My husband is a bit of a burger connoisseur. Whether it’s
from a fine dining restaurant, diner, fast food, or homemade, he likes to try
them all. Hence, during our trip to New York, I was excited to introduce him to
Shake Shack, especially their flagship Madison Park location, a mecca for burger
aficionados.
We headed to the park after checking into our hotel given it
was a short walk away. However, after waiting 15 minutes and getting halfway
through the line, only to see the mayhem that ensues at the pick-up window, we
decided to abort the mission. Apparently, for my burger loving husband, if it
requires waiting and shoving for, it’s not worth it.
By this time, we were craving burgers - we had stared at a
menu long enough. Luckily, just down the street from Madison Park (on 23rd)
sat Schnipper, a large bright cheery diner that reminds me of a spacious Johnny
Rockets.
After ordering, you’re given a large metal coaster and advised
to sit anywhere in the dining room. Traditionally, these devices start flashing
when your table’s ready and guests make their way back to the hostess stand. At
Schnippers, it’s a tracking device so our server knew exactly where to bring
the food – quite an ingenious system.
Their regular hamburger ($6.50) was good, but admittedly no
Shake Shack. Nonetheless, it still hit the spot and tasted extra delicious
since it didn’t require waiting in line for … I’m getting too old for lines. The
beef patty was thick enough so you could savour the flavours amongst everything
else. Classically adorned with lettuce, onion, tomato and a pickle, the
toppings were fresh and went nicely with the soft toasted bun.
The Schnipp ($7.50) was better and true to the menu’s
description was “extra-juicy”. However, I feel it has less to do with a different
meat mixture or it using double the cheese, rather it was simply actually
cooked to medium, whereas my regular burger was cooked through (despite
requesting medium).
You need to dig to the bottom to get the really
sauce-drenched cheese fries ($4.50). The sauce has a fairly strong cheddar kick
to it, but the fries neutral with little potato flavours. Imagine slightly
thicker McDonald’s fries with a thick creamy cheese sauce and that’s what
Schnipper’s is serving.
Once again, the fries were satisfactory but didn’t leave me
groaning like Crack Shack’s. Even so, where it lacked in flavours, Schnippers
made up with speed, service, and the comfortable air-conditioned dining
environment. Lounging or lines? Schnippers may be a good Madison Park Shake
Shack alternative for you as well.
How To Find Them
Location: New York, USA
Address: 23rd Street and Madison Avenue
Address: 23rd Street and Madison Avenue
Website: http://www.schnippers.com/
Follow me on twitter to chat, be notified about new posts and more - https://twitter.com/GastroWorldBlog
____________________________
Gastro World's Grading System
- Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
- 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
- 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
- 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
- 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
- 10 - absolute perfection!
Is That It? I Want More!
Other Gastro World posts similar to this:
