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| - I don't get the hype at all. For months there was a perpetual buzz that Shake Shack was coming, and after seeing the long lines out the door in the first week, I assumed there must be something special about this place. So I gave it a try tonight for the first time. I just don't get it. The burgers were relatively small for the price, were greasy, and lacked much flavor. (Especially disappointing was the mushroom burger, which was fried and was filled with a messy albeit utterly flavorless cheese-like substance. At least the beef-based burgers vaguely resembled a hamburger taste.) Likewise, the "concrete" shake was nothing to write home about--just a very expensive ($7) cup of ice cream with minimal add-in. Even the service was lackluster; the entire wait staff with whom I came in contact lacked any smiles or charisma. I assume all these people who were abuzz about this fast food place coming to Charlotte must have never eaten a really good burger (and/or must be from out of town). The old standby Rusty's Deli beats this place by a mile with their larger, tastier burgers. Even other chains such as American Burger and Five Guys are superior. Or if you want much higher class without a much higher price tag, head down a few blocks to Cafe Monte. That's just the tip of the iceburg--with Zack's, Brooks, Bang Bang, Bad Daddy's, Bedder Bedder & Moore, the list goes on. I'm sorry, Shake Shack, but you don't even break into my top 20 in Charlotte. I won't be back. I couldn't help but notice the lines are already appreciably shorter than a week ago, as I think quite a few first-timers like I have now become last-timers.
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