Sometimes attention to detail sets restaurants apart from the competition. That’s definitely the case for Burrito Shak, an up-and-coming quick-service franchise concept that has just opened its first Triangle location in Cary.
In 2015, longtime fine-dining chef and entrepreneur David Longo created the original Burrito Shak in Hampstead, NC, with a focus on what he calls quality fresh-Mex cuisine.
The Cary spot checks all the right boxes. Consider the scratch-made salsas, handcrafted corn tortillas, and mouthwatering proteins like slow-roasted pulled pork, house-rubbed chicken breast, carne asada and battered Atlantic cod. Never mind the next-level fresh queso and guacamole.
“Our goal when people walk out the door is to hear them say that they loved the taste and quality of our food,” said co-franchisee Noah Almond, a Raleigh native who runs the restaurant along with friend and former Barton College roommate Chase Riker.
Choose from among signature burritos or bowls, tacos, quesadillas, nachos and salads.
Looking to spice it up? Order the First Shot burrito or bowl with ghost pepper Jack cheese, habanero salsa, pico de gallo, lettuce, sour cream, rice and beans. Or select the S-Turn featuring roasted poblano crema, roasted peppers and onions, queso, lettuce, cheese, rice and beans.
For some truly elevated fish tacos, go for the Paradise, which includes Baja slaw, pineapple salsa, Cotija cheese, pico de gallo, avocado crema, cilantro and – best of all – impeccably battered cod.
The Shak’d Potato is a baked potato stuffed with your choice of protein, queso, jalapenos, scallions, cheese, pico de gallo, cilantro and sour cream.
Daily food specials are worth strong consideration. The Shak’d Potato, available every Monday, involves a baked potato stuffed with your choice of protein, plus queso, jalapenos, scallions, cheese, pico de gallo, cilantro and sour cream.
Distinctive Shak sauces include chipotle chile, lime sour cream, Baja vinaigrette, and more.
A salsa bar features mild, medium and hot options (prepackaged containers also are available by request). Be sure to try the superb sweet-and-zesty peach jalapeño salsa.
“We make the salsas daily,” Almond said. “The hot salsa contains habanero peppers.”
A kiddos menu offers burritos, quesadillas and tacos. And here’s a bonus for kids of all ages: Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies are available every day.
“We encourage people to come inside and enjoy the full dine-in experience,” Almond said. “But we’re happy to accommodate those who don’t feel comfortable coming in by bringing the food out to their car.”
The dining room conveys a casual, coastal vibe with white benches, wooden tables and corrugated metal on walls painted with a color aptly called beachside drive.
Burrito Shak is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner with continuous service. Go early if you want to snag a seat on the patio.
2982 Kildaire Farm Road (Hemlock Plaza), Cary
(919) 267-6772
burritoshak.com
