Shake Shack is an international burger chain. Based in the US, founded in New York, 2004. Currently 89 locations across the States, 40 overseas, including 1 in Seoul. I’d never heard of it until my visit to New York last year, when my cousin told me about the brand’s sudden rise to fame and cult following : “Like In-N-Out, but East Coast.”Generally, I refuse to wait in line for a meal — even for In-N-Out, I’d rather go to Jack-in-the-Box next door if no line there — but I’ll do it once to see what the hype is about.As other locations all over the world seem to be, very chi-chi decor for a place that started out as a hotdog cart in a park.
In Seoul. Winter break. Going back to Manila on the 31st — can hardly wait.
The eponymous ShackBurger was good. Perfectly cooked patty, a bit crispy on the edges, juicy and beefy in flavor — claiming to be Angus beef, I’d believe it. Rich American cheese, nicely melted. Impeccable tomato, lettuce, onion. Delectable potato buns, slightly grilled to a crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside. ShakeSauce, whatever. As good as a classic, made-to-order cheeseburger can get. But I wouldn’t wait again in line for it.
SmokeShack (3.0) : exquisite applewood-smoked bacon, again demonstrating the quality of ingredients, but the absence of fresh veg made the burger a bit too heavy overall.
