about rainstorms in new york city is that after the rain subsides, derek will run out to the shake shack and bring back burgers for us to eat in our apartment. i get the shack burger (no cheese) and fries - and if i'm feeling decadent - a concrete as well. a concrete is like a blizzard, but with frozen custard. yes, custard.

in nyc you can find every possible iteration of burger (i love this city), but this is hands-down no-contest by-a-long-shot my favorite burger. it's the combination of a soft chewy potato bun, flavorful juicy beef, juicy fresh tomato, crisp fresh lettuce, and light "Shack sauce." all for $5. sure, some people like thinner or thicker patties, brioche buns, charred meat, different toppings, different cheeses, etc. but for me, the shack burger is burger perfection.

and because it's the shake shack, i'm even writing more than two paragraphs. a short note about the line. from the first lamppost, it takes about 16 mins to get to the order window and about another 12 mins to get your food. yes, i've timed it. if the line is longer than that - and it usually is - it can take up to an hour or two to get your food. after a rainstorm? no line and 5 min wait for your food. sweet.