Steak 'n Shake is a casual restaurant chain known for hand-dipped milkshakes and burgers

Steak 'n Shake operates as a sit-down and drive-through restaurant where you order at a counter or booth and staff bring food to your table. The chain is known for milkshakes made to order — staff blend ice cream and syrup by hand rather than using a machine — and for burgers cooked on a flat-top griddle. The menu also includes hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and sides like fries and onion rings.

The restaurant started in 1934 in Normal, Illinois, and has grown to over 400 locations across the United States. Steak 'n Shake is owned by Sardar Investments, a holding company, and is operated as a separate brand within a larger restaurant portfolio. The chain operates both company-owned locations and franchised restaurants run by independent owners.

Key Takeaways

  • Steak 'n Shake serves hand-dipped milkshakes made to order at the counter, not from a machine.
  • The restaurant operates as a casual dining spot with counter service, booth seating, and drive-through windows at most locations.
  • You can find Steak 'n Shake locations in most U.S. states, though availability varies by region and some areas have no nearby restaurants.
  • The menu includes burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and sides, with milkshakes available in dozens of flavors and combinations.

How to find a Steak 'n Shake near you

Steak 'n Shake maintains a location finder on its official website where you can enter your city, state, or zip code to see nearby restaurants. The search tool shows the address, phone number, hours of operation, and which services each location offers — such as dine-in, drive-through, or delivery through third-party apps.

You can also search "Steak 'n Shake near me" in Google Maps or Apple Maps, which will show locations sorted by distance and display current hours and whether the restaurant is open. Third-party delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub list Steak 'n Shake restaurants that participate in delivery, though not all locations offer this service.

What makes Steak 'n Shake milkshakes different

The defining feature of a Steak 'n Shake milkshake is that it is hand-dipped rather than machine-blended. A staff member pours ice cream and syrup into a metal cup, places it on a mechanical mixer, and blends it until it reaches the right thickness. The shake is then poured into a glass and topped with whipped cream. This process takes longer than a machine shake but produces a thicker, creamier texture.

Steak 'n Shake offers milkshakes in classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, as well as seasonal and limited-time flavors that change throughout the year. You can also order custom combinations — for example, mixing two flavors together or adding mix-ins like cookies or candy. The price of a milkshake varies by location and size, typically ranging from around $5 to $8 for a standard shake.

Ordering options and service style

At most Steak 'n Shake locations, you order at a counter and pay before receiving your food. Staff then bring your order to your table if you are dining in, or you pick it up at the counter. Some locations have table-side ordering where a server takes your order at your booth. Drive-through windows are available at most restaurants, where you order through a speaker and receive food at a window.

Delivery is available at select locations through third-party apps, though Steak 'n Shake does not operate its own delivery service. Hours vary by location but typically run from late morning through late evening, with some locations staying open past midnight. It is worth checking the specific hours of your nearest restaurant before visiting, as they can differ from the corporate standard.

Menu items beyond milkshakes

Steak 'n Shake burgers are made from beef cooked on a flat-top griddle and served on a bun with your choice of toppings. The menu includes single and double burgers, as well as specialty burgers with names like the Steakburger and the Classic. Hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and salads round out the main offerings.

Sides include hand-cut fries, crinkle-cut fries, onion rings, and cheese fries. Steak 'n Shake also serves breakfast items at some locations, including eggs, bacon, and breakfast sandwiches, though breakfast availability depends on the individual restaurant. Beverages include soft drinks, coffee, and milkshakes, but no alcohol is served.

Pricing and what to expect to spend

A typical meal at Steak 'n Shake — burger, fries, and a drink — costs between $12 and $18 before tax, depending on what you order and your location. Milkshakes range from about $5 to $8. Prices are higher in urban areas and lower in rural regions. Some locations offer combo meals that bundle a burger, fries, and drink at a slight discount compared to ordering items separately.

Steak 'n Shake does not charge table service fees or automatic gratuity, though tipping is common at counter-service restaurants. Payment methods include cash and all major credit and debit cards. Some locations accept mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a Steak 'n Shake milkshake for delivery?

Milkshakes are available for delivery through third-party apps at locations that offer delivery service. However, the shake may melt during transit, so delivery is not ideal if you want the shake at its thickest. Pickup or dine-in is the better option for the full hand-dipped experience.

Are Steak 'n Shake milkshakes made with real ice cream?

Yes, Steak 'n Shake uses real ice cream in its hand-dipped milkshakes. The exact ingredients vary by location and supplier, but the shakes contain dairy ice cream, not soft-serve or a non-dairy substitute. Customers with dairy allergies should ask staff about ingredients before ordering.

Does every Steak 'n Shake location have the same menu?

The core menu is the same across all locations, but some restaurants offer regional or seasonal items that others do not. Breakfast is available at select locations only. It is worth checking the menu on the Steak 'n Shake website or calling your local restaurant to confirm whether a specific item is available.

What are the hours of operation?

Hours vary by location. Most Steak 'n Shake restaurants open in late morning and close in the evening or late night, but some have different schedules. Use the location finder on the Steak 'n Shake website or call ahead to confirm the hours of your nearest restaurant.