Smashburger (Food)

Click here to the SmashBurger Site

Came in the back ally.  Think dirty thoughts now!

So it's been awhile since I've done this but let's talk food!  I work in a pretty nice part of town.  One of the perks of that is that I am near many interesting, niche fulfilling diners and restaurants.  Part of my personal quest is to constantly find new places to spend my precious lunch hour at.  It's amazing how you can pass by a place over 50 times before realizing there is a bagel store there or a Thai kitchen.  So I try to keep a look out as much as I can.  Now I had seen this place being put up during my drive to and from work. Eventually, it finally opened!

Click here to look at their menu

Now, I will admit, this particular trip is my 3rd visit to this establishment, this past Friday during my lunch break.  So I'm not a total newbie at this point.  Let me help you weave through the bombardment of food options and people. Despite the initial crowds dying down of people just wanting to see what Smashburger is about, there was still a respectable line.  A good sign! People are willing to wait to eat these burgers? Wild! After a decent wait, I finally had the opportunity to order.  For the sake of this review I kept things simple.  Water. Smashfries.  And a small Classic burger with jalapeños added.  After ordering, I paid and was given my number.  After sitting and displaying my number at the table end, my food was delivered to me  once it was ready and it as time to pig out.

My meal, hand delivered to my seat

Everything was great, frankly.  I honestly cannot recall another time I had seen such fresh ingredients on anything, let alone a burger.  That came through in the taste as well.  The burger was juicy and tasted like that just made it for me (technical true but let me fantasize).  The smashfries were also great.  It was lightly dressed in a special mix of rosemary, olive oil, and garlic.  So, yes it was very very good.

Let's talk about the overall setup and experience there.  Now first walking in, Smashburger is quite overwhelming.  There are so many amazing options that it can be very, very hard to know where to start.  They offer burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and hot dogs.  The burgers come in many sizes, depending on your appetite.  Personally, I am the type where I can't eat much in one sitting so I like how I can get a small patty. You can even double up the patties.  There are many styles too. Baja, Classic, Motor City.  On my 2nd visit there I had a Goat cheese and spinach chicken sandwich.  Guys - they have goat cheese!  So it can be overwhelming but ultimately Smashburger is best when you take some time to plan the ultimate burger or sandwich for you.

The evidence of lovely burger time!

Smashfries like WOAH!

Something else that's great are the prices.  This is an absolute great value.  As I mentioned above, there are many options to create your own burger, with prices that are within reason.  My meal was roughly $6.50.  With the quality and quantity of the food, I should have easily and gladly paid about $10.   It was quite amazing that I could pay so little for something so good.  I would easily recommend this for a family or for someone who'd like to take a group out.  You can impress them with your gourmand skills without draining your wallet.  Another thing I like is that it's not like a typical restaurant with a server attending you.  Call me cheap (mainly because I am) but it's nice to know that the price listed (plus tax) is what I pay for.  They do have a tip jar, so please treat them well if you're inclined.  But there is no obligation and I appreciate that. Despite a set up like that, I still had general servers checking on me.  It definitely felt like they knew I was there and were happy for that.

The final word is this.  Great food.  Great service.  Great prices.  And a set up that changes up the notion of the burger enough that it elevates it to a new experience.  Now, with that said.  Go eat there now!