WED-THURS -- SHAKE SHACK

Danny Meyer's Shake Shack opened for business in 2004 and has quickly become a NYC summer institution. Go see what all the fuss is about. Shake Shack opens for the season today.

FOOD & BOOZE: SHAKE SHACK (Madison Sq. Park -- Madison @ 23rd St.)
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Our Take: Summer goodness in Madison Square Park with burgers, hot dogs and ice cream, plus beer and quality wine. Meyer sticks to the classics with the burgers and dogs, but throws in a creative twist on the summer soft-serve stand of your youth with the rotating daily selection of frozen custard. Chill out on a park bench in the summer sun and remember why you're so happy the winter's over.

Recommendations: Go with the Shack Burger on your first time through and don't miss Meyer's daily custard creation. But on your inevitable second visit, consider the Chicago Dog if you've never tried one. Available on every block in the Windy City, this might be the only place in NYC to sample the real thing. Vienna beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, pickle, onion, tomato, sport pepper and celery salt. Might just make you ditch the 'kraut for good.

Insider Tip: Lines can be brutally long during peak lunch hours as pretty much every worker bee in the area queues up for one of NYCs favorite burgers. So head over a little later in the afternoon to avoid the wait.

Details: Open daily 11am to 6pm. Shack Burger $4.75. Chicago dog $3.25.