“Discover the One Airport Food Chain Anthony Bourdain Praised Above All Others!” – Tasting Table

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Anthony Bourdain was known for his honest opinions on food. He celebrated many cuisines but was critical of others. For instance, he called Johnny Rockets “soul-destroying” and deemed American food “outrageous.” But when it came to U.S. airport food, he had a soft spot for just one place: Shake Shack at JFK airport. In a 2013 interview with Esquire, he said it was the best option, although the overall choice in airports was pretty poor.

This affection for Shake Shack makes sense. It’s a New York icon, and JFK is its home turf. As of May 2025, JFK has three Shake Shack locations in Terminal 4 and Terminal 8. With nearly 27 million travelers in 2022, food options are a must for hungry flyers.

Bourdain’s Favorite Shake Shack Order

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Shake Shack’s rise from a food cart in Madison Square Park to a burger giant is impressive. Known for its Angus beef burgers and crinkle-cut fries, it’s a go-to for many. Though Bourdain usually favored In-N-Out on the West Coast, he appreciated the local vibe at JFK. He believed in trying regional specialties wherever he traveled. From ramen in Tokyo to hawker food in Singapore, he always indulged in local flavors.

Bourdain’s Shake Shack order was straightforward. He preferred a double cheeseburger—”naked,” he called it. Just beef and cheese on a potato bun, no extras. “I’ll have two of those and I’m happy,” he said in a 2016 interview with The Daily Beast.