We Tried Shake Shack’s Airport-Only Red-Eye Shake

Shake Shack is one of my favorite fast-food chains, so I was pleasantly surprised to learn there are a few menu items exclusive to the brand’s locations tailored to travelers. At the top of that list is a “Red-Eye Shake” made with real coffee–perfect for those early mornings where there’s nothing to do but tackle emails while waiting for a plane.

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On a recent trip to yet another restaurant headquarters for yet another menu tasting I can’t tell you about yet, I found myself in line at Shake Shack at 8 AM to try a milkshake for you good people. Before I check out this bright-and-early dessert option, I do have a confession to make. It’s been a long time coming, and I don’t think I can responsibly keep covering Shake Shack without bringing it up.

What’s this earth-shattering Shake Shack confession?

I don’t eat their burgers. That isn’t a hard-and-fast rule or a knock against their beef offerings; I just fell in love with the Chicken Shack on my first visit many years ago. Barring reviews or exceptionally good coupons, I’ve stuck to that chicken sandwich on dozens of follow-up visits. This dedication actually came up in person with Shake Shack’s team of chefs when I visited a few months ago; without quoting anyone directly, the team broadly felt the Chicken Shack was slept on by the public.

Well, here I am to try and right the wrongs of underratedness: I truly think Shake Shack has the best chicken sandwich in the game, and I never miss an opportunity to snag one. More and more, their savory innovations have highlighted the brand’s chicken sandwich and fantastic chicken bites (unsurprisingly, the best chicken nugget in the game). The logo may be a burger, but in my heart, Shake Shack is a chicken shop.

Shake Shack Red-Eye Shake Review

Rare Shake Shack Shake!

Pros: This toffeetastic take on the chain’s existing Coffee Shake features blended toffee, whipped cream, and shavings of toffee and chocolate on top to boot. Considering the base Coffee Shake is made by blending real coffee with soft serve, that means the end result is strong. I had my doubts about a milkshake serving the pick-me-up role of a coffee, but this will keep you going through that surprise flight delay.

Cons: I haven’t had Shake Shack’s standard Coffee Shake, but I have to assume this is very similar. The toffee and chocolate additions are positive, but they aren’t putting up a fight against the strong coffee flavor at the center of this variant. This is a fun treat to try once, but I’m not sure I’m going back for this one over my usual Black & White Shake. (Why does Shake Shack innovate on anything anymore? They made the perfect sandwich and milkshake combo; we can throw in the towel as a society.)

Credit: Griffin Parker / Shake Shack

Rating:

8/10

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