Gothamist: Wednesday Food News: Early Edition

M

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 14:29:16 -0500

"Of all the grand inanities in this city, the biggest is that line to the Shake Shack. Why on EARTH would you stand in line for that particular hamburger?" truth is most normal people don't wait in line for an hour+ for a shack burger, they go off peak when it is half (or more) as long. and there are lot's of people that don't mind standing in a nice park, catching up on reading or with a friend while they wait for a tasty, burger, dog or desert option. so to answer your "why on earth" question: i can't speak for everyone, but there are a lot of people that wait on a much shorter then average line because they are patient enough to, and smart enough to plan ahead, and enjoy the food. NEXT STOP: ROCKET SCIENCE!!!

food netwerk

Wed, 30 May 2007 19:09:22 -0500

but it's not even a grill but on a griddle. I would have as much enjoyment from a Banh mi sandwich to go and eat it at the pier. They make banh mi sandwichs for you to assemble at home if you want with all the fixins. ah, forget it. more power to danny meyer.

AppleK

Wed, 30 May 2007 14:24:28 -0500

I don't think the long lines at Shake Shack is attributed solely on the taste of the burger. You have to also take into account the surroundings - a nice, urban park where you can sit as long as you please- and the affordable price. A combination of all three factors provides the tipping point for Shake Shack's success. In a city where people don't think twice about renting a $1600/mo. for a small studio (where that could get you a spacious 3 bedroom in the rest of the country), the value of Shake Shack is a result of living in New York City: we lack the space to grill our own burger in some spacious suburban backyard. The price we pay for our version of this experience is standing on a long line in exchange for some cheapish grub and nice atmosphere outside our little apartments.

pita peta

Wed, 30 May 2007 13:52:57 -0500

very true, same with the production of Foie Gras. I'm disappointed he didn't mention that.

anon

Wed, 30 May 2007 13:48:41 -0500

disappointed that Meehan doesn't note the inhumane (and often illegal) shark fin fishing methods in China. truly disgusting.

.

Wed, 30 May 2007 13:14:41 -0500

someone was paid to review Katz's? people need to be told this place exists? does this seem strange to me only

Warren

Wed, 30 May 2007 12:44:33 -0500

Shake Shack is frighteningly mediocre. It just goes to show you how people are sheep and will eat any old crap.

Barry Popik

Wed, 30 May 2007 12:26:25 -0500

Bruni's line about Katz's is a classic: "It’s been around, after all, since 1888. That’s longer than Cindy Adams."

guest2

Wed, 30 May 2007 11:37:49 -0500

tom - cause they're awesome.

The Obstreperous Ms. J

Wed, 30 May 2007 11:35:47 -0500

Speaking of delis, I would be remiss to comment about the Second Ave Deli, where a CHASE branch now stands. "You can't stop progress!"

mikhail

Wed, 30 May 2007 11:28:52 -0500

Was hoping for a bad review for that drugged out jewboy Chodorow

u betta axe somebody

Wed, 30 May 2007 11:10:31 -0500

I think Cuozzo did ask someone on line. He asked how long was he waiting and then the guy gave a comment on the food. I hope the southerners who got duped into waiting on that line learned their lesson and give them another reason to hate NYC.

Tom

Wed, 30 May 2007 10:54:27 -0500

Of all the grand inanities in this city, the biggest is that line to the Shake Shack. Why on EARTH would you stand in line for that particular hamburger?