Upscale Taste Hits Fast Food at Smashburger

Smashburger Fried Egg Burger

When Smashburger moved into Montclair New Jersey, I just had to see what the hype was all about.  Could a fast food joint possibly serve up tasty quality burgers?  I soon found out that the answer was: YES!  I was hooked from the first juicy bite.  The concept is simple: Fresh, never frozen, 100% Angus Beef, smashed, seared and seasoned on the grill.

On a recent visit, I sampled some of the items on a new menu it’s testing and wasn’t disappointed.

Smashburger Beef Chili

First, I tasted the Beefy Chili ($2.59), then I feasted on the Taylor ham, egg and cheese Smashburger ($5.99 for 1/3 pound or $6.99 for 1/2 pound).  The chili, which was served with slices of jalapeno peppers, was meaty and rich with chunks of beef instead of the more commonly-served ground meat chili served in the northeast.  It was really pretty outstanding and would be perfect ladled atop a Smashdog.  The burger’s the true reason for being here and I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into this new twist on the perfectly prepared classic.  Smashburger’s managed to take its Certified Angus Beef to the next level by topping it with a generous slice of Taylor ham, a fried egg, American cheese and haystack onions.  The juiciness of the meat, the crunch of the onions and the slightly runny egg are a combination that would have even the strictest of herbivores drooling.  Smashburger makes some of the best milkshakes ($3.99) I’ve ever had.  Haagen-Dazs is the ice cream they use and vanilla, chocolate and strawberry are the flavors they offer.  Basics, done well.

Smashburger Milk Shake

Some of the other limited-time menu options being served are the Smashchicken sandwiches ($5.99) (grilled or crispy) and the Smashsalads ($6.99 whole and $4.39 half) (Honey-Mustard, Chicken Caesar or Harvest Chicken).

Did I need to get a couple extra workouts in after eating this meal? Yes.  Was it completely worthwhile? Absolutely.

The Denver-based chain hopes to have over 500 franchise locations in the next five years and I’m praying for a location nearer to my home.  Are you lucky enough to have a Smashburger location in your neck of the woods?  See for yourself: www.smashburger.com