Steak ‘N Shake holds a special place in the hearts of fast-food enthusiasts. Established in 1934 in Normal, Illinois, this classic diner has been delighting customers with its delectable steakburgers and skinny fries for decades.
Unlike your run-of-the-mill fast-food joint, it takes its burgers and milkshakes to a whole new level. If you’re planning a visit, here are our top food recommendations:
Signature Double ‘n Cheese Steakburger
When in doubt, go for the Original Double ‘n Cheese Steakburger—the very foundation of Steak N Shake’s fame. Featuring two thin steakburger patties with melted cheese, this burger offers a variety of toppings such as ketchup, mustard, mayo, lettuce, onion, and pickles (sliced the long way). Served with a side of fries and a refreshing soft drink, the Double ‘n Cheese is an excellent choice for those seeking a classic, satisfying meal. The high-quality steak used in all their burgers ensures a flavorful and juicy bite.
White Truffle Prime Steakburger
For a more upscale experience, explore the prime section of the menu. Crafted from prime cuts of meat, the White Truffle Prime Steakburger elevates your dining experience to new heights. Topped with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, grilled mushrooms, and delightful truffle aioli, this burger offers a complete flavor symphony. Served on a butter brioche bun, it represents the epitome of Steak N Shake’s culinary prowess.
Patty Melt
If you’re craving a taste of California, look no further than the Patty Melt. This sandwich, served on rye bread, offers a unique twist on the traditional burger experience. Featuring a succulent steakburger patty, melted American cheese, and caramelized onions, the Patty Melt satisfies the cravings of those who appreciate hot sandwiches and the distinct flavor of rye bread. Pair it with a side of crispy fries, and you’re in for a treat.
Classic Steak Frank
Steak N Shake offers more than just burgers for meat enthusiasts. If you’re a fan of hot dogs, give their Classic Steak Frank a try. Served in a bun and topped with ketchup and mustard, this timeless classic will transport you to a baseball game with its authentic flavors. Make it a complete experience by ordering cheese fries, and if you have kids, take advantage of the weekend deal where they eat free with every adult plate.
Jalapeno Crunch Steakburger
For those who appreciate a little heat with their burger, the Jalapeno Crunch Steakburger is a dream come true. This burger lives up to its name, delivering a tantalizing combination of spice, crunch, and overall satisfaction. Starting with a regular steakburger, it adds jalapenos, fried onions, chipotle mayo, fresh salsa, and pepper jack cheese to create an explosion of flavors. Note that the spiciness of the burger can vary due to the natural heat variation of jalapenos, but the consistently delicious components such as pepper jack, fried onions, and chipotle mayo make this burger a winner.
Garden Salad
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative or want to balance out your meal, consider the garden salad. Available as a side or as a standalone dish, this salad provides a nutritious mix of iceberg and romaine lettuce topped with tomatoes, carrots, red cabbage, and croutons. You can personalize it by adding or removing shredded cheese and choosing your favorite dressing. For those seeking a protein boost, grilled chicken can be added to the salad. Opting for a side salad or vegetable cup alongside your steakburger helps create a more well-rounded meal.
Chicken Fingers
Sometimes, the allure of childhood memories can’t be ignored. At Steak N Shake, the chicken fingers hold a special place in the hearts of many. Whether it’s the irresistible combination of chicken fingers, cheesy fries, and a chocolate peanut butter shake or simply the fond recollections of family trips, these breaded and perfectly fried chicken tenders are a crowd favorite. Served with a dipping sauce of your choice (ranch being a popular option), they complement the cheesy fries splendidly.
Grilled Portobello ‘n Swiss Steakburger
If you find yourself drawn to the delightful combination of mushrooms and Swiss cheese, the Grilled Portobello ‘n Swiss Steakburger is sure to satisfy your cravings. This burger offers the regular beef patties found in other options but enhances them with grilled mushrooms and Swiss cheese. With its regular burger bun, it embraces the essence of a classic diner experience—no frills, just pure deliciousness. Give this burger a try and let the mushrooms and Swiss cheese work their magic.
Western BBQ ‘n Bacon Steakburger
The Western BBQ ‘n Bacon Steakburger is a flavor-packed delight. Featuring two steakburger patties, smoked bacon, onions, and a double slice of American cheese, this burger takes center stage with its tangy and slightly spicy BBQ sauce. While the Steak N Shake BBQ sauce is a topic of debate among customers—some love it, while others don’t—trying it for yourself is the only way to determine where you stand. Sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy, the sauce adds a distinctive touch to this flavorful creation.
Best-Selling Desserts at Steak ‘n Shake
When it comes to satisfying your sweet cravings, Steak ‘n Shake has a variety of delectable desserts on offer:
Signature Milkshakes
Steak ‘n Shake is renowned for its irresistible milkshakes. Made with premium ice cream and blended to perfection, these shakes are a crowd favorite. While every flavor is worth a try, some of the most popular options include classic favorites like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. For a more adventurous twist, indulge in flavors such as cookies and cream, peanut butter, or mint chocolate chip. Each milkshake is handcrafted and topped with whipped cream, making it a delightful treat that will leave you craving more.
Hot Fudge Sundae
A timeless classic, the Hot Fudge Sundae at Steak ‘n Shake is a true delight for ice cream lovers. It features a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream drizzled with warm and gooey hot fudge sauce. Topped with whipped cream and a cherry, this dessert is a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re enjoying it on a hot summer day or as a sweet indulgence after a meal, the Hot Fudge Sundae never fails to satisfy.
Classic Banana Split
This iconic treat features a split banana, scoops of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream, and a variety of delicious toppings. From rich chocolate syrup to sweet pineapple and strawberry sauces, this dessert is a symphony of flavors. Finished with whipped cream, chopped nuts, and a cherry on top, the Classic Banana Split is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
Brownie Fudge Delight
This indulgent treat combines warm, fudgy brownie bites with creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s then generously drizzled with hot fudge sauce and crowned with whipped cream and a cherry. The combination of warm, gooey brownies with cold, velvety ice cream creates a truly decadent experience that is hard to resist.
Turtle Sundae
For those who enjoy the delightful combination of caramel, chocolate, and pecans, the Turtle Sundae is a top choice. It features creamy vanilla ice cream topped with luscious caramel and hot fudge sauces. Sprinkled with crunchy pecans and finished with whipped cream and a cherry, this dessert is a harmonious blend of sweet and nutty flavors. The Turtle Sundae is a classic that never goes out of style.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae
Combining two beloved desserts, the Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae is a treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth. It starts with a warm and freshly baked chocolate chip cookie, topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Drizzled with hot fudge sauce and finished with whipped cream and a cherry, this dessert offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Whether you’re a fan of cookies or ice cream (or both!), this sundae is sure to please.
Oreo Cookies ‘n Cream Milkshake
For all the Oreo lovers out there, the Oreo Cookies ‘n Cream Milkshake is a must-try. Blending creamy vanilla ice cream with crushed Oreo cookies, this milkshake is a dream come true. Topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of Oreo crumbs, it offers the perfect balance of sweetness and cookie crunch. Whether you’re a child or an adult, this nostalgic and satisfying milkshake is bound to bring a smile to your face.
Comparing Steak & Shake Ice Cream Delights with Sonic Drive-in and Dairy Queen
Steak ‘n Shake, Sonic Drive-In, and Dairy Queen are all popular fast-food chains known for their ice cream delights. While each of these establishments offers a variety of frozen treats, there are some notable differences between them.
Milkshakes
- Steak ‘n Shake: Known for their handcrafted milkshakes, Steak ‘n Shake offers a wide range of flavors made with premium ice cream. Their milkshakes are rich, creamy, and often topped with whipped cream. They are popular for their classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, as well as unique options like cookies and cream or peanut butter.
- Sonic Drive-In: Sonic is renowned for its extensive milkshake menu. They offer a vast selection of flavors, including both classic and specialty varieties. Sonic’s milkshakes are typically made with soft-serve ice cream and can be customized with various mix-ins, such as candy pieces, cookies, or fruit.
- Dairy Queen: Dairy Queen is famous for its Blizzard milkshakes. These blended treats consist of soft-serve ice cream blended with a variety of mix-ins, such as cookies, candy bars, or fruit. Dairy Queen offers a wide range of flavors and limited-time seasonal options, making it a popular destination for milkshake enthusiasts.
Sundaes
- Steak ‘n Shake: While Steak ‘n Shake primarily focuses on their milkshakes, they also offer classic sundaes. These sundaes typically feature creamy vanilla ice cream topped with indulgent sauces like hot fudge or caramel, and are often garnished with whipped cream and a cherry.
- Sonic Drive-In: Sonic offers sundaes with their soft-serve ice cream. Their sundaes come in various flavors and are topped with toppings like hot fudge, caramel, or strawberry sauce. Customers can also customize their sundaes by adding nuts, sprinkles, or whipped cream.
- Dairy Queen: Dairy Queen is well-known for its sundaes, especially the iconic Hot Fudge Sundae. Their sundaes feature generous servings of soft-serve ice cream topped with hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry. Additionally, Dairy Queen offers a variety of other sundae flavors, such as caramel, strawberry, or peanut butter.
Specialty Treats
- Steak ‘n Shake: While Steak ‘n Shake’s focus is primarily on milkshakes and sundaes, they also offer specialty treats like the Brownie Fudge Delight. This dessert combines warm, fudgy brownie bites with creamy vanilla ice cream, hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, and a cherry.
- Sonic Drive-In: Sonic is known for its unique ice cream creations, such as the Sonic Blast. These treats feature a blend of soft-serve ice cream with various mix-ins like candy, cookies, or fruit. Sonic also offers Master Blasts, which are larger versions of their Blasts with additional mix-ins.
- Dairy Queen: Dairy Queen is famous for its Blizzard treats, which are a blend of soft-serve ice cream and mix-ins. They offer a wide range of Blizzard flavors, including popular choices like Oreo, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, or M&M’s. Dairy Queen also introduces limited-time Blizzard flavors, keeping their menu fresh and exciting.