This used to be my son's "favorite restaurant" when he was 5 or so, so I went there more often than I cared for. Fortunately, by age 7, he graduated to Cooper's Hawk, lol. After a 12-15 year hiatus from this place, I noticed their "Beef Tallow Fries" sign in the window and decided to pop in. Nobody there to take my order (you could hear people back in the kitchen), but I had to place my order at a kiosk. No big deal. Double cheeseburger was only $5.79. And when I added a small order of fries, the whole thing was under $9.00. I'm usually paying way more for a burger and fries these days, so enjoyed the nice surprise. Taste-wise though, the burger was a bit bland. And the fries were so small and skinny, you couldn't taste them much. Nothing like the McDonald's tallow fries of the 80's. But still, not gross or anything. And filled me up for under nine bucks. Ambiance is not checked on my review checklist above. Well, when you walk into a place that is completely void of people (no customers at tables and only voice's from the kitchen), it's a bit creepy. There, it's checked now. read more

The concept is fantastic. Zero seed oils and quality ingredients. The staff, HORRIBLE. I have dined in the restaurant and we waited forever for our food. I went to the drive through and saw cars in front of me leave it took so long. My food was mediocre at best. We decided to give it one last try last evening and drove past a crowded 5 Guys burgers, a crowded Lantern Pizza and then came to the nearly empty Steak N Shake parking lot. We knew why it was nearly empty. We left. This morning my son tells me there are burger patties in the fridge I can give to the dogs because he went to the same Steak N Shake earlier and they overcooked the hell out of his burgers. WHO OWNS THIS LOCATION??? You need to hire people who give a damn! You're going to loose your business and PEOPLE WANT A HEALTHIER ALTERNATIVE TO FAST FOOD!!! You're totally screwing up a great business model!!!!!!! read more

The front doors are closed it's 10:20am. People inside eating So my order to pick up ? I was bamboozled. The cook looked at me thru the window and didn't open no doors read more

Hot mess. Nope maybe lukewarm because food wasn't even hot. service definitely hot mess ! 2 of the 3 burgers WRONG. Placed order 40 minutes ahead of time for pick up arrive to get order still had to wait nearly 15 minutes and witnessed the chaos in the kitchen. excuse of understaffed only goes so far pure stupidity and lack of customer service. read more

It has been many years since I had visited this location. I was a happy to see that it has been renovated. I am not a fan of kiosks, but they were very easy to use. Our food came out quickly. Please give this location a try, I am happy I came back and will definitely return! read more

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My double cheeseburger was nasty. Not at all what they used to be - a 'smash' burger, brown & almost crispy, not perfectly round which shows the homemade delicious meat & good fresh buns. I don't know what they did to their meat, but it was gross. All I tasted was salt and pepper. No flavor to the meat at all, and it was grey & perfectly round pre-made patties. Shake was thick but had hardly any strawberry in it. Tots were ok, onion rings were the best thing I ordered & they were greasy & well done. Good thing that's how I like them but most people probably wouldn't. I'll never go there again after that and reading the reviews here. I should have checked them before ordering. read more

The drive up at the Downers Grove location is "closed" quite a lot. They tell you to come in because they are too busy. This last time the kid told me its easier on them if people come in... Poor management. read more

The food is good. Fries have always been fresh and burger has been good 95% of the time. The price is great as well. Unfortunately today I drove over for a good bite to eat and was told "we are understaffed with online orders and delivery, and there is a 40 min wait." This has to be poor management. Absolutely no way a fast food restaurant is 40 minutes behind in orders especially at 9:20pm. I did a lap around the building in saw 2 guys on the stove not moving and the building was empty. I think steak and shake is delicious, I'm just a bit upset they have poor management and lazy workers. read more

2 young employees working the kitchen. One mentioned they were "low staffed." When our order finally came out, we were disappointed to find the employees had their bare hands on our burgers. His fingerprint was even left on our burger bun (gross). We witnessed him grabbing for his phone a few times as well. My husband called them out about it, and they instantly gloved. VERY unsanitary!!! IDPH should investigate. Will NOT be returning to this location. read more

Overall (B) It's not that bad and a pretty good value. The service is a bit slow but they are friendly and the burgers are not too bad. - A bit dry but not bad. I would not drive out of my way - but if I lived or worked close by I would try. Not as good as Culver's but around Wendy's quality Service (B) A bit slow with service but extremely friendly. Took about 7 minutes to get my burger. Value (A-) Paid around $7.50 for the burger. Not bad compared to $10 plus that other burger places charge for slightly better burgers Taste (B) The burger was pretty good. Got the Bacon double with cheese. It is not as good as Culver's but around Wendy's quality - maybe a step better. If the burger was a bit more juicy it would have been really good. The burger was a bit dry. Look if you live close by and combine it with a shake it's not that bad of an option read more

Steak ’n Shake - American Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

Burgers were drenched in condiments could barely taste the meat bun was soaked wouldn't order again very disappointed the meat tasted good too bad they destroyed it. read more

burger good but portions ass ngl worker was mad chill but top bun was mad crispy threw it out but fries are good only had a number 1 and 7 available read more

Steak ’n Shake - number 1 - American Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

Service in the drive through is friendly. Our burgers and fries were hot and delicious. No complaints- exactly what we wanted. The pickles make the burger! $18 for 2 value meals #1- dbl cheeseburgers, fries, drink read more

As most things have changed due to the pandemic...so has this place which is fine because things should change to keep up with worldly happenings. With that said, it's been a while since I've been to a Steak and Shake in general. I don't usually expect much because this is meant to be a semi-quicker service food situation. There are no longer wait staff to seat you/come to your table etc....all orders are taken either via app or kiosks inside...or drive thru. I recommend ordering ahead on the app if you can since it does take some time to make your order, everything is freshly made...and you usually get a bonus of some sort when downloading the app as well as getting points/rewards for your orders. There are 4-5 kiosks inside and one was out of order during my visit. I ordered ahead and went to the pick up area at the time I was quoted in my app/email. Upon arriving I did not see my order but saw a few delivery orders. I just assumed it wasn't done yet. About 10 mins goes by and someone asks if I'm waiting for an order...and they go into the back to grab my order. I guess I was a little confused as to why it wasn't in the order pick up area but whatever...next time I'll just ask as soon as I get there. The only option notated was to pick up inside so that's what I did. I do enjoy the shoestring French fries and how each of the burgers are freshly smashed...with the nice crisp edges! Also got the chili 5 way and it brought me back to my college days when we would stop by at steak and shake at all random hours because they use to be open 24/7. Overall nice greasy spoon kind of meal, but definitely not something to partake in on the regular. read more

The managers at this location are the worst, especially Sameer, who demanded money from me when I was just trying to place and pay for an order. I ordered 2 single steak burger combos and the older manager tried to charge me $45 for the order. I said no, that has to be a mistake. Sameer was then called over, and I asked why the order was so high. They tried telling me they thought it was happy hour. Why would my order cost more then? They made no sense and when I questioned their customer service techniques, I was told to "stop talking," and that it was "their store" while the manager held his finger in my face. He's lucky I don't bite. I'll never return to that store. I have been going there for over 40 years. The employees are the only good part of this store, and they were apologizing for their poor management. I was embarrassed for all of them, as someone who has worked in restaurant and hospitality since 1999. Biglari Holdings has a mess on their hands with this franchise ownership. They will fail. read more

No one to take ur order. All self service kiosk ordering couldn't figure it out I'm 76 had to yell to get help cook turned around gave me a dirty look finally a lady came out from in back helped me. Order a burger w mustard and Mayo. They put 3 tablespoons of ea on that skinny patty NEVER GO THERE AGAIN we were the only ones there !!! read more

Came here for the T-Mobile Tuesday deal and there was a really long line in the drive thru. I was going to give a negative review because it took over thirty minutes to put my order in, but the woman working the window was so friendly I completely changed my mind. They also give you complimentary fries if you ask. Fries - room temp. Gave us a butter after taste in the back of our throats. Double cheeseburger - really delicious. Ample meat, soft bread, saucy, and plenty of fresh toppings read more

Horrible food was squashed, they shorted us on the fries. Found a peanut in my strawberry shake thank god I don't have a peanut allergy or I could have allergic reaction while driving. Food was less then warm. read more

Steak ’n Shake - Grilled Cheese - American Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

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May as well have had robots fixing our meals. The employees didn't interact with us at all. Not when we came in, not when we were confused of what to do. They did at least call our numbers out. It was really awkward. However my kids and I got the place to ourselves. read more

Quick. Service. God value helpful staff. Love the kiosk simple to use. Crisp burgers and fries.perfect combos read more

It's has been years since I've come out to this location. Prior to COVID you would come in to a waiter/waitress greeting you and would bring a menu/kids menu and crayons to your table. I remember also hats being passed out to those who would like one. I visited to feel that nostalgia again and was terribly disappointed. I walked in and the cook turned around and said let me know if you been anything. From there we sat down expecting a waiter to come by but nothing. After a couple of minutes I got up to ask the cook do we order from the kiosk they have set up? So, we ordered and when it came time for our drinks there was two liter sodas next to the fountain machine. The Napkin dispenser empty and when I asked if they still carried the steak and shake hats I was told I think we do and that's all the guy turned around and proceeded with what he was doing. The shakes were brought out to the soda counter in styrofoam vs the shake glass. What can I say other than if you're looking for that nostalgic feel or good service well you're no longer going to find it at steak and shake. To top it off at the end of you placing your order via kiosk are still prompt to leave a tip!! I hope that the owners rethink their service perspective approach. read more

I ordered a jalapeño crunch burger along with some other items. I received something that slightly resembled that burger because it had jalapeños on it. I called to express my complaint and was given a bit of a run around and placed on hold to speak with a manager. They never picked back up. But for demonstrative purposes here is the item I ordered and here is the item I received. Also this is not the first time it's happened but it will certainly be the last. read more

Steak ’n Shake - American Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

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Nothing new to add, the majority of the reviews sum up the experience at this location well. The service was less than friendly and the shake a disappointment. read more

Steak ’n Shake - an ice cream with sprinkles and a cherry - American Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

I have now ordered a couple times in advance and then picked up chili Mac. Each time I go, it gets worse. Tonight I ordered chili Mac with extra sauce and extra chili beef. Almost no beef at all and very little sauce. Just a poor execution of something that is pretty simple to create. I have loved this dish since I was a kid, but this place ruins it. read more

Steak ’n Shake - a bowl of spaghetti - American Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

I cannot refute a good deal when I see it. So Happy Hour drinks at half price from 2-5PM suits my family and I just fine. I was able to purchase 4 shakes and two double cheeseburger meals for under $20. This is a good deal for my family! Albeit sloppy, the girls enjoyed their meat burgers. Three of the four children each had a shake and they were delicious! My fave was the good old classic strawberry, but they were all pretty decent. Food was fast and convenient. I only wish the guy at the drive thru knew how to properly wear a face mask. read more

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You don't really come here for food that's going to blow your mind, but rather a decent and cheap meal. Stopped in around 11 on a Saturday night and not until 3 or 4 minutes after with "head to the table with the menus." Soon after, the waiter came and asked if we were ready. I had just gotten back to the bathroom, so I asked for a little more time. When I was ready and the waiter came around, he seemed annoyed. Between two of us, we got two burgers, a shake, and chicken strips. It took, what seemed like forever 15-20 before the shake came out, and additional 10-15 before the food finally came out. My favorite part is always the shoestring fries with their seasoning. Chicken was alright. Tasted the chocolate shake and it was quite delicious. Once you get the check, pay at the counter! Food, average. Filling, yes. Cheap, yes. Shakes, pretty good. Service, not great. read more

I know this location doesn't always do the best job but they're always willing to make it right. My mom really wanted to go here since we used to always go when I was a kid. I obliged even though I don't really eat burgers anymore. The girl at the drive thru window was so nice and friendly. The burgers and fries were so fresh and delicious. I felt like I was eight years old again, sitting in the backseat, gobbling my food up before it gets cold. They didn't have a huge line for an early Friday dinner time, but cars steadily came through and people parked along side of us to eat in their cars in the parking lot. The new covid style dining out experience I guess. Next time I'm in Downers and in the mood for fast food I'll stop by again. Thanks for some awesome nostalgia! read more

Excellent experience for our students! The restaurant was short staffed but, they did a great job still attending to the tables and keeping us informed if there was a delay and checking in on us throughout the time we were there. Our students are working on life skills with ordering food and leaving an appropriate tip. Thank you for being so kind and patient with them, it means the world to us! read more

I said no whip on my shake and they gave me a bunch of it. Their also rude like every minimum wage worker I have come across.

I ordered 9 shakes at the drive thru late at night with my 3 kids in my truck and they made me pull into a back alley and wait. We waited for 15 mins. It was dark and u safe for my kids. I pulled back around front and then expressed my frustration. The manager said they're too busy for me to wait at the window. I will NEVER be back!!! read more

Steak ’n Shake - In the back where they made me and my kids go Park to wait for our shakes!!! - American Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

I saw the drive thru person eating fries right in front of me while waiting for my food at the drive thru. I waited to order and get my order. I wish I could cancel my order while waiting. They are not open till pass 11pm neither. read more

great customer service! Fast service! good food as always ! only down side was no hot fudge!

When you go through the drive-through, you're in there 10 to 15 minutes minimum. When I pick up Uber orders on the inside, they are never ready. On more than one occasion have I seen employees in the kitchen talking on their cell phones, not greeting anyone at the register, and having their personal belongings with a prep the food! read more

Steak ’n Shake - Phone charger on the food line?! Germy. - American Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

The place was clean, so we're the restrooms. But ordering on a kiosk is ridiculous. We ordered chili 3 way. Maybe a few tablespoons of chili under the spaghetti. No cheese for the 3 way. No pepper sauce, no ketchup on the tables. My hubs grew up on steak n shake, so he wasn't too happy. Burger was OK but small. Just wasn't the experience he was looking for. read more

Mangers don't treat they're staff well, and food here at this location is terrible, don't suggest going here at all

It has been a number of years since I visited Steak'n Shake, and this was my first visit to this particular one. I stopped to pick up a milk shake for someone I was going to visit at the rehab center. There is one drive up window. The person working that window takes your order, takes your money when you get up to the window, makes change, and then prepares your meal. Now, I don't work for the Board of Health, but can he do that? Fortunately, my order consisted of only a milk shake, but I have NEVER waited 20 minutes in a drive up line of 4 cars. The entire time I never saw him with plastic gloves on. And, this was during lunch time. Drive past. read more

Great food and shakes but horribly poor service and possibly racist White people get attended to and myself (Mexican) ignored My son and I stood at the "please wait to be seated" sign for 10 minutes with tables open before I asked one of the many male employees looking at me if I could anywhere He rudely shook his head no and sent a female employee to seat me Two waitresses - one older and one younger - both seemed to just ignore us until I asked for - napkins / our food / our shakes They had a large group of baseball players but they were done eating One white male employee just stood around Shitty service !!! read more

Steak ’n Shake - American Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

I would only come back to this place for their patty melt and cherry limeade. The cherry limeade is refreshing and the patty melt is delicious. It was a little bit too greasy for my taste, however, it was worth the extra calories. The burger was so soggy and greasy that I threw it away after just two bites and the fries were flavorless. The milkshakes are ok, but for that price, I expected it to be better. For the milkshakes, I would highly recommend the Mint or the Oreo shakes. The staffs were friendly and the service was quick. This place reminded me of Johnny Rockets. The prices of the meals are so cheap compared to other burger places. 4 bucks for a burger and fries, what more can you ask for? However, the quality of the food can be better. Parking lot is spacious so finding a parking is not a problem. The best thing about this place is that it is open 24/7 read more

Steak ’n Shake - Patty Melt - American Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

Food usually is fine (though not this time) but service and cleanliness have become consistently terrible. Last time I waited over 30 minutes for two steakburgers and a grilled cheese and had to go inside because the drive-through was closed (inside the floor is extremely sticky everywhere you walk; clearly nobody washes the floor here). When we finally got the food the burgers were cold to the touch, the grilled cheese was smashed to a pancake, and they entirely left out two small fries and the large fry was at best one-quarter full. I had to drive back to complain and stood at the counter 10 minutes before being acknowledged. They replaced PART of the missing fries but offered nothing else. I live half a mile away but will never be back. I have been to Steak and Shakes all over the Midwest and this is easily the worst. read more

I took my kids here, ordered 3 meals, they were good, but then things turned for the worst, ordered 3 shakes cookies n cream, mnm's and nutella, all 3 were not made properly, wrong flavor ice-cream, no cherry, wrong addins. Also they dod not give us the cookie part of our meal. Fraud and a ripoff. Avoid this one. read more