Started in Normal, IL, in 1934 by ex marine Gus Belt, Steak N Shake is so named for its focus on ‘steakburgers’ and milk shakes. The marketing slogan “in sight it must be right” referred to the fact that originally, the beef was ground in plain sight of the customers, and originally was a grind of T-bone, sirloin, and round. Gus passed in 1954, and the chain went through a number of ownership changes. It’s currently held by the diversified holding company of Biglari Holdings, based in San Antonio.
Today, more than 400 restaurants dot the Midwest, Southern, and Southwestern United States, and the company seems in growth mode. Open 24/7, the Steak N Shake menu not only includes steakburgers, fries and shakes, but has been enlarged to include breakfast items, other sandwiches, salads, and different variations of chili on spaghetti noodles, the way one might find in Ohio chili chains.
I’ve long been a fan, and stop at one when I pass through a city that has some of the outposts. I’ve written about other menu items in the past.
The occasion for my recent stop was to check out some of their new menu items. As Steak N Shake’s competitors are on a tear with menu additions, newly remodeled stores, and spin-off concepts, the company seems to be putting its new focus on increased menu items as well as value-pricing with a substantial number of “$4 dollar meals.”
I tried out their “shooters”, the Steak N Shake version of sliders, mini hamburgers with different flavors available singly or in multiples.
The “Three shooters plus fries” plate came in at the $4 price point, and I opted for the flavor choices of garlic, “Frisco,” and buffalo.
Each came with a ‘slather’ of the designated sauce, buffalo ala Frank’s Red Hot Wing Sauce, Frisco, which was described to me by the waitperson as “exactly like thousand island dressing”, and a garlic butter. The buns receive a light brush of butter, and otherwise, the burgers are devoid of condiments and cheese, unless you request same (slight charge for cheese).
I liked them all, even though I usually passionately avoid anything with thousand island.
Steak N Shake’s fries are always properly fried shoestrings, with the right amount of salt. On each table is a bottle of their “Fry Seasoning” if you want to amp up the fries or burger. It’s kinda like Season Salt, but in my opinion, much tastier. And no MSG if you care about that kind of thing.
One “secret menu” item at S n S is the 7X7, seven burger patties, seven slices of cheese. I’ll get to that someday.
Anyway – the shooter platter is a great way to try out their new flavors, or feed the kids on a very economical basis. Find a Steak N Shake near you.
Three Shooters and Fries
Steak N Shake Shooters Review