We had heard whispers that there’d be a new burger player on the D.C. scene, but today, it was finally confirmed: Shake Shack, a New York-based chain which has a devoted following, will open up its first Washington location at 1216 18th Street NW sometime during the first half of 2011. The location had previously housed a Fuddrucker’s restaurant.

Shake Shack serves what they call “roadside” burgers (read: cooked on a griddle). Our friends up at Gothamist HQ are already telling us what a treat we’re in for: Shake Shack has earned itself several honors, including being named to Zagat’s list of the most popular restaurants in New York and winning New York magazine’s “Best Burger” award in 2005.

A quick stroll through a Flickr search of “Shake Shack” will give you an idea of the kind of burger that you’re in for. This editor was immediately taken at the sight of the Shack’s onion rings and krinkle-cut fries — and maybe it’s just the heat, but the milkshakes kind of look like the best thing ever at the moment.

So will Shake Shack lure you away from Five Guys/Good Stuff/BGR/your backyard grill?