Andre’s Burger Shack satisfies

Why: Andre’s Burger Shack opened in the former space of Da Kine’s Cafe. Andre’s is the first restaurant venture for owner Andre Deklerk, and it already has become the go-to burger spot for many who work in the nearby business park.

The fast-casual restaurant specializes in a flavorful variety of hand-crafted burgers with sandwiches, paninis, and a special Shack salad to round out the menu. Shakes, smoothies and floats also are available to satisfy sweet cravings.

What I tried: I settled on the blue cheese burger, which is served with fries (as are all burgers). This burger has bacon, blue cheese crumbles, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and Cajun spice piled on a generously sized beef patty on a fresh oversized bun.

The first thing I noticed about the burger was the ample amount of blue cheese crumbles on the patty. The heat from the just-off-the-grill patty was melting it all into a delicious consistency, perfectly suited for a burger. The iceberg lettuce was crisp, the tomato was firm but ripe, the onion was crunchy, the bacon was meaty and the pickles brought just a tad of dill zing to the burger. The only thing I could not detect was the Cajun spice, but the burger was nonetheless very appetizing. I appreciated that the accompanying french fries were cooked to a golden crisp on the exterior, instead of the too-often-encountered limp spuds served at many restaurants.

Menu highlights beyond what I tried: The Dagwood Burger topped with bacon, ham, cheese, egg, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles is sure to satisfy a hearty appetite. I thought the Refreshin’ Garden Burger sounded delicious. This vegetarian option has avocado and tzatziki dressing, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles on it. If you like peanut butter on your burger, there’s one of those, too. The Shack Salad combines lettuce, olives, onion, tomato, feta cheese, mushroom, croutons and Parmesan cheese and a vinaigrette dressing. Panini options include turkey, tuna, toasted cheese and smoked caprese. Shakes come in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. Smoothies are available in strawberry-banana, mixed berry and mango-peach.

Atmosphere: In keeping with the business park norm, the outside is basically just another door with a sign above it. Inside, the restaurant is a fairly cozy space with an along-the-route feel, imparted by an eclectic assortment of decor items — most of which are transportation oriented. A wall bench provides one side of seating for several tables with chairs placed opposite to it. Tables are covered with checked cloths and topped with salt and pepper shakers and a bottle of ketchup. Beverages are help-yourself style, as are other condiments. Overall, the atmosphere is welcoming and clean.

Other observations: Deklerk is very personable and knowledgeable about what he serves and is dedicated to providing a tasty, comfortable experience for diners. If you don’t see your perfect burger combination on the menu, just ask. Deklerk will make it for you if he has the ingredients.

Cost: Burgers range from $5.79 for the Kidz Cheeseburger to $11.99 for the Dagwood Burger. An extra patty may be added for an additional $2.50. Fries cost $3.99 to $5.59. The Shack Salad is $7.59 and you may add chicken for an additional $1.50, bacon for $2.29, and avocado for $1.25. Sandwiches are served with a pickle and fries and cost $5.99 to $9.99. Paninis also are served with a pickle and fries and range from $4.99 to $9.99. Beverages are 20 ounces and cost $1.69. Shakes, smoothies, floats and Italian sodas are $3.49 to $3.99.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Where: 11700 N.E. 95th St. in the Orchards area.

Contact: 360-253-9160. Andre’s Burger Shack may be found on Facebook for more information.

Health score: Andre’s Burger Shack has received a pre-opening inspection, for which a score is not available, and is scheduled to receive a routine inspection in the near future. Zero is a perfect score, and Clark County Public Health closes restaurants with a score of 100 or higher. For information, call 360-397-8428.