Oceanfront burger joint at historic Shake Shack with unbeatable PCH views and fresh-ground patties.
The original Shake Shack sits right on Pacific Coast Highway in Newport, a genuine 1950s-era structure with the same bones it had when it first opened in 1948. You're ordering burgers and shakes from a walk-up counter with a patio that faces the ocean. No pretense, just quality ingredients and nostalgia baked in.
The beef is hand-ground daily, the fries are cut fresh, and the location is objectively unbeatable. You can watch waves break while eating a burger that has tasted this way for decades. It's one of the few spots in Orange County where tourism and authenticity haven't cancelled each other out.
Go at off-peak hours (before 11:30am or after 2pm) to avoid the tourist crush. Order at the counter, grab a table on the patio, and don't skip the milkshakes — they use real ice cream. Parking is tight on Pacific Coast Highway; there's a small lot adjacent that fills quickly on weekends.
The place is cramped and loud, and on peak summer days it's absolute chaos. Service moves slowly because volume doesn't allow it. If you hate crowds or waiting, go at 9am or skip it.
Order a burger with a side of nostalgia and eat breakfast there around 8am — you'll have the patio nearly to yourself before the day-trippers arrive.
Ethan Hauptli is a California-licensed REALTOR® (CA DRE #02191280) at Real Broker (CA DRE #02022092). This editorial content is published by Venture: Orange County and is not a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any specific property. Information is general and does not constitute real estate, legal, financial, or tax advice. Consult a qualified professional before making decisions.