Review: Shakedown, a burger and milkshake joint in Corstorphine

I walked from Granton, beyond the Zoo, and to Shakedown in Corstorphine only to discover the burger and milkshake was not what I had expected.

I’ve no regrets.

What did I expect? I was first aware of the brand due to an adver-van tactically pausing on London Road. I assume that’s a wily ads-loophole, and it worked on me.  

Checking Shakedown out on Instagram, I saw slick images, large portions and savvy. The website, although a little dull on SEO, looks pretty good. I was left with the impression that a big brand had come to Edinburgh.

What I found was a cafe-sized, but very clean, venue that’s probably too far from the Zoo for families with kids not used to a walk to do both in the same visit. However, even as I approached the burger bar, a mum with her young son stopped, looked in and announced they’d return for lunch later. So, that’s the mum test passed by Shakedown.

And, as I said, I’ve no regrets. I was greeted when I walked in and guided through the menu. Before I finished, someone checked on me to ensure everything was okay, and I don’t think that’s ever happened to me in any Edinburgh burger specialist before. Shakedown does more than burgers, as my calorie counter discovered.

Shakedown’s food

There are beef and chicken burgers; I went for the American fried, a £7 chicken burger wrapped in metal foil. I thought the bun had been squished a little, but there’s no debate about the size of the chicken I got. Hefty! 

I’ll try the Super Beefed Up or Stack Sandwich if I go back. Oh, “If” only because it’s a long walk – but I don’t have kids, so I might well do the Zoo-Shakedown combo.

I could have got a drink and a side of fries as a meal deal. I didn’t. I also avoided the waffles and all of the shakes, opting for diet Irn Bru instead (and I bet that’s not a drink the Manchester Shakedowns have.

However, I went for the £8.5 American Loaded Fries, which came in a large box and brought even more chicken, jalapenos, and a Stateside Sauce. Yeah, it was a bigger meal than the burger.

Shakedown’s experience

There’s a milkshake sign outside, a large mug, and lots of black and yellow in the branding. I’ve already mentioned how clean the venue was, and I really hope they can keep it that way; it’s a big attraction.

I’ve also mentioned how I was greeted with a menu walk-through. That’s a bit of pressure but more of a bonus than a negative, and it was all warmly done. I’m not usually someone who struggles to make a decision, but it was my first trip.

Shakedown isn’t really fast food. At least, it wasn’t for me. I was warned that the burger and loaded fries might be as long as ten minutes. They’d make it for me. I think that’s a short time to wait to avoid food waste and getting served a burger that’s been under a heat lamp for an uncertain amount of time. However, it’s worth keeping in mind if you see the food icons on display and assume it’ll be worryingly but conveniently fast.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Shakedown would shine if it was set up in a busy part of the city like Lothian Road, perhaps, but less certainly, Leith Walk. They’ve hundreds of Google Reviews and I think they’ve arranged influencer visits already. All this suggests a food brand that knows what needs to happen to get noticed.

So, why Corstorphine? It’s only conjecture on my part, but I think deliveries are a big part of the Shakedown experience. I don’t know if we’ll see them on Deliveroo, but the website already has Delivery and Click & Collect options. Sadly, they don’t deliver to Granton.

Shakedown’s vibe

I went the day after New Year and was fully prepared for Shakedown to be closed, even though the social media was business as usual and the brand seemed to be wise to the way of updating opening hours.

Luckily, it was open, staffed (with at least two people), but I had the place pretty much to myself. That’s often how I like it!

I think, even when it’s busy, Shakedown will be a good venue to visit. The seats sit about four to six, depending how friendly you are, and there’s a bar at the window.

Based on my experience, I’m sure the staff will look after you, and while you order at the till, the food comes to you. Mine did, anyway. Despite that, if it’s busy, I’d be a little worried about solo-eating there as the chance of losing your seat while at the till is none-zero. That’s only a little worry, though.

Things to do in Corstorphine

There’s Edinburgh Zoo just a short walk away and about 30 minutes, in the other direction, for the Gyle Shopping Centre. 

Alternatively, if you’re a fan of local history, there are the buildings managed by The Corstrophine Trust, such as Dower Tower and some old churches. 

If the hints of Americana from Shakedown have inspired you, there’s even an American Golf shop a few minutes walk away on Meadow Place Road. 

Overall

I was expecting big and shiny, and I got local and clean. I’m happy with that.

The food was great, the portion sizes generous, and the staff were friendly. I’m delighted with that.

I recommend Shakedown. It’s all just a matter of geography and diet. If those stars align, visiting this burger and shake oasis is worth visiting.