These restaurant chains smash their patties to order, resulting in hot searches and high flavor.
Over the weekend, I was in State College, PA, staying at the Wyndham Garden Inn for my daughter’s 4th grade State Basketball Championship. During our group dinner at The View Restaurant & 19th Hole Lounge, I was immediately drawn to the smash burger offering on the menu. Sometimes I like a thick, juicy burger, but other times I’m craving a Christmassy, ​​crumbly treat that seems to pack a lot of spice and flavor into every bite. And, it was worth every calorie. Unfortunately, not all restaurants offer a burger in the broken style to order. Here are 5 restaurants where burgers are smashed to order.
Smashburger Signature Classic
Smashburger lives up to its name, churning out fresh patties with hot sauce. Megan Hageman, one of our reviewers, confirms that it is one of the “meatiest” burgers in the genre. “Despite its smash burger nature, it shows body and depth while maintaining a charred exterior and plenty of peppery, spicy flavor. I was ready to give Smashburger the win based on this information alone,” he said in the review. Add toppings and “butter” butter, and you get perfection. “It burns but it’s chewy, it puts together a sandwich, it creates pure joy,” he said.
Shake ShackBurger
Shake Shack’s ShackBurger is one of the chain’s most popular offerings, featuring a burger made to order sharp. Shake Shack Culinary Director Mark Rosati explained to TastingTable that the chain uses proper cooking techniques to achieve the perfect shake. They put cold beef pucks in a hot cast-iron skillet, then break them up with a metal spatula. “It’s a classic Midwest/Cali technique. By searing the meat, it starts to caramelize quickly so it’s cooked well,” he said.
Culver’s ButterBurger
Culver’s turns out a quality burger, a pressed item with lace edges. “Garlicky with a smooth, pressed-together demeanor, the meat almost melts in your mouth. Accompanied by a soft, slightly sweet buttered bun, the whole sandwich is almost irresistible—the key word, almost. I’m happy with my choice of toppings. The pickles and onion slices elevate the beef without overpowering it. The mustard is a condiment match made in heaven—a duo that’s so beautiful, bold, and tangy There’s a reason why this burger is the chain’s bread and butter.
Freddy’s Steakburgers
Freddy’s Steakburgers feature thin crumbled caramelized patties topped with a crispy Freddy’s seasoning. One Redditor opined that “they smash the burgers really well. A lot of fast food places don’t,” while another called it “the best burger chain in the country, stop.”
Habit Burger Double Char
Habit offers a grilled smash-style burger with a smoky, bold flavor. The Double Char comes with two freshly smashed beef patties, caramelized onions, hot lettuce, fresh tomatoes, pickles, and mayo on a toasted bun. A Redditor writes: “The practice is very simple.
Leah Groth
Leah Groth is an experienced shopping editor and reporter for Best Life and Eat This, Not That! bringing readers the best new finds, trends, and deals every week. Learn more about Leah
