I was enticed to check Shakey's out by the ad series running up the Runnymede Station escalator showing one by one where each ingredient of their burger came from in the neighbourhood. So my wife and I sought them out and were initially surprised by the pub-like atmosphere -- I was expecting more of a diner or eatery vibe but being surrounded by people for whom this was clearly their local quickly grew on us.
We sat at the bar and the bartender was super friendly and keen. We ordered a couple of local craft pints and I got the burger while my wife the grilled cheese from the kids menu. "How rare would you like your burger?" That's not a question you get asked very often so I leapt on the opportunity. "As rare as you legally feel safe serving it."
I got a burger that was a dark caramel beautiful brown on the outside and deep red throughout the inside. Hell yes. And the fries were golden, crispy, and just the right amount of salted. I usually douse my fries in vinegar but these were too good to not have as they were. Apart from the occasional dip in their house made mayo that rearranged the neurones in the pleasure centre of my brain.
I'm not often in Shakey's neck of the woods. But I guarantee you the next time I am I'll be back for a bite of that beautiful burger of theirs.