Crystal Cove Shake Shack

The only thing going for this place are the views. If they put an In N Out or Chick Fil A here, you bet I'd make the drive to LA often but for this Shake Shack? Nope. We stopped by Sunday around 1pm and the crowd wasn't too bad. The views are fantastic and there's no better way to enjoy your lunch. We ordered a few items and all were just disappointing: Cove Deluxe Cheeseburger with fries. The bun was soft and airy and the patties were juicy but also greasy and chewy. They had a weird flavor and the veggies or cheese didn't help cover it up. The fries were undercooked and cold. The fish in the fish and chips were oily , not fried well like the fries, and the fish was dry and tough. The tartar sauce was weirdly and overly sweet while the coleslaw hardly had any dressing. As for the shakes, they were liquidy as soon as I picked them up from the window. They aren't thick at all and made with clearly the same base which brings for a very bland and mild shake. I tried the banana cream which had a lot of banana chunks and hardly any caramel drizzle in the cup but there was also barely any banana flavor if you weren't getting a piece of banana. The chocolate shake was just not chocolatey enough and even the color was so pale it's like you ordered a vanilla shake with some chocolate drizzled in. All in all, $50+ for this meal is just going for their rent and your views. The food is not worth it at all.

Loved this spot! Parking is limited and fills up quickly, especially around sunset—but if you snag a space, the outdoor patio makes it all worth it. The ocean views are incredible and create the perfect backdrop for enjoying your food. We tried the shakes and fries, and both were delicious. Service is fast and efficient: you order at the window, find a seat, and wait for your number to be called when your food is ready. Fair warning—the number calling can get pretty loud and intense, especially during busy times, since it feels like they’re calling out every minute! We actually walked here from a nearby hike, and it’s great that dogs are allowed. The area “downstairs” by the beach is also really unique and fun to explore, making this a great stop whether you’re coming off the trail or just chasing a sunset view.

I went with a jalapeño deluxe burger and Cajun fries. The food was good. I wouldn't say it's anywhere near the top 10 burgers I've ever had but it was good. They just added pickled jalapeños for a dollar and added some seasoning on the fries for even more. The view was incredible and it was a good experience to go to at least once. If you want the best burger I would seek elsewhere.

This is a very unique restaurant. You usually have to wait a little bit for parking spaces to open up and put a table, but it is so worth it. The burgers were fantastic. The fries were just OK but the shakes were amazing. But above all the view is what you come for. It is really just a unique and amazing place.

Fast service, all employees were pleasant and friendly. There’s usually a line on PCH for cars waiting to park in the parking lot- looks like less than 20 parking spots. I walked up the stairs from the crystal cove beach and entered on foot. The food is comparable to in n out (I’m not from California, so pardon the comparison if you don’t agree). The price is justified by the views and the novel vibe. A regular burger comes with fries. That plus a coke was $20. Pleasantly surprised they offer alcohol and breakfast foods. Glad I got to try it. I think it’s only worth it if you sit down and enjoy the view. The food isn’t anything special.