Steak 'n Shake's core menu: burgers, shakes, and hand-cut fries
Steak 'n Shake built its menu around three things: made-to-order burgers, hand-dipped milkshakes, and hand-cut fries. Unlike most fast-food chains, the restaurant prepares burgers fresh when you order, not from a heat lamp. The shakes are mixed by hand at the counter, and the fries are cut from whole potatoes in the kitchen.
The burger lineup starts with the Steakburger — a single or double patty with your choice of toppings — and moves into specialty burgers like the Bacon & Cheese Steakburger and the Mushroom & Swiss Steakburger. Prices vary by location and whether you order a single or double patty, but a basic single steakburger typically costs between $5 and $8.
The shake menu includes classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, plus seasonal and regional variations. A hand-dipped shake is larger than a typical fast-food shake and costs roughly $4 to $6 depending on size and location. The fries come in regular and cajun-spiced versions, and you can order them as a side or as part of a combo meal.
Key Takeaways
- Steak 'n Shake prepares burgers to order rather than keeping them warm, which means longer wait times than some competitors but fresher meat.
- Hand-dipped milkshakes are thicker and larger than typical fast-food shakes, and the menu rotates seasonal flavors alongside year-round options.
- Hand-cut fries come in regular and cajun varieties, and the restaurant also offers chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and breakfast items at most locations.
- Combo meals bundle a burger, shake, and fries together, and prices depend on your location and which items you choose.
- Nutrition information is posted in-store and online, so you can check calories, sodium, and allergens before ordering.
Burger options and customization
The Steakburger is the foundation of the menu. You choose between a single patty (roughly 4 ounces) or a double (roughly 8 ounces), then add toppings from a list that includes lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, jalapeños, grilled onions, mushrooms, and bacon. Cheese options include American, cheddar, Swiss, and pepper jack.
Specialty burgers come pre-loaded with toppings. The Bacon & Cheese Steakburger pairs bacon and cheddar with the patty. The Mushroom & Swiss combines sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese. The Jalapeño & Cheese adds jalapeños and pepper jack. You can still customize these by removing or swapping toppings.
The restaurant also offers a Steakburger Melt, which is served on Texas toast instead of a bun, and a Frisco Melt, which adds grilled onions and Swiss cheese on Texas toast. Both are regional variations that may not appear at every location.
Shakes, sides, and other menu items
Beyond burgers, Steak 'n Shake serves hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and salads. The hot dog is a straightforward grilled frank with your choice of toppings. The chicken sandwich is a breaded or grilled chicken breast on a bun, also customizable. Salads come with your choice of dressing and protein.
The shake menu rotates. Year-round flavors include vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and peanut butter. Seasonal shakes — like peppermint during winter or peach during summer — appear and disappear throughout the year. Some locations also offer regional exclusives. A shake comes in regular or large size, and you can add mix-ins like cookies, candy, or fruit for an upcharge.
Breakfast is served at most locations and includes eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches. Hours vary by restaurant, so check your local Steak 'n Shake to see when breakfast ends.
Combo meals and pricing structure
A combo meal bundles a burger, a shake, and fries into one order. The price depends on which burger you choose, which shake size you select, and your location. A single steakburger combo typically costs between $12 and $16, while a double steakburger combo runs $14 to $18. Specialty burgers cost slightly more.
You can also order items separately. A burger alone costs $5 to $8, a shake $4 to $6, and fries $3 to $5. Prices are higher in urban areas and lower in rural locations, and some franchises set their own pricing within corporate guidelines.
Steak 'n Shake occasionally runs promotions — discounts on specific items or combo deals — that vary by location and season. Check the restaurant's website or app, or ask at the counter, to see what deals are running near you.
Nutrition information and allergens
Steak 'n Shake publishes nutrition facts for all menu items on its website and in-store. A single steakburger with no toppings contains roughly 400 to 450 calories. A double steakburger runs 600 to 700 calories. A hand-dipped shake in regular size is typically 500 to 700 calories depending on flavor, and a large shake can exceed 1,000 calories.
Sodium content is high across the menu — a single steakburger with toppings can contain 800 to 1,200 milligrams of sodium, which is roughly half the daily recommended limit for most adults. Fries add another 300 to 500 milligrams.
The restaurant lists common allergens — milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts — for each item. If you have a food allergy, ask to speak with a manager, who can review ingredient lists and preparation methods. Cross-contamination is possible in any kitchen, so inform staff of severe allergies.
Dine-in, drive-through, and carhop service
Steak 'n Shake operates three service models depending on the location. Dine-in means you sit at a booth or table and a server brings your food. Drive-throughCarhop service
Wait times are longer than at typical fast-food chains because burgers are made to order. Expect 10 to 15 minutes during off-peak hours and 20 to 30 minutes during lunch or dinner rush. Drive-through lines move faster than dine-in, but still slower than competitors who pre-make burgers.
Some locations have closed or converted to delivery-only or limited-service models, so check whether your nearest Steak 'n Shake offers the service type you want before you go.
Regional and seasonal menu variations
Steak 'n Shake's corporate menu is the same nationwide, but individual franchises sometimes add regional items or limited-time offerings. A location in the South might feature a different specialty burger than one in the Midwest. Seasonal items — like a pumpkin shake in fall or a peppermint shake in winter — rotate on a set schedule but may vary slightly by region.
The best way to see what your local restaurant offers is to check the Steak 'n Shake website, call the location directly, or visit in person. Franchise owners have some flexibility in pricing and menu tweaks, so two Steak 'n Shake restaurants in different towns may not be identical.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get food at Steak 'n Shake?
Because burgers are made to order, expect 10 to 15 minutes during slow times and 20 to 30 minutes during peak hours. Drive-through is faster than dine-in, but still slower than chains that pre-make burgers. Carhop service may take longer because staff deliver to your car.
Can I customize my burger or shake?
Yes. You can add, remove, or swap toppings on any burger, and you can add mix-ins to shakes for an upcharge. Tell the person taking your order what you want, or ask to speak with a manager if you have complex requests or allergies.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
Steak 'n Shake's core menu is meat-focused. Vegetarian options are limited to salads and sides like fries. Vegan options are very limited because most items contain dairy or meat. Call your local restaurant to ask what they can prepare.
Does Steak 'n Shake have a kids menu?
Yes, most locations offer a kids menu with smaller portions of burgers, chicken sandwiches, and hot dogs, plus a drink and side. Prices are lower than adult portions, typically $5 to $8 per meal.
What payment methods does Steak 'n Shake accept?
Most locations accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Some also accept mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Call ahead if you have questions about payment at a specific location.