Shake Shack fans, rejoice! The well-known burger and shake restaurant has finally made its way to downtown Detroit, and I already see SO many lunch and dinner visits in my future. In preparation for the grand opening, I was invited by Shake Shack to attend the new location for a complimentary meal during their Friends & Family day. Of course, I brought Brad along, and we were treated to some awesome food that was just as delicious as I remembered it being when I first fell in love with Shake Shack in Boston last year. The truth is, whether you’re a long-time Shake Shack fan or you’ve never stepped foot inside a Shake Shack in your entire life, there are plenty of reasons to love the new Detroit location.

Shake Shack Detroit: Sandwiches

Shake Shack’s sandwiches are reminiscent of traditional fast food favorites, but way, way better. Burgers, chicken, and hot dogs: they’re simple in theory, but this place punches up the ingredient quality about twenty thousand notches for mouth-watering meals you’ll continue to crave the moment you’re done eating. I’m currently in love with the Chick’n Shack, a crispy, cage-free, hormone-free chicken breast served on a non-GMO potato bun with lettuce, pickles, and buttermilk herb mayo. Even if you don’t like mayonnaise (I don’t), it’s worth trying on this sandwich (the herbs make it taste a little more like ranch dressing). I was also a little jealous of the SmokeShack burger Brad ordered (cheese, bacon, chopped cherry pepper, and ShackSauce) and really want to try the ‘Shroom Burger (fried portobello, muenster, and cheddar) and Shack-cago Dog (Chicago-inspired hot dog) the next time I visit. So many choices--it’s hard to pick a favorite!

Shake Shack Detroit: Fries

Hot, golden, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. Shake Shack’s crinkle-cut fries are pretty much perfect and can stand alone without ketchup (although, they’re pretty awesome with ketchup, too). Even better: try them with cheese . . . because . . . why not?

Shake Shack Detroit: Shakes

Of course, you HAVE to try a restaurant’s namesake item when you visit. Okay, I got a concrete (more below) during this meal, but I’ve had Shake Shack’s shakes on a couple of previous occasions. There are a few flavor options, including seasonal combinations, but you definitely can’t go wrong with the chocolate. So, so chocolatey and Heaven in a cup.

Shake Shack Detroit: Concretes & Community

One of the really cool things about Shake Shack Detroit is how they sneak local favorite flavors onto the menu. Check out the Concretes (frozen custard with mix-ins) menu for some familiar names: Shack Attack (with Zingerman’s Black Magic Brownie), Motor City Mix (tastes like a Nutty Buddy and features Bon Bon Bon dark chocolate), and Pie Oh My (with Sister Pie seasonal pie). Oh, and bonus: five percent of sales from the Pie Oh My concrete go to support Gleaners Community Food Bank. How awesome is that?

Shake Shack Detroit: Takeout App & Treats For Four-Legged Friends

I don’t have a dog, but if I did, I’d totally pick up a Shake Shack Pooch-ini (dog biscuit with peanut butter sauce and vanilla custard) or Bag O’Bones (bag of dog biscuits) whenever I passed by! This would be a great option for takeout orders, particularly during summer evenings when you’re enjoying a walk downtown with your pet. And by ordering with the Shake Shack app (doesn’t currently feature the Detroit location, but I expect it will soon), you can even skip the line and have your food (and dog treats) waiting for you when you arrive. Best idea ever.

Shake Shack Detroit opens to the public on February 23, 2017. Will you be among the hungry crowd of excited patrons? Let me know in the comments which dish you’re most excited to try!

**Note: I attended the Shake Shack Friends & Family event as a guest and received two complimentary meals. I was not obligated to write or post anything about the event . . . I just really enjoyed it and thought you lovely people would appreciate hearing about this tasty place, too. :)