Cheeseburger with applewood smoked bacon, chopped cherry peppers, ShackSauce (£9.50 + £3.95 for fries)
The first of the ‘big’ chains to be reviewed, and usually one I enjoy. Unfortunately, they have managed to let me down.
My partner had planned for us to go Ice Skating in Canary Wharf for date night, something I hadn’t done in ages and I was looking forward to it. But being me, my only concern was where will we be getting dinner. We chose Shake Shack, simply due to its proximity to the rink.
Being Shake Shack, I had very high hopes. They are my go-to when it comes to decent fast food.
Toppings 3/5
I had very high hopes, applewood smoked bacon is one of my favourite toppings on any beef burger, unfortunately, they had overcooked it and it tasted more like hot cardboard than bacon. There was a generous enough helping of sauce to ever so slightly soften the bacon making it tolerable to eat. Other than the bacon the sauce, peppers and cheese were a delight to eat.
Patty 2/5
As mentioned in my Mr T review, I would normally pick a chicken burger where possible, but now and then I like to shake things up. Having gone for a beef patty at a fast-casual diner I am used to getting overcooked beef that is only edible due to the thinness of the patty, somehow Shake Shack managed to go the other direction by undercooking the patty. The very middle was still cold and I only didn’t complain due to the time constraint of the upcoming ice skating. The cooked parts of the patty were delicious and juicy, but I cannot pick and choose what to rate these burgers on.
Bun 5/5
The standard potato bun on all Shake Shack burgers is always a solid choice. They are very good at holding their integrity and don’t fall apart in your hands or get too soggy with sauce.
Fries 5/5
Even with the steep price of £3.95 for their infamous crinkle-cut fries, I cannot find fault with them. If you have ever had their fries you will know what I mean. If you haven’t I would highly recommend a visit just to try them.
