After the a phase of burger craze in London, I simply couldn't keep chasing the next 'best burger in town', so I put a line under Patty n Bun, crowned it king and stopped there. Then our friends across the pond decided to join the party... and curiosity got the better of me.
Shake Shack, the New York-born chain, made a pretty bold move by snapping up the best spot in the Covent Garden Piazza, just opposite MeatMarket. The system is pretty simple: one queues at one side of the restaurant to place your order at the tills, then one is given a buzzer and goes to pick a spot in the multiple areas, then one collects the food when the buzzers buzzes. It was a total of 20min wait at 7:30 on a Sunday evening. Very efficient.
Shack Stack
Cheeseburger and a 'Shroom burger topped with lettuce, tomato and Shacksauce
The deep-fried mushroom totally dominated; the breaded shell was fresh and crispy, the fat mushroom was oozing with juice, which mingled with the generous melted cheese. Problem is, what about the patty? It went unnoticed. Firstly it wasn't rather thin, which meant it was cooked through and was leaning on the dry side. Secondly it didn't carry much flavour, let alone meaty goodness. The bun was uninteresting.
For someone who is used to being served the perfect medium, inch-thick, smoky patty with warm fluffy brioche bun, the Shake Shack burger simply doesn't cut it.
Shack-cago Dog
Authentic German all-beef hot dog dragged through the garden with Rick's Picks Shack relish, onion, cucumber, pickle, tomato, sport pepper, celery salt and mustard
Will decided to go with the hot dog, as he thinks a good dog is hard to come by. But I did say the best dog in town is the Big Apple Hot Dog truck.
The entire dog was stone cold. The sausage was particularly poor with a sinewy skin and excessive salt. There was an awful battle among the intrusive acidity from the pickles, bitterness from the pepper, pungent spiciness from the onions and the slimy relish. I hated it.
Cheesy fries
Topped with our blend of cheddar cheese sauce
I liked the cheese sauce, it reminded me of mac n cheese, though the crinkle cut chips could be better.
Shakes & Concretes - peanut butter & Union Shack
The union shack 'concrete' was anything but as it came melted. Even if it didn't come in its milkshake form, I'm not sure how this is supposed to work; either I queue again for my dessert or I just have to watch it melt away as I chew on my burger...? It talks of paul.a.young chocs and St. John brownie with the whole frozen custard thing in the description... really it's a lot less exciting than it sounds. And £4 for a cup of overly sweet slur, I felt robbed.
The peanut butter shake needs another couple spoonfuls of peanut butter.
To be fair, judging from the way it operates, I recognise Shake Shack is more like a fast food joint than gourmet burgers. But if it's closer to McD or BK, they really shouldn't be charging this kind of prices. I am a bit bored of our American friends bringing their mediocre chains over here, and all they change is the dollar sign for British pound. We deserve better.
For me, Shake Shack ranks below GBK and Byron, probably slightly above Burger King. Let's see where Five Guys land next.
23/47 and 24 Market Building
Covent Garden Market
The Piazza
London
WC2E 8RD
Tel: 0203 598 1360

You may also like: Patty n Bun, Lucky Chip, MeatMarket
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteHey Wingz! I didn't rate it much it either, like the bun, but got very heavy towards end as it has potato flour in it, and meat patty was very bland. friends dont rate 5 guys for the burger, but the Cajun fries (which i got to try cold) were pretty tasty! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Stranger:) I checked out Five Guys yesterday... it's much much better than shake shack, but still, nothing to write home about! I'm sticking to our London locals, we have standards:P
DeleteLol, i'm still reading, but don't always get to reply! :)
DeleteTommi's has opened again, so have that on the list as well as Five Guys. On another note - have you tried pizza pilgrim yet? The wild broccoli and fennel sausuage pizza is GOOD!
General feedback on Tommi's in their first round had been lukewarm... I'm saving my burger quota:P Had Honest Burger and Elliot's Cafe burger today - the burger joints have upped their game, totally!!
DeleteIt's which means that amazing together with inspiring. We really enjoy any designs together with whoever should get it all during the post shall be grinning. Azar gems hack tool
ReplyDeleteThis blog was very nicely formatted; it maintained a flow from the first word to the last. 8 ball jacket
ReplyDeleteFantastic blog i have never ever read this type of amazing information.
ReplyDeleteedward cullen peacoat
Get huge discount on Home and Kitchen Appliances,Split and Window Air Conditioner, Mobiles & Laptops online , Television, Speakers & more electronics at best price.
ReplyDeletehindware water geyser
Our the purpose is to share the reviews about the latest Jackets,Coats and Vests also shre the related Movies,Gaming, Casual,Faux Leather and Leather materials available Cyberpunk 2077 Jacket
ReplyDeleteNice Blog !
ReplyDeleteHere We are Specialist in Manufacturing of Movies, Gaming, Casual, Faux Leather Jackets, Coats And Vests See Rocky Tiger Jacket
nice information.this is yummy fast food and it taste are lovely. thanks for sharing these information with all of us.
ReplyDeleteIncredible blog here! It's mind boggling posting with the checked and genuinely accommodating data. Yankees Blue Bomber Jacket
ReplyDeleteNice information, valuable and excellent design, as share good stuff with good ideas and concepts, lots of great information and inspiration, both of which I need, thanks to offer such a helpful information here. is naked juice healthy
ReplyDeleteI must say that you are my favourite author. You always bring surprised things for me everytime I see your articles. Great efforts!! John Wayne Jacket
ReplyDeleteThe article is very interesting and effective. Thank you and good luck in the upcoming articles.
ReplyDeleteI was eager to find this page. I needed to thank you for ones time for this especially awesome read!! I certainly truly preferred all aspects of it and I likewise have you book-set apart to look at new data in your blog.
ReplyDeletepersonal property coverage
Only one Genuine and Authentic Air hostess/Cabin crew training center is Special Persona Learning in lucknow. So firstly and most importantly you are guided by the person who provides you authentication of the training wherein other institutes all work is done by freelance trainers which mostly misguide the students. Here the training is based on some special features. which require and help you to clear all rounds of interview step by step.
ReplyDeleteHigh-density polyethylene or HDPE is a commonly used petroleum thermoplastic and the most used of the three polyethylenes for a wide range of applications.
ReplyDeletePleasant blog! Is your topic specially crafted or did you download it from somewhere?A topic like yours with a couple of basic adjustements would truly make my blog sparkle. Kindly let me in on where you got your subject.
ReplyDeleteNow is the best time to purchase software subscriptions. These are the hottest Black Friday & Cyber Monday software deals in 2022.
ReplyDeletevideo editor for large files Video editor for youtube shorts Best Video Editor For YouTube Without Watermark Best Video Editor For 32-bit Windows 7
ReplyDeleteThat is a very good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Short but very accurate info… Thanks for sharing this one. nordvpn 3 years coupon nordvpn 2 years coupon code vingle ulule
Please keep up your good work.
ReplyDeleteHope more people will read this
ReplyDelete