What Steak 'n Shake is and how to order

Steak 'n Shake is a drive-in restaurant chain where you order from your car and eat in the parking lot, or you can go inside to a counter or booth. The restaurant is known for hand-rolled milkshakes made to order, steakburgers cooked fresh, and hand-cut fries. You can order through a speaker box at the drive-in stall, through a mobile app, or by walking inside to the counter.

When you pull up to a drive-in stall, a speaker system lets you browse the menu and place your order. A server will bring your food to your car on a tray that clips to your window. Inside locations work like a traditional fast-casual restaurant — you order at the counter and either sit down or take your food with you. Some Steak 'n Shake locations also offer delivery through third-party apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats.

The menu centers on burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and shakes. Burgers come in single and double versions, and you can customize them with toppings like cheese, bacon, grilled onions, and mushrooms. Sides include hand-cut fries, onion rings, and cheese fries. Shakes come in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and seasonal specials, and are made fresh when you order.

Key Takeaways

  • Steak 'n Shake operates both drive-in stalls where servers bring food to your car and indoor counter locations where you order and sit inside.
  • Milkshakes are made to order by hand, which means they take longer than pre-made shakes at other restaurants — typically five to ten minutes.
  • You can order through a drive-in speaker, at an indoor counter, through the Steak 'n Shake mobile app, or through delivery apps in some locations.
  • Prices vary by location and region, but burgers typically range from around $5 to $10 depending on size and toppings.

Drive-in stalls versus indoor locations

Not every Steak 'n Shake has a drive-in stall. Some locations are indoor-only, with a counter where you order and seating inside. If you want the classic drive-in experience, check the restaurant's website or call ahead to confirm the location has stalls. The Steak 'n Shake website shows which locations have drive-in service.

At a drive-in stall, you pull into a marked parking space, and a menu board and speaker are mounted outside your window. You order through the speaker, and a server brings your food on a tray that attaches to your car door. You eat in your car and return the tray when finished. At indoor locations, you walk to a counter, order, pay, and either take your food or sit at a booth or table.

Drive-in service is slower than counter service because servers must walk back and forth to each car. Expect to wait 15 to 25 minutes during busy times, especially if you order a shake. Indoor locations are typically faster because you order directly at the counter and food comes out to a pickup area.

How milkshakes are made and why they take time

Steak 'n Shake's signature item is the hand-rolled milkshake. When you order, an employee takes your choice of flavor and base (regular, light, or thick), adds ice cream and milk or syrup to a metal cup, and rolls it on a machine that blends and freezes it. This process takes five to ten minutes, depending on how busy the location is.

The hand-rolling process is intentional — it is part of what the restaurant advertises as its difference from chain fast-food shakes. The downside is that shakes take noticeably longer than a burger or fries. If you are in a hurry, order your shake for pickup at the end of your meal rather than at the start, or skip it entirely and order a drink instead.

Shake flavors change by season and location. Standard flavors include vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Seasonal flavors might include peppermint, pumpkin spice, or salted caramel, but these are not available year-round. Check the menu board or ask your server what flavors are currently offered.

Customizing your burger and understanding the menu

Burgers come as singles (one patty) or doubles (two patties). The basic burger includes a bun, patty, and your choice of toppings. Standard toppings include lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. Premium toppings like bacon, cheese, grilled onions, mushrooms, and jalapeños usually cost extra.

You can order your burger plain or loaded with as many toppings as you want. Some locations let you customize through the app, which can be faster than ordering at a speaker or counter. If you are ordering at a drive-in stall, speak clearly into the speaker and confirm your order before the server leaves — it is harder to make changes once food is being prepared.

Beyond burgers, Steak 'n Shake serves chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, and breakfast items at some locations. Sides are hand-cut fries, onion rings, cheese fries, and chili cheese fries. Drinks include soft drinks, coffee, and milkshakes. Prices vary by location and region, so check your local restaurant's menu for exact costs.

Using the mobile app and delivery options

The Steak 'n Shake mobile app lets you order ahead for pickup at drive-in stalls or indoor locations. You select your items, customize them, pay through the app, and then drive to the location or go inside to pick up your order. Ordering through the app can save time because your order is already in the kitchen queue when you arrive.

Some Steak 'n Shake locations offer delivery through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and other third-party services. Delivery adds a service fee and delivery fee on top of your food cost, and delivery times vary depending on how busy the service is and how far you are from the restaurant. Shakes do not travel well during delivery — they melt quickly — so delivery is better for burgers, fries, and other items.

To learn about your local Steak 'n Shake has a mobile app or delivery, visit the Steak 'n Shake website, search for your location, and look for app and delivery options listed on that location's page.

What to expect in terms of wait times and pricing

Wait times depend on whether you order at a drive-in stall or indoors, how busy the location is, and whether you order a shake. At a drive-in stall during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon on a weekday), expect 10 to 15 minutes. During peak times (lunch, dinner, weekend evenings), expect 20 to 30 minutes or longer. If you order a shake, add 5 to 10 minutes to that estimate.

Indoor counter service is typically faster — 5 to 10 minutes during off-peak times and 10 to 20 minutes during busy periods. Ordering through the app and picking up can reduce wait time because your order is prepared while you drive to the location.

Prices vary significantly by location and region. A single steakburger typically costs between $5 and $8, a double between $7 and $10. Sides like fries or onion rings range from $3 to $5. Milkshakes typically cost $5 to $7 depending on size and flavor. Combo meals that bundle a burger, fries, and drink are usually available at a discount compared to ordering items separately.

Common questions about ordering and payment

Most Steak 'n Shake locations accept cash and card at drive-in stalls and indoor counters. Some drive-in locations may be card-only for contactless payment. Check with your local restaurant if you prefer to pay cash. The app and delivery services require a card or digital payment method.

If you have a dietary restriction or allergy, ask your server or the person taking your order about ingredients. Steak 'n Shake does not have a dedicated allergen menu on its website, so you will need to ask at the location. The restaurant does serve peanuts and tree nuts in some items, and all food is prepared in a shared kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a shake without ordering food?

Yes. You can order just a shake, or just a drink, or just fries. There is no minimum purchase. However, shakes take 5 to 10 minutes to make, so if you are in a hurry, order a pre-made drink instead.

What if I do not like my order?

Tell your server or the person at the counter right away. Most locations will remake your food if something is wrong or not what you ordered. If you are at a drive-in stall, call the restaurant or ask the server to get a manager if the issue is not resolved quickly.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?

Steak 'n Shake does not have a dedicated vegetarian burger, but you can order a burger without the patty — essentially a bun with toppings and condiments. Fries and onion rings are typically vegetarian. Ask your server about other sides or items that fit your diet.

Do I need to tip at a drive-in stall?

Tipping is optional but customary. At a drive-in stall, a server brings your food to your car, so many people tip $1 to $3. At an indoor counter where you order and pick up your own food, tipping is less common but still appreciated.

How do I find a Steak 'n Shake near me?

Visit the Steak 'n Shake website and use the location finder. Enter your city or zip code, and it will show nearby restaurants with their hours, phone numbers, and whether they have drive-in service, delivery, or app ordering.