Recommendations

Why would reasonably sane, otherwise savvy New Yorkers stand in line for upwards of 45 minutes just for fast food? If it were anywhere other than the Shake Shack, I would say there's crack in the burgers.

Guide: Actress (Jordan)
Location: Flatiron

Strengths

• Why would reasonably sane, otherwise savvy New Yorkers stand in line for upwards of 45 minutes just for fast food? If it were anywhere other than the Shake Shack, I would say there's crack in the burgers, but this Madison Square Park gem has credentials to spare. Its founder, Danny Meyers, is the well-known chef and owner of many a famed NYC restaurant, including Blue Smoke, the Union Square Cafe and Gramercy Tavern. So while the menu may resemble standard fast food fare, the Shake Shack's burgers, hot dogs, fries and "concretes" (frozen custard with lots of candy mix-ins) are all freshly made and wildly addictive.
• If the food alone doesn't give you a warm and fuzzy feeling inside, Shake Shack's commitment to environmentalism might. They are wind-powered to save energy and the restaurant was designed by SITE Environmental Design to blend into the Park. They also donate a portion of proceeds to the Madison Square Park Conservancy.

Shortcomings

• Closed from December to march (the all-outdoor seating would be hell in a snowstorm).
• On warm, summer days be prepared to wait on line for as long as an hour.

Insider tips

• There are two lines, an "A" line for food and drinks, and a "B" line just for drinks and dessert, so if you're not craving a double 'Shroom Burger, don't wait in the "A" line.
• You can use the Shake Shack website to find the daily custard flavor.
• Look at the live webcam on the website in order to check out the line ahead of time.
• After you've ordered your food, you'll get a buzzer you can take with you as you walk around the park and wait for your burger to be ready.

Anecdotes

• When my friends and I have a Shake Shack craving nothing is going to stop us from heading there. NOTHING.

Credentials

• New York Magazing: Best Burger 2005.
• New York Times award for Best in Show: Outstanding Hot Dog Places.
• Named to TimeOut NY's "100 Best Burgers" list.