As a Shake Shack insider, I know how to order Shake Shack. The menu, the kitchen, and the logistics of this complex yet simple burger chain are all familiar territory to me. Visitors from around the world come to Shake Shack.
I see it every day: the regulars, the tourists, and the enthusiasts. The love that Shake Shack guests have for its burgers is unlike any other. You can find proof of this devotion through Shake Shack’s social media profiles.
As an insider, I’ve noticed a few things that are unfamiliar or confusing to the average guest, and I want to connect the dots for those seeking confidence when ordering at Shake Shack restaurants.
I’ve identified eight areas for improvement in the Shake Shack experience. These tips cover ordering, waiting, and enjoying your long-awaited meal.
Here are eight tips for ordering and enjoying Shake Shack more than you ever thought you could!
How to Order at Shake Shack
One: As of now, Shake Shack has over 100 restaurants worldwide. Yes, that means some things may vary from one location to another, but for the most part, Shake Shack maintains a consistent experience, including when it comes to ordering burgers.
Many guests should be aware that Shake Shack offers five to six signature burgers, including the classic Shackburger, Smoke Shack, Shroom Burger, Shack Stack, and Chick’n Shack. Each burger (excluding the Chick’n Shack) includes cheese. You might wonder why it’s not called a “Shack Cheese Burger” then?
Honestly, I don’t know — it’s just the way it is. Even the Shroom Burger (a vegetarian option with no meat) contains muenster cheese fried within its portabella mushrooms. Remember, whenever you order these classic burgers, they all come with cheese (you can remove the cheese, but it then becomes a custom burger).
One last note: if you modify any of these classic options, it’s no longer that particular burger. For example, many guests order a Shackburger without cheese, but that’s actually a hamburger with Shack Sauce, lettuce, and tomato. In the Shake Shack world, that’s a custom hamburger, not a Shackburger.
How to Customize Your Burger
Two: Many guests enjoy customizing their burgers, and that’s perfectly fine with Shake Shack. They’re here to please! However, if you customize beyond the classic options, you’re essentially ordering a plain hamburger without cheese. If you want a cheeseburger, be sure to specify, or it’ll be assumed you want a plain burger without cheese.
Tip: To make things easier, specify whether you want a cheeseburger or a hamburger.
Also, remember that if you order just a cheeseburger or hamburger, it comes plain without any toppings. If you want all the standard fixings (lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle), you need to ask for them.
Some cashiers may confirm with you to make sure you want a plain hamburger or cheeseburger, but if you realize later that you wanted toppings, they’ll give you the veggies on the side, as your burger has already left the kitchen.
Each burger also has the option to be doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled. Don’t forget to specify how many patties you want. If not specified, cashiers will assume you want a single quarter-pound patty.
Vegetarian Options at Shake Shack
Three: The Shroom Burger and Shack Stack are the most confusing options, as many people think the Shroom Burger contains meat. To explain the Shack Stack, I must first describe the Shroom Burger.
The Shroom Burger is a vegetarian (not vegan) option that includes a buttered Martin’s potato bun, Shack Sauce, lettuce, tomato, and a “patty” made of two portabella mushrooms fried together with muenster cheese in between. This burger is served hot, fried, and delicious.
There is no meat in the Shroom Burger. However, the Shack Stack combines the Shroom “patty” with a cheeseburger patty beneath it. This hearty option is satisfying for mushroom lovers and anyone looking for a bigger burger!
Shake Shack Has Chicken, and It’s Good
The last “burger” to discuss is the Chick’n Shack, which is simple to understand. The common questions about this sandwich are whether it’s gluten-free or if it can be ordered grilled instead of fried. Unfortunately, the answer to both questions is no.
Ordering Custard at Shake Shack
Four: Now that we’ve covered Shake Shack’s beloved sandwiches, let’s talk about drinks, which include shakes, fountain sodas, lemonade, iced tea, beer, and water. One area of confusion for guests is the sizing of each drink. Let’s start with the shakes.
Shake Shack Is Known for Its Shakes-DUH!
Shake Shack is famous for its shakes — it’s in the name! The shakes come in one size and various flavors. One unusual option is the Black & White shake, a vanilla shake mixed with chocolate fudge sauce. It’s deliciously sweet, though not to be confused with a cookies & cream shake, which is available only in the summer. (Update: Cookies & Cream will now be a permanent shake!)
Shake Shack also offers a shake flavor of the month, listed on the menu wall. Popular options include red velvet, mint chocolate chip, and matcha. This feature gives regulars a chance to “shake” things up!
As for sodas, iced tea, root beer, lemonade, and beer, Shake Shack offers small and large sizes. There is no medium drink option.
Shake Shack Also Offers Beer and Wine
By the way, Shake Shack serves two beer options: Brooklyn Shackmeister Ale and a regional seasonal draft. Now, onto concretes and cups of custard. Shake Shack offers concretes and cups of custard in single or double sizes, which are actually different.
A double concrete cup is the same size as a small fountain soda, and a single concrete cup is about half that size. Shake Shack’s cashiers are happy to help clarify!
Five: Shake Shack doesn’t offer hot drinks except for hot chocolate, which is available in the fall and winter. They may be able to heat water if you ask, but hot drinks aren’t typically available.
Six: Concretes are comparable to McDonald’s McFlurries or Dairy Queen’s Blizzards, as they consist of custard blended with mix-ins and are eaten with a spoon. Each Shake Shack location has its own signature concretes, meaning certain concretes may not be available everywhere.
Waiting and Seating at Shake Shack
Seven: Once you complete your order, you receive a buzzer with a number that corresponds to your order. Some Shake Shacks may buzz your device before the food is ready, indicating its receiving final touches. It’s best to wait until the counter staff is ready to avoid mix-ups.
Staying at Shake Shack or Taking It to Go
Whether you stay or take it to go is up to you. I recommend taking a to-go bag, as you can sit if you find a seat later. If you stay, feel free to ask someone who’s finishing up if you can take their seat in a packed restaurant.
Wait times can vary, with a typical goal of 5–7 minutes. However, busy times may extend this to 10–12 minutes. Shake Shack prioritizes quality, so a slight delay often results in a perfect meal!
What to Order at Shake Shack
Eight: Beyond knowing how to order, it’s also about knowing what to order! Shake Shack is a beloved American dining experience, cherished by New Yorkers and visitors worldwide. Not everyone knows that Shake Shack offers free water, and LTOP (lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle) is always free. They even offer free soda water and WiFi!
Check out Shake Shack’s menu on their website: Shake Shack Menu
Now You Know How to Order at Shake Shack
I hope these eight tips help you order Shake Shack with ease. Whether you’re in Tokyo or New York City, sit down, relax, and enjoy your meal.