Smashburger - May 12, 2010

This week's quest took us to Addison to visit Smashburger which is just west of the Tollway on the south side of Beltline Road. Smashburger is a chain of burger restaurants that started in Denver and has rapidly expanded throughout the southwest. The Addison location of Smashburger is co-owned by Leonard Davis and Marc Colombo of the Dallas Cowboys and both of their jerseys are prominently displayed at the entrance to the restaurant. As we entered the restaurant, there was a short line to place our order at the registers. As we noticed the clean modern look of the restaurant which was full of hungry patrons enjoying their burgers or waiting for their orders and we could smell the cooking through the small window to the kitchen. As we waited to place our order, we reviewed the menu which has various topped burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads and hot dogs. After a short wait, I placed my order for a 1/2 pound bacon cheeseburger with grilled onions, an order of Smashfries and a cup of water which totaled $10.03. I was given a number and my drink cup and was told that my order would be ready in five to seven minutes. About six minutes later, the following burger was brought to my table:




The large smashed patty was placed on top of the bottom bun and easily dwarfed the small bun. It was then topped with a small slice of cheddar cheese, a generous portion of grilled onions and three slices of bacon. The buttered top bun was slathered with mayonnaise. The first thing that I noticed when taking a bite was how large the patty was compared to the bun. It was a little difficult to eat at first but taking a bite, I could taste the combination of the bacon, the crispy bits on the patty from being smashed on the flattop and the buttery bun. The patty was very juicy and seasoned with salt and pepper. The fresh meat flavor was very good. Unfortunately the cheddar cheese was missing from most bites. Another slice or a large slice of cheese would have helped since the patty was so large. The grilled onions were thin slices of white onion that had been slightly caramelized and added a nice profile to every bite. Finally, the Smashfries had a good flavor but were served at a lukewarm temperature. It was almost as if they had been sitting under a heat lamp before being tossed in the olive oil and seasoning mixture. I was able to taste the regular fries and they were very good when fresh from the oil.


Overall I thought that Smashburger prepared a really good burger. The meat and toppings were fresh and the patty was very juicy and cooked nicely. I would have liked more cheese but I am sure I could order double cheese to help the flavor. I would go back to Smashburger and try some different combinations of burgers as well as the hot dogs or chicken sandwiches.


Ratings (1-25):


Bun - 19, toasted bun, good flavor, could have been a little larger to hold the patty better


Meat - 21, fresh well seasoned meat, crispy bacon, burger was very juicy with crispy bits


Appearance - 20, fresh ingredients stacked nicely, very good looking burger


Taste - 20, very good burger, nicely seasoned with good flavor in every bite


Overall - 80


Bonus Pic of Smashfries (French Fries tossed with olive oil, rosemary, garlic and salt):



Bonus pic of hamburger, fully dressed: