Battle of the (Fast Food) Burgers

I was just at a Shake Shack – correction: I wrote this post at a Shake Shack – It’s my second trip to the chain. I thought I might as well sit down and share my thoughts and compare them to past experiences at similar restaurants.

I’ll first go through my experience with Shake Shack since it’s a more recent experience overall. First, I’ll acknowledge that on this second trip, I had a coupon for a free burger and then just threw an order of fries in to complete the meal. I ordered online (through a browser as a guest since I hate making new accounts). This had a hiccup but eventually worked, and I don’t know if it was my or the restaurant’s problem. I got to the restaurant and my food was ready at the pickup window, still warm.

Now we get to the good part – eating, I was hungry and the presentation was good, though when I opened up the burger box I noticed this wasn’t as great visually – it had kinda fallen apart inside – admittedly easy enough to put back together. I grabbed ketchup and tried the burger – it was pretty good, a little greasy, and flavourful. The patty was tasty, and the veggies were warm and good too. The bun seemed like it could’ve fallen apart in my hands but it tasted good and had a good texture. The fries were also good, they were largely comparable to Culver’s in my opinion maybe slightly saltier, and tasty.

After I had finished my food a gentleman who worked there offered to take care of my trash for me, I politely declined as I was quite near the garbage already. That said he also stopped by my table and asked if I wanted anything to drink as I was pulling out my computer, I requested just water. He came back with a chilled bottle of water and invited me to stay as long as I like, admittedly it started to remind me of my experiences at Chick-fil-A.

I should also note that my previous (and first experience) was nothing great comparatively and would’ve kept me from the restaurant longer if not for the coupon I had.

Without the coupon, it would’ve been like $10 though (I paid under $4). Low-key though it’s nice enough at this restaurant that I don’t feel completely ridiculous pulling out my laptop to work. In fact, it’s, in-part what inspired this post in part.

Then we have Five Guys, in the past when I’ve wanted a relatively cheap burger this is where I’ve thought to go. I share a (I think it’s considered either a “regular”) fry with my boyfriend, and I get a burger with one patty and a number of the “freebie” fixings (I think it’s considered a “little hamburger” on the menu). This pretty well fills me up and if you count only my half of the fry price it works out to just under $8 for my meal I think.

I can’t forget about In-N-Out, admittedly I don’t live near one and I’ve only been there twice but both times have been an absolute treat. I love both their “regular burger” and the (I believe it’s called the) “protein” version, and their fries are great to my memory. I’ll admit that the old-fashioned style of the restaurant and the fact that it was in sunny California or beautiful Salt Lake City may have had a slight bit of an effect on my review here. I still want them to come to Minnesota though (share this post if you agree!) Also, their prices are great as far as I could remember and look up.

Now being from the midwest I can’t deny there’s room to include culvers in this breakdown. It’s great food with more options and great quality, maybe I’ve just been there too much due to others picking it but I don’t usually think of it myself – though as long as they’ll let me – I’ll acknowledge that the kid’s meal is a great value and fill, especially since you can get milk instead of pop and a scoop of custard. I think it comes in under $6 if not around $5!

Obviously, there are other burger joints, but these are the standout options around $10 and under for me.

I feel like I’d rather go to Five Guys if I’m craving a decent, and pretty well-priced burger – I feel like you get a bit more for your money, even if the restaurant isn’t as pretty… though I haven’t mobile ordered from them before to be fair. That said if you don’t want to go to a coffee shop, and want to work somewhere out of the house and office Shake Shack is a good option admittedly. And if you’re near an In-N-Out I’d also I’d tend to pick that instead (and please do have some for me!). If you want dessert included on the cheap culver’s kids meals are where it’s at.

I also have never tried a Whataburger to my memory to be clear so that is not in the review.

I have not been paid by any of the restaurants mentioned in this post at this point to write this.