So, I decided to visit Smashburger for lunch (although they do serve dinner too), and boy, their signature beef burgers are legend-worthy! Burger aficionados like me certainly appreciate the array of tantalizing toppings they have on board.
As I took the first bite into the burger, I dived into the rich history of Smashburger. The place was founded in 2007 by Rick Schaden and Tom Ryan, both of whom are food industry veterans. Having heard of Tom from his revolutionary stuffed crust pizza concept for Pizza Hut, I had high expectations. And Rick, the previous owner of Quiznos, added trust to the company's reputation. Fun fact, Smashburger didn't just start out of the blue, it was backed up by extensive testing at a Denver restaurant they bought for experimental purposes before hitting the ground running.
If you love burgers as much as I do and want to explore Smashburger's tantalizing range, check out their website – the place is bustling with amazing choices.https://smashburger.com/
Where did I hop on a Smashburger store?
Folks from North America are in for a real treat, considering how most of their stores are located in the United States and Canada. Me, being a travel fanatic, found a total of 220 Smashburger locations across 32 states in the US, plus 7 more in Canada during my food expeditions. To find the exact location was super easy. You just need to head to their website, put up your location, and voila! You're all set to go.
I was spoilt for choice from their expansive menu boasting of their signature beef burgers, all of which use 100% Certified Angus Beef. Trust me, the Smoked Bacon Brisket Burger was a true game-changer with its all-star ingredients like a beef patty, cheese, brisket, smoked bacon, pickles, and BBQ sauce, all clubbed together inside a toasted brioche bun.
If you're into extravagant combos like me, their Truffle Mushroom Swiss Burger is a must-try! The beef patty, aged Swiss cheese, mushrooms, truffle mayo, just screamed out of the toasted bun. My tip – go for a double beef patty, because why not?
There's something for everyone here – crispy chicken burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, turkey burgers, black bean burgers, chicken tenders, and even wings. And for the fitness buffs, they got you covered with a range of fresh salads! And if like me, your meal isn't complete without something sweet, they've got some delicious shakes and desserts all blended in-house and super creamy.
What makes Smashburgers stand out for me?
Despite the stiff competition in the American burger market, the word "Smashburger" always comes out in our conversations, and it's no surprise why! Their "smashed" burger technique is their secret weapon, which involves cooking them on a flattop grill at high heat and searing the burger superbly. With more than 227 stores across the US and Canada, you can see why they're doing so right.
My picks for keto-friendly food at Smashburgers
If you're into healthier yet flavorful meals like my best friend, the Smashburger menu got some exciting keto-friendly options for you. Their Avocado Bacon Club burger, served without a bun, and Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts became our go-to meals for that protein-packed lunch!
Smashburger's operating hours
Usually, Smashburger stores are open from 11am to 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays with a closing time of 8pm from Sunday through Thursday. It's always best to check their website for the local opening hours or directly get in touch with the store in your vicinity.
My Experience with Smashburger delivery
After a long day at work, I decided to make use of their delivery service for a cozy dinner at my place. While this service differs per location, the overall experience was notable with my favorite comfort food arriving at my doorstep without any hassle.
Smashburger for the kiddies?
Yes! My nephews absolutely loved the children's menu at Smashburger. Nothing beats the joy on their faces while biting into smaller, kid-friendly versions of Smashburger's signature burgers. The best part? Smashburger runs a kids eat free promotion every Wednesday at certain locations. Sweet!
Got a gluten intolerance? Worry not!
They also cater to your gluten-free needs! As I'm on a gluten-free diet, it was a relief to see my burger could be made with a gluten-free bun. Plus, their fries are gluten-free too which was the cherry on top!
Want a little buzz with your burger? They've got you covered!
When you're up for a cheeky dinner with friends, selected Smashburger locations have a full bar that serves local and international beers, wines, and spirits. Nothing like a cold beer with a juicy burger, right?
In for a vegetarian spin?
Although fast food joints are notorious for limited vegetarian options, Smashburger proved a delightful exception for my vegetarian friend. They offer those deliciously crispy black bean patties as a meat substitute. Stuff like Colorado Black Bean Burger and Truffle Mushroom Swiss Black Bean Burger were astounding finds for her.
Planning a party? How about Smashburger catering?
If you're thinking about hosting a smash (pun intended) party just like I did recently, Smashburger offers catering service at selected locations. It was stress-free, budget-friendly, and an absolute delight for my guest.
Sharing the joy of Smashburger with gift cards
If you're looking for a perfect gift just like I was for my burger lover friend, Smashburger gift cards are fantastic. They can be purchased in-store or online and are redeemable against any item from their menu. Plus, the convenience of eGift cards! Absolute savior for those last-minute gift plans!
My Smashburger Experience
Pros:
- Their signature "smashed" burger cooking technique
- A wide variety of menu items
- Gluten-free and vegetarian options
- Use of 100% Certified Angus Beef
- Excellent for meals, desserts, and shakes
- Availability of keto-friendly choices
Cons:
- Not all stores have a bar
- Catering facility isn't available at all locations
- Limited vegan options
- Delivery service varies