Shake Shack West Hartford

I returned today and tried the Buffalo Chicken sandwich, which was quite tasty. It could use a slightly larger bun or a bit more careful assembly, but overall, it was delicious. I've bumped my rating up from 3 to 4 stars. They’re making an effort, but the staff could benefit from hiring individuals who are more focused on serving customers rather than loudly chatting about their personal lives and joking around.

The food at this restaurant is fantastic, although the service can be a bit hit or miss. I'm happy that this location is now closer to my home, and I've dined here several times since it opened in 2018. I was surprised to see a long line on a Monday, but I had placed my order in advance through DoorDash. When I arrived, my food was ready, but the employee seemed more interested in chatting with a friend who was pretending to be a customer. Despite that, I enjoyed my meal outside, creating a wonderful summer memory. I hope to visit one of their locations in New York City someday.

This place definitely deserves a five-star rating for its fast food, even if the service wasn't the quickest. The burgers are on the smaller side and not excessively greasy, which I appreciate. I tried the bourbon scallion burger, and it was a delightful surprise with its unique flavor. However, I found the shakes to be rather disappointing. Given that it’s called Shake Shack, I expected them to be a highlight, but honestly, McDonald's does shakes better. The French fries were okay but could have used a little more crispiness. I would recommend skipping the cheese fries, as the cheese tasted like it came straight from a can.

This was my first time trying their food, and I was impressed. The burgers were excellent—juicy without being greasy, and the patty size was just right, not too large. My only criticism is that the fries seemed to have been sitting for a bit before they were salted, and the coarse salt didn’t stick well to the potatoes. Overall, I’m looking forward to returning!