I am reviewing the Shake Shake on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood. Why did I give it five stars? It is that rare combination of everything you hope for when you decide to grab something to eat at a casual dining location and it all works out above whatever expectation you may have had. First and foremost: FREE OFF STREET PARKING (thank you!) in a big lot in an area that is heavily permitted and metered. Enter from Santa Monica Blvd. Every cashier was busy and the short line I experienced moved quickly and I was ready to order in minutes. I had a chicken sandwich, cheese fries, and a soft drink (I have had their shakes before and they are excellent and very filling!). The cashier was extremely friendly and knowlegeable and asked me questions about options and dining and then gave me a buzzer for when my food was ready and explained how it all worked. She was genuinely friendly. I wanted my soft drink right away and she not only accommodated my request but also told me I could get free refills (thanks for letting me know before I even asked - you rock!) The patio is awesome there and they are very pet friendly (see my picture). The employee that was making sure the patio was spotless asked if my dog could have a treat and, after saying yes, he gave me a few out of his pocket and told me I could ask for more inside. He also asked if I need water for my dog but I had brought my own dish and water for him. There are tables and chairs and large communal rectangular tables with benches. The trellis partially keeps the sun away. There is also a soccer/foos ball table for customers to play for free on the patio as well. I got my food. It was all exactly as I ordered and delicious (sorry no food pics from this visit-my dog has alot of patience but that would have been pushing it). The cashier had recommended their special sauce and I am glad I said yes. Delicious on the sandwich and the fries! I also had my soft drink refill and was asked how everything was by a staff member while eating. The indoor area was spotless as well even though they were very busy. The bathroom is super modern and very clean. I really think they've stepped up their game here and hit it out of the park with a winning combination of great food, reasonable prices, clean/modern facilities and seating, and great staff that are professional AND genuinely friendly. That's why they get five stars from me...
Read moreI'm giving this place 3 stars. This was my first time ordering from Shake Shack. After many years of hearing good things about this place and seeing all the long lines at every location I was anticipating this place would be the best burger joint in LA, behind In N Out of course. However, my frist experience was rather disappointing. Granted, since it was my first time I didn't know what was on the menu or how to order properly. I know this because when I got my burger I realized that it didn't have 4 of the most important pieces that are essential to any burger, lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles.
Why in the hell is it a choice to put these ingredients in a burger!!! These ingredients are important!!! They should automatically be on the burger!! If you don't like any of these things and you can ask them to take it off! Don't make it a choice for people to decided whether it not they want it!!
I ordered the the Smoke Shack because I love bacon and without the lettuce, tomato, onions or the pickles my burger tasted like a McDonald's Breakfast sandwich! I also asked them to take off the cherry peppers because I dont like spice. Regardless, the burger itself was really good and cooked very well and the fries were evenly seasoned which I liked a lot and now that I know how to order off their menu I hope my next...
Read moreI won't be heading back to Shake Shack anytime soon. I went in with mid-expectations, and they weren't even close to being met. I initially ordered a limited-time bacon burger and cheese fries. The burger was smothered in American cheese and made me feel intoxicated after one bite. It was also RIDICULOUSLY small and was almost $10! (About the size of a junior burger at any other restaurant) As for the fries, they tasted worse than the frozen fries which we buy from the grocery store. And it was obvious that they weren't fresh. They might have been the same fries, for all we know. As for the cheese on the fries, it was more processed American cheese sauce, which tasted like one of the most fake things I've ever consumed. The cheese from movie theater nachos is WAY better quality. Since I could not eat this batch of food, I ordered a chicken sandwich, which was OKAY. The chicken was thick, which was nice, but it was weirdly colored inside and had a funny flavor. Again, very small. Not to mention it was smothered in disgusting mayonnaise. Overall, I would never go back to this place. It is overpriced and definitely...
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