Thursday, September 26, 2013

Black Shack

Another burger place....I must crave a hamburger very badly without realizing it, I keep posting material on burger places..

Had never noticed this one before, in busy Midtown again

Mixed reviews, people say things like" will never be the greatest but good"--and pricey

Black Shack Burger

3.5 star rating
210 reviews Rating Details
Categories: Burgers, Sandwiches  [Edit]
320 Lexington Ave
(between 39th St & 38th St)
New York, NY 10016
Neighborhoods: Midtown East, Murray Hill
(212) 213-0042

Order Delivery or Pickup

Nearest Transit Station:
Grand Central - 42 St. (7, 7X)
Grand Central - 42 St. (4, 5, 6, 6X)
Grand Central - 42 St. (S)
Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 10 pm
Attire:
Casual
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Price Range:
$
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
Yes
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good For:
Lunch
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only
Drive-Thru:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
No
Caters:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   What's this?

  • "I think these were the best sweet potato fries I've ever had." In 50 reviews
  • "Also, they have RC Cola products which is a great change of pace." In 16 reviews
  • "Highly recommend the chocolate peanut butter shake." In 35 reviews
Rating Distribution | Trend
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210 reviews in English

  • Review from

    • 1 friend
    • 5 reviews
    Brooklyn, NY
    9/22/2013
    A classic American Burger Joint with not so classic prices.

    Black Shack Burger isn't much of a shack, the interior is nice and capacious yet the title bears some merit in the nuance detail. Such as the food coming in paper napkins and plastic baskets. They are so cheap in appearance it ALMOST devalues the food-- almost.

    Ironically however, the food isn't cheap, nor does it taste that way. From the sloppy joes to the burgers, they are all delicious if you can stomach greasy, american food. It is important to note though that the grease is not excessive, and the deep-fried french fries are crispy and can come with a seasoning that makes ketchup unnecessary (although I will always personally recommend it).

    As previously stated, my one qualm with the place lies in their pricing which is high, especially for drinks. A CAN of YingLing was around $6 and their pop was not that much cheaper. For a gourmet price, one would expect gourmet food and drink, or at least the aesthetic look of them. Black Shack almost deliberately strays away from this idea, forcing you, it seems, to think more highly of the establishment. Which is not needed, the food's savory flavors speak for itself.

    Perhaps the drink prices are dastardly high because of the convenient service of Black Shack's patrons not having to go somewhere else for alcohol? The answer to that question will change from person to person depending on a multitude of factors. What should be universal though is the enjoyment of their food, which I have no doubt all American food fans will love.
  • Review from

    Manhattan, NY
    9/21/2013 1 check-in here
    Solid burger but really expensive.  Actually, it probably wasn't all that pricey but the outdated plastic sign with the removable letters and the paper wrapped around my burger delivered on trays made it seem likeI should have been paying less than $5.

    Maybe it's a hipster thing, but the "truck stop burger joint" feel and the prices felt like a trick.

    Never the less, my friends and I were treated to great burgers and friendly fast service.

    I doubt I'll be back as this spot is kind of out of the way and I can basically get the same thing at shake shack.
  • Review from

    • 32 friends
    • 162 reviews
    New York, NY
    9/18/2013
    I have the feeling the food is much better in-house than through delivery, but I was stuck at work and feeling the need for a burger, so I tried Black Shack Burger.

    I asked for the Cajun fries to be extra crisp.  Didn't happen.  I shouldn't get my hopes up.  But they were nicely seasoned.

    I ordered the Steakhouse burger.  Great idea, from the creamed spinach to the crispy onion strings (which weren't by the time I got it) and the horseradish sauce.  I added cheddar cheese, and if I get to the place in person, will add bacon as well.  But tasty.  I asked for medium and got it, even though it had to travel.

    Will I order again?  Likely not - there are so many options around here.

    Will I go try the place in person??  Possibly, possibly .....
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 38 reviews
    New York, NY
    9/18/2013
    +1 star for the amazing chocolate peanut butter shake and super friendly cashier.

    The actual burger is not very large (good size for lunch but you won't get full) and they left off the creamed spinach from my steakhouse burger :(.  The fried onions were nice and crisp though and the horseradish sauce was perfect.

    The cajun fries were too salty and just tasted like regular old freezer bag fries heavily dusted with Old Bay.

    The fries, burger and shake came to $17 which I think was a little steep considering the small size  of the $6 shake and $3 freezer fries but hey, it's Manhattan and they've gotta make a living.

    -1 star for my missing spinach,  wack fries and too high prices.
  • Review from

    • 5 friends
    • 36 reviews
    Manhasset, NY
    9/6/2013 1 check-in here
    Pretentious hip rock? Maybe. Good food. Yep.  Little pricey?  Ok.

    But worth the money and the trip.  I've been back several times.

    Tomato on the burger is ripe, pickle crunchy, bun toasted. Steakhouse burger very good (messy, watch the Hermes tie).  Onion rings excellent. The black and white shake was great.

    Come here. It's good. Nice staff.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    9/16/2013
    Tonight was the THIRD time Black Shack has screwed my delivery.  I don't think making burgers and delivering them to you is brain surgery.  As good as their food is, I cannot order from there again as they are so BAD about delivery.

    Sometimes when I call their number is actually busy?
  • Review from

    • 48 friends
    • 27 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    9/13/2013
    Was not impressed with the quality or the portion size for the price. Delivery was on time (45min) but food came in a small brown bag that barely fit my order. Fries were cold. I'm stickin with the competition.
  • Review from

    • 34 friends
    • 29 reviews
    Boston, MA
    8/1/2013
    Better than Shake Shack (I don't get the hype) and the Burger Joint, and edges out Five Guys. Mind you, I was also starving after having my nails done next door.  I got the regular burger with cheddar and bacon. Oh the bacon! Instead of strips, you get crispy, crumbled bacon. Genius!

    Don't expect ambiance - this is a no frills joint that's all about the burger. But then again, to expect impeccable service and ambiance from a place called "shack", is just a little silly and a whole lot ridic.
  • Review from

    New York, NY
    7/8/2013 1 check-in here
    Two words: Chocolate soda.

    I feel like that was a seriously cathartic moment there above, but I'm not sure it gets properly conveyed. Do yourselves a favor, go to Black Shack and drink yourself a chocolate soda and you will understand. Oh, and one more compelling reason: unlimited refills (yes, Mayor Bloomberg's sphincter just twitched a little, but too bad).

    Alrighty, now that we've gotten that out of the way, on to the burger, best done with a list of reasons why you need to make a trip to Black Shack Burger:

    1. Every little bit as good as Shake Shack
    2. More comfortable seating
    3. No line (at least, when I was there)
    4. Excellent fries
    5. Did I mention, CHOCOLATE SODA?
    6. Reread number 5.
    7. Repeat number 6, three times
    8. Stand up straight.
    9. Get that lint off your sweater.
    10. Go to Black Shack Burger and bask in the bounty.

    Serious burgaciousness being had at this place. I only lament for the location, which, if you're in the midtown-ish, GCT-ish area, is more than worth a trip. It's even worth a trip from elsewhere, but on some level, it's good they're not closer to my house or they'd be scraping plaque from my arteries with a plumbing snake from overconsumption of Black Shack burgers.

    Oh, and a piece of me wonders if the word "Shack" in their name is in any way a reference to that other "Shack" place that started in Madison Square Park, and I am sincerely hoping not. Their burgers stand on their own without having be in the shadow of that other place.

    Go here. Eat a burger. Consume several gallons of chocolate soda. Go home satisfied.
  • Review from

    • 39 friends
    • 30 reviews
    New York, NY
    7/10/2013 1 check-in here
    Disclaimer: This review applies to dining at Black Shack. I think the actual burger was great, fries were meh. So my recommendation is to order from them, not go there to eat. If I had just ordered it would have been 3.5 stars!

    This place feels like a basement. I think the word is "dank."

    The coolest thing was the chocolate soda, but it's only cool that it exists and is an option, it's weird to drink it, in my opinion. Also the delivery guy nearly attacked a person for filling soda in a water cup and yelled "You'll have to pay!" In theory, he was right, but that wasn't the way communicate the issue. Seemed a little hostile.

    So, the burger is good, the experience is bad. Go at your own risk, or if you don't even care how people talk to you, just go for the burger!
  • Review from

    PARSIPPANY, NJ
    6/21/2013 1 check-in here
    Divey and delicious.  The counter girl was very friendly and explained the in's and outs of the joint really well.  All beer is canned, wish i would have known this prior to ordering one but you live and you learn.  Burgers are cooked fresh to order and piled high with toppings of your choosing.  I got a pretty standard cheese burger and it was juicy and just what the doctor ordered.

    No frills, no pizaz, just go ole fashioned grub done the way it should be.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 50 reviews
    Brooklyn, NY
    8/9/2013
    OK I am not a hater 2 stars.

    We ordered from work cause we were working late. Much love for delivery guy he was awesome in fixing the f'ed up order

    Good points: The double meat buggers did actually resemble a burger as photographed on a fast food menu  and the 20 something Admins loved them. The delivery was fast and they only forgot 2 things they charged s for.

    Bad points: The fries were soggy, nasty pre-frozen .POS and putting Chile powder on them does not make them Cajun... it doesn't even make them Mexican... even the kids said eeeew nasty. The Tofu "sandwich" would not even pass Dept. of Corrections standards, if they served it on Rikers Island someone would git shanked. Fortunately the one I ordered is presently being consumed by assorted rodents at the Staten Island land fill, 1 star for being eco-friendly.

    Again I am not a hater, some of my crew did actually enjoy the meal... personally if they offer it to me again I will file a complaint with not only HR   but  the DoL ... no screw that I will just quit and sue them.  Man this shit was awful.
  • Review from

    • 24 friends
    • 9 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    8/22/2013
    They are just great. I've never dined there but work in midtown east and my office mates and I order in from them frequently. The food is always delicious, their shakes are amazing!, service is quick and friendly, and their prices are way more reasonable than the other lunch options near my work. I don't eat red meat but their turkey burgers, and the mozzarella sandwich are soo good! I wasn't as big of a fan of the tofu...but I appreciate that they have so many vegetarian options.
  • Review from

    • 6 friends
    • 1 review
    Midtown East, Manhattan, NY
    5/11/2013
    I usually don't take the time to rate restaurants, but this one was so atrocious I just had to post my opinion.

    Where to begin...

    Firstly, This place took forever to deliver their food. Even after I called them to complain, it took an additional half hour for me to get my food.

    Given the wait, I was under the assumption that the food would be quality. When it got here, it was nicely packaged; this was a good sign and gave me some hope. This illusion was quickly shattered when I opened the box and found a burger that was flimsy and disappointing. If I wanted a McDonald's-esque burger I would've ordered from McDonald's.

    I'm still hungry. Maybe I'll go get some real food.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews
    London, UK
    5/5/2013 1 check-in here
    Across the road and up  from Rare. -A simpler affair but all the better for it.

    Great service,  a good simple burger, and a great dark beer in the fridge if your liver is up to it.
  • Review from

    Brooklyn, NY
    4/9/2013
    Black Shack will never be one of those awesome must-try burger places in NY, but that's not a bad thing. It's a great burger for what it is. Which is a higher end version of a fast food place. With alcohol and milkshakes.

    I like the original Black Shack burger sans onions. It's a good solid burger with all the proper toppings. The fries are just okay, nothing special. They also don't give you enough in my opinion. But they have a great soda selection! When was the last time you could get RC Cola and Diet Rite anywhere? They've got it. And Bosco Chocolate Soda!

    One thing I love is that the people working here are absolutely hilarious. They are so chatty and upbeat and enthusiastic. It's like a bunch of friends working at a burger joint. It brings a great vibe to the place.
    Listed in: Yelp 100 Challenge


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