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Inside LA's First Shake Shack in West Hollywood

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The burger chain finally lands on the West Coast tomorrow

Matthew Kang is the Lead Editor of Eater LA. He has covered dining, restaurants, food culture, and nightlife in Los Angeles since 2008. He's the host of K-Town, a YouTube series covering Korean food in America, and has been featured in Netflix's Street Food show.

Welcome to Los Angeles, Shake Shack. It's been over a year in the making, but the popular New York-based burger stand has finally made a splash on the West Coast, right in the heart of In-N-Out territory. Slated for an official opening March 15 in West Hollywood, let the argument for which casual burger chain begin. For many Angelenos, the debate is moot at this point, because LA is one of the few cities in the country that can boast both burgers.

First, let's discuss Shake Shack's unique qualities: a smashed, well-griddled patty with high quality beef is the basis for this burger. Build on some cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, onion and secret "ShackSauce", then place on a plush Martin's potato roll. Add bacon, double up the patty count, or go deluxe with LA's own Roadside Double, a play on a French dip.

It's all pretty customizable, just like In-N-Out. But Shake Shack's menu has plenty of other quick service favorites: a fried chicken sandwich, hot dogs, ice cream concretes, shakes (of course), and crinkle-cut fries. There's even beer and wine to sip on. Finally, one last little LA-only special: the Rainbow Connection concrete, made with Cofax donuts and SQIRL jam.

Shake Shack's West Hollywood outlet reflects the roadside stand feel, though don't expect a drive thru here. Instead, find wide open inside and outside dining areas with modern appointments. Burger fans in other parts of town won't have to wait much longer, as Shake Shack has already planned locations in Downtown and Glendale.

Shake Shack
8520 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Open 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Sunday to Thursday, and until 11:30 p.m. on weekends