Everything you need to know about the burgers, the fries, the shakes, ambiance, trays, bathrooms and more at Shake Shack and In-N-Out Burger. The two restaurants sit less than two miles apart, and until Shake Shack opens in Austin, Texas, Las Vegas is the only place you can compare both while they're hot.
Since late December, Las Vegas has been the only place in the world where you can get both Shake Shack and In-N-Out Burger fresh for a true taste comparison. Shake Shack opened at the front of New York-New York and In-N-Out Burger on Dean Martin Drive sit a mere 1.43 miles away from eat other, making it easy to pick up one and take it to the other for a taste test.
They represent each coast. Shake Shack was born in New York City in Madison Square Park in 2000. In-N-Out Burger launched in 1948 in Baldwin Park, Calif., with a drive-thru. Fans and detractors have argued about which burger is better. Here, a look at how each stacks up against the other.
How long does it take to get from your car to the restaurant?
Shake Shack: The restaurant sits at the front of New York-New York, so guests park at the parking garage at the rear of the casino. It took five minutes and 21 seconds to walk from parking level 2 to the front door of Shake Shack.
In-N-Out Burger: The restaurant on Dean Martin Drive has its own parking lot surround the place. It took one minute to walk to the front door.
How far apart are the two restaurants?
Driving from New York-New York to In-N-Out Burger took five minutes and 31 seconds with bad timing on the lights on Tropicana Avenue.
How do you order?
Shake Shack: Pick from one of two lines at Shake Shack. One outside is strictly for beer, drinks, shakes, custards, concretes (and even swag). The other inside is for food.
In-N-Out: You can go through the drive-thru to order or walk up to the counter.
How long does it take to order?
Shake Shack: Fourteen seconds
In-N-Out Burger: One minute and 15 seconds
The order
Shake Shack: Double Shack Burger, fries and a vanilla shake
In-N-Out Burger: Double-Double, fries and a vanilla shake
The cost
Shake Shack: Double Shack Burger was $7.99, fries $2.95 and vanilla shake $5.25 for a total of $17.50.
In-N-Out Burger: Double-Double was $3.35, fries $1.60 and vanilla shake $2.10 for a total of $7.62.
Note: One Double Shack Burger costs more than an entire meal at In-N-Out Burger.
What if I don't want a shake?
Both outlets offer Coca-Cola products to drink.
What if I want alcohol?
Shake Shack: Wines and beers, including Shake Shack’s own brands.
In-N-Out Burger: Heck, no.
How do I get my order?
Shake Shack: Buzzer goes off when your order is ready. Guests walk up to the counter to pick up their tray.
In-N-Out Burger: Employees call out numbers on the bottom of the ticket to alert guests when their orders are ready. Again, guests walk up to the counter to pick up their order.
What condiments are available?
Shake Shack: Ketchup and mustard in a dispenser, as well as salt, pepper and mayonnaise.
In-N-Out Burger: Ketchup and mustard in a dispenser, as well as salt, pepper, hot peppers and pickles.
Where do you sit?
Shake Shack: The restaurant may be dubbed a roadside burger stand, but Shake Shack is pretty chic for fast-casual food. Reclaimed lumber and reused bowling alley lanes make up the tables. A roulette wheel that flashes is the overhead light. Booths and tables are all around.
In-N-Out Burger: This has the feel of a diner out of the ’50s with its stark white light, no music and tables and booths.
How long to get your order?
Shake Shack: Six minutes and 23 seconds
In-N-Out Burger: Eight minutes and 14 seconds
What is your order delivered on?
Shake Shack: Metal tray
In-N-Out Burger: Red tray
The burgers
Shake Shack: This burger features two burgers, lettuce, tomato, cheese and Shake sauce. The burger is made with 100 percent all-natural beef and the bun is a Martin’s potato bun.
In-N-Out Burger: This burger features two burgers, lettuce, tomato and optional onions. In-N-Out Burger uses "100 percent American beef." The bun is "old-fashioned, slow-rising sponge dough."
The fries
Shake Shack: Crinkle cut Yukon potatoes
In-N-Out Burger: Hand-cut potatoes cooked in 100 percent vegetable oil.
Shakes
Shake Shack: Made with custard made in house daily with "real sugar, no corn syrup, and milk from dairy farmers who pledge not to use artificial growth hormones."
In-N-Out Burger: Made with real ice cream.
The restroom
Shake Shack: Decorated with a New York skyline. Hand dryers for drying off hands.
In-N-Out Burger: Stark like most fast food restaurant bathrooms. Paper towels for drying off hands.
Swag
Shake Shack: Find everything from T-shirts and hats to onesies for the little ones.
In-N-Out Burger: This location has the Company Store next door where you can buy T-shirts, hats, iPhone covers and more.