Shake Shack Garden State Plaza — Restaurant in Paramus

Update: Hi, I just would like to give an update. Management did reach out to me after I left this review and contacted them and they made things right. Right now, I just wanted to talk about Frank. Just wanted to say, Frank at GSP is super nice. Very kind and provided me an amazing customer service experience. He asked and made sure if everything was okaii, I also watched him with some other customers and noticed how kind and attentive he is. He came over to my table and checked up on me and we have a nice conversation for a moment. Frank is definitely the reason why businesses thrive and why I will make sure to keep coming here. I’ve been on the other end before last year, when I had to complain about an employee at this location, so after having a great experience with Frank, it feels so important that I compliment him and whoever hired him. Thank you Frank for your genuine and kind customer service. 100/10 ☺️ :)

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EXTREMELY RUDE EMPLOYEE !!! I work in the mall, I walked in right at 10 maybe 10:01 after my shift because I was extremely dehydrated and just wanted a cup of water. I know they close at 10 but I just needed a cup of water because I literally felt like I was gonna pass out. I know they have that water station so I just wanted to use it really quick. Before I even walked in the door, and while there were other customers inside, one employee literally kept repeating without letting me talk “SORRY, SORRY SORRY, we’re closed, SORRY SORRY SORRY.” Over and over and over. How extremely rude and disgusting can someone be to not even let me speak before I even walk into the restaurant. Then finally once she stopped for a second I said I just wanted a cup of water and she said something along the lines of “Okaii that’s fine you can have a cup of water but after that you have to go, we’re closed.” Which I already knew from her mentioning it before I walked in. I chugged down 2 cups of water because like I said I was extremely dehydrated, and she was also watching me as if she was worried I was gonna place an order. I hope management sees this and retrains their employees on customer service because that is not you how talk to people especially if you want them to come back. Tone is everything and she most definitely could have spoken to me in a nicer, more professional way instead of screaming “SORRY SORRY SORRY” at me a bunch of times. What kind of business hires disrespectful and rude people to talk to their customers like that ??? Especially before they even get a chance to speak ? I HOPE management reaches out to me because I would love to point out the person who I dealt with. Otherwise, if you don’t you want to deal with rude employees and horrible service then please do not...

Let's begin with the star of the show—the burger. I opted for their classic ShackBurger, and I can confidently say it was one of the best burgers I've ever had. The patty was cooked to perfection, juicy and flavorful, nestled between a soft, fresh potato bun that added the right touch of sweetness. Topped with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and their signature ShackSauce, every bite was a burst of heavenly flavors that left me craving for more. The attention to detail in crafting this burger was evident, and it truly lived up to its reputation. What impressed me just as much as the scrumptious burger was the outstanding customer service. The staff at Shake Shack went above and beyond to ensure that every guest felt welcomed and valued. Despite the bustling crowd, they managed to attend to each customer with a smile, patiently answering questions and offering recommendations. This level of attentiveness added a personal touch to the dining experience and made me feel like a valued guest. One aspect that pleasantly surprised me was the speed of service. Despite the restaurant's popularity, my order was swiftly taken, and the food arrived at my table in no time. This was especially appreciated as I was on a tight lunch break, and Shake Shack's efficiency allowed me to enjoy a delicious meal without feeling rushed. The ambiance of the restaurant was also commendable. The interior had a modern and inviting design, with ample seating options that catered to both groups and individuals. The overall atmosphere was vibrant, yet comfortable, making it an excellent spot to enjoy a burger with friends or family. To top off my experience, the value for money was more than reasonable. Considering the quality of the ingredients and the top-notch service provided, the price felt justified. It's evident that Shake Shack takes pride in its offerings, and they certainly deliver on their promise of providing a tasty and enjoyable meal. In conclusion, my visit to Shake Shack was a definite success. The burger I indulged in was nothing short of spectacular, and the customer service and quick service they provided only enhanced the overall experience. Whether you're a burger aficionado or simply looking for a great dining experience, Shake Shack is a must-visit destination. I will undoubtedly be returning for more of their mouthwatering offerings...

This is incredibly embarrassing to admit, especially as a self-proclaimed burger lover, but I've never been to Shake Shack.

At least, not until today, since my husband and I decided it was high time to make things right.

There are three kiosks situated right at the front of the restaurant and they seem to be the main way to place an order, along with a numbered placard so servers can bring the food to your table when it's ready. You can still place an order at the register if you're paying cash (or craving real human connection), but I noticed workers aren't statically stationed by the register here.

I actually like the kiosk method of ordering. I added an avocado to my Shack burger while my husband added an extra patty and fried onions and - easy peasy - we were able to make our custom burgers with a clear cost breakdown.

The burgers themselves were good. In true smashed burger form, there were crispy edges that got a near bacon-like texture from the hot grill. That said, I think some smashed patties tend to get lost in a bigger burger; to wit, I found myself losing that wonderful beefy flavor among all the toppings and bread and regretted not getting a double patty. But high, high points for toppings. The vegetables looked ad-ready fresh and my husband's burger was surprisingly full of bacon strips. The fries are my favorite type - crinkle cut - but a smaller serving than I would've expected for the price.

This particular Shake Shack is located on the southeast corner of Westfield Garden mall (the side that faces Route 17), which can be both a good and bad thing. It's great on Sundays, when most of the mall is closed due to Bergen County blue laws and there's plenty of parking. On most Fridays and Saturdays, though, expect the crowds - both in the mall and in the parking lot. There are quite a few tables inside, and on super crowded days, there are a few 'indoor-outdoor' tables along the side of the restaurant (meaning technically outside the restaurant but still inside the mall) for...