How can anyone resist a juicy burger with a cold and creamy shake? In my book, a good burger should be juicy, flavorful, and medium rare, with a bun that is sturdy enough to handle the toppings, condiments and patty inside. Shakes should be thick and not too sweet or artificial tasting.

My burger and shake expedition starts with the perennial favorite Shake Shack, in Madison Square Park. The lines for the food are notorious, so go there early to avoid waiting for an eternity. I had the Shack Burger and a caramel shake. The Shack Burger was delicious. Fresh, sweet tomatoes, and crispy lettuce on top of a salty cheeseburger. The bun was soft yet sturdy enough that it didn’t dissolve from the burger’s juices. I just wish they would cook it medium rare instead of the standard medium. The caramel shake was a notch below thick, and drinkable with little effort. It was sweet and had a good caramel flavor.

The next stop was the Stand in Greenwich Village. Reading their menu, I was reminded of the scene from “Pulp Fiction,” in which John Travolta’s character, Vincent Vega reacts incredulously to the five-dollar shake Uma Thurman’s character, Mia, orders. Except, at the Stand, the shake was $6 and on the small side. But since I had heard great things about their toasted marshmallow shake, I had to try it and I also ordered their House Burger. The House Burger was really juicy, though it lacked the salty appeal that I loved from Shake Shack’s burger. The bun dissolved from the burger’s juices and the insides spilled out with every bite. The shake though, was a winner – thick, sweet, and creamy. It also tasted like a melted, toasted marshmallow. I would go to the Stand just for their shake.

The final destination was Island Burgers and Shakes in Hell’s Kitchen. This narrow, sandwich and burger restaurant serves ridiculously juicy burgers and the thickest shakes I’ve encountered by far. The black and white shake was vanilla ice cream with chocolate fudge. The flavor was nice and vanilla-y with a touch of chocolate. The burger was juicy but it lacked the “wow” factor I was searching for, despite ordering extra toppings like sautéed onions and tomato.

Overall, I loved the Shake Shack the best because their burger rocked. Stand had the tastiest shake, as for Island Burgers; I just love the textures of the food more than the flavors.

Addresses & Contact Information:

Shake Shack

Southeast corner of Madison Square Park
Madison Avenue & 23rd Street
New York, NY 10010

Stand

24 East 12th Street
New York, NY 10003
(212) 488-5900

Island Burgers & Shakes

766 9th Ave
New York, NY 10019
(212) 307-7934