The Line Starts Today

Some love it to the point of being freakishly cultish. Others don't see what the big deal is. But everyone can agree on one thing: you can do plenty of productive things with the time you spend waiting on line to get a burger at Shake Shack.

We checked in hamburger expert Adam Kuban of A Hamburger Today, who wrote last week, "Ai yah. It hasn't even opened yet, I'm already getting sick of the frakkin' hype surrounding the Shake Shack..." We asked him what his, uh, beef was with Shake Shack and he said he doesn't have a beef - he just hates the hype: "New Yorkers seem unusually susceptible to hype. Shake Shack is just part of it. Recall, if you will, Krispy Kreme, Beard Papa, Pinkberry. Any cupcake shop ..." Fair enough. Then we asked Kuban what he thought of the new vibrating beepers the Shack is providing, to let customers know when to pick them up:

I think the new tech things are great! They'll will go a long way to alleviating the pile-up around the pick-up window. Instead of waiting to hear your name -- while secretly worrying that someone will identity-thieve your order -- you now have a secure wireless burger-notification system. Bravo!

Interesting - we thought it was close to a shark-jumping moment, given that these beepers are at Outback Steakhouses and other big chain restaurants.

Whatever your opinion, we feel obliged to let you know that, although the official opening is this Wednesday, Eater reported earlier and we received email confirmation that they'll be serving at noon today. Send us your cameraphone pictures and/or reports from Shackburger Central!

Update: the greasy-finger blogger phonecam shots are starting to roll in. Here's the money-shot of the buzzer and table from Kottke:

Here's a whole lot of frozen dairy product, courtesy of Adam Kuban:

And of course, a whole table full of burgers by Keith-- Tien Mao could probably demolish these by himself in 20 minutes:

And how about a fry shot?

Anyway, that's about the size of it. Unless Shake Shack gets hit by a meteor, a triple homicide occurs there, or the place is closed down because of a rat infestation, you won't be hearing about it again from us. For at least a week.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Laren Spirer in Food on March 19, 2007 11:29 AM

Comments [rss]

DocChuck

Either you New Yawkas must not have much to do, OR you are ALL malnourished. I cannot believe such nonsense over a frickin burger joint (not that I don't LOVE hamburgers).

Our burgers in D.C. are BETTER than yours . . . and cost about one-half as much. Take THAT, Shake Shack.

Dannie Meiers

Shack Sh*t Sucks! Pop Burger RULES!

nick

yeah. people must be eating shake shack because of the hype, not because they make good burgers. it all makes sense now.

you people are fucking dumb.

also, who cares if they use the same technology as outback steakhouse? i'd rather get a page than have to listen for my name and fight through a crowd of people.

Jon

Another bandwagon. Sad. Just f'n sad.

Vomitorium

The first picture looks like a dirty infected vagina. YUMMY!

Ace

wow, there a lot of jerks who read this website.

anonymass

You all deserve botulism for offending our visual senses with this offal.

Seriously - hoping this time tomorrow you're collectively clutching a bowl, swearing you'll change your Gothamist ways.

uggh

another awful food photo. i really do enjoy your blog, but please take a photography class, or read a photo book. the food is supposed to look appetizing, no?

amanda

Mmmm... that cheese-filled fried portabella mushroom "burger" is divine.. the best vegetarian option I've seen at a burger joint so far. Now I'm craving it!

dug

shake shack owns gothamist.

Brian

Umm, can there be a few less postings about this rat hole? It's making me wonder if Gothamist only likes food from overpriced, poorly produced places like Shake Shack.

em

A bit early for me I am going ot wait until the snow has melted.

Sandy

Haven't tried this place yet, but just wondering if the "special sauce" has mayo in it. I hate mayo more than life itself.

lets let cars in

arent there enough restaurants in nyc, do we really need them taking up any space more in parks too?

Dave

Just finished off two Shack burgers and got back to work, a short line today, nifty new 'Waiting Buzzers' make listening to music a possibility when nagging a burger! The shack is back bitches!

queensgal

totally went today. not that long of a line...and well worth it. love the new buzz system because you can just sit and wait instead of crowding the window...although people were still crowding the window. not sure if everyone completely understood the new system. all in all well worth it. tastes like spring!

MMJ

Go today then. Only about 5 people in line ahead of me about a half hour ago. No special custard today but otherwise, looks like they're running full steam. Totally made my day.

mmm

"so 2006" - maybe if you only care about the hype. me, i like the burger. it's definitely above average. however, i only bother to wait in the line once or twice a season.