Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (lleechef)

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:45:02 GMT

For those of you in the Pittsburgh area a really great burger can be had at Burgatory. You can order off of the menu or use the printed sheets on the tables to create your own concoction; many choices of buns, condiments, toppings, cheeses. Our burgers came out a perfect medium rare. We found it far superior to Smashburger.
http://www.burgatorybar.com/

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (mayor al)

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:21:17 GMT

Ed,
Next time you have the opportunity, do a comparison of your favorite combo SmashBurger with a Farmer Boys (another mini-chain in SoCal) either the "FarmerBurger" or the Bacon Double-Cheeseburger. I used to really enjoy Farmer Boys, epecially the O R and Zucchini Spears as side dishes.
Anyway I am curious to see which burger does hit your fancy ???
AL

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (carlton pierre)

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 06:41:03 GMT

I stopped at a Cook Out the other day on one of my trip and got a cheeseburger. I thought it may have topped Smashburger as one of the best around. Very impressed with Cook Out.

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (Niagara)

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 23:33:53 GMT

Smashburger opened a store in Lawrence, KS, and we tried it once. I thought it was good, but nowhere newa In-N-Out. It closed after less than a year, and now they only have a 5 Guys & a Culver's in Lawrence, bwesides the usual burger chains.

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (lleechef)

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:50:48 GMT

We did try Smashburger awhile ago and found it to be one step above McDonald's. The burgers were well done, condiments were OK but Michael's bun fell apart. We did see some flecks of "green" in the fries but could not discern that it actually was rosemary and there was no trace of olive oil or garlic. Next time we want to get a burger out we'll go to our old stand-by, The Gahanna Grill, not for a Beanie Burger, but their regular cheeseburgers are great.

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (kland01s)

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:43:38 GMT

slammin

Three Smashburgers open in the Grand Junction, CO area about 3 years ago. Within 18 months all 3 were closed. I tried their food. It was decent. I felt they missed the mark charging Red Robin prices with McDonalds atmosphere.

Not quite Mc Donalds, some of them have personality. I think Smashburger is too cold and industrial.

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (slammin)

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:22:05 GMT

Three Smashburgers open in the Grand Junction, CO area about 3 years ago. Within 18 months all 3 were closed. I tried their food. It was decent. I felt they missed the mark charging Red Robin prices with McDonalds atmosphere.

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (Russ Jackson)

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 07:57:29 GMT

If anyone is looking for a Buy One Get One Free Coupon to Smash Burger you can find a printable one here good until 3/31/13
http://smashburger.fbmta....614_20130315303925.jpg

My Wife and I went to Smash Burger in Dayton Ohio last weekend. We each ordered:

SPICY BAJA
Fresh jalapenos, guacamole, pepper jack, lettuce, tomato, onion and chipotle mayo on a spicy chipotle bun.

It was an excellent burger cooked just over the medium state. About what I expected. Great bun and it was assembled very well. Place is spotlessly clean and plenty of help moving about. We also opted to share some:
SMASHFRIES
Tossed with rosemary, olive oil and garlic.

1.99

They serve some top notch fries.
The bill for the two of us with drinks was $19 which in my opinion is pretty high for two burgers. But I would not hesitate to go back.
Comparing them to 5 Guys I would say the 5 Guy burger is a better deal when you consider the amount of fries, free toppings for the burger. 5 guys usually has a juicer burger but they can be inconsistent. Also 5 guys can be a loud unruly mess at times. Tables get neglected and are not clean plus they cram the burgers into bags and end up smashed. Smash Burger is clean, well assembled, and better suited to sit down eating. If I was taking it to go it would be 5 Guys because I think the Burger is slightly better and quicker....Russ

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (ken8038)

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 16:21:57 GMT

My wife & I went to Smashburger a couple of times when one opened in Montclair NJ a couple of years ago. The first time it was great, the second time, a few months later, was not so good. The burger was noticeably greasier and less tasty than the first time, like they were using a cheaper grade of meat. That was that.

Until today. They recently opened a branch a lot closer, in Springfield/New Providence, only about 10 minutes away. We went for lunch . This time is was sort of in the middle, OK, but not as good as Five Guys, which we can practically walk to.

And the noise level was as loud as I think I have ever heard it in a restuarant. OK, it was wetly snowing, and many Moms and/or Dads needed to get thier kids out of the house. I get it, we raised two noisy kids ourselves, and usually noise level doesn't bother us. But the accoustics were just awful, it seemed to raise the decibel level rather than quiet it. We decided that was the idea, to get everyone in and out as quickly as possible. It worked, except we're never going back.

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (carlton pierre)

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 08:09:43 GMT

I have to say I went to a Smashburger last week in Louisville and I decided to try just to see all the fuss. I got an Old Fashioned Cheeseburger, no fries and no drink. I thought it to be one of the best burgers I've ever had. I even hated that it was a chain, but I could not help myself, it was really good.

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (harleytexas)

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 22:11:42 GMT

I went to Smashburger once, over-priced and smashed all the flavor out.

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (Bonk)

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 18:15:01 GMT

We have both w/i 10 minutes of here and I like both about equally.

I like Smashburger's fries a little better with the rosemary thing, and their mushroom and swiss melts in my mouth, and I love the way Five Guys melts the cheese thoroughly so all the flavors blend together.

Those pictures make me want to try some of the other items on Smashburger's menu. I haven't gotten past the burger.

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (kennyb)

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 18:25:43 GMT

i don't eat potatoes so fries are no big deal to me. i have never eat'n them since i was born. i like good onion rings though.

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (Michael Hoffman)

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:37:42 GMT

Terrific report Ed. They're opening a Smahburger here in Gahanna next month. I'm looking forward to it.

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (kland01s)

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:00:02 GMT

If any of these had good fries, they might hook me but we have a local pub that double fries their fries and a has awesome tater tots. That plus if you ask for a medium rare burger, you get that!

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (leethebard)

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:54:26 GMT

Five guys much better...those malt vinegared fries....and still like an in N out animal style!!!!!

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (MetroplexJim)

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 18:48:35 GMT

kennyb

Jim, i will try those places, they look good, my kinda place. not really a fast food chain guy but i would try in & out just cause i've heard of it.

Yes. In-n-Out is definitely a "must try".

Here is something I posted here soon after they opened in this market: http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/Finally-West-quotmeatsquot-East-in-Dallas-InNOut-vs-Five-Guys-m652360.aspx .

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (kennyb)

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 17:42:28 GMT

Jim, i will try those places, they look good, my kinda place. not really a fast food chain guy but i would try in & out just cause i've heard of it.

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (MetroplexJim)

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 14:18:09 GMT

kennyb

didn't know they had in-out in dfw. will try one in April when we work the nascar race.

Yes. It was "big news" around here when they opened a regional distribution center here a few years back and started building in this market. The one near us in Allen was one of the first and it was a mad-house - 45 minute waits and cops to control the traffic. That place did $100,000+ a week if it did a penny! Now, though busy, you can easily get "in & out" in a few minutes.

There are outlets of all the franchises I mentioned above near TMS, so enjoy!

Also, here are a few local 'chains' that serve a good burger: Scotty P's ( http://www.scottyps.com/WebSite/HomePage.aspx ) and my favorite of all the limited-service burger joints, The Twisted Root Burger Company ( http://twistedrootburgerco.com/wordpress/ ).

Twisted Root has a store in Roanoke, near TMS. And Roanoke also has the original location of the wonderful Babe's Chicken Dinner House. So there's your lunch and dinner all planned for lucky you!.

Enjoy the races at our little track!

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (kennyb)

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 12:13:22 GMT

didn't know they had in-out in dfw. will try one in April when we work the nascar race.

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (EdSails)

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 11:44:38 GMT

Thank's MetroplexJim I will look at your review. I just think it's healthy for the industry and lucky for us that we now have several chains that we can actually talk about enjoying.

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (MetroplexJim)

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 11:04:47 GMT

FYI: In the DFW Metroplex we now have 18 In-n-Outs, 18 Five Guys, and 13 SmashBurgers.

In addition, we have 20 Mooyah's ( http://www.mooyah.com/ ) which were started locally here in Dallas as a direct rip-off of Five Guys before the Guys opened their first Texas store. Their bald-faced theft of intellectual property reminded me of John Amos' character operating his "McDougall's" in the Eddie Murphy movie Coming to America; they have now metastasized into a multi-state franchise.

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (MetroplexJim)

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 10:38:44 GMT

Ed, here's a thread I started on Smashburger when I first "discovered" them in December, 2011; enjoy:

http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/tm.aspx?m=678391&high=

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (EdSails)

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 00:55:24 GMT

Kland01s and kennyb
I agree that sometimes you have kids cooking who don't care and oversalt. In the tywo locations I have been to, as I mentioned in my report, the owner keeps pretty tight rein over the training and emphasizes constant tasting to keep from being too salty or overseasoned. Like any other chain/franchise though, each group/area can be different. My suggestion would be to try one some time when you are in a different state etc.

metroplex jim
Well said.

plb
I really was pleasantly surprised at the chili cheese dog. Good dog, the dog itself having nice flavor.

pnwchef
It never fails to amaze me how well you can describe the answers to situations and basic common sense responses to problems. If all of us could do it as well as you can I would hope that more restraunteurs would listen and we'd all have better dining experiences.
Now if you could only resolve the issue of something coming up every time we have tried to get together on one of your SoCal trips then you would really solve miracles!

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (MetroplexJim)

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 18:33:57 GMT

v. Five Guys: SmashBurger serves a very good burger and their 'presentation' in that little metal basket is sooooo much better than Five Guys. That said, I prefer Five Guys for their fries and provision of malt vinegar.

v. In-N-Out: I agree: SmashBurger has the "upper hand".

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (plb)

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 18:17:31 GMT

I've been to one and don't remember anything specific good or bad about the burger. But I'll try it again for that chili cheese dog.

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (kland01s)

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:58:45 GMT

Nah, not worth the trouble, This is a corporate place with kids doing the cooking. I take control by not going there.

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (pnwchef)

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:41:22 GMT

kland01s

We have had a Smashburger here for about 2 years. I went 3 times and never again. Way too salty and greasy. Your photos wax poetic Ed but they sure don't represent taste to me. The only thing we really liked was the flash fried veggies. We have a local chain, Tom and Eddies started by two retired McDonald's Exec's that is far better and less salty. I also don't like the layout of SmashB, way too tight.We have so many nice small pubs that have much better burgers for when I have a need for one.

http://www.tomandeddies.com/index.php

If you go to Smashburger or any other restaurant and they are heavy on the salt, tell them to hold the salt. These cooks don't really know when to say when. Salt and pepper the burger at the table. If it to greasy tell them to get some of the grease off the burger before it gets on the bun. These are fast service places, I feel its important to control your own meal, don't take it for granted that the person behind the grill knows a whole hell of a lot. If your at a Chef run kitchen, things should be better, a Chef know how much to season. I have been in this business for over 35 yrs, I never got upset at anyone for asking me how they want they food seasoned................Control them, don't let them control how you like your food...............pnwc

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (kennyb)

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 14:27:39 GMT

wasn't that impressed with it.

Re:Smashburger--the new kid replaces In-n-Out in my list (kland01s)

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 14:20:47 GMT

We have had a Smashburger here for about 2 years. I went 3 times and never again. Way too salty and greasy. Your photos wax poetic Ed but they sure don't represent taste to me. The only thing we really liked was the flash fried veggies. We have a local chain, Tom and Eddies started by two retired McDonald's Exec's that is far better and less salty. I also don't like the layout of SmashB, way too tight.We have so many nice small pubs that have much better burgers for when I have a need for one.

http://www.tomandeddies.com/index.php