Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Shake Shack – San Francisco
Shake Shack - San Francisco
Photo from Shake Shack
Shake Shack at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍔 Hamburger-Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 92 of the guests
#2329 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#37 Hamburger-Restaurant out of 37 in San Francisco
Average
4.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
315
Reviews
36.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quick service
- Comfortable seating
- Classic burgers
Frequently criticized
- Impersonal service
- Questionable value
- Uninviting location
The restaurant Shake Shack is a popular Hamburger Restaurant located in the vibrant Union Square neighborhood of San Francisco. When you’re craving a classic burger experience in the heart of the city, this spot offers a quick bite with a casual and trendy atmosphere.
It’s the perfect place for a satisfying lunch or dinner, whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout. You’ll find Shake Shack San Francisco Centre ready to serve you delicious options.
Overview: Introducting Shake Shack
Shake Shack generally delivers on its core offering, with many customers appreciating the consistent taste of its burgers and the efficiency of its operations, often making it a fastest option for a quick meal. However, experiences can be quite varied.
Some diners report impersonal service and find certain menu items to be overpriced, which can detract from the overall visit.
Average
4.8
out of 10
315
Reviews
36.8%
Satisfaction
166
negative
33
neutral
116
positive
Overall, Shake Shack registers an average performance with a Restaurant Score of 4.8. However, customer satisfaction lags significantly at 36.8%, indicating a notable disconnect between the perceived quality and overall diner happiness.
This suggests that while some aspects are well-received, others are clearly falling short for many patrons. Looking closer, the Food (5.5) stands out as a relative strength, frequently mentioned for its quality.
Ambience (4.7) also holds its own, often described positively. Yet, Service (3.9) appears to be a consistent challenge, and Value (3.3) is a clear area for improvement, with many comments pointing to pricing concerns.
These insights are drawn from 315 customer remarks, comprising 116 positive and 166 negative observations.
What people like
- Quick, efficient service
- Comfortable seating
- Classic burger appeal
What people don't like
- Impersonal service
- Questionable value
- Uninviting location
With a Recommendation Score of 5.1, Shake Shack presents a mixed bag. If you’re seeking a quick, familiar burger experience in a generally comfortable setting, it could be a suitable choice for a casual meal.
However, be mindful that service can be inconsistent and the overall value proposition might not meet everyone’s expectations. It’s a place that delivers on its core offering but has clear areas for improvement.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Shake Shack
Food (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.5 putting it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction sits at 46.4%, indicating a mixed experience for many. Based on 71 positive comments, many folks rave about the delicious burgers, especially the juicy patties and fresh buns.
The fries often get a shout-out for being crispy, and the variety of tasty shakes, from vanilla to banana pudding, also hit the spot. However, with 65 negative comments, there are definitely areas for improvement. Some found the chicken dry and flavorless, while others reported greasy burgers or cold, limp fries.
Issues like tasteless sauce, gummy buns, and general concerns about food quality also popped up, suggesting inconsistency in preparation and taste.
Food
153
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
65
negative
17
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great burgers
- Tasty shakes
- Crispy fries
What people don't like
- Dry chicken
- Greasy burgers
- Cold, limp fries
Often praised
- foodpositive regarding the food
- burgersThe burgers were excellent!
- friesI enjoyed a satisfying meal, including the classic Shake Shack burger made with Angus beef, lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun. The fries were also good, and I tried the festive Chocolate Yule Log Shake, which was made with chocolate frozen custard, chocolate cake pieces, whipped cream, cake crumbles, and sprinkles.
- burgerShake Shack is the best burger restaurant !
- FoodFood:5
- Chocolate Yule Log Shakethe Chocolate Yule Log Shake
- Coke콜라도 괜찮아요
- OG Shack burgerAlways happy with the OG shack burger
- Pomegranate/cherry juice drinklove their Pomegranate/cherry juice drink
- ShackBurger SingleShackBurger Single is $7.99. Good taste as expected.
Frequently criticized
- friesMy experience at this fast food restaurant was honestly one of the worst I've ever had. I paid over $60 for two fat-soaked burgers and unsalted fries that were no longer hot. The soda drinks were far too syrupy, with the mixture being way off and tasting so bad.
- burgersI had the worst burger of my life. The steaks were burnt, and the burgers had absolutely no taste. Even the Cokes tasted like bleach.
- chickenthe chicken was over-fried to the point of being burnt
- lettuceMy experience at this restaurant was marred by its rough area location and the sketchy, run-down appearance of the basement level, with several businesses closed. While the food was okay, they ran out of lettuce midday, forcing manual adjustments to orders. There were significant issues between take-out and dine-in orders, with one worker repacking numerous orders.
- avocadoforgot the main ingredients. No avocado
- bottom bunMy experience at this Shake Shack was extremely disappointing. The burger was incredibly greasy, to the point where it practically disintegrated the bottom bun. To make matters worse, the fries were cold.
- burgerTHE WORST BURGER. I can't callet it, even food.
- cold fries18 USD for cold fries
- food60$ I wish I'd never spend on this 'food'
- food qualityfood quality here isn’t as good
If youre craving a classic burger and a tasty shake, you might find something to enjoy here. Just be aware that the food quality can be inconsistent, so manage your expectations, especially if youre looking beyond the core burger offerings.
Service (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, it seems theres quite a bit of room for improvement, with a score of 3.9 and customer satisfaction sitting at a rather low 27.1%. While 29 positive remarks out of 107 total comments did highlight some good points, customers occasionally praised the efficiency and serving speed, noting agile staff and even getting extra sauce. Some found the service fast and the staff friendly, especially when orders were ready quickly.
However, the majority of the 71 negative comments paint a different picture. Many customers reported long wait times, issues with customer service, and missing items. There were also concerns about incompetent staff and cold interactions, suggesting a need for better time management' and more attentive personnel at the counter.
Service
107
Reviews
27%
Satisfaction
71
negative
7
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast service
- Efficient staff
- Friendly workers
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff
- Missing items
Often praised
- serviceAs São Francisco is a ghost town and many shops have closed in this mall, Shake Shack is very quick and easy to be served. If you are in a hurry or if you want to eat the good old shack burger, this might be the fastest option in the area.
- ServiceService:5
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was that of an iconic fast food place. It was exactly what I expected, and the staff who served me were very friendly.
- agile staffos atendentes são muito ágeis
- crewsuch a nice crew
- efficiencyordering before and just go to pick up for efficiency
- extra saucegave us extra sauce
- fastest optionAs São Francisco is a ghost town and many shops have closed in this mall, Shake Shack is very quick and easy to be served. If you are in a hurry or if you want to eat the good old shack burger, this might be the fastest option in the area.
- foodmade or food so fast
- kioskscommande directement au bornes
Frequently criticized
- serviceTo make matters worse, they asked for a tip with minimal interaction, just passing the food over at the counter. The food itself was decent, rated a 3 out of 5, but the overall service and atmosphere (rated 1 out of 5) significantly detracted from the meal. I found the lack of staff presence and the impersonal service to be a major issue.
- staffthe staff needs better selection
- waiting timeMy experience at this restaurant was the worst customer experience ever. I ordered a non-dairy shake and had to wait over 10 minutes, despite there being four employees on the floor who seemed to lack urgency. The cup was overfilled and leaking.
- forkAfter i asked for a fork, she took one plastic fork and left it on the pickup counter table, without any napkins under.
- orderwait for 20 min before making your order
- Asian old lady's faceThat Asian old lady's face is like i owe her money.
- advertisedThis is a well-known fast-food chain in the USA, but it's not advertised and can be difficult to find without asking. My experience was positive regarding the food, which I rated a 4 out of 5.
- app ordersThey never call out app orders
- attentive to customersThey were just not attentive to customers.
- bad serviceshame on your bad service
If you're looking for quick, efficient service, you might be taking a gamble here. While some experiences are positive, the overall sentiment suggests you could face long waits or less-than-stellar customer interactions. It might be best to manage your expectations or consider other options if service is a top priority for you.
Ambience (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
While the overall vibe gets an average score of 4.7 and customer satisfaction sits at a poor 34.9%, it's not all gloom! Out of 43 total comments, 15 positive remarks highlight some bright spots. Guests occasionally praise the atmosphere for being quiet and easy to talk in, often finding it a cozy place with plenty of seats and a handy location near transport.
However, the majority of the 22 negative observations paint a different picture. Many find the location within a sad, almost empty mall or department store to be a significant drawback. Descriptions often mention a rough area with vacant stores, homeless people, and even a urine smell near the entrance, making the basement level feel sketchy and uninviting.
Ambience
43
Reviews
34%
Satisfaction
22
negative
6
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quiet, easy conversation
- Ample seating options
- Cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Abandoned mall location
- Sketchy basement vibe
- Unpleasant outdoor smells
Often praised
- atmospherethe service and atmosphere were excellent
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- cozy placeLoja muito aconchegante
- energyMy experience at this restaurant was marked by fast service and polite workers, contributing to a great energy. I particularly enjoyed the food, rating it a 5 out of 5.
- locationhandy location close to train station
- noise levelnoise level was very quiet
- plenty of seatsLots of seats in the food court.
- seatingjede Menge Sitzgelegenheiten
- tablesCi sono tavolini per mangiare tranquillamente seduti.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereTo make matters worse, they asked for a tip with minimal interaction, just passing the food over at the counter. The food itself was decent, rated a 3 out of 5, but the overall service and atmosphere (rated 1 out of 5) significantly detracted from the meal. I found the lack of staff presence and the impersonal service to be a major issue.
- locationMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The location itself, in the super drab mall basement, set a negative tone. The staff seemed to hate their jobs, which significantly impacted the service.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere is a 3
- ambiancerather the ambiance itself
- basement levelThe basement level is sketchy and looks run down
- department storeEspecially the department store is closing sell now
- homeless peoplethere were a lot of homeless people walking around
- mallsad almost empty mall that doesn't cause you confindence
- mall environmentthe mall itself feels kind of abandoned
- pan handlersaggressive and makes me feel uncomfortable
If you're looking for a charming dining spot, the ambience here is a definite gamble, heavily impacted by its mall location. While some find it cozy, be prepared for potentially uninviting surroundings. Consider if you can overlook a less-than-ideal setting for what might be good food.
Value (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
When it comes to price, theres a rare positive note, with one customer finding it "nicht zu teuer. " However, this is an outlier, as the overall customer satisfaction for value sits at a low 8.3%, indicating most arent feeling the love for what they pay. The overwhelming sentiment, with 8 negative opinions out of 12 total, highlights serious concerns about value.
Many felt they wasted my money due to overpriced meals, with the general consensus being that the price simply doesn't match the offering. This is reflected in a poor score of 3.3.
Value
12
Reviews
8%
Satisfaction
8
negative
3
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Wasted money
- Overpriced meals
- Poor value
Often praised
- pricenicht zu teuer
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this Shake Shack was the worst version of the restaurant, possibly in the entire Bay Area. It was extremely overpriced. The Shake Shack in Emeryville is way better.
- $1818 USD for cold fries
- valueValue is not there $20 for a double burger fries and small drink
- wasted my moneyI wasted my money
If value is a top priority for you, be warned: many customers felt their meals were overpriced and they wasted their money. This spot might disappoint if you're expecting a good return on your investment.
How are the prices at Shake Shack?
On average, you’ll spend around 20 $ per person – based on 92 guests. That places this Hamburger Restaurant in the $11–$20 category, which is comfortably mid-range, perhaps a touch above for its type. Looking at what people actually spend, most diners keep it within the $11–$20 range, clustering nicely around that average.
However, a good number also venture into the $21–$30 bracket, showing there’s room for a slightly more premium experience too.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 92 most recent reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Hamburger Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank, and theres flexibility for those who want to spend a little more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Shake Shack
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Best sandwiches, great atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The sandwiches are among the best I've ever had, without a doubt. There are also tables available, allowing for a comfortable and relaxed dining experience.
The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was very pleasant.
- sandwiches10
- tables8
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
2
Disappointing Shake Shack Experience
My experience at this Shake Shack, located in the basement of the San Francisco Centre, was quite disappointing. Navigating to the store was tricky; Google Maps directed me to the wrong spot, so searching for the mall itself is recommended. The mall environment felt abandoned, with a strong urine smell near the entrance and most shops on the first floor closed.
While a building attendant could guide me, the overall atmosphere was not great. Downstairs, Shake Shack was the only place open, but the environment was poor, with few people dining in; most opted for takeout or delivery. Compared to other branches, the food quality here was not as good, even for dine-in, which was a letdown.
- Service2
- food quality2
- atmosphere2
- mall environment1
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Amazing Seasonal Banana Pudding Milkshake!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially with their banana pudding milkshake! It's made with vanilla wafer cookies, giving it a taste reminiscent of a banana cream pie milkshake. It was absolutely FIRE!
However, it's a seasonal item, which is a bummer as I wish it were on the menu all year round.
- banana pudding milkshake10
- vanilla wafer cookies9
- banana cream pie milkshake9
- seasonal item3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Tasty Cherry-Limeade Lemonade
I had never eaten here before, but I do come to get the cherry-limeade Lemonade. It's very tasty.
- cherry-limeade Lemonade9
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Employee handled food improperly
My experience at the restaurant involved witnessing an employee take food back from a customer and then place it with other food on the serving line. This was concerning regarding food handling practices.
- food handling2
What Shake Shack offers
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking garage
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What accessibility features and parking options does Shake Shack San Francisco Centre offer?
For your convenience, Shake Shack provides a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. If you’re driving, you’ll find paid parking garage options nearby, making your visit to this Union Square spot hassle-free.
Is Shake Shack San Francisco Centre suitable for families and what dining options are available?
Absolutely! Shake Shack is good for kids, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs. You can enjoy lunch or dinner, and even cater your event. They also have dessert options and comfortable seating for your dine-in experience.
How does Shake Shack generally perform?
Shake Shack holds an overall Restaurant Score of 4.8, with customer satisfaction at 36.8%. While Food (5.5) and Ambience (4.7) are average, Service (3.9) and Value (3.3) scores indicate areas needing attention.
What do customers appreciate about Shake Shack?
Many customers praise the quick and efficient service, often finding it a fast option. The burgers and fries are frequently mentioned positively, and some appreciate the quiet, comfortable seating.
What are common complaints about Shake Shack?
Recurring concerns include impersonal service, long waiting times, and a perception of poor value due to high prices. Some also find the restaurant’s location or overall ambiance unappealing.