Burger & Barrel

June 23, 2011 - SBE XVIII

Location: 25 W. Houston (SoHo)

SBE Score: 74

To summarize today's review: Very good appetizers. OK burgers. Mixed reviews on the atmosphere.



Above: Meatballs & Fresh Ricotta, Crispy Fish Tacos (2 orders)
Below: Bash Style Burger, B & B Classic Burger, Mushroom & Gruyere Burger



Pros and Cons

• Great decor, but Houston makes it a bit touristy
• Throwback playlist
• Great service
  

Total Bill $180. Over and out.

http://www.burgerandbarrel.com/

Shake Shack

April 15, 2011 - SBE XVII

Location: Madison Square Park

SBE Score: 74

People in the Shake Shack cult would not agree that Shake Shack is in the bottom 50% of NYC burgers. In fairness, if we had sat in the park, it probably would have scored higher, but we all brought people, and brought our food to eat at Third and Long (awful Murray Hill bar that was playing the Rangers vs. Capitals game and lets you bring in food).

You will probably wait in line to extensively deliberate your order but, if on the off chance you get lunch at 10:15 am, you can order an assortment of the following;

• Burgers
• Fries (well, really just fries or cheese fries)
  
• Flat-Top Dogs
• Cups & Cones
• Sundaes
• Shakes
• Concretes & Mix Ins

The Results...

Burger Patty: 5.6 [5-7]
Burger Experience: 6.8 [5-9]
Hot Dog: 2 [1-3]
Milk Shake: 7.8 [7-9]
Fries: 6.8 [4-10]



Pros?

1. POTATO BREAD BUN
2. Portions - good size that you can drink on afterwards (this seems to be a problem for us)
3. Guests - we are running out of stuff to say to each other, so additions are always fun
4. We assume it would have been enjoyable to eat in Madison Square Park
   

Cons?

1. Guests - Shake Shack did not undergo our diligent formal review
   
2. THE HOT DOG. Do not get the hot dog
   

The bartender said that if the Rangers won, everyone got free beer. The Capitals won, but Luke was happy, and he didn't get beaten up by the sort-of Rangers fans, so more win than loss.