The B52s didn’t sing about this shack, but there is a place on International Drive that is just as worthy of attention. Featuring a menu of gourmet burgers, hot dogs, fries, and frozen custard, Shake Shack opened up just this past August in the I-Drive 360 complex. There was much rejoicing when it did.
I didn’t understand what the fuss was about at the time. After all, it’s a burger and shake joint. In other words, it’s a standard American concept with standard American fare. What could possibly be so memorable about a place like this? I walked in one evening asking myself that very question. When I walked out a couple hours later, I had a very clear answer.
THE GOOD
The location is Shake Shack’s first virtue. International Drive is a hot spot in Orlando. It has a number of worthwhile entertainment venues and shopping opportunities, and there are more to come in the upcoming years. Naturally, this makes Shake Shack a very convenient option for those who are indulging in the activities of I-Drive. In fact, one of Orlando’s primary attractions, The Orlando Eye, is a mere two-minute walk away. Based solely on its proximity to I-Drive’s entertainment, Shake Shack is a very easy choice.
It’s also an interesting alternative to the typical set-up of fast food eateries. Shake Shack is not your typical burger stop when it comes to ambiance. There are no bright colors, plastic furniture pieces, or the ever-popular germ incubators we throw our toddlers in called ball pits. Instead there is a lot of wood, stainless steel, and concrete. Bocce ball and shuffleboard replace the standard playgrounds, and a comfortable patio area brings a sense of relaxation. It’s a rather sleek look with a few nods made to “Mother Earth” with natural materials, and it seems to express Shake Shack’s ideology that strives to be environmentally conscious as well as gastronomically delicious.
If I had to sum up Shake Shack’s menu in one word, I would use the word “flavor.” Any item I have had there (whether it was a burger, a milkshake, or simply lemonade) has always been packed with flavor. I suppose it is due to their commitment to use fresh ingredients that are void of hormones, antibiotics, and artificial sweeteners. Likewise, they pride themselves on their investment in non-GMO foods as well. Whatever it is they are doing, it is working, and I applaud the results.
On my first trip to Shake Shack, I was skeptical. Not entirely sold on the idea of another burger and milkshake establishment, I walked in primarily because I needed a quick meal to carry me through while I ran around the I-Drive 360 complex. I ordered their standard cheeseburger, fries, and a chocolate milkshake. I was expecting something akin to Wendy’s. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The burger patty was fresh and savory. The toppings were clearly of top quality. The fries were crisp and salted flawlessly, and the milkshake tasted as if it had been made from scratch. There was not one thing that I could find fault with in front of me. It took me by surprise and changed my hurried attitude into a slower mindset that wanted each bite to linger on my tastebuds.
In addition to meeting mainstream expectations, it is worth noting that Shake Shack seems a little more perceptive to the desires of niche groups. If you need a vegetarian option, they’ve got them. If gluten-free is your dietary bend, they can accommodate you. Wine and beer lovers will also be happy to know that Shake Shack has a craft beer and wine selection that is exclusively made for it and its menu. There is even some thought given to furry friends with a few menu selections specifically made for dogs. Such considerations demonstrate this company’s social awareness, and I have to commend them for that.
THE BAD
While there is no trouble ingesting the food, the cost of it is a bit difficult to swallow. Better ingredients demand a higher price, and you feel that lump in your throat when your total is tallied. There is no “combo deal” to cut costs either. You are picking out each item á la carte. It adds up quickly, and I suffered a mild degree of sticker shock the first time I handed over my money.
On my last visit to Shake Shack, I paid upwards of $13 for my meal that consisted of a burger, some French fries, and a small lemonade. Had I decided to indulge in their famous custards and “concretes” or an adult beverage, I would have been looking at a price that was close to the cost of a table restaurant. Such an expense is not something I brush off when I’m walking in for a quick meal and then walking back out.
Unfortunately, the cost can’t be justified by large servings either. Shake Shack has a good idea of portion size. Everything is certainly adequate and probably more in line with a health-conscious clientele. However, I have to say that it left me with a slightly bad taste in my mouth when my receipt couldn’t be accounted for with a “roll me out the door” type of satisfaction.
THE TRUTH
In all honesty, though, the issue of price point won’t keep me away from Shake Shack. The food is just too good. It is a place that I can enjoy a really pleasant meal with my kids without an incredible investment in time. The casual and clean atmosphere paired with its proximity to family friendly activities puts this establishment on the map for me. I can promise you that there will be many more times when my adventures on International Drive and otherwise will lead me back to the doors of Shake Shack when my tummy grumbles.
