Spoon & Shutter

The classic Smashburger

From Ted: It seems recently that hamburgers have become all the rage.  In our neck of the woods, new burger places are popping up all the time.  My stepson and I will go on excursions in search of the best burger.  On a recent trip we went to Smashburger and  I think we may have found the holy grail of burgers.

First I need to explain that this is not a “fast food” burger joint the way we think of  the big chains.  Red banquettes along the walls, modern glass tile behind the counter, cool signage, a high, open ceiling and modern, curved track lights create a hip and comfortable vibe.

Sure, you order at a counter, but that is the only similarity to the national burger chains.  After placing your order, you are given a table top stand with a number on it.  Sit at the table or banquette of your choice, and within 6 minutes your order is brought to you.

I had the classic Smashburger which comes, as all the burgers do, in both 1/3 and 1/2 pound versions.  All of the juicy flavorful burgers start as a ball of fresh 100-percent Angus beef.  The ball is placed on a 400 degree flat top grill and smashed, seared and seasoned, then served on a butter-toasted egg bun with your choice of cheese, and topped with lettuce, tomato, and pickles.  And did I mention the killer milkshakes?  Haagen-Dazs shakes in Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, and Blueberry.  I opted for Vanilla, and I was not disappointed.

The combination of great food and the incredibly friendly staff makes Smashburger a MUST on anyone’s search for a great burger.

Smashing the burger on the grill

Side one gets seasoned

400 degrees causes a bit of steam

On the bun it goes - Smashburger complete

Tomas the grill man

Smashburger, 15 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, N.J. (For other locations click here)