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.
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.
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
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