“Shake Shack is just an ordinary fast-food joint,” said nobody ever. Shake Shack takes the cake for gourmet fast food classics, offering a modern-day take on retro roadside burgers, fries, hot dogs, frozen custards, shakes, and more. There’s the traditional fast food chain, and then there’s Shake Shack. The two are incomparable; I’m talking completely different hemispheres here. Though all the classic cult-favorites are fabulous, I’m here to share the Shake Shack secret menu items that will blow your expectations out of the water.
From a decadent root beer float to an astonishingly simple grilled cheese, these are all must-tries to add to your foodie bucket list.
1. Shack Sauce and Cheese Fries
If an order of cheese fries doesn’t hit the spot, try topping the fry concoction with a drizzle of Shake Shack’s legendary shack sauce. This mayo-based blend of spicy, sweet, and sour is made of mayo, ketchup, mustard, and spices that complement the cheesy flavor without overpowering it.
Simply order a portion of cheese fries with a side of Shack Sauce; the staff will know exactly what you’re preparing for. Just imagine the crispy texture, the tangy flavor, and the savory sauce. Apparently there is a heaven on earth.
2. Shack-Cago Dog
This cult favorite Shake Shack secret menu item requires some preparation, so take note. Top your ordinary frankfurter with pickles, onions, tomatoes, sports peppers, and cucumbers. Then, wait for them to decorate the showstopper and enjoy; it tastes just as beautiful as it looks.
#SpoonTip: These frankfurters are best without ketchup, so save the sauce for your crinkle-cut fries instead.
3. Grilled Cheese
A modern take on an old-school favorite. Shake Shack transforms a plain old grilled cheese into a piece of sandwiched heaven. They grill their potato buns inside-out until the buns are golden and crisp. The nostalgia just oozes out of the ooey gooey cheese and buttery buns. Simply order a grilled cheese; they’ll know what you want.
#SpoonTip: Add bacon, you’ll thank me later.
4. Peanut Butter Bacon Cheeseburger
Calling all peanut butter fans, this one’s for you. If you want the perfect bite of sweet and savory, give this peanut butter bacon cheeseburger a shot. Order a bacon ShackBurger and ask for a side of peanut sauce. Then, drizzle the saucy peanut topping all over the patty and enjoy your heaven between buns. Fair warning: this may be that book-worthy, life-changing moment you’ve been dreaming about, so if I were you I’d floor it to the nearest Shake Shack ASAP.
5. Root Beer Float
How can this root beer float not give you retro diner vibes? I envision enjoying this concoction by Riverdale‘s very own Pop’s Chock’Lit Shoppe—anyone else? The fizzy soda and creamy ice cream is a combo you don’t want to miss out on. Just order a bottle of root beer and ask for a scoop of vanilla custard to be added right in. Who knew so much happiness could come in such a small cup?
6. Protein-Style Burger
For the health-obsessed, gluten-free, and participants of carb-free Tuesdays, Shake Shack has just the burger for you. Comprised of all the components of a typical ShackBurger minus the potato buns, this protein-style burger uses refreshing butter lettuce in place of buns. Simply order the ShackBurger bunless and enjoy.
7. Shake Shack Quad Burger
Now we’re feasting! If you really want to challenge your appetite, give this hefty quad burger a try. Essentially, it’s your legendary ShackBurger with four times the meat. Though the normal ShackBurger is a punch of flavor, this is a knockout of decadence. This concept is completely customizable and can be applied to any of Shake Shack’s burgers. Simply order one of their burgers with four meat patties and you’re ready to chow down. Here’s my question to you: can you conquer the quad?
If this roundup of Shake Shack secret menu items doesn’t leave you hungry, I don’t know what will. Check one more item off your foodie bucket list and give one of these secret menu faves a try.