Shake Shack Draws a Crowd of Burger-Lovers in Taikooli

Despite Wednesday's downpour, burger fans queued for over an hour to sink their teeth into Beijing’s latest beef – the much anticipated Shake Shack.

The branch seemed to be prepared for its own popularity as well, placing the restaurant in not one, but two separate buildings, with a sizable outdoor dining area to boot. Taikooli also seemed to celebrate the arrival, placing a large bulldog statue with fry-and-shake sunglasses and a burger t-shirt at the entrance.

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If you, too, are a Shake Shack virgin, be sure to try the fries. Crinkle cut and served with nacho-cheese (RMB 34) – again, the sort you would find at an American theme park – they're fairly unique in the Beijing french fry scene. Wash it all down with the brand's specialty Brooklyn-brewed Shackmeister Ale, or go local with a Worker's Pale Ale or Flying Fist IPA (RMB 51-RMB 66 each) from Jing-A.

There are a few other items on the menu, including beef hot dogs, chicken burgers, and of course, the titular “concrete” shakes, including a Beijing specialty, the Hutong Hawthorn (RMB 45). Bringing your pup along too? Treat him or her to a “Bag o’ Bones” (RMB 30).