Shake Shack Madison Square Park: The Birthplace of an NYC Icon

Shake Shack Madison Square Park Introduce

For many New Yorkers, the story of Shake Shack begins in Madison Square Park. What started as a humble hot dog cart in 2001, established by restaurateur Danny Meyer to support a park art installation, quickly blossomed into a permanent fixture due to overwhelming popularity. The lines for those initial hot dogs were legendary, signaling the birth of a brand that would eventually become a global phenomenon. Today, the original Shake Shack at 23rd Street and Madison Avenue stands as the symbolic heart of the company, a pilgrimage site for burger lovers and a beloved community gathering place.

This is more than just a hamburger restaurant; it’s a modern-day "roadside burger stand" that has redefined the fast-casual dining experience. It's a place where high-quality, never-frozen Angus beef, humanely raised chicken, and classic hot dogs are served in a beautiful park setting. While Shake Shack has expanded to hundreds of locations worldwide, there's a unique and special feeling that comes with dining at the spot where it all began. The atmosphere is casual and trendy, a perfect reflection of the city itself. Whether you're a local grabbing a quick lunch or a tourist wanting to experience a piece of New York history, a meal at the Madison Square Park location offers a taste of both an iconic brand and a revitalized urban landmark.

Shake Shack is perfectly situated at the corner of 23rd Street and Madison Avenue, within the picturesque Madison Square Park. This prime location is a major part of its appeal, offering patrons a chance to enjoy their food surrounded by lush greenery and the vibrant energy of New York City. The physical address is 23rd Street and, Madison Square Park, Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010, USA.

The restaurant's accessibility is excellent, particularly for those using public transportation, as it is conveniently located near several major subway lines and bus stops. The proximity to the Flatiron Building and other neighborhood landmarks makes it an easy destination to reach by foot for anyone in the area. For those who choose to drive, the location offers both paid and on-site parking options, though it’s important to note that finding a spot can be difficult in this busy part of the city. The restaurant itself is designed for inclusivity, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible seating, ensuring that everyone can comfortably enjoy their visit to this iconic spot. The setup, including extensive outdoor seating, is perfect for a leisurely meal in the park, adding to its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Shake Shack Madison Square Park offers a variety of services and menu options that cater to a wide audience, from individuals seeking a quick bite to groups planning a large event.

Service Options: The location provides a full range of service options, including Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeout, and Dine-in. This flexibility ensures customers can enjoy their food in a way that best suits their needs, whether it's a picnic in the park or a quick meal at home.
Diverse Menu: The menu extends far beyond just hamburgers. It is a comprehensive menu covering multiple types of food establishments:
- Burgers: Featuring their signature ShackBurger®, as well as the 'Shroom Burger for vegetarians, and other unique offerings like the Avocado Bacon Burger.
- Chicken: A selection of chicken sandwiches and bites made with hand-breaded, never-frozen white meat.
- Fries: Famous for their Crinkle Cut Fries, which can be ordered plain or loaded with cheese or bacon.
- Frozen Custard & Shakes: A wide variety of hand-spun shakes and premium frozen custard, made in-house daily. They also offer non-dairy options.
- Flat-Top Dogs: Classic hot dogs and the famous Shack-cago Dog.
- Beverages: A selection of house-made lemonades, iced teas, and fountain sodas, along with beer and wine options.
Catering and Large Orders: As a catering food and drink supplier, Shake Shack offers large boxes of their most popular items, including burgers, chicken sandwiches, and fries, making them an ideal choice for parties and group gatherings.
Kid-Friendly Offerings: The restaurant is good for kids, with high chairs available and a kid's menu that includes popular items, making it a perfect spot for family outings. They also have special dog treats like Bag O' Bones and Pooch-ini®, so your furry friends can enjoy a snack while you dine in the park.

The original Shake Shack location in Madison Square Park stands out for several reasons that go beyond a simple meal.

Iconic Status: This is the birthplace of the Shake Shack brand, and visiting it feels like a pilgrimage. It holds a special place in the hearts of many New Yorkers and is a landmark for foodies worldwide. This historical significance makes the dining experience infinitely different from visiting any other location.
High-Quality Ingredients: A core highlight of the brand is its commitment to high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients. The burgers are made with 100% Angus beef that is never frozen, and the chicken is antibiotic-free. This focus on quality sets it apart from traditional fast-food chains.
Atmosphere and Ambiance: The outdoor seating in Madison Square Park is a huge draw. It creates a unique, casual, and trendy atmosphere that’s perfect for people-watching in the summer and a cozy, heated space in the winter. It’s a lively community hub for college students, families, groups, and tourists.
Efficiency and Speed: Despite the fact that there is "usually a wait," the service is known for being fast and efficient. The kitchen staff is often praised for their ability to handle large volumes of orders quickly, which is a key highlight for a fast-casual dining experience.
Inclusivity: The restaurant is family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a transgender safespace. Its welcoming atmosphere and diverse crowd make it a comfortable place for anyone to visit and enjoy a meal.
Dessert Selection: A major highlight is the dessert menu, particularly the hand-spun shakes and frozen custard. These premium treats are made in-house daily with real cane sugar and cage-free eggs, setting a high standard for quality and flavor.

For those looking to visit or place an order, here is the essential contact information for Shake Shack Madison Square Park:

Address: 23rd Street and, Madison Square Park, Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010, USA

Phone: (212) 889-6600

While some critics may argue that Shake Shack's burgers can be inconsistent or that the prices are high for the portion size, the Madison Square Park location offers a compelling reason to visit that goes beyond just the food. It’s an experience. The chance to dine at the very spot where a global brand was born, within one of New York City’s most beautiful parks, is a unique and memorable opportunity. The atmosphere alone is worth the visit, offering a perfect blend of casual relaxation and urban energy that is quintessentially New York. The presence of tourists marveling at squirrels and locals enjoying a break from the grind adds to the vibrant scene.

Beyond the atmosphere, Shake Shack’s commitment to high-quality ingredients and a diverse menu, from their iconic ShackBurger® to their vegetarian 'Shroom Burger, provides a reliable and satisfying meal. The dessert menu, particularly the shakes and frozen custard, are a highlight that many find worth the trip alone. For anyone looking for a truly iconic New York City meal, a place that is as much about the destination as it is about the food, Shake Shack Madison Square Park is an essential stop. It’s a place where you can feel the history of a city and a brand, all while enjoying a classic American meal.

Shake Shack Madison Square Park Menu

Burgers
Our custom 100% Angus beef blend, never frozen, no hormones or antibiotics ever, humanely raised and grazed in the USA
Korean BBQ Burger
100% Angus beef cheeseburger topped with crispy sweet onions, fresh scallions and a savory Korean BBQ sauce on a toasted potato bun.
ShackBurger®
Angus beef cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun (contains sesame, eggs, milk, soy, wheat, and gluten)
Avocado Bacon Burger
Angus beef cheeseburger topped with freshly sliced avocado, applewood-smoked bacon, and ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun (contains sesame, eggs, milk, soy, wheat, and gluten)
SmokeShack®
Angus beef cheeseburger with applewood-smoked bacon, chopped cherry peppers, and ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun (contains sesame, milk, wheat, egg, soy, and gluten)
Veggie Shack™
Our veggie burger packed with mushrooms, sweet potatoes, carrots, farro, and quinoa, and topped with American cheese, crispy onions, pickles and ShackSauce (contains sesame, eggs, milk, soy, wheat, and gluten)
'Shroom Burger $9.79
*Vegetarian* Crisp-fried portobello mushroom filled with melted muenster and cheddar cheeses, topped with lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun (contains sesame, milk, wheat, egg, soy, and gluten)
Shack Stack® $13.29
Angus beef cheeseburger topped with a 'Shroom Burger with lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun (contains sesame, milk, wheat, egg, soy, and gluten)
Hamburger
Angus beef patty and your choice of toppings on a toasted potato bun (contains sesame, milk, wheat, and gluten)
Cheeseburger
Angus beef patty with cheese and your choice of toppings on a toasted potato bun (contains sesame, milk, wheat, soy, and gluten)
Bacon Cheeseburger
Angus beef cheeseburger topped with applewood-smoked bacon on a toasted potato bun (contains sesame, milk, soy, wheat, and gluten)
BLT $6.99
All-natural Applewood Smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, ShackSauce
Grilled Cheese $5.79
American cheese melted in a grilled potato bun (contains sesame, milk, wheat, soy, and gluten)

Chicken
Whole white meat, never frozen, no antibiotics, hand breaded and crisp-fried to order in cholesterol-free soy oil
Korean Style Fried Chicken Sandwich $9.99
Crispy, white-meat chicken breast coated in a spicy and sweet Gochujang glaze, sprinkled with sesame seeds and topped with white kimchi slaw, featuring Choi’s Kimchi, on a toasted potato bun.
Avocado Bacon Chicken $11.49
Crispy chicken breast with freshly sliced avocado, applewood-smoked bacon, lettuce, pickles, buttermilk herb mayo (contains sesame, milk, wheat, egg, soy, and gluten)
Chicken Shack™ $9.29
Crispy, white-meat chicken breast over lettuce, pickles, and buttermilk herb mayo on a toasted potato bun (contains sesame, milk, wheat, egg, soy, and gluten)
Chicken Bites™
Crispy, whole white-meat bites served with ranch, honey mustard or BBQ (contains milk, wheat, soy, and gluten)

Crinkle Cut Fries
Crispy and cut from golden potatoes, prepared in cholesterol-free soy oil
Spicy Korean BBQ Fries $4.99
Crispy crinkle cuts spiced with kimchi seasoning and served with a side of Korean BBQ sauce.
Spicy Korean BBQ Cheese Fries $5.99
Crispy crinkle cuts topped with our cheese sauce spiced with kimchi seasoning and served with a side of Korean BBQ sauce.
Fries $4.49
Crispy crinkle cut fries (contains soy)
Cheese Fries $5.49
Crispy crinkle cuts topped with our cheese sauce (contains soy and milk)
Bacon Cheese Fries $6.79
Crispy crinkle cuts topped with our cheese sauce and applewood-smoked bacon (contains soy and milk)

Shakes & Frozen Custard
Soft, premium ice cream, made in house daily only with the good stuff: real cane sugar and cage-free eggs
Strawberry Frosted Donut Shake
Donut frozen custard hand-spun with rainbow sprinkles and topped with whipped cream, real strawberry frosting and rainbow sprinkles.
Chocolate Salted Caramel Shake
Chocolate frozen custard hand-spun with salted caramel and chocolate brownie batter topped with whipped cream and salted caramel sauce.
Peaches and Cream Shake
Vanilla frozen custard hand-spun with real peach, topped with whipped cream.
Mini Seasonal Shakes
Donut frozen custard hand-spun with rainbow sprinkles and topped with whipped cream, real strawberry frosting and rainbow sprinkles. Chocolate frozen custard hand-spun with salted caramel and chocolate brownie batter topped with whipped...
Mini Classic Shakes
Our house-made frozen custard hand-spun, and half the size of our regular shakes.
Vanilla Shake
House-made vanilla frozen custard with real vanilla (contains milk and egg)
Chocolate Shake
House-made chocolate frozen custard (contains milk and egg)
Cookies and Cream Shake
Chocolate cookie crumbles hand spun with our house-made vanilla frozen custard
Strawberry Shake
Real strawberry hand spun with our house-made vanilla frozen custard (contains milk and egg)
Black & White Shake
Chocolate fudge sauce hand spun with our house-made vanilla frozen custard (contains milk and egg)
Vanilla & Chocolate Shake
Our house-made vanilla and chocolate frozen custards (contains milk and egg)
Floats
Root beer or Creamsicle® (contains milk and egg)
Frozen Custard
Vanilla or Chocolate frozen custard made in house every day (contains milk and egg)
Non-Dairy Chocolate Shake
Hand-spun chocolatey, creamy, plant-based, non-dairy frozen custard made with NotMilk™.
Non-Dairy Chocolate Frozen Custard
Chocolatey, creamy scoops of plant-based, non-dairy frozen custard made with NotMilk™.

Drinks
Lemonades and iced teas made in house with real cane sugar
Sunset Lemonade
Real strawberry and Meyer lemon juice mixed with orange zest and our house-made lemonade
Yuzu Honey Lemonade
Yuzu and sudachi citrus juices mixed in house with real lemonade and honey
Dragonfruit Pomegranate
Real dragonfruit and pomegranate mixed with house-made lemonade
Shack-made Lemonade
Made in house with real juice and real cane sugar
Fifty/Fifty™ Lemonades
Half lemonade of your choice, half Organic iced tea
Organic Iced Tea
Organic Harney & Sons iced tea brewed fresh daily
Fountain Soda
Coke, Diet Coke, Dr Pepper, Fanta Orange, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar
Draft Root Beer
Made with real Louisiana cane sugar
Organic Apple Juice Drink $3.79
Honest Kids®
Shack2O Water $3.79
Bottled still water
Sparkling Shack2O Water $3.79
Bottled sparkling water
Milk
16 oz cup of milk

Flat-Top Dogs
No hormones or antibiotics ever, split and griddled crisp
Shack-cago Dog $5.99
100% beef from the pros at Vienna® Beef in Chicago, topped with relish, onion, pickle, tomato, sport peppers, celery salt and mustard.
Hot Dog $4.79
100% beef from the pros at Vienna® Beef in Chicago (contains wheat, milk, sesame, and gluten)

Beer & Wine
Cheers!
Brooklyn Shackmeister® Ale Draft
Brooklyn, NY - 4.8% ABV - American Pale Ale with a light, sweet caramel malt base & bright burst of hops.
Sixpoint The Crisp Draft
Brooklyn, NY - 5.4% ABV - Pilsner Malt hopped with Tettnang and Hallertau for a snappy, clean finish.
Bud Light $7.69
St. Louis, MO - 4.2% ABV - Refreshing light lager brewed to highlight a clean, crisp finish.
Brooklyn Stonewall Inn IPA $7.69
Brooklyn, NY - 4.6% ABV - Session IPA, Lively citra hop notes of lemon peel & fresh grapefruit zest.
Shack Red® Can $10.49
Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah, Washington. Ripe, rich, spice
Shack White® Can $10.49
Sauvignon Blanc, California. Bright, crisp, refreshing
Shack Rosé® Can $10.49
Syrah & Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington. Dry, fruity, lively

Retail
Bag O' Bones $8.49
A doggie bag of 5 ShackBurger dog biscuits made just for us by NYC’s Bocce’s Bakery
Pooch-ini ® $4.79
ShackBurger dog biscuits and vanilla custard

Large Orders
Get the party started with large boxes of your Shack favorites
ShackBurger Box - 12 servings $90.99
The burger that started it all. Made with 100% Angus beef and topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun. No modifications available. (serves 12) An order this large deserves a ‘lil extra love. Please allow for ...
Crinkle Cut Box - 12 Servings $51.29
Crispy, crinkled goodness. Served with containers and ketchup on the side. (serves 12) An order this large deserves a ‘lil extra love. Please allow for more cook + prep time.
Chicken Shack Box - 12 servings $108.49
A fan fave for a reason. Crispy, white-meat chicken breast over lettuce, pickles, and buttermilk herb mayo on a toasted potato bun. No modifications available. An order this large deserves a ‘lil extra love. Please allow for more cook + prep time.
Veggie Shack™ Box - 12 servings $110.79
Nothing lab-grown here. Our Veggie Shack™ is packed with real veggies including mushrooms, sweet potatoes, carrots + farro and quinoa, and is topped with American cheese, crispy onions, pickles and ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun. An order this...
'Shroom Burger Box - 12 servings $114.79
A veggie lover’s best friend. Crisp-fried portobello mushroom filled with melted muenster and cheddar cheeses, topped with lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun. No modifications available. An order this large deserves a ‘lil ext...
Cheeseburger Box - 12 servings $89.99
Can’t beat a classic. 100% Angus beef topped with melted cheese on a toasted potato bun. Customize with your choice of topping(s) below. An order this large deserves a ‘lil extra love. Please allow for more cook + prep time.
Hamburger Box - 12 servings $85.79
Better than basic. 100% Angus beef on a toasted potato bun. Customize with your choice of topping(s) below. An order this large deserves a ‘lil extra love. Please allow for more cook + prep time.

Utensils
Utensils Opt-In
Utensils Opt-Out

Shake Shack Madison Square Park Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible seating
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Usually a wait
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
On-site parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Shake Shack Madison Square Park Photos

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Shake Shack Madison Square Park Location

Shake Shack Madison Square Park

New York New York County New York Madison Avenue

23rd Street and, Madison Square Park, Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010, USA

Shake Shack Madison Square Park Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 7542 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Ah, the birthplace of the ShackBurger. A shrine to hype. A temple of queues. And yet, somehow, a graveyard for flavor.Let’s start with the kitchen: twelve people in branded t-shirts, bustling like extras in a food-themed sitcom. Only two appeared to be working. The rest? Pacing, chatting, possibly auditioning for a reboot of Waiting for Godot. Meanwhile, your burger dreams die slowly in the fryer fumes.The food? A soggy, lukewarm betrayal. Fries that taste like they were prepped during the Bush administration. Buns with the texture of damp cardboard. Cheese that whispers “I used to be milk but now I’m just plastic” before vanishing into the ether.And the seating, oh, the seating. A gladiatorial contest of elbows and passive-aggressive hovering. If you do snag a spot, you’re rewarded with the only redeeming feature: summer people-watching. Tourists marveling at squirrels, locals pretending this is still cool, and pigeons plotting unionization.Come winter, the charm freezes over. You’re left with overpriced sadness and the haunting suspicion that Danny Meyer weeps softly into a crinkle-cut fry every time someone calls this “iconic.”Save your money. Save your dignity. Go to literally any bodega and get a sandwich made by someone who cares.
August 17 · maciek macak
It’s one of those special place in NYC you just gotta try at least once. Shake shack burger is no longer a special treat because they are everywhere. But it feels infinitely different when you dine in at the Madison Square Park when it began as a hotdog cart to revitalize the park.As usual, a meal at Shake Shack did not disappoint. Especially here where that famous burger was born.
June 21 · Richard Yu
The hot dogs were very good. The service fast and friendly. The vibe in the park was perfect with a busting Jazz trio adding to the atmosphere. My only wish that smokers (all weeds) were not allowed near tables where people are eating.
August 16 · Dave Marshall
I recently visited a Shake Shack Location, and the experience was overall very satisfying. The ambiance strikes a balance betwwen casual and modern, with clean seating areas and a lively but not overwhelming atmosphere. The staff was friendly, efficient, and attentive, making sure orders were accurate and served promptly. The menu highlights, of course, and the ShackBurger and crinkle-cut fries- both consistently fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. I also tried one of their seasonal shakes, which was creamy, rich, and worth the indulgence. What makes Shake Shack stand out is the quality of ingredients, from the juicy patties to the soft potato buns that hold everything together. While the prices are slightly higher than your typical fast-food burger, the quality justifies the cost. it is a great spot for a casual meal, whether you are dining with friends or grabbing something quick to go.
September 16 · Trương Trà My
The Shake Shack at Madison Square Park is more than just a burger spot- it's the original location where the brand began in 2004. The ambiance is unique: an open -air setting in the park with plenty of greenery and a lively atmosphere. Service is frienly and surpisingly efficient despite the long highlights include the ShackBurger, crinkle-cut fries ,and frozen custard- all slassics that taste even better here. The food quality is excellent: juicy burgers, perfectly seasoned fries, and shakes that a rich and creamy. Its unique feature is the history and location; eating here feels special because you're enjoying Shake Shack in the place it all started. Be ready to wait in line, but it's absolutely worth it, Have you ever tried the original ShackBurger at this iconic spot?
September 13 · Meo Mai