Burger Burger Vs. Shake Shack

Jason and Joy rate Mall of America’s new trendy burger joints

burger burger, mall of america, burger battle, restaurants, food
The Mall of America location of Burger Burger

Photo by TJ Turner


Mall of America is now home to two much-hyped casual-haute burger concepts: the first Minnesota location of Shake Shack, from top NYC restaurateur Danny Meyer, and its apparent local knockoff, Burger Burger, by the team behind Crave. Here’s how they compare:

The Burger

Jason: Both promise responsible, hormone- and antibiotic-free meat with Shake Shack’s and Burger Burger’s beef coming from Revier Cattle Co. in Olivia.

Joy: Shake Shack’s burger was succulent and beefy. Each bite dissolved into a fast-food flavor rush. 

Jason: My father-in-law preferred Burger Burger’s larger, thicker patty, but I found Shake Shack’s to be far more juicy and flavorful.

Advantage: Shake Shack

Burger Burger

Photo by TJ Turner


The Shakes 

Joy: Usually I’m a big fan of rich frozen custard, but my Shake Shack shake was unblended—the raw malt powder sucked all the moisture out of my mouth in one unpleasant, ash-like burst.

Jason: This one was tough for me, because Burger Burger has a much larger variety of flavor combinations, including a great orange dreamcicle. But Shake Shack uses custard, which is eggier and more decadent than Burger Burger’s soft serve. 

Advantage: Shake Shack

Non-Beef 

Jason: I can’t stop thinking about the Chicken Shack sandwich: that buttermilk crispiness, that juicy chicken breast, topped simply with mayo, pickles, and shredded lettuce.

Joy: But Burger Burger lets you sub out chicken or bison on every “burger,” and there are also a handful of delicious, fresh-and-crispy salads.

Jason: Agreed: The buffalo chicken salad had surprising zip to the sauce. But you’re not really going to Burger Burger for a salad, are you?

Advantage: Shake Shack

shake shack, mall of america, burger battle, restaurants, food
The Mall of America location of Shake Shack

Photo by TJ Turner


Drinks

Joy: Shake Shack’s Brooklyn Brewery beer and Frog’s Leap wines pale in comparison to Burger Burger’s glittery, fully stocked bar.

Jason: Yes, Burger Burger has 10 beers on tap, boozy adult shakes, and you can get a great cocktail at the Mall for $6 or $7! How does whiskey sangria sound? That’s what the Whiskey Noir tastes like: Bulleit Rye, lemon juice, and Pinot Noir.

Advantage: Burger Burger

Shake Shack, Mall of America

Photo by TJ Turner


Service and Setting

Jason: Way more seating at Burger Burger, but the party right now is at Shake Shack, with more people and energy. 

Joy: When ordering indecisively at Shake Shack, the woman rolled her eyes and sighed so loudly you would think I was wearing white past Labor Day; Burger Burger’s staff was much kinder.

Advantage: Burger Burger

Burger Burger, Third Floor South, MOA, 952-855-7800, eatburgerburger.com;  Shake Shack, Culinary on North, MOA, 952-466-6056, shakeshack.com