As a food editor and fast food connoisseur, I’m no stranger to Shake Shack’s simple-yet-scrumptious crinkle-cut fries. (They’re reliably crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside and evenly salted, in case you’re wondering.) That said, I was beyond psyched when I heard the fast-casual chain was releasing a new side for the first time in its history. And given how in vogue the star ingredient of that side dish is, I have a feeling you will be too. Behold: Shake Shack’s new fried pickles.
Shake Shack’s First-Ever New Side Just Hit Restos—Here’s a Food Editor’s Take
Pickles are *so* back
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Published May 23, 2025
Shake Shack
These cool, crisp dill pickle chips go from swimming in Shake Shack’s proprietary brine to being dunked in a layer of impeccably seasoned batter. Then, they’re fried until crispy and served with the chain’s famously creamy ranch dressing for dipping. The new menu item, which starts at $4 per order (depending on location), was dreamed up after Shake Shack surveyed its guests last year and discovered that one-third of them expressed interest in other side options besides fries.
I first tried Shake Shack’s fried pickles when I reviewed the Summer BBQ Menu, as the pickles were featured on the Carolina BBQ Chicken sandwich and the Carolina BBQ Burger. Admittedly, I noted that I’d prefer Shake Shack’s pickles served plain on a sandwich, since the heat of the ingredients (and the car ride home) were enough to turn their batter soggy. Plus, the pickles on their own are exceptionally acidic (that’s a plus for me), compared to those from many other chains that are sweeter or less vinegary.
However, trying the fried pickles sans-handheld proved more delicious. The savory, oniony breading of the pickles stayed craggy and crunchy. The acidity of the pickles was more prominent than on the sandwiches, too. Still, I prefer them cold and un-breaded (because pickles are all about that refreshing texture, juicy crunch and sour flavor, IMO), but these certainly rival the fries.
My only caveat? Although the breading holds up, it doesn’t fully adhere to the pickles. Once you take a bite, it may slide off, or you may accidentally take the full pickle chip with you. Other than that, these delightfully greasy beauties are definitely worth tasting.
