BEST BURGERS IN GRAMERCY/MADISON PARK
A steaming plate of cheese fries and a glass of Shiraz on a sizzling hot summer day? Why not? The city's best milk shake on a bitter, blustery January evening? Bring it on. Shake Shack is now open year-round, which means New Yorkers can enjoy America's greatest un-health foods no matter the season. Located in Madison Square Park (with a second location slated to open on the Upper West Side in late 2008 on the corner of Columbus Avenue and 77th Street), Shake Shack is restaurateur extraordinaire Danny Meyer's (Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, Blue Smoke, the list goes on) kitschy tribute to the summery roadside food stand. Since opening in 2004, it's attracted very long lines for its Chicago-style hot dogs, concretes (an intensely thick milk shake) and one of New York's most praised burgers. Though a certain maroon-covered dining guide may give it a low rating for "décor," what environs could possibly be better for a burger, frozen custard or a beer than the park? Burgers are pretty basic: cooked medium and served plain with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and cheese upon request. Variations include the double cheeseburger and even a 'Shroom Burger for the Hacky Sack crowd. Beer and wine available. Serving lunch and dinner daily. Hours may vary by season.
Where the Locals Eat rating
Best Burgers in Gramercy/Madison Park
Top 100 Restaurant, New York City
"Shake Shack [is] a 'roadside' food stand in Madison Square Park, serving burgers, hot dogs, frozen custard, beer, wine and more. ... Designed by architecture firm SITE Environmental Design, Shake Shack blends harmoniously with the park and its surroundings. ... Join us on a sunny day under the shady trees of beautiful Madison Square Park or on a starry night under our strings of twinkling lights."
– Shake Shack website
"The salty, meaty little burgers swaddled by potato rolls are so good that Shake Shack is swarmed with diners willing to wait 20 minutes or more to order, then wait again while the burgers are griddled to order from morning to night."
—The New York Times
"No knife and fork necessary – just an alfresco table, a bunch of napkins, and a frozen custard alongside. Pretty much burger heaven."
—New York magazine
"The vanilla or chocolate frozen custard pumped at Danny Meyer's warm-weather Shake Shack is a swirl of pure boardwalk bliss."
—Time Out New York
"...wonderful burgers ... hand-patted and juicy as all get out."
—Village Voice
How others rate Shake Shack
The New York Times
Top Pick
New York magazine
Critics' Pick
Zagat 2009
23 food rating (very good to excellent)