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Hamburger restaurant in Iowa City, Iowa
What should I order at Short's Burger & Shine?
What to order
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Dundee Burger
Mentioned multiple times as a favorite burger with fresh, high-quality meat patties sourced locally. Reviewers praised its taste and customization options like adding a fried egg and Swiss cheese.
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Fries
Frequently described as fresh, excellent, and perfectly complementing the burgers. Often recommended alongside various burger orders.
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Essex Burger
Recommended for its use of Brie cheese and overall delicious flavor. One reviewer noted they would have ordered another because it was so good.
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4
Burnside Burger
Noted for tasty burger meat that wasn’t overshadowed by toppings, and accompanied by good fries. Received positive remarks for quality and quick service.
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5
Tropical Junction Black Bean Burger
Highlighted as a delicious vegetarian option with a fresh pineapple jalapeno salsa that added a nice kick.
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6
Lytton Burger
Praised for its basil pesto mayo and a fluffy, soft bun, making it a standout choice among the various burger options.
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7
Shorts Burger with Prosciutto
Recommended for those looking for a great burger with quality ingredients and local brews. Reviewers praised its excellent taste.
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8
Burger with Swiss, Bacon, and Garlic Aïoli
Mentioned as very good with refreshing accompaniments like chips and salsa. The garlic aïoli sauce was also highlighted as enhancing the burger flavor.
Details
About Short's Burger & Shine
Ornate campus-adjacent eatery serving gourmet beef & black-bean burgers plus local craft beers.
Amenities
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Payments
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Frequently asked
What is Short's Burger & Shine known for?
It is best known for its burger menu, especially the Dundee, Burnside, Essex, and Beaconsfield burgers, plus black bean burgers like the Tropical Junction. Reviewers repeatedly mention the fresh beef, the garlic aioli, and the wide beer selection as major reasons people come back.
What dishes are most recommended at Short's Burger & Shine?
The most often recommended items are the Dundee burger, Burnside burger, Essex burger, and the Tropical Junction black bean burger. People also call out the fries with garlic aioli, chips and salsa, and chicken sandwiches like the Cerro Gordo when they want something besides a burger.
What is the atmosphere like at Short's Burger & Shine?
The vibe is small, intimate, and busy, especially near Hawkeye football games and during peak meal times. It works well for groups or couples who want a lively campus-adjacent spot with a bar, but reviewers also note that service stays friendly and attentive even when it is crowded.
Is Short's Burger & Shine good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is $10 to $20, and reviewers often say the portions are large enough that one burger can be hard to finish. That combination of big servings, fresh ingredients, and a broad burger-and-beer lineup makes it feel like solid value for the area.
When is the best time to go to Short's Burger & Shine?
Going earlier in the day or before the dinner rush can help, because reviewers say it can get very busy and even run out of burger patties on crowded nights. One review specifically noted a smooth late-lunch visit with quick food service, while another mentioned a busy time three hours before a Hawkeye football game.
Does Short's Burger & Shine have vegetarian options?
Yes, Short's Burger & Shine offers vegetarian options.
