OK Denverites - Smashburger Opinions?

[Stewie]

A better burger? Smashburger coming to area


<!-- END tabs --> <!-- begin content --> One of the nation’s hottest restaurant concepts is coming to the area.

Denver-based Smashburger said Monday it plans to open locations in Lawrence in spring 2010, Overland Park in the summer of 2010 and in Westport. No date has been set for a Westport opening.

The operations offer “cooked-to-order” burgers, 100 percent Angus beef (1/3 or ½ pound), smashed (thus the name), seared and seasoned on the grill, put between a butter-toasted bun and then topped with such items as cheese, fresh produce and condiments.

Customers can order from one of the chain’s recipes or they can create their own. Also on the menu — chicken sandwiches, salads, haystack onions, Häagen-Dazs shakes, bottled beer and wine. Average check price is $7.95.

This so called “better burger” segment of the industry is expected to capture a growing portion of the $100 billion hamburger category, according to Nation’s Restaurant News, a national trade publication.

Local operations like Blanc Burgers + Bottles and Chefburger also have jumped on the trend. Blanc currently has a Westport location so could be going head-to-head with Smashburger.

Smashburger, which currently has 27 operations, was recently named one of five “2009 Hot Concept Winners” by Nation’s Restaurant News with average annual sales at about $1.3 million per location and a new location opening every other week.

[wild1]

It's not bad. Better than what you are going to get most places.

[pr_capone]

It's not bad. Better than what you are going to get most places.

Yup. We have one here in Wichita.

Better burger but you certainly pay for it.

[Bugeater]

Damn, they are expanding like crazy. They're supposed to be opening one about a 1/2 mile from me in Oct, and up to 10 more in the Omaha/Lincoln area in the next 4 yrs.

[KC Jones]

It's a good burger. I'd compare it to backyard burgers or Town Topic in the KC area.

[CosmicPal]

You're not supposed to "smash" a burger before putting it on the grill. The best burgers are those that are "formed" into patties- NEVER smashed.

[Stanley Nickels]

It cannot be as good as Booche's Burgers. That, for me, is the epitome of burgerdom

[Miles]

I hadn't realized they were expanding so much. I have heard a lot of good things about it but still never been.

[KC Jones]

You're not supposed to "smash" a burger before putting it on the grill. The best burgers are those that are "formed" into patties- NEVER smashed.

Generalizations are ALWAYS wrong.

[Bugeater]

On a related note, we have a place here called Fatburger, and one of their burger topping options... a fried egg.

http://www.fatburger.com/menu/

[listopencil]

On a related note, we have a place here called Fatburger, and one of their burger topping options... a fried egg.

http://www.fatburger.com/menu/

Yeah, I want a fried egg and bacon burger. Add some hash brown patties on there too. Breakfast burger.

[Bugeater]

Yeah, I want a fried egg and bacon burger. Add some hash brown patties on there too. Breakfast burger.
Might as well drench it in sausage gravy while you're at it.

[listopencil]

Might as well drench it in sausage gravy while you're at it.

Mmmm. That would work. I want my breakfast burger with bacon and sausage.

[DaneMcCloud]

On a related note, we have a place here called Fatburger, and one of their burger topping options... a fried egg.

http://www.fatburger.com/menu/

Dude, Fatburger started in SoCal decades ago. George Foreman was a huge sponsor and endorser. It freakin' rules (at least out here).

As a matter of fact, we had Fatburger yesterday. :D

[Miles]

Dude, Fatburger started in SoCal decades ago. George Foreman was a huge sponsor and endorser. It freakin' rules (at least out here).

As a matter of fact, we had Fatburger yesterday. :D

Good stuff in Denver as well.

[Jewish Rabbi]

On a related note, we have a place here called Fatburger, and one of their burger topping options... a fried egg.

http://www.fatburger.com/menu/

Red Robin has these too... They are actually delicious, although I probably shortened my life by about 3 years.

[Psyko Tek]

You're not supposed to "smash" a burger before putting it on the grill. The best burgers are those that are "formed" into patties- NEVER smashed.

once you smash it you lose the blood and fat for flavor

BURGER FAIL

[JuicesFlowing]

I posted a Smashburger thread after they opened in Wichita ... I think I was the only one who liked their food.

[kepp]

One of the nation’s hottest restaurant concepts is coming to the area.

The operations offer “cooked-to-order” burgers, 100 percent Angus beef (1/3 or ½ pound), smashed (thus the name), seared and seasoned on the grill, put between a butter-toasted bun and then topped with such items as cheese, fresh produce and condiments.

Wow...so a hamburger patty cooked on a grill, then put on a bun with cheese and stuff? This IS a hot, new concept.

[Bane]

You can smash it all you want till the meat gets hot.Then you enter the no smash zone.

[patteeu]

Red Robin has these too... They are actually delicious, although I probably shortened my life by about 3 years.

+1!

[Fish]

Yeah.... what makes this the nation’s hottest restaurant concept? Cooked to order burgers aren't anything new....

[OnTheWarpath15]

Sounds like what Steak 'n Shake has been doing for the last 80 years to me.

You want innovation? Go to Burger Bar.

[gblowfish]

Yep, Steak N Shake, Winstead's, Hi-Boy. Why pay $8 for a hamburger when you can have one as good or beter at any of these three places for half the price?

[InChiefsHeaven]

Fuddruckers here in OMaha...if it's still around, I never go to 72nd and Dodge these days, but it's a burger bar type place. I'm looking forward to the Smashburger though. Never can find too many places to try to kill yourself with food.

Stella's down in Bellevue is really good greasy spoon fist-o-meat burgers too. But I haven't eaten there in years either.

[Deberg_1990]

Yep, Steak N Shake, Winstead's, Hi-Boy. Why pay $8 for a hamburger when you can have one as good or beter at any of these three places for half the price?

heh. Agreed. It always cracks me up when some new franchise tries to be "innovative" and reinvent the wheel with a hamburger.


Its a hamburger...not rocket science.

[Buck]

So I ate at Red Robin for the first time in my life when I went out to Denver last week.

And the 2nd time in my life.

And the 3rd time in my life.

Fuggin' A man, those were the 3 best restaurant burgers I've ever had.

[Simply Red]

Dude, Fatburger started in SoCal decades ago. George Foreman was a huge sponsor and endorser. It freakin' rules (at least out here).

As a matter of fact, we had Fatburger yesterday. :D

Former professional basketball player Magic Johnson, through Johnson Development Corporation, was one of the owners of the parent company.[1] Former talk show host Montel Williams co-owns several Fatburger restaurants in Colorado.[2] Bay Area rapper E-40 also has a stake in the company as a franchise owner, and played a role in bringing the first Fatburger restaurant to the San Francisco Bay Area.[3]

On August 15, 2003, Fog Cutter Capital Group, Inc., owned by Andrew Wiederhorn, completed a $6 million investment and financing package for Fatburger Holdings, Inc. ("Fatburger"). Fatburger operates or franchises 93 hamburger stands located in California, Nebraska, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, Louisiana, Colorado, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Texas, Florida, New York, Canada, and Greater China.

Rapper Kanye West's restaurant company will be opening 10 Fatburger restaurants in Chicagoland, starting in September 2008.[4] Hip-hop musician Pharrell, in partnership with Fatburger, opened several Fatburger restaurants in China in 2007 and 2008.[5]

[Simply Red]

Still. To this day. Houstons has EASILY the best burger I've ever eaten. Easily.

[jjjayb]

5 guys burgers and fries is really good. We've got one in Olathe I've eaten at a couple times. Delicious.

[rockymtnchief]

So I ate at Red Robin for the first time in my life when I went out to Denver last week.

And the 2nd time in my life.

And the 3rd time in my life.

Fuggin' A man, those were the 3 best restaurant burgers I've ever had.

What did you have? I think I've tried ever burger they had, up until a few years ago. I liked them all except any that had pineapple.

[sedated]

once you smash it you lose the blood and fat for flavor

BURGER FAIL

not if its still raw.

until its cooked, smashing it won't lose any blood or fat.

[Buck]

What did you have? I think I've tried ever burger they had, up until a few years ago. I liked them all except any that had pineapple.

I had the Burning Love Burger, which had Fried Jalepeños, Pepper Jack Cheese, and Chipotle Mayo on it.

I'd give this burger a 8/10

I had the Royal Red Robin Burger, which had a fried Egg and Bacon on top.

9/10

Lastly, I had the A1 Peppercorn Burger, dont remember what was on it, but it was perhaps the best Burger I've ever eaten.

10/10

[Mr. Flopnuts]

So I ate at Red Robin for the first time in my life when I went out to Denver last week.

And the 2nd time in my life.

And the 3rd time in my life.

Fuggin' A man, those were the 3 best restaurant burgers I've ever had.

They have some good fuckin burgers. The wife and I drop in there less frequently now, but when I eat a burger it's usually from there, or fatburger.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

I had the Burning Love Burger, which had Fried Jalepeños, Pepper Jack Cheese, and Chipotle Mayo on it.

I'd give this burger a 8/10

I had the Royal Red Robin Burger, which had a fried Egg and Bacon on top.

9/10

Lastly, I had the A1 Peppercorn Burger, dont remember what was on it, but it was perhaps the best Burger I've ever eaten.

10/10


You ever go again try their knife and fork mozzerella burger. Christ, that thing is ridiculous. I think I could live off of them exclusively.

[Buck]

You ever go again try their knife and fork mozzerella burger. Christ, that thing is ridiculous. I think I could live off of them exclusively.

Not for very long, lol.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

Not for very long, lol.

ROFL Hence we don't go very often anymore. They don't have Red Robin in San Diego?

[Buck]

ROFL Hence we don't go very often anymore. They don't have Red Robin in San Diego?

I checked when they got back and there is one about 2 miles from my work that I never knew about, but thats it.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

I checked when they got back and there is one about 2 miles from my work that I never knew about, but thats it.

There you go. So that mozzerella knife and fork burger.... It has marinara sauce on it, and a big, deep fried, mozzerella curd on top of the burger itself. It's to die for dude. Premium Kaiser roll. Try one.

[RJ]

On a related note, we have a place here called Fatburger, and one of their burger topping options... a fried egg.

http://www.fatburger.com/menu/


I would try an egg/chili/cheeseburger.

[Buck]

There you go. So that mozzerella knife and fork burger.... It has marinara sauce on it, and a big, deep fried, mozzerella curd on top of the burger itself. It's to die for dude. Premium Kaiser roll. Try one.

I will. I'll probably head over there some time next week.

[Donger]

This is mildly pathetic. I live in Denver and have not only never eaten there, but I've never heard if it, either.

[sedated]

Dude, Fatburger started in SoCal decades ago. George Foreman was a huge sponsor and endorser. It freakin' rules (at least out here).

As a matter of fact, we had Fatburger yesterday. :D

"No helicopter looking for a murder
Two in the morning got the fat burger"

(1992)

[RJ]

This is mildly pathetic. I live in Denver and have not only never eaten there, but I've never heard if it, either.


Smashburger, Fatburger or Red Robin? Or all three?

[Donger]

Smashburger, Fatburger or Red Robin? Or all three?

The first two.

[Simply Red]

Fucking terrible, and WAY overpriced. Seriously bad experience.

[Simply Red]

my burger was crunchy, and yes I understand a sear, but this was just really really bad, earlier.

Mother Fuck You Smashburger!

[JohnnyHammersticks]

Smashburger is good. Similar to Larkburger (are those in KC?), but better, in my opinion. Great chicken sandwiches. I love to hit the one in Dillon on my way back from skiing.

And unlike McDonalds, etc., you don't feel like a fat, disgusting aids whore as soon as you finish.

[DaneMcCloud]

And unlike McDonalds, etc., you don't feel like a fat, disgusting aids whore as soon as you finish.

I've never seen or eaten at a Smashburger but it's good to know that it's better than McDonalds.

:doh!:

[Simply Red]

I like novelty type of foods. But Five Guys destroys Smashburger in taste and texture.

I'd take Houstons or even Winsteads or Hiboy to that crispy puck i ate earlier.

[Simply Red]

total bill for my girlfriends son and I - $24.00 - which isn't awful. But the sandwich absolutely should have been undeniably 'good' after the $20 mark.

[Simply Red]

& honestly - I feel a little slighted... I feel insulted.

This Tom Ryan dude needs to kick his area and/or district mgrs in the taint.

[SLAG]

We walked into a smash burger around here - no line in front of us - about 6 people seated eating

we were told there was a 45 Min. Wait because they were too busy

We went else where

WHO SMASHES A BURGER?!? Thats against the grill code

[Simply Red]

We walked into a smash burger around here - no line in front of us - about 6 people seated eating

we were told there was a 45 Min. Wait because they were too busy

We went else where

WHO SMASHES A BURGER?!? Thats against the grill code

it's okay if it's raw, the initial smash won't hurt the juice content, but will add that sear, trouble is - Tonya's sons burger was black, literally black and burned.

Apparetly the cook forgot about it on the grill and was burning a j-bo in the walkin freezer. I used to work in restaurants, I know what these mouth-breathers do.

[Simply Red]

& my burger had weird random crunchy burger croutons scattered around it. Their cook tonight handled his grill about as well as Cassel manages his receiving corps

[Psyko Tek]

A better burger? Smashburger coming to area


<!-- END tabs --> <!-- begin content --> One of the nation’s hottest restaurant concepts is coming to the area.

Denver-based Smashburger said Monday it plans to open locations in Lawrence in spring 2010, Overland Park in the summer of 2010 and in Westport. No date has been set for a Westport opening.

The operations offer “cooked-to-order” burgers, 100 percent Angus beef (1/3 or ½ pound), smashed (thus the name), seared and seasoned on the grill, put between a butter-toasted bun and then topped with such items as cheese, fresh produce and condiments.

Customers can order from one of the chain’s recipes or they can create their own. Also on the menu — chicken sandwiches, salads, haystack onions, Häagen-Dazs shakes, bottled beer and wine. Average check price is $7.95.

This so called “better burger” segment of the industry is expected to capture a growing portion of the $100 billion hamburger category, according to Nation’s Restaurant News, a national trade publication.

Local operations like Blanc Burgers + Bottles and Chefburger also have jumped on the trend. Blanc currently has a Westport location so could be going head-to-head with Smashburger.

Smashburger, which currently has 27 operations, was recently named one of five “2009 Hot Concept Winners” by Nation’s Restaurant News with average annual sales at about $1.3 million per location and a new location opening every other week.

tried it last weekend
not a big fan
ranks less than
my grill
what a burger
in an'out
jack in the box ultimate cheese burger

[Chief_For_Life58]

On a related note, we have a place here called Fatburger, and one of their burger topping options... a fried egg.

http://www.fatburger.com/menu/

go to winsteads get a double or triple everything on it onions bacon fried egg ketchup mustard. itll blow your fucking mind. it was the chief for life 58 special when chief for life 58 was younger

[Chief_For_Life58]

smash burger is alright nothing special try the chicken sandwiches preferably fried. seriously its quite delicious. they got good fries too.

[Silock]

go to winsteads get a double or triple everything on it onions bacon fried egg ketchup mustard. itll blow your fucking mind. it was the chief for life 58 special when chief for life 58 was younger

Winstead's has gone so downhill. Sucks now.

[Chief_For_Life58]

Smashburger is good. Similar to Larkburger (are those in KC?), but better, in my opinion. Great chicken sandwiches. I love to hit the one in Dillon on my way back from skiing.

And unlike McDonalds, etc., you don't feel like a fat, disgusting aids whore as soon as you finish.

bro you know what to do. head straight to smiling moose get the cheeseburger grinder after sking and make sure you dont have to be the driver. or if you can hold out a bit hit up the little bbq place in idaho springs called smoking yards bbq. both are great

[Chief_For_Life58]

Winstead's has gone so downhill. Sucks now.

dont ruin my childhood memories

[Chest Rockwell]

Meh, I guess it's ok but I've been underwhelmed by most of the burger fad chains that have opened up here in the last few years. All are pretty mediocre when compared to the local places like Ray's Hell Burger (http://rayshellburger.com/images/1725_MENU_6-12-12.pdf) (best I've had; dogcatcher is the go to, big pun w/an egg a close second; unfortunately their fries are meh and the sweet potato fries are turrble), Good Stuff, 5 Guys (started here and was a local chain until the past few years), etc.

I'd put them near the top of the better than bad but not quite good chains we have here with Counter and Shake Shack; BGR, The Burger Joint, Elevation and Burger Tap and Shake are all horrible.

Like a few others said, I think Steak n' Shake is better.

[Inspector]

Wow, I don't think I've had a burger from a restaurant in probably 10 years or longer but after reading this thread, I find myself really craving one now.

I too was under the impression that a patti should be formed, then seared on a hot pan / grill and never get the spatula smash. But I'm guessing there are a lot of different ways to do it and everyone has their own taste preference.

Mmmm, ground grass fed beef, red onion, pickle, lettuce, tomato on a toasted bun with ketchup and spicy brown mustard.

I may have to fire up the grill this weekend.

[Psyko Tek]

I hadn't realized they were expanding so much. I have heard a lot of good things about it but still never been.

went wished I had stayed home and grilled one
like wendy's better
and wendy's is not in my top 5 of burger places

[Buck]

Smashburger is the worst Burger place I've been to. If you're in Denver, just go to Red Robin.

[Saul Good]

Just got back from there. Meh

[Simply Red]

i will never go back there.

[Buck]

I went to Smashburger and asked if they did lettuce wrap. They said yes.

I ended up getting about a 1/4 lb patty on one wilted piece of lettuce. With a diet coke I paid over $10. No fries or other sides. I will never eat there again.

[tredadda]

We have them in FOCO, I need to try them out. I usually frequent either Red Robin or Five Guys when I want a good burger.

[Simply Red]

go to winsteads get a double or triple everything on it onions bacon fried egg ketchup mustard. itll blow your ****ing mind. it was the chief for life 58 special when chief for life 58 was younger

That waitress hates you, there.

[Simply Red]

My burger had crispy pieces of over flattopped bullshit.

Tom Ryan can eat a bowl of cock.

[Saul Good]

We have them in FOCO, I need to try them out. I usually frequent either Red Robin or Five Guys when I want a good burger.

Both are better than Smashburger, and it's not close.

[Simply Red]

Both are better than Smashburger, and it's not close.

yes i agree.

[htismaqe]

We have Smashburger in Des Moines.

Meh.

[TribalElder]

get the jalapeno bbq cheddar burger thing

gates bbq sauce with cheddar cheese and jalapenos along with onion straws and bacon if your into swine

it's blap blap