You know that feeling when you're driving down GA-20, past the endless sprawl of the Mall of Georgia, and you just need something that isn't a $15 artisan toast? Sometimes you just want a burger that actually tastes like it came off a hot chrome griddle. That’s basically the vibe of Steak and Shake Buford GA. It’s sitting right there on Buford Drive, a classic black-and-white beacon for anyone who grew up equating paper hats with the best milkshakes on the planet.
It’s weirdly nostalgic.
Walking in, you get that immediate hit of frying beef and sweet syrup. It’s loud. It’s busy. Honestly, if you’re looking for a quiet, candlelit dinner, you’ve definitely turned into the wrong parking lot. This is where high school kids go after a football game and where families end up when nobody can agree on what to eat. The Buford location has stayed surprisingly consistent while the rest of the area has exploded with upscale lofts and trendy chains that charge extra for everything.
The Lowdown on the Buford Drive Experience
If you’ve been to any Steak ‘n Shake lately, you know the brand has gone through a massive shift. A few years ago, you’d sit down, a server would take your order, and you’d wait. Now? It’s basically all kiosks. The Steak and Shake Buford GA spot follows this new-school model. You walk in, tap your order onto a screen, and wait for your number to pop up. Some people hate it. They miss the "service" aspect. But if we’re being real, it’s way faster. You aren't flagging down a busy waiter for a refill anymore.
The burgers haven't changed much, though. They still do that "smash" technique where the edges get all crispy and caramelized. That’s the Maillard reaction in full effect. It’s science, basically. When that thin beef patty hits the 400-degree grill, the proteins and sugars break down to create that specific savory crust that you just can’t get at a thick-patty joint like Five Guys. It’s a different beast entirely.
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What People Actually Order (And What You Should)
Most people default to the Original Double Cheese. It’s the safe bet. It’s the Honda Civic of burgers—reliable, does the job, won't surprise you. But if you’re actually at the Buford location and want the full experience, you have to lean into the grease.
The Frisco Melts are the actual sleeper hits here. Think about it: buttery sourdough, two patties, Swiss and cheddar, and that weirdly addictive Frisco sauce that’s sort of like Thousand Island but with a midwestern mid-century kick. It’s heavy. It’s definitely not "health food." But after a long day of shopping at the Mall of Georgia, it’s exactly what your soul needs.
- The Fries: They are shoestrings. Very thin. If they aren’t hot, they’re basically useless, so eat them first.
- The Chili: A lot of people forget they do a decent genuine chili. It’s bean-heavy and salty. Great on a cold Georgia January night.
- The Shakes: Look, if you aren't getting a shake, why are you even here?
The shakes are the reason this place survived the Great Recession and the rise of fast-casual dining. They still use real milk and real ice cream. None of that "non-dairy frozen dessert" stuff you find at the big-box drive-thrus. The Buford location is usually pretty generous with the whipped cream and the cherry on top, which feels like a small victory in a world of shrinking portions.
Dealing With the Buford Traffic Nightmare
Let’s talk logistics because if you’re heading to Steak and Shake Buford GA, you’re dealing with the Buford Drive beast. This specific stretch of road is a gauntlet. Between the I-85 interchange and the entrance to the mall, it can take you twenty minutes just to move three miles during peak hours.
If you're smart, you'll hit this spot at "off" times. Late night is great. Mid-afternoon on a Tuesday is a ghost town. But Saturday at 6:00 PM? Good luck. The parking lot can be a bit of a jigsaw puzzle, too. It’s shared with other businesses, and people in Gwinnett County aren't exactly known for their patient driving. Just take it slow.
Is It Still "The Steakburger"?
There’s a lot of marketing fluff around what a steakburger actually is. At its core, it’s a blend of T-bone, sirloin, and round. Does it taste remarkably different from high-end ground chuck? Maybe not to everyone, but the texture is tighter. It doesn't fall apart. In Buford, where you have options like Ted’s Montana Grill or local burger boutiques nearby, Steak ‘n Shake holds its own because of the price point. You can still feed a whole family here without needing a second mortgage. That matters.
A common misconception is that this place is "fast food" in the same vein as McDonald's. It's actually "premium fast food," a category that's getting harder to find. They don't pre-cook the meat. It doesn't sit in a plastic warming tray under a heat lamp for forty minutes. It’s cooked when you hit "pay" on that kiosk. That’s why it takes five or ten minutes instead of thirty seconds. Patience is a requirement.
The Real Talk on Cleanliness and Service
Let’s be honest: reviews for this location can be all over the place. One day it’s spotless; the next day, there’s a sticky table that looks like it’s seen a lot of history. This is the reality of high-volume dining in a major commercial hub. Since they switched to the self-service model, the staff focuses more on the kitchen and less on the dining room floor.
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If you see a mess, tell them. The crew at the Buford location is usually pretty local—lots of college kids from GGC or high schoolers from North Gwinnett or Buford High. They're hustling. The turnover in the restaurant industry right now is wild, so give them a little grace.
Why It Matters for the Local Community
Buford is changing. It’s becoming more polished, more expensive, and more "planned." Steak ‘n Shake feels like a holdover from a slightly grittier, more straightforward time. It’s a place where the guy in the suit and the guy in the construction vest are both sitting at the counter (well, standing by the kiosk) waiting for the same burger. There’s something cool about that. It’s a democratic dining experience.
It’s also one of the few places in the area that stays open late. When everything else near the mall is shuttered and dark, those neon lights are still humming.
Survival Tips for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. If you want the best experience at Steak and Shake Buford GA, follow the local "unwritten" rules.
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- Check the App: They almost always have "Half Price Happy Hour" deals on shakes between 2 and 5 PM. It's a steal.
- The Side-by-Side: If you can't decide on a shake flavor, you can get two flavors in one glass. Chocolate and peanut butter is the elite combo. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
- Napkin Hoarding: Their burgers are oily. It’s the nature of the smash burger. Grab more napkins than you think you need before you sit down.
- The Drive-Thru Trap: The drive-thru at this location can get backed up fast. If you see more than five cars, honestly, just park and go inside. It’s usually quicker to use the kiosk and walk back out.
Looking Forward
Steak ‘n Shake as a company has had some rough years, but the Buford location seems to have found its footing in this new "counter service" era. It’s efficient. It’s predictable. In a world where everything is getting more complicated, there’s a massive amount of value in a burger that tastes exactly the way you remember it tasting in 2005.
Next time you’re stuck in that soul-crushing Mall of Georgia traffic, don't get stressed. Just pull off at Buford Drive. Get a Double Garlic Cheeseburger—yes, your breath will be terrible, but it's worth it—and a Nutella shake. Sit in one of those vinyl booths, watch the chaos of GA-20 through the window, and just enjoy a meal that doesn't try to be anything other than what it is: a greasy, delicious, classic American steakburger.
Actionable Next Steps
- Download the Rewards App: If you’re going to eat there more than once a month, the points add up to free shakes surprisingly fast.
- Time Your Visit: Aim for the 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM window on weekdays to catch the shake discounts and avoid the lunch/dinner rush.
- Try a Seasonal Special: They often rotate "limited time" shakes like Peppermint Chocolate or Eggnog. They’re usually better than the standard menu items because they use fresher syrups.
- Check Your Order: Before leaving the counter or the drive-thru window, double-check for the fries. Because they’re so small, they sometimes get missed in the bag shuffle.