Classic Cheeseburgers Chain Restaurant: Shake Shack Union Station

Shake Shack started as a small hot dog stand in New York and has since grown into a global fast-food chain known for its burgers. A friend once told me it was a must-try, but since they live in Chinatown and mostly eat Chinese food, they hadn’t had a chance to try it themselves. So during my trip to Washington D.C., I decided to give it a shot.

I visited the location inside Union Station. The station is huge, and it took me a while to find the place. Luckily, there was no line when I arrived.

Inside, the menu is displayed on a large wall near the entrance, so you can decide what to order while waiting. I walked straight up to the counter since there wasn’t anyone ahead of me. The setup follows a typical American fast-food style, with a self-serve station for ketchup and mustard. The seating area was clean and fairly spacious.

After ordering, I received a buzzer to let me know when my food was ready.

Shack-made Lemonade: They had a few flavours available. The staff let me try both the original and ginger versions. I went with the ginger one. It was a bit sweet, but the ginger came through well and didn’t taste strange.
Bacon Cheddar Fries: Fries topped with cheese sauce and bacon. The bacon was a bit salty, but when combined with the fries and sauce, the taste balanced out nicely.
ShackBurger: Basically a cheeseburger. The staff asked if I wanted lettuce and tomato, and whether I preferred a single or double patty. I chose a single with veggies. The beef was thick and juicy, the cheese added a mild creamy flavour, and the vegetables made it refreshing. The bun was soft and easy to bite into. Just a tip: eat the burger first while it’s still hot — I had my fries first, and by the time I got to the burger, it had cooled down a bit.

Shake Shack lived up to the hype. The food was tasty, and the staff were friendly. The environment was clean and comfortable. If you’re passing through Union Station, it’s a good place to grab a burger and drink — quick, simple, and satisfying.

📍Shake Shack Union Station
50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States