Iconic NYC burger joint w/ great fries & shakes. Expansive outdoor seating makes it a perfect casual dine-in spot.
Originally a unique smash burger joint in Madison Square Park, this establishment has grown into a well-loved chain known for its consistently high-quality burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and shakes. While some critics point to long lines and higher prices, many patrons still find it a great spot for a casual meal, especially with its outdoor seating options perfect for people-watching.
This establishment is primarily known for its burgers, which some find to be consistently high quality, while others feel they have become mediocre and overpriced. The crinkle-cut fries are often praised for their crispiness and ability to hold cheese sauce, and the shakes are also a popular item. However, there are also comments suggesting alternative burger joints might offer better value.
"The crinkle-cut fries are highlighted for their ridges that are great for cheese sauce absorption. The peanut butter shake is also mentioned as a highly recommended item."
Customer feedback is mixed, with some praising its consistently high quality and unique roadside burger stand feel, while others criticize long lines, high prices, and burgers that they feel have declined in quality over time.
Important Note
Some customers find the burgers to be small and tasteless, and prices to be high, with long wait times being a common complaint. There's a sentiment that the quality may have declined since its early days.
"The original Shake Shack in Madison Square Park is suggested as a place to get a burger and potentially eat outside."
Positive"The user had a pleasant experience eating at the original Shake Shack outdoors."
Positive"The original Shake Shack is located in Madison Square Park."
Positive"The original Shake Shack in Madison Square Park is noted as a good place to eat, especially when the weather is nice."
Positive"Shake Shack's original location in Madison Square Park is listed as a New York establishment to consider."
Positive"The hot dogs at Shake Shack are considered better than their burgers."
Positive"Shake Shack's hot dogs are surprisingly excellent."
Positive"The original Shake Shack location in Madison Square Park is considered special."
Positive"Shake Shack at Madison Square Park is recommended as a commercial but excellent option for both hot dogs and burgers, with a great outdoor atmosphere for people-watching."
Positive"Shake Shack is mentioned as a place for burgers."
Neutral"The original Shake Shack in Madison Square Park is suggested for a perfect cookout-style meal with a burger, dog, and beer enjoyed outdoors."
Positive"Shake Shack often has "buy one get one free" specials available through the Uber Eats app for pickup, which can make two burgers cost $12-$14, offering a more budget-friendly option."
Neutral"It was suggested to skip Shake Shack in favor of alternative burger joints like Hamburger America or 7th Street, implying better quality or value elsewhere."
Negative"A reviewer who visited the Madison Square Park location found Shake Shack burgers to be good but not exceptional or "mind-blowing," drawing a comparison to Freddy's burgers. The seating was noted to be great for people-watching."
Neutral"Shake Shack in Madison Square Park is suggested as a good option for eating somewhere outside, making it suitable for casual dining with kids."
Positive"Shake Shack is described as a fun place, with its original location in Madison Square Park offering outdoor seating for nice weather."
Positive"This user expresses strong negative sentiment about Shake Shack's current taste, questioning how it ever became popular if its current quality is considered good."
Negative"They argued that Shake Shack 'tastes like shit' and isn't worth paying for, contrasting its past popularity with Katz's longevity."
Negative"This user highlights Shake Shack's impressive expansion from a single hut in Madison Square Park, implicitly supporting its success in maintaining quality."
Positive"The commenter noted that almost 15 years ago, Shake Shack was unique for smash burgers in NY and its Madison Square Park location made waiting pleasant. They only waited around 20 minutes, not an hour."
Neutral