I was stoked from the jump when we found out that Shake Shack was coming to Nashville back a few years ago. I had it for the first time up in New Jersey after a day at Monmouth Park drinking beer, smoking cigars, and betting on horses. It was fresh off the grill, and it changed my life. I believe I have at least asked to go back to Shake Shack every time we’ve been back up to visit family since. Now, I don’t even have to leave the Nashville area to get some!
It’s been open in Green Hills for quite awhile now, and we’ve been several times, but my desire to openly express my love for Shake Shack was stirred when I saw folks once again debating the best fast food burgers on Twitter. The conversation quickly devolved into In-N-Out vs. Five Guys, and I desperately wanted folks to pump the fucking brakes. I like In-N-Out. I like Five Guys. Both are just fine – but Shake Shack deserves some respect in this conversation. In fact, and maybe this is a hot take – but I think Shake Shack is the GOAT of fast food burgers. That’s my position, and that’s why I had to write this review to fight the good fight for the underrated food that this fine institution provides us with. For more on Shake Shack, check out their website.
Pics
Ratings
Food: 7.5/10 – The burger is undeniable. The buffalo chicken sandwich was a nice surprise. The best thing about Shake Shack is that they keep things simple – just ingredients and grease, baby. The way it was intended. I got two ShakeBurgers and buffalo chicken sandwich – no fries because fries are for cowards. I don’t mean that if you’re reading this, Aura. I know you got fries with your order, honey. I just got carried away there. I just don’t want to waste any room on my stomach on anything other than ShackBurgers whenever I go to Shake Shack.
Booze: 5.12/10 – I actually can’t remember if the Green Hills location serves beer and wine or not, but I believe most locations do. They have a deal with Brooklyn Brewery for their own beer, and they have some house wine options as well. Booze with fast food feels like an odd choice – don’t get me wrong…I’m not saying I’ve never done it. I’m not above that. But, you have to be in a certain state of mind. But, they definitely get points for at least having the options. It’s a good beer, by the way.
Value: 5/10 – Square even, middle-of-the-road value. The overall state of fast food these days has it so that it’s hard for two people to eat anywhere and not spend at least $20-$25. If I’m going to spend that, why not shell out a little more and get the best of the best? For my fiancé and I, four sandwiches, fries, and two drinks ran me about $35. That’s fair.
Atmosphere: 4.5/10 – Fast food dine-in is a sad and lonely affair. But, at least Shake Shack does try to decorate their restaurants to feel like a New York studio apartment.
Overall: 5.53/10 – Don’t lose sight of the forest for the trees. Five Guys, In-N-Out, and Wendy’s are fine establishments in their own right. But, make no mistake about it – at least in this writer’s opinion, Shake Shack is the king of the fast food burger.
CURRENT NASHVILLE RESTAURANT RANKINGS
- Butcher & Bee (8.5/10)
- Nectar: Urban Cantina (8.44/10)
- Barcelona Wine Bar (8.23/10)
- M.L.Rose (8.19/10)
- Von Elrod’s (8.17/10)
You can check out our full Nashville restaurant rankings here. I’m always looking for new spots to try – don’t be afraid to hit the comments with suggestions!
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley.
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