Shake Shack

Amy was here visiting Memorial Day weekend, and on said holiday her bus out of NY wasn't to leave until 5. We were trying to decide what to do for a few hours and three thoughts popped into my head: A burger sounds really good. The weather's so nice today. I've never been to Shake Shack.

And it was settled. We knew it being a holiday weekend and the weather being so glorious that the wait could be pretty long. But we weren't rushed, and were happy just to be outside.

...And the line was super long. We waited over an hour.

But I have to say, in this situation at least, it was worth it. But more about that in a moment. The menu features exactly what you'd expect: burgers of a few varieties, hot dogs, fries, frozen custard, milkshakes, floats, etc. The prices are fitting I think--considering the ingredients that go into it. I ordered a cheese burger with lettuce and onions (you can add your own condiments), a black and white shake, and cheese fries for the two of us to share. Not exactly "figure friendly" (or health friendly, for that matter), but it's what they do best, and for me it was a rare treat. When in Rome, right?

The burger was beautiful and delicious. It's a nice flavorful mix of meat and was cooked perfectly with a slightly crusty grilled outside and a juicy inside. The cheese was melty and the lettuce was crisp (not that shredded crap), and the onions were diced and conveniently placed on the side for custom dispersement. The fries themselves were crispy but not overly memorable, but the cheese sauce was super tasty--melty and smooth and obviously made of real, flavorful cheese. The shake was of course delicious as well, both creamy and rich.

Amy I and I were both very happy with our purchases and stuffed to the gills, but I will admit it wouldn't be worth the wait all of the time. Depends on just how long the wait really is, and how bad you want it. But man is it tasty. [Note: If you're nearby, they have a live webcam pointed at the line, so you can check and see what the wait is like. They also have a second line for sodas, floats, frozen custard and wine/beer that's for fast pick-ups.] -Laurel

Address: Madison Square Park (Madison Ave and 23rd St)

Website: http://www.shakeshacknyc.com/

Payment: Cash

Take Out: yes

Delivery: no

Open Late: 11pm

Large Group Friendly: As long as you don't mind sitting on the grass. Smaller groups can snag an actual table if you're lucky.

Bar/Happy Hour: yes--they have beer and wine

Lyric Diner

I've been to this place about 1,000 times. I used to call it my favorite diner in New York, as when I went in November of '06, it was excellent. Now, however, it's slowly gotten terrible. And it was the perfect middle to a terrible night. Later in the night, I would be told I was, in essence, unattractive. The people who hang out around the Lyric Diner, at say, Rodeo Bar or Tonic, are basically white guys with a little bit of money, which, as I've learned, there's nothing worse.



I don't get it though. The same people work at Lyric, but for some reason their attitudes are jaded. They aren't very nice, and it's a little annoying. I didn't get any food this particular time, but I've always enjoyed it, so I really think they just suck now, for lack of a better word.



Also - Liz went back later in the night. She had had a terrible night as well, and just wanted a snack. They left the money on the table and walked out (you're supposed to pay at the counter if you want), the waiter - the same one in Laurel's story below - came outside and screamed that they didn't pay $3, when they did. Apparently, the busboy took it. The night ended with her throwing money in his face and telling him to f**k off. Let's just say the next day was MUCH better. - Jennifer


Lyric Diner is what you think of when you think of a diner. Open all the time, crazy old guy working there, an overly sized and ridiculously varied menu, etc. The prices are normal for New York-- more than I'd pay at a diner other places, but usually expected here. We came here for after-dinner dinner one night when we had a terrible experience at another place (we'll save that one for a later review).

I'm a person that, when faced with the option to order breakfast, I do it 95% of the time. I love breakfast/brunch, and how often can you eat french toast for dinner? So that's what I got. I ordered the challah french toast which was 7 or $8, sides were extra. When I got it, I received what you see above. I asked him where my challah was. He said that was challah. I said no it's not. He gave me some weird explanation about why it was challah, and I ate it and said to myself "that's no challah." I felt swindled for two reasons: 1. challah is tastier and more expensive. 2. They had regular french toast for less (which is what I ate), and came with 3 pieces instead of two.

In short, the food was fine but I was disappointed in the value and the borderline dishonesty of it. Not a terrible place to go if you need food late at night in that part of town, but there are better--and why were you hanging out in that part of town late at night, anyway? -Laurel

Address: 283 3rd Ave (@ 22nd Street)

Website: http://www.yelp.com/biz/lyric-diner-new-york

Payment: Cash, Cards

Take Out: Yes

Open Late: 24 hours

Delivery: no

Large Group Friendly: yes

Bar/Happy Hour: nope!