Steak n Shake

Jim, I'm not sure I can buy into your argument here. Frankly I think Steak N Shake is overpriced compared to other sit down restaurants that serve burgers. My last regular experience at a Steak N Shake was about six years ago. A double hamburger meal(not even a cheeseburger, mind you), which included fries and a small crock of baked beans; the soft drink was extra, cost me almost $7, plus a tip! For what they charge for their skinny little burgers, I could get at least a 1/3 pound pub burger(frequently, a 1/2 pounder), also with fries at a lot of other casual, full service restaurants.

While this doesn't excuse SNS, I've said in other threads, that the price of fast food in general has become outrageous in regard to the quality of the product they're serving. Anyone who really takes the time to investigate what they're getting for their money will see that most of those "meal deals" are nothing but smoke and mirrors.

I realize I'm spoiled here in Chicago where we've got mom & pop Hot Dog and Burger joints on every block, thousands of small taquerias and burrito houses owned by(gasp)actual Mexicans, and probably tens of thousands of pizzerias where the owner is also the guy who makes your pie. Nevertheless, there's got to be someplace in your town, village, burg, or hamlet that serves something better than the overpriced, empty calories, typical of the corporate fast food menu. Find that guy and support him. That's Roadfood.

Just my opinion.

Buddy

When I was in high school in Springfield,Mo in the mid '70's, I had a friend who workrd at one of two in town, and would get a discount. Everything was always great except the fries (too small,rather tastless, and would get cold FAST). I stopped at one in Atlanta in the late '80's for nostalgia's sake and it totally SUCKED! The food wasn't even the same style or size. They had the same menu's, but I think they were getting their food supplies from a local and just using the name. Talk about disappointed...

Ditto on their food changing for the worse over the years. I grew up worshipping Steak 'n' Shake as a little tyke in Memphis, TN, but I've been to a store since then in Charlotte, NC and the food wasn't nearly as good as I remember it. Sure, my taste buds have changed, but that doesn't account for the drop in quality.

When I was younger SNS was such a special treat, but you're right, it has gone downhill. I took my better half (he's English) to SNS with my folks when I visited last time. He was more impressed with the free paper hat than the burger!

quote:

Originally posted by V960

Mickie D's double cheese burger (ordered fresh) than anything at SNS.

What exactly is ordering "fresh" at McDonalds? Can you freshly defrost my burger shipped from a warehouse, can you freshly open that package of pre-cut lettuce?

For me, if we're keeping it to chain fast food... the stand alone five guys - not the new mall versions, then Steak n shake - must be double cheeseburger.

I worked at Mcdonald's when I was a teenager. I personally would never, ever order anything "fresh". Just a tip.

Chalk me in as another member of the "It's far away? WOW! There's one in town? Hi-hum" group. I enjoy eating at the SnS in Rockford IL (a 2-hour drive). A SnS opened on the northwest side of town and I have yet to go over there.
Of course it does not help SnS that Milwaukee is a formidable burger town, with some of the most perfect burgers on the planet here at local places.

Still, any burger chain that offers sides other than those goddang french fries rates positively with me.

We have a SNS here in Huntsville, AL, that just opened up a few months ago. We ate in a few times and it was OK, but I go through the drive-thru and order a double steakburger all the way and a cherry coke and by the time I get home (about a 10 minute) drive and settle in front of the TV (yes, sometimes I am a couch potato) I unwarp the burger and it is delicious. Does this have something to do with the wrapping making it better (somewhere here in one of the forums is a topic about this)? Yes, I think it does. The hamberger is juicy, cooked just right and the cherry coke is yummy. I personally, like the little shoestring fries. I first ordered a single burger and it was not much meat, but after ordering a double it was much better. I'm not saying that SNS is my favorite place for burgers, but so far, I've not had a bad one after going through the drive-thru.

I remember when I was a little girl, my mom would go to the NCO club for bingo and bring me and my borther back a hamburger wrapped in wax paper and even today (45 years later) I can still taste those great burgers. Some of the best I have ever eaten. I also used to take a cold fried egg sandwich for my lunch which was wrapped in wax paper and it made the sandwhich tast delicious.

I've found they vary widely depending on location and even day you visit. Recently stopped at one in Winston-Salem, NC and it was very good. Used to stop at one off I-40 near Nashville,TN and it varied from good to pretty awful. Always order a double steakburger platter w/fries and beans.

Hey, Mike S or one of the other administrators. I like reading about dear old SnS just as much as the next RF-er. Even enjoy a double steakburger occasionally. However, we've got 2 different SnS threads running simultaneously. Didn't think that was allowed. Can we get that cleaned up?

QFan
Bonita Springs, FL

quote:

Originally posted by BuddyRoadhouse

It's a funny thing about Steak N Shake; when they are easily accessible, they tend to lose their mystique. For years the nearest Steak N Shake was easily 50 miles away. Every time we went out of town, one of our rest stops included a SNS. About four years ago they opened one up, literally, 45 seconds from my home. I went in twice when they first opened and haven't been back since. If you live in a burger deprived area where all you can get is chain food (which, by the way, no matter how they dress it up, Steak N Shake is still chain food), then I can understand your hankering for those flat little patties. In Chicago there's a Mom & Pop Hot Dog/Hamburger place on every block, all serving better food than SNS, for less money. Instead of wasting energy bemoaning the lack of Steak N Shake in your area, do some exploring, have a food adventure. Put that SNS ad campaign out of your head, keep an objective, open mind and find that special place that's close to home that serves a great burger.

You are exactly right. I used to live in Toledo and whenever I traveled West or South I new exactly what exit to get off to isit Steak and Shake. They built 2 in Toledo and visited each one once and I dont think I have been to a Steak and Shake since. Now I live in AZ I crave a Steak and Shake. Funny how that works.

Hey rhyler1, feel the same way about What A Burger and Sonic now that they've made their way to Florida. Used to look for them on any road trip. Now they're no big deal! BTW, welcome to RF! This is a terrific site w/ some really great posters and info.

QFan
Bonita Springs, FL

We just got one here in Waukesha. I was quite disappointed in the burger after all the hype. I didn't get a double, so the burger was quite thin, not what I was expecting.

They are right next to the Target, so it's all you can smell when you're in their parking lot.

I did like the orange freeze I tried on CSD's recommendation, and their iced tea was ok. Not as good as Culver's iced tea.

I, too was disappointed in their burgers.While we enjoyed the french fries, and I liked the chili( reminded me of Cinncinati style), I wont be rushing back there anytime soon.

I'll second all those who spoke highly of SNS. When we travel south, we seek them out. Fries are agreeable poor & are easily avoided (as with all fast food fried potato products), but their shakes are excellent and burgers are definately a treat vs the other chains. Five guys are about their only chain rival, also having an excellent burger with the added plus of fresh cut fries (only way to enjoy fries), although I don't recall Five Guys offering a shake.