STEAK 'N SHAKE (Breakfast)

"IN SIGHT IT MUST BE RIGHT"

This slogan originated with Gus Belt who founded Steak 'n Shake in Normal, Illinois in 1934.  I had always thought the meaning was the grill was in sight from the counter to see that food was being prepared in a safe and sanitary manner.  I find though, that originally the reason came because Gus ground the steak in front of the public because of scrutiny of hamburger used in restaurants back in the 30's.  This slogan carried through as products were shipped into the restaurants with the grill still being in view and took on more of my interpretation.   Now the corporate slogan is "Famous for Steakburgers".   Steak n Shake has evolved from a Gas Station/Chicken place to a Diner with Curb Service into a full service restaurant with a diner atmosphere.

It was also our "Best Kept Secret" about breakfast.  We headed out this morning for St. Louis and planned on having breakfast at a local south side restaurant called Flap-Jacks.  We had never eaten there and I wanted to try it.  I guess I was crazy thinking we could get right in on a Sunday morning.  Patrons were entering from two different doors and putting their name on a list and I knew it was going to be awhile before we would be seated.  We decided on Steak 'n Shake and when we arrived at the location at Southern Plaza, we saw that was secret was out.  They were doing a brisk business not just the two or three tables we had experienced in the past for breakfast.

They had also expanded the menu since our last breakfast visit and maybe that's why the word got out.  There were obviously not enough servers and I think the kitchen was having trouble keeping up, as well.  My back was to the counter/grill, so Gary kept giving me a blow by blow description of the food going up in the window … none of which was ours.  When our order finally arrived there was an abundance of food.  I had ordered blueberry pancakes and sausage which was three pancakes with blueberry topping that tasted like it had been frozen and then thawed.  It was okay but just didn't have that fresh taste.  It also had a large dollop of whipped cream which I could have done without.  Gary had Sausage Gravy and Eggs with no complaints.

 Our breakfast totaled $16 with tip, which probably was comparable to any other restaurant.

STEAK 'N SHAKE

4020 South East Street
Indianapolis, IN

Visited on Sunday 11/3/13