Smash – Sizzle – Savor

If you’re anywhere near a Smashburger restaurant, stop in, try one and let me know what you think. It took me several months between first hearing about Smashburger and getting into one. I regret that wasted time. Bob says they’re so good he’s sure we can only have one a month without upping the cholesterol count.

Smashburger, wanting to be “The best burger you’ve ever tasted,” started in Denver, Colorado. The concept sounds simple enough. Start with quality beef – fresh, never frozen, fire up the grill to just the right temperature, smash the beef on the grill to sear in the juices and flavor, sizzle to perfection. Let the customer savor with their choice of condiments.

The beef is certified Angus, in 1/3- and 1/2-pound sizes. Buns are classic egg, multi-grain, on spicy chipotle. Or, served up without a bun if you desire. American, aged Swiss, sharp cheddar, blue or pepperjack are the cheeses of choice. Need a sauce? There’s ketchup, mustard, ranch, mayo, smash sauce or spicy chipotle. Top it off with tomatoes, red onion, grilled onions, leaf lettuce, kosher pickles slices or fresh jalapenos. If that’s not enough for an additional cost you can add applewood smoked bacon, haystack onions, beefy chile, fried egg, guacamole, extra cheese or garlic sauteed mushrooms. Prices $4.99 – $6.99.

Speciality burgers include Spicy Baja, BBQ Bacon & Cheese, and Mushroom Swiss. A Smashchicken, Smash Dogs and salads are also options. On every visit I’ve been hung up on having the haystack onions – thin, crisp, served hot – great dipped in the chipotle sauce. We have yet to try Smashfries – tossed with rosemary, olive oil, and herbs, the French fries or veggie frites – flash-fried asparagus spears, carrot sticks and green beans. Sounds interesting.

Currently 10 Smashburger locations serve a growing demand; eight in Colorado, one in Wichita, Kansas and one in Houston, Texas. Burger lovers in Colorado Springs, Arizona, Texas and New Jersey will soon join the Smashburger fan club.

My memory isn’t long enough to know if it’s the best burger I’ve ever tasted but it’s the best I’ve had lately. I’ll keep returning for my monthly treat. Try it and tell us what you think.