Cheap Eats

Lately, Shake Shack has been given more attention than Paris Hilton, so I had my doubts as to whether or not this popular outdoor venue in Madison Square Park would fulfill my burger fantasies. But, unlike Paris, Shake Shack's shiny exterior is not merely overcompensation. The Good Food Gods were smiling down on me as I leisurely ate: a fine breeze, no line, plenty of seating and ample people-watching. But by the time we finished, the wait was longer than Paris' list of boy-toys and ominous clouds hovered overhead. I realized that greater forces must have conspired so I could eat peacefully and, in return, I'll spread the Shake Shack word. The Shack Burger ($4.75) is fresh and flavorful and can even be prepared rare, topped with fixings and Shack sauce-a mysterious but yummy mayo-based condiment. The bun is soft enough not to leave behind crumbs but substantial enough to cushion the juicy meat. The fries ($2.25) are kind of like a younger sibling-trying desperately hard to make Mom and Pop proud but always in big brother burger's shadow. This is greaseless fast food so the shakes ($4.25) are certainly worth doubling the calories and the cost of the meal. I had chocolate-thin enough not to require a spoon, thick enough to require some Hoover action. The only downfall is the larger than life-size ad of an avoid-shakes-and-burgers-or-die model, pouting disapprovingly from across the street as you inhale your sinful delight. But I guess that isn't Shake Shack's fault; it's Madison Ave.'s.

Shake Shack

Madison Square Park (Madison Ave. & 23rd St.)

212-889-6600