What Steak 'n Shake Is and How to Order

Steak 'n Shake is a casual restaurant chain where you order at a counter and sit down to eat, or you can order for takeout or delivery. The restaurant is known for hand-rolled milkshakes made to order and burgers cooked fresh. You walk up to the counter, look at the menu board or a printed menu, tell the cashier what you want, pay, and then either sit in the dining room or take your food with you.

Most Steak 'n Shake locations also let you order through their website or mobile app for pickup, or through third-party delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub. If you order ahead through the app, you'll get a text or notification when your order is ready, and you can pick it up at the counter without waiting in line.

The restaurant operates during set hours that vary by location — most open for lunch and dinner, some for breakfast as well. You can find your nearest location and its hours on the Steak 'n Shake website or by searching the name and your city.

Key Takeaways

  • Steak 'n Shake is a counter-service restaurant where you order at the register and can eat in, take out, or have food delivered to your home.
  • The menu centers on burgers, hand-rolled milkshakes, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and sides like fries and onion rings.
  • You can order in person, through the Steak 'n Shake app or website for pickup, or through delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats.
  • Prices vary by location and menu item, but burgers typically range from around $6 to $12 depending on size and toppings.
  • Steak 'n Shake locations have different hours, so check your local restaurant's schedule before you go.

The Menu: What You Can Order

The core menu includes burgers in several sizes — single, double, and triple patties — with options to add cheese, bacon, mushrooms, grilled onions, or other toppings. You can also build your own burger by choosing the patty size and then selecting which toppings you want.

Beyond burgers, Steak 'n Shake serves hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and hand-rolled milkshakes made fresh when you order them. The shakes come in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and seasonal specials. You can also order sides such as fries, crinkle-cut fries, onion rings, and cheese fries.

Some locations offer breakfast items during morning hours, which may include breakfast sandwiches and hash browns. The exact menu can differ slightly from location to location, so check your local restaurant's menu online or ask at the counter about what they have that day.

Pricing and What to Expect to Pay

Prices at Steak 'n Shake vary depending on your location and what you order. A basic single burger typically costs between $6 and $9, while a double burger runs $8 to $12. Chicken sandwiches and hot dogs fall in a similar range. Milkshakes usually cost $5 to $7 depending on size and flavor.

Sides like fries or onion rings cost $3 to $5 on their own. If you order a combo meal, which bundles a sandwich, fries, and a drink together, you'll pay less than ordering each item separately — combo prices usually range from $10 to $15 depending on what you choose.

Tax is added at checkout, and if you order delivery through a third-party app, you'll also pay a delivery fee and may see a small markup on menu prices. Tipping is optional but common when you order at the counter or use delivery.

How to Order Through the App or Website

To order through the Steak 'n Shake app or website, first read the app or visit steaknshake.com. Create an account or log in if you already have one. Search for your nearest location by entering your address or zip code.

Browse the menu, select the items you want, and add them to your cart. You can customize each item — for example, choosing burger toppings or milkshake flavors. When you're done, review your order, enter your payment information, and choose whether you want pickup or delivery. For pickup, you'll select a time, and the restaurant will prepare your food and notify you when it's ready. For delivery, you'll enter your delivery address and the app will show you an estimated arrival time.

Save your favorite orders in the app so you can reorder them quickly next time. Some locations offer rewards or promotions through the app, so check for any active deals before you pay.

Ordering Through Delivery Apps

If you prefer to use a third-party delivery service, Steak 'n Shake is available on most major platforms including DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and others. Open the delivery app, search for Steak 'n Shake, and select your nearest location.

Browse the menu in the app, add items to your cart, and customize them as needed. Review your order, enter your delivery address, and choose your payment method. The app will show you the total cost including the menu price, delivery fee, and any service fees. You'll see an estimated delivery time, and the driver will update you as they pick up and deliver your order.

Delivery through these apps may cost more than ordering directly through Steak 'n Shake because of delivery fees and service charges. If you order frequently, compare the cost of using the restaurant's own app or website for pickup versus using a delivery service.

Dietary Needs and Customization

Steak 'n Shake lets you customize most menu items. You can ask for no onions, extra pickles, sauce on the side, or any other changes when you order. If you're ordering through the app or website, there are usually checkboxes or text fields where you can note your preferences.

If you have a food allergy, tell the cashier or note it clearly in your order. The restaurant can tell you which items contain common allergens like nuts, dairy, or gluten, though cross-contamination in the kitchen is always a possibility in a busy restaurant. If you have a severe allergy, ask to speak with a manager who can give you detailed information about how food is prepared.

Vegetarian options include cheese sandwiches, veggie-loaded sides, and milkshakes. The restaurant does not have a separate vegetarian menu, but most items can be ordered without meat.

What Happens When You Pick Up or Receive Your Order

If you're picking up an order you placed through the app, go to the counter at the time the app told you. Give your name or show your order confirmation on your phone. The staff will hand you your food in a bag. Check that everything is there before you leave, especially if you customized items.

If you're eating in the restaurant, find a seat after you pay and receive your order. Your food will be brought to your table or you'll pick it up at the counter depending on how busy the restaurant is. Drinks are usually self-serve at a fountain station.

For delivery orders, the driver will bring your food to your door. Check the order before the driver leaves to make sure nothing is missing or damaged. If something is wrong, contact the delivery app right away — most have a process to report missing items or request a refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I modify my order after I've placed it?

If you ordered through the app or website and haven't received a notification that the order is being prepared, you may be able to cancel or edit it through the app. Once the restaurant starts making your food, changes are usually not possible. For delivery orders, contact the driver or the delivery app as soon as you realize there's a problem.

Does Steak 'n Shake have a kids menu?

Yes, most locations offer a kids menu with smaller portions and lower prices. Kids meals typically include a sandwich, fries, a drink, and sometimes a toy or treat. Ask at the counter or check the app to see what's available at your location.

What payment methods does Steak 'n Shake take?

Steak 'n Shake takes cash, credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay. If you order through the app or a delivery service, you'll need to pay with a card or digital wallet — cash is not an option for those orders.

How long does it take to get my food?

Wait times vary depending on how busy the restaurant is. During peak lunch and dinner hours, you might wait 10 to 20 minutes. Off-peak times are usually faster. If you order ahead through the app, the restaurant prepares your food so it's ready when you arrive, cutting down your wait time significantly.

Can I return food if something is wrong with my order?

Yes. If your food is cold, incorrect, or damaged, go back to the counter and show the staff. They will remake the item or give you a refund. For delivery orders, report the problem through the delivery app, which will contact the restaurant or issue a refund on your behalf.