It’s the e-mail we’ve been waiting for since January: “Shake Shack will open this Friday, do you want to come by Thursday for a preview?” it read. Our answer? “Hell, yes.”
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If you’ve never been to Shake Shack, here’s what you need to know: Iconic Manhattan restaurateur Danny Meyer founded (and still sits on the Board of Directors of) this cult-status chain that’s putting modern spins on classic burger fare. While all of the 60-plus locations serve his classic Shack burgers, each has a few special menu offerings (at Cross County, you’ll find craft beers from Broken Bow Brewery in Tuckahoe and Yonkers Brewing Co.).
So, how does Cross County stack up? The Yonkers location was every bit as craveable as its NYC counterparts. The burgers were deeply caramelized (they smash their patties directly onto the flattop for a craggy, flavorful crust), and the tangy-creamy ShackSauce was on point. The crinkle-cut fries added a heaping dose of nostalgia. And we were all over the Cross County Crunch frozen concrete—vanilla custard, salted caramel sauce, Mast Brothers dark chocolate chunks, chocolate toffee, and malt powder (five percent of the proceeds support Yonkers Partners in Education). Oh, and Danny Meyer himself was there too to give the long, modern space and ultra-friendly staff his stamp of approval.
Will there be a Madison Square Park-worthy line tonight? Probably. But I’d brave it for a burger (or maybe a Chick’n Shack sandwich).
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Chef Danny Meyer (in plaid) with partner Yonkers Brewing Co.
