I wish I could combine the choices and practices of Smashburger with the food at Five Guys. That would be the perfect burger restaurant. Alas, since that's not going to happen, Five Guys will remain my go-to burger place. The practices I'm referring to are table service and the use of actual trays and serving dishes. At Smashburger, you order at the counter, but your food is brought to your table. The tables are cleared for you as well. The burgers and fries are served in a wire rack, with the fries on a separate platter that fits inside the rack. Much better than eating out of a greasy paper bag. The choices in toppings include some rarer items such as avocado, spinach and egg, and there are several cheese choices. I appreciate that in theory, though in practice, Five Guys has all the toppings I'm likely to order. So, I ordered my standard Five Guys order, which is a burger with extra pickles, lettuce, mustard, ketchup and BBQ sauce. I also added pepper-jack cheese, which had no detectable spiciness and contributed nothing to the taste of the burger. The bun was good but got soggy quickly. The meat itself was fine, but lacked that intense savory flavor you get at Five Guys. The McDonald's-style fries were overcooked for my taste. I got a laugh out of the "iced tea bar," which offered three choices. Can you imagine if you went to a bar and there were only three drink choices? "We've got Miller Lite, appletinis and Zima, what do you want?" Anyway, the choices are plain black tea, flavored green tea and flavored red tea. I don't really expect more than three choices of tea at a fast-food place, but they probably shouldn't call it a "bar." Given that Smashburger is nowhere near my stomping grounds, it's not likely I'll be back. I'm glad it's doing well; it's just not my cup of tea. Or tea bar.
(3)
Greg B.
My new favorite burger place! Wow - the best burger I've ever had! The people there were just great and really took care of us! They even let us use way more coupons than I think were supposed to be used together. Clean place....it was all good! The only negative might be that it's kind of noisy inside.
(5)
Jeni M.
I've had to lower my rating a star for this establishment. Went there for lunch recently and first, we waited 15 minutes for our order to be taken. The person working the register was chatty (with customers she was dealing with) and asked questions of the order. A person wants a cheeseburger. To the person taking the order: Let the customer tell you what they want on it and not you asking 50 questions about it. Then I waited 25 minutes for my food which was a kids grilled cheese, fries, and an order of deep fried pickles. The fries were delicious. The pickles were so greasy and salty. I try to give good ratings and reason why something doesn't go well but this visit was the last for awhile. Smashburger - you need to step up your game.
(3)
The Mad Yelper S.
Ok. I've been on the hunt for the best burger in Col. So far this place is it. I am pretty picky about my burgers. Don't get me wrong, this still isn't the BEST burger I've ever eaten, but it is a decent stand-in. I got the BIG burger because I felt it would hold in more juice and wouldn't turn out dry. I love how the meat hangs outside the bun... there's NO "where's the beef" here. Flavoring wasn't bad and the texture was perfect. I loved the multi-grain bun, very fresh. My side option was the grilled carrots and green beans. Holy crap these are good! I want to make these at home. Who the hell wants fries when they serve these? I like this meal SO much I wanted to go back for seconds... the husband just stared at me like I was crazy.
(5)
Brandon Heights Yelper S.
Part of the fast casual trend (like Panera, Chipotle, etc.) The burger was very good, maybe even excellent. Not a thick, juicy burger. A thinner "smashed" burger. I got the "big" size. Not too big (unless you're a little girl). Tasted fresh and delicious. Fries are thin cut, seasoned with garlic. Very good. I went all out and also had a chocolate shake. Awesome. Could be my new favorite burger place in Columbus.
(5)
LJ W.
2nd timer @ Smashburger and I was impressed. This time I dined in. The customer service is top notch and the dining area is very warm and comforting. Vanilla milkshake 1-5=5. BBQ Bacon & Cheddar burger 1-5=4 (wouldve been a 5 but the BBQ is waaay to weak). Smash fries 1-5=4.
(5)
Mark K.
Tried to go to Daft Burger but no luck, so went here. Glad we did- I have no idea why people go to McDonald's, when there are places like this serving far better burgers for just a little more money. Sweetie had the truffle burger (truffle mayo, mushrooms, etc.) She had been before and knew she liked that. I had been to one in Dayton years ago, but forgot what it was like. I got the avocado club burger (bacon, avocado, etc.) Both burgers were good, and the toppings were fresh and tasty. I also had the Smash Fries (rosemary, pepper, olive oil) which were thin and crispy, with nice subtle flavor. All in all, a good quick lunch. Good service, comfortable clean place.
(4)
Jake P.
Normally, I order a burger when I come here, and they are great, but this time I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich with bacon. The sandwich was absolutely delicious, the meat was tender and juicy and well seasoned. My only complaint here that they skimped on the bacon from what it seemed. Next time I'll order it with extra bacon.
(4)
Jason H.
Tasty burger and incredible fries. I've heard of Smashburger, but never lived in the vicinity of one. Finally got to try it when visiting a friend in Columbus and I'd definitely put it ahead of Five Guys as far as burger chains go. The burger was good but what really sent me flying was the smashfries...such a simple combo of rosemary, olive oil and garlic yet so addicting.
(4)
Greg W.
I go here from time to time for lunch on work days, and the food is always decent. Prices are more than what you'd expect to pay at your run of the mill McD's, Burger King, or Wendy's but the food quality goes up accordingly. During the weekdays around lunch, it can get pretty busy when the kids from the nearby high school come for lunch. I love that you can customize everything completely without breaking the bank. I also love the grilled chicken options for a healthier meal. The sides aren't anything too spectacular, which is what keeps me from giving them a top notch review.
(4)
Ron C.
Closed temporarily for not paying Ohio State Taxes. bizjournals.com/columbus… Central Ohio's three Smashburger restaurants have been closed -- and it's not clear when they'll reopen. The vendor's license for local franchisee Venture53 Restaurants LLC has been suspended because it did not file or pay state sales taxes for either two consecutive reporting periods or three reporting periods in a 12-month span, according to the Ohio Department of Taxation. The franchisee also is in the department's Habitual Offenders Program. Pink signs noting the closings were posted this week at the Smashburgers at 109 N. Hamilton Road in Gahanna, 552 S. State St. in Westerville and 8715 Owenfield Drive in Lewis Center....
(1)
Matt W.
I tried Smashburger for the first time down in the South, and I'm really happy they've come to Columbus. The quality of everything I've tried there, from a "Buckeye Burger" to a grilled chicken salad, has been fantastic, and I could eat a bucket of their fries way too easily. Everything's done fresh to order, but you don't usually feel like there's a big wait for your food unless they're really slammed, and the staff is usually pretty good about getting the quicker items (milkshakes, salads) out right away. They're a nice change up from a lot of the burger places in town, and seem to be fitting right in here in Columbus. I suspect I'll be visiting here plenty more in the future.
(4)
Gus W.
I can't complain much today about my meal here. I had the Bacon Cheeseburger minus the ketchup and mustard, plus spicy Chipotle and jalapenos, and it was pretty delicious. The burger itself was a bit charred, but it didn't make the burger dry at all. I also tried the buffalo fries, and they were OK. I don't think they're really worth the upcharge, since all they do is put some Frank's seasoning on them and give you a side of ranch. I feel like the spices they put on their Smashfries probably cost more, yet somehow they're cheaper, but what do I know? Only issue I had today was that it was super busy, and the line was moving pretty slow right at around lunch time, because they only had one cashier for some reason. I think the burger took about another 10 minutes to be done after that, but oh well, I can deal with that. Ever since the first time I've had it, I think the taste of the food has improved, so that's really all I care about.
(4)
Matthew L.
My first several visits were okay to subpar; every subsequent visit has been fantastic. Their grilled chicken sangwhiches are grand; the avocado club is a must (though I do recommend adding goat cheese), and the cucumber and goat cheese grilled chicken is amazazing. As to burgers, very good, though the bacon is just menh; I do recommend adding a fried egg. Fries aren't worth the money, but maybe it's just me; the sweet potato fries are good (but keep in mind I heart sweet potatoes in general), but otherwise forgettable.
(4)
Nick M.
I am a huge burger fan but also not a big fan of fast food burgers more the gourmet variety. That being said as far as fast food burgers go this is probaby one of the best you can find. I enjoyed this far more than 5 Guys which I find to be overly greasy. I found this to be a good flavorful burger and I really dug the shoe string potato fries, I like crispy fries (again why I don't like 5 Guys and their 1 pound of limp soggy grease fries they give) so that was a bonus for me. I'd make a return visit if I was in the mood for a cheap quick burger.
(3)
Nick D.
The newly opened Smashburger in Gahanna is great! We eat here maybe once every couple of weeks. However, my wife also won a year's worth of vouchers for a free Entree at the Yelp! Elite event a few months ago...which helps in deciding dinner some nights. If it is your first time at Smashburger here is what I recommend: BBQ, Bacon, and Cheddar Burger (or Chicken) Smash Fries Salted Caramel Milkshake Fountain Drink (optional) This is a standard when we come here and it is a great combination of food. I am salivating over the thought of it! It is not a very large place to eat, but the crowds have been small when we come during the week for dinner. Check out this smashing good place! 5/5 stars
(5)
Amy P.
I think this franchise may be owned by the same people as the Lewis Center location. The staff is always super friendly and attentive, and the eatery is clean. The food, the most important part, is always amazing. I usually opt for a burger, which never fails to be juicy and super tasty. The smash fries are a favorite too. The rosemary & Olive oil mix really gives the fries a nice, unique twist. As the sweet expert, I would do no favors if I didn't plug the shakes...try one of the shakes made with Hagen-das ice cream. You'll thank me someday.
(4)
Jt P.
Very much like 5guys. Nothing truly defining about this place IMO
(3)
Taylor O.
I've been wanting to check this place out for a while now and I finally did. It was very clean inside, and the staff was very friendly. Lots of space to eat and the food came out fairly quick. I just got a bacon cheese burger with their seasonsed fried. The burger was really good, but I wasn't such a fan of the fries. They are too skinny for my liking, and I think may have been over oiled with the seasoning, they just seemed extra extra oily/greasy. I look forward to coming back, it's a very good burger place and the prices are really good.
(4)
Shane H.
Nothing impressive. Service wasn't very good. Lady was very slow no emotion and didn't seem to care that we were there. The burger was nothing special I could have got one better at Wendy's if that says anything. Fries ehh they were fine
(2)
Van S.
The first time I had Smashburger I was skeptical that it would remain juicy after all that smashing they're known for. They do a remarkable job of maintaining juiciness while getting an almost crunchy exterior. Lunch today was a Frank's RedHot & blue cheese burger. Lettuce, tomato, blue cheese, and hot sauce - a combination usually reserved for chicken (which is also an option) worked well as a burger. The egg bun was dense and flavorful, but the patty itself remains the highlight. The fried pickles were decent, but I probably should have stuck with their fries.. With a drink my total was around $11 which is a fair value. Service was friendly and food came out pretty quickly.
(4)
Mike D.
Smash Fries. Rosemary -- Honey, do we use rosemary? I love it! Some seriously delicious and rosemary-y fries here. Probably the best part of my meal, which is saying something, as they're shoe-string type fries which are typically not my favorite. It was predictably slammin' for a new business, but the crowds were handled well on this day, almost a week after opening. I had a Bacon Cheddar Burger and the smash fries and was pretty happy. I might skip the bacon next time, it didn't seem worth the cost for the few crumbles I got on my burger. I prefer meaty strips of delicious ham butt. Overall the burger was tasty, though, so no big complaints in that area. Self-serve beverages and a Noodles-and-Co style "leave your trash on the table when you're done" type bussing system make it easy/lazy on the diner for sure. Would definitely nom again. A better value for the burger you get than other specialty "flip" burger chains in town.
(4)
Lou D.
This is a great example of a business when the owner is not around. Good franchise, good product , super bad , rude servace. We call to place an order " we are to busy to take your order, we have a line out the door! We arrive 10 mins later , slow , a few people sitting, I guess the rush settled lol . Your then greeted by a young lady that would have been great on Seinfeld 'Soup Nazi" episode as she thinks she is the owner, can be rude and had the only burgers in town ! Ok its upscle fast food what do you expect lol, well five guys, Steak and Shake and plenty more have nice courteous staff that give you the same respect you show them. There is too many people out of work for some to have a job and hate there work . Please MR Owner , sit down , look at your investment and really managed the mice when the cat is away ! Or soon you will have no cheese at all , and no one will care !
(1)
Steve M.
I picked the truffle and Swiss burger, the smash fries, and an Oreo shake. The burger was impossibly juicy and had a very good taste. Even with the high juice content the egg bun never got soggy and held its shape. It easily beats 5 guys and is on par with red robin (without the huge size). The smash fries were a problem, I loved the shoestring cut and the flavor of the fries themselves was good, however the rosemary was not what I think of when eating fries, sadly I have to give them a thumbs down. The shake was very good and reminded me of the old fashion shakes from the past. Next time I will go with the regular fries. All for 13.13 , now that made me smile.
(3)
Daniela Z.
Totally smashed my big bacon cheeseburger w Smash fries & Oreo milkshake. Very delicious! The milkshake was incredibly good! Overall a wonderful meal. Burger was slightly salty vs well seasoned but still smashed all of it! 2 burgers with fries n 1 milkshake = $23
(4)
Frank P.
It's okay if you like the owner yelling hello at you when you walk in... The woman is okay but her husband is a real jerky. As long as he's not on the schedule you'll be good. If you ask for pickle chips they will have a hard time finding them in the system so be patient. And if the old guy is making a milk shake and taking orders you are screwed.
(1)
Frank D.
Very pricey for a burger, fries & shake. Which explains why they are never busy. The staff are friendly & pleasant. And the shakes are good.
(4)
Rhett L.
This is the best Smashburger!!!! As the store was getting ready to close, they were nice enough to stay open and make me a hamburger and fries. They were in the process of shutting down the grill, but they actually cool enough to turn the grill back on and make my burger. They were totally cool about it. Their customer service was top notch!!
(5)
Tiffany C.
Wait a minute... five stars for a burger chain? Yes, totally and absolutely. My reasoning being one thing.... the black bean veggie burger. Smashburger is awesome. How awesome? Well, I drove clear from the North side down to the East Side to try some of this goodness and I wasn't disappointed. Semi healthy options? They have it. You can order veggie "frites" (cooked carrot and asparagus slices with a healthy dose of seasoning to give em' zing) in place of their fries, which save on the massive amounts of calories you will probably ingest from that nice greasy burger sitting in your little basket, or the less greasier veggie burger option, which was out of this world. I have tried black bean burgers all around Columbus from Matt the Millers, Rusty Bucket, and others, and NONE have this one beat. Can a sista' get a black bean burger? Hell, yeah she can and get it chipotle style. Your lips will tingle. I stole a couple of my husband's rosemary or "smash fries" and they weren't really my thing. That's the thing though about the fries... Either you will love them, or hate them. The fries are just shoe string... nothing extraordinary, but they go well with the burgers. So, why is this place called Smash burger? Is it "smashing" or... smash-tastic? Well, it goes with the old concept of taking fresh burger meat and smashing it down with the spatula.. much like other chains like Steak n Shake and how they cook their burgers. *Sighs* Really... if only it were closer to me... what a happy girl I would be.
(5)
Will P.
Not bad, but not worth the crosstown drive Heard such great reviews about Smashburger that I had to try it. Made the drive on a rainy night from the west side of town to see what the hype was all about. The interior was simple and it was not busy at all when I arrived. Ordered up the Bacon cheeseburger and sweet potato fries which did not take long to be ready. The food was hot, once it was served. The sweet potato fries were a little burned, still not too bad. The burger was just okay. My socks weren't blown off at all. Not worth driving across town for.
(3)
Peggy H.
Better Half and I finally made it over to Smashburger on Saturday the 1st (6/1/13). We've gone at least twice before and the place has been packed to the gills with a line out the door. But this past Saturday - no lines and even a couple of empty tables. SCORE! I was impressed with how impeccably clean this place was. The counter service was very friendly and we didn't feel like we needed to hurry up & figure out our order (my biggest beef with Graffiti Burger). It helped a LOT that the menus are posted just outside and just inside the door, so you can take your time before ever going in to decide what you want. I ordered the Avocado Club with Smashfries and Better Half ordered the Spicy Baja with Chili Cheese Fries. ( I failed to read the Avocado Club description closely enough; I expected pepper jack cheese on it but there was NO cheese - my fail, not the restaurant's!) Better Half requested no guacamole on his burger, so we can't say if the guac's good or not. But the burgers ....oh my ... the burgers! Both were incredibly tasty and tender (cooked well done; no option on that). My multi-grain bun was wonderful, and the chipotle bun with the Spicy Baja was also delish. And the FRIES. I can only rate the fries a "4" because I like "mushy" fries, not super-crispy fries like most people. But the FLAVOR - wow. I'm already craving those fries tossed in olive oil, rosemary & garlic. YUMMO. I was also impressed that the Spicy Baja came with fresh sliced jalapenos instead of the typical pickled version. I will order the Spicy Baja and Smashfries on our next visit, and ask that the fries be a titch undercooked. Better Half ordained the Chili Cheese Fries as "okay" and would rate them a "3" - simply average. I noticed he every single one of them though .... just sayin'. There were two minor drawbacks to Smashburger for us. The first one is the traffic jam at the beverage "bar" - It's a small area (unfortunately, my pictures of this did not "take" for some reason), and people were lined up waiting to get their drinks. It's also in a very narrow part of the restaurant, exacerbating the traffic jam in that area. The other drawback was the total of our bill - nearly $25 for 2 burgers, 2 orders of fries and 2 drinks - which seemed a bit steep for lunch with no alcohol. Nonetheless, the food was good enough we'll go back for supper occasionally and enjoy every morsel just as we did Saturday. For us, Smashburger is a welcome addition to the Columbus food scene!
(4)
Jason T.
Unreal how poorly run this location is. I tried to get a simple burger and fries but had to cancel my order and get a refund because of how slow and inefficient they were. They had the cashier expediting orders and were so far behind.
(1)
Angie P.
I had a BBQ Bacon Cheddar burger and it was extremely good. It was even topped with fried onions and I am a sucker for fried onions. I didn't try the Smash Fries but did have regular fries. There was nothing special about them. Worth it and better than 5 Guys.
(5)
Brian D.
Ahh Smashburger, welcome to Columbus! Being a huge fan of burgers (and a stalker of George Motz), I had to hit up the new kid in town. The interior layout of this place is a bit dysfunctional, but hey, I'm here for the food. The Smashburger was awesome. Toasted bun? Check. Fresh ground beef with a nice sear to seal in flavor? Check. Great toppings? Check. As to the toppings, Smashburger does red onions the right way - they slice them nice and thin to give you the great flavor without overwhelming your taste buds or leaving you to chew on a chunk of onion. My one "beef" with the burger is that the meat could use a dash of seasoning (it's amazing what a little splash of salt and pepper can do for ground beef). While the Smashburger was great, as the Dude would say, the rosemary and garlic tossed Smashfries really tied the whole meal together. I would return just for the fries. Five Guys, move over, there's a new, slightly cheaper, but also better, chain in town.
(4)
Cherie R.
I will probably come here to give it another try in a few weeks. I understand that they just opened up, but they've got some kinks to work out. We ordered a baja burger and an avocado club burger with an order of smashfries to split. Service was friendly and quick. But then we got our food. There was no avocado on my avocado club, and the husband got regular fries and I got smashfries. Weird. And my smashfries were TERRIBLY oily. I know fries are oily. But these were drenched. I LOVE fries, but I could not finish these. When I flagged down a server and asked him about my avocado, he said "that's a really common mistake." You're going to admit that? Really? :-) No harm done, though, he got me my avocado. So we'll go back to try it again to see if they've worked out the kinks. Burgers were definitely good. Looking forward to trying haystack onions or sweet potato fries.
(3)
Jason K.
Went in on a Sunday evening, the weather was nice so took advantage and sat out on their patio, which overlooks Hamilton Rd. I ordered the Avocado club (without mayo or ranch) and for the price it was a very good burger. I added a side of Smashfries, which are french fries tossed with rosemary, olive oil and garlic...quite good. My friend ordered the Spicy Baja burger and I was pleased to see that the jalapenos that they use are fresh, not the nasty pickled kind that you find elsewhere. That's a win and I will likely order it myself on my next visit. You can order beer with your meal, and if you order by the bucket you get a discount. All in all a good burger for a good price.
(4)
Christopher G.
A new chain in town and a welcome one. Smashburger gets its name because they start with a ball of meat, and "smash" it on the flat top giving it a great sear. Very similar to Steak-n-Shake, but with a much larger patty...I want to say 1/3 pound. Buns are toasted with butter, and toppings are fresh and abundant. The fries, tossed in Rosemary, olive oil, and garlic are the best Ive ever had, however, the bottom one were oil soaked. The meat is VERY juicy...Im guessing it has a very high fat content, like 70/30 maybe. You also do not have a choice to how its cooked. Mine came out well done, but as stated, still juicy. The restaurant itself was small about 12 two person tables, 4 large booths, a row of "bar stool" style seating, and a small out door area, but seemed clean and modern. The place is pretty noisy though. You order your food when you enter, give you a number, then they bring it out to you. They also bus afterwards. Prices are high...really high. We got 2 burgers, 2 fries, and 1 drink, over $22! I also noticed they have a regular hot dog for $4.99! Unbelievable. So high marks for the food...one of the best burgers I have had, but thumbs down on the value.
(3)
Joe A.
I've been twice since they opened. Both times they messed up the order. Visits were several months apart. I was hoping the first time they messed up it was because they had just recently opened. When I went back recently they failed again. Order was messed up and fries were cold... Won't be back.
(2)
Annie M.
Went there today with hubby/daughter. Again - great consistency. Great burger. I am still loving the kids meal size. The reason for this new report is something that I didn't like seeing. The management will need to do something about keeping the cleaning bucket right out there on the main counter to clean the tables. I kept seeing them take that same rag/dipping into the water and washing down everything. It grossed me out. I would prefer to see them spray/wipe. Just putting it out there.
(3)
Zack R.
Went for the basics on my first visit: Smashburger, Smashfries, and a vanilla malt. After placing our order, we looked for a seat in the crowded dining room. One booth opened up, but the seats were so close to the table that we had to move. We went to another table that was dirty, and it wasn't cleaned until our food came out. As another reviewer mentioned, I also didn't like how the cleaning bucket and rag are just kept out by where the food comes out. Gross. Overall, the restaurant was looking pretty bad: dirty tables, floors, and sparsely stocked drink area. I think the crew just can't keep up with the crowd at this point. My burger came out and was pretty undercooked, even for me. I took it up to the manager who was expediting and asked if it was cooked to the normal doneness. He said it was very undercooked, and replaced it within 3 minutes. The fries were very greasy/soggy and cold when they came out. Not very good. The Haagen Dazs malt was very good. Someone in our party got the fried pickles, and they were also very good. My replacement burger was very good. I would say that the red onion is a bit overpowering, considering the high quality of the beef, and it could have used a touch more Smash sauce. Next time I'd probably go with a plain burger with just cheese and Smash sauce, or with nothing but mustard pickle and onion. I'll also go for a different bun. The egg bun is too soft and falls apart and also sticks in your teeth for a long time. I just think I'll wait until they get their act together a little better. They clearly are still figuring things out.
(2)
Ali H.
First timer, I got the spicy black bean burger and the veggie frites. I enjoyed the veggies. The burger was the wrong consistency for me. It was very soft and mushy. It seemed like it was just a can of blackbeans pushed together. I realize it was a blackbean burger but i just expected a little more texture. I would try a chicken sandwich next time around.
(3)
GC B.
Had the regular Smash Burger, and the Smash Fries. Great Burger !!! The bun,toppings, Smash Sauce all compliment this well cooked burger. I am Hooked ! Smash Fries were good as well, crispy and the rosemary adds a subtle flavor that works well with the fry Fast service too !!
(4)
Derek H.
Took my family of 4 here last night and everyone left happy. The quality of the burgers here is a significant step up from any of the other fast-casual joints such as five-guys or graffiti. The meat is fresh and tender and full of flavor and the toppings are well done. The rosemary fries were wonderful as were the sweet potato fries. We also enjoyed the selection of iced teas which include a green tea and a pomegranate tea. Smashburger really knows how to do the 'bunless' burger for us Paleo/low-carb dieters. They present you your burger on a beautiful plate with a fork and everything! I almost dinged one star for value as it was a little bit more expensive than I would have liked. But everything else was so good here and, to me, the extra expense is worth it.
(5)
MITCH S.
this is second time I have eaten here. the first time left me unimpressed, but I could not remember why, now I do. the egg bun that they feature is unable to hold to hold the greasy burger. it has been a few hiurs since linch and ny mouth still feels yechy. the milk shake was good and rhat is why I gave them two stars.
(2)
Kyle D.
Handcrafted Burgers, real Angus Beef with a menu full of choices it was really hard to pick. I went with the All American on the Spicy Chipotle Artisan Bun. I think Arnold said it best " Ill be back". Make sure when you leave to grab a Haagen-Dazs shake they will make you crave this place!! My only complaint was the COLD fries , what a bummer !!
(4)
Ella W.
Omg so excited to see Smash here in central Ohio finally. Loved eating here in Houston!
(5)
Dave C.
A cut above Five Guys or Graffiti Burger, but still not quite as good as O'Reilly's in Clintonville, SMASHburger offers a great selection of decent quality sandwiches at a very reasonable price. The service is more than acceptable and the atmosphere is a little hectic but still fun. And their (just shy of) five dollar shakes are absolutely fantastic, but only worth the 3.99 if you are dining in and get the extra metal cup. Check it out.
(4)
Jim M.
Not bad. Five guys is better. Red onion only which automatically lowers my enjoyment. Milk shake was good. I will probably come back only in a pinch.
(3)
Harley H.
The patty, bun and toppings, everything about the burger was excellent! The haystack onions were done perfectly. The other two sides we tried were the fried pepper rings and smashfries and neither were memorable. Maybe they are over staffed for the opening but there were employees hovering around our table the entire time we were eating. There really isn't a good table in the space. I would have given them five stars easily if the fries and room were better.
(4)
Rebecca R.
Very dissapointed. The only thing that saved it from a lower rating was the service which couldnt get any better. The food however....burgers? Ok, not great but super greasy and doesnt help when server in a wire basket and thin paper. Flavor...not much. Smash fries? Bland....the olive oil and rosemary did absolutely nothing. They were out of oreos {things happen} but grocery right nearby. Got nutter butter in the shake instead and was like a treasure hunt trying to find the cookies....maybe about out and rationing? Overall food experience would deter us from coming back.
(2)
Tiffany E.
Pretty decent burger place. When they say spicy baja, I was pleasantly surprised to find out it was genuinely spicy! The rosemary is an awesome flavor on the sweet potato fries. Not everything there is A+ food (the shakes and fried pickles for instance) but they have a few unique options that will keep customers coming.
(4)
Jeffica K.
Decided to try the new burger joint in town. We were there at dinner time and it was crowded but the food came quickly and wait staff was very good. We had the all american and the baja burger. Both were very good. The burgers were hot and toppings were very fresh. Love the seared edges on the burger. I ordered mine well done...and im glad I did. A few of the others at our table had some nearly rare burgers. We had both the smash and the plain. Both were good. Its also nice to be able to have a cold beer with your burger. Will go again.
(3)
Nate G.
Burgers are good(not great) but a but overpriced. The idea of smash fries is a good one but they don't have fresh cut fries which should be an automatic for a burger chain
(3)
Sarah R.
I got the grilled chicken. It was really good and they have unique toppings like goat cheese, spinach, and cucumber. My husband got a burger. Again the topping choices are great but he said it was not seasoned as well as it could be-5 guys is better. The smash fries are...different, very heavily seasoned. The shakes are yummy, the Hagen daas ice cream makes a difference.
(4)
Johnny G.
Takes forever even when there is no line, but damn the food is pretty solid. Rosemary seasoning makes otherwise bland shoestring fries pretty tasty. Burgers are cooked to order and have great texture. Overall a solid burger, but needs some help.
(3)
Yianni C.
I tried this hamburger joint with my daughter recently and the flavors and presentation for a fast casual is very top notch. Its efficient, flavorful and many choices. Their burgers are juicy. When ordered the avocado burger the avocado itself was hard which means it was not ripe yet. When inquired why the girl said that it all they could get during the week and the best quality they could find. Their Spicy chicken with blue cheese, I asked for feta cheese instead made it excellent. For a burger place to make such a mouthwatering chicken sandwich, that was surprisingly. It was deep fried and it was very big. Two things Smashburger has over Five Guys: Their presentation for take out in a clear and professional container makes it look that they mean business instead of just the foil messy wrap with the lettuce falling all over the place when opening to eat. The other things is even though I can tell they do not cut their own fries like Five guys the quality is good and they give you a few options to give them more flavors if you choose to go that route. Last fry I got from Five Guys there was 5 black spots right on top that the eye can see. That is pour quality and staff should by trained to look at that before serving. Have been there several times.
(5)
Hayley D.
Greasy burgers, small portions, very crowded, long wait, poor entrance design - not worth a second visit.
(2)
Robin F.
I loved my BBq bacon cheeseburger. My daughter said her mushroom swiss burger had the best mushroom coverage ever. The sweet potato smash fries are great.
(5)
Nila R.
SO AMAZING! I have been 3 times within the last 36 hours! They burgers are heavenly! I had a Classic Smash all three times. The third time I decided to get the big! Very delicious! The first time I got the smash fries and a milkshake too. The smash fries were okay, but I rather have fries from anywhere else. The milkshake was average and It wasnt spectacular. Then the next time I got regular fries....not enough salt...or maybe they didnt add salt. But the third time I got fried pepper rings! PERFECTO!!! yummmmmy!!! Im addicted to their burgers! And everything is made fresh. I was first in like one day right when it opened and the manager, or maybe its the owner, came in with fresh lettuce he bought from a local place. 5 Star burgers for sure! Not so much on the fries....three star. Oh and great staff!!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Drive-Thru : No Caters : No
Burger or Hamburger is savored as the most desired fast food meal in the United States. A hamburger is basically a sandwich prepared by stuffing ground meat patty, generally beef, between two slices of a bun cut in half. Hamburger is also famous for its seasoning. Most popular condiments used in hamburgers in the United States are mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Besides ground meat patty, hamburgers are also stuffed with lettuce, onions, tomato slices, pickles, and cheese.
Hamburgers are also categorized into two types in the United States. Fast food hamburger and individual hamburgers served at restaurants are two basic types of burgers served in the United States. The individual hamburgers served at restaurants are prepared using everything including lettuce, onion, tomato, and sliced pickles as well as melted cheese on the patty or crumbled on top. American restaurants also serve veggie burgers for those who don't relish meat. Cheeseburgers are also hot favorite in the United States.
McDonalds is the most popular fast food burger restaurant serving different types of burgers in the United States. On the other hand, there are several restaurants such as Burger King are famous for serving the best hamburgers in the United States. Most burger restaurants in the United States often serve hamburgers with French fries and other condiments. If you have a liking for burgers in the United States, then you won't be disappointed. You can easily find the best burger restaurants in your city on our Restaurants Listings directory. Check the reviews and ratings of the top burger restaurants and savor yourself with the best hamburger in the city.
Dennis L.
I wish I could combine the choices and practices of Smashburger with the food at Five Guys. That would be the perfect burger restaurant. Alas, since that's not going to happen, Five Guys will remain my go-to burger place. The practices I'm referring to are table service and the use of actual trays and serving dishes. At Smashburger, you order at the counter, but your food is brought to your table. The tables are cleared for you as well. The burgers and fries are served in a wire rack, with the fries on a separate platter that fits inside the rack. Much better than eating out of a greasy paper bag. The choices in toppings include some rarer items such as avocado, spinach and egg, and there are several cheese choices. I appreciate that in theory, though in practice, Five Guys has all the toppings I'm likely to order. So, I ordered my standard Five Guys order, which is a burger with extra pickles, lettuce, mustard, ketchup and BBQ sauce. I also added pepper-jack cheese, which had no detectable spiciness and contributed nothing to the taste of the burger. The bun was good but got soggy quickly. The meat itself was fine, but lacked that intense savory flavor you get at Five Guys. The McDonald's-style fries were overcooked for my taste. I got a laugh out of the "iced tea bar," which offered three choices. Can you imagine if you went to a bar and there were only three drink choices? "We've got Miller Lite, appletinis and Zima, what do you want?" Anyway, the choices are plain black tea, flavored green tea and flavored red tea. I don't really expect more than three choices of tea at a fast-food place, but they probably shouldn't call it a "bar." Given that Smashburger is nowhere near my stomping grounds, it's not likely I'll be back. I'm glad it's doing well; it's just not my cup of tea. Or tea bar.
(3)Greg B.
My new favorite burger place! Wow - the best burger I've ever had! The people there were just great and really took care of us! They even let us use way more coupons than I think were supposed to be used together. Clean place....it was all good! The only negative might be that it's kind of noisy inside.
(5)Jeni M.
I've had to lower my rating a star for this establishment. Went there for lunch recently and first, we waited 15 minutes for our order to be taken. The person working the register was chatty (with customers she was dealing with) and asked questions of the order. A person wants a cheeseburger. To the person taking the order: Let the customer tell you what they want on it and not you asking 50 questions about it. Then I waited 25 minutes for my food which was a kids grilled cheese, fries, and an order of deep fried pickles. The fries were delicious. The pickles were so greasy and salty. I try to give good ratings and reason why something doesn't go well but this visit was the last for awhile. Smashburger - you need to step up your game.
(3)The Mad Yelper S.
Ok. I've been on the hunt for the best burger in Col. So far this place is it. I am pretty picky about my burgers. Don't get me wrong, this still isn't the BEST burger I've ever eaten, but it is a decent stand-in. I got the BIG burger because I felt it would hold in more juice and wouldn't turn out dry. I love how the meat hangs outside the bun... there's NO "where's the beef" here. Flavoring wasn't bad and the texture was perfect. I loved the multi-grain bun, very fresh. My side option was the grilled carrots and green beans. Holy crap these are good! I want to make these at home. Who the hell wants fries when they serve these? I like this meal SO much I wanted to go back for seconds... the husband just stared at me like I was crazy.
(5)Brandon Heights Yelper S.
Part of the fast casual trend (like Panera, Chipotle, etc.) The burger was very good, maybe even excellent. Not a thick, juicy burger. A thinner "smashed" burger. I got the "big" size. Not too big (unless you're a little girl). Tasted fresh and delicious. Fries are thin cut, seasoned with garlic. Very good. I went all out and also had a chocolate shake. Awesome. Could be my new favorite burger place in Columbus.
(5)LJ W.
2nd timer @ Smashburger and I was impressed. This time I dined in. The customer service is top notch and the dining area is very warm and comforting. Vanilla milkshake 1-5=5. BBQ Bacon & Cheddar burger 1-5=4 (wouldve been a 5 but the BBQ is waaay to weak). Smash fries 1-5=4.
(5)Mark K.
Tried to go to Daft Burger but no luck, so went here. Glad we did- I have no idea why people go to McDonald's, when there are places like this serving far better burgers for just a little more money. Sweetie had the truffle burger (truffle mayo, mushrooms, etc.) She had been before and knew she liked that. I had been to one in Dayton years ago, but forgot what it was like. I got the avocado club burger (bacon, avocado, etc.) Both burgers were good, and the toppings were fresh and tasty. I also had the Smash Fries (rosemary, pepper, olive oil) which were thin and crispy, with nice subtle flavor. All in all, a good quick lunch. Good service, comfortable clean place.
(4)Jake P.
Normally, I order a burger when I come here, and they are great, but this time I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich with bacon. The sandwich was absolutely delicious, the meat was tender and juicy and well seasoned. My only complaint here that they skimped on the bacon from what it seemed. Next time I'll order it with extra bacon.
(4)Jason H.
Tasty burger and incredible fries. I've heard of Smashburger, but never lived in the vicinity of one. Finally got to try it when visiting a friend in Columbus and I'd definitely put it ahead of Five Guys as far as burger chains go. The burger was good but what really sent me flying was the smashfries...such a simple combo of rosemary, olive oil and garlic yet so addicting.
(4)Greg W.
I go here from time to time for lunch on work days, and the food is always decent. Prices are more than what you'd expect to pay at your run of the mill McD's, Burger King, or Wendy's but the food quality goes up accordingly. During the weekdays around lunch, it can get pretty busy when the kids from the nearby high school come for lunch. I love that you can customize everything completely without breaking the bank. I also love the grilled chicken options for a healthier meal. The sides aren't anything too spectacular, which is what keeps me from giving them a top notch review.
(4)Ron C.
Closed temporarily for not paying Ohio State Taxes. bizjournals.com/columbus… Central Ohio's three Smashburger restaurants have been closed -- and it's not clear when they'll reopen. The vendor's license for local franchisee Venture53 Restaurants LLC has been suspended because it did not file or pay state sales taxes for either two consecutive reporting periods or three reporting periods in a 12-month span, according to the Ohio Department of Taxation. The franchisee also is in the department's Habitual Offenders Program. Pink signs noting the closings were posted this week at the Smashburgers at 109 N. Hamilton Road in Gahanna, 552 S. State St. in Westerville and 8715 Owenfield Drive in Lewis Center....
(1)Matt W.
I tried Smashburger for the first time down in the South, and I'm really happy they've come to Columbus. The quality of everything I've tried there, from a "Buckeye Burger" to a grilled chicken salad, has been fantastic, and I could eat a bucket of their fries way too easily. Everything's done fresh to order, but you don't usually feel like there's a big wait for your food unless they're really slammed, and the staff is usually pretty good about getting the quicker items (milkshakes, salads) out right away. They're a nice change up from a lot of the burger places in town, and seem to be fitting right in here in Columbus. I suspect I'll be visiting here plenty more in the future.
(4)Gus W.
I can't complain much today about my meal here. I had the Bacon Cheeseburger minus the ketchup and mustard, plus spicy Chipotle and jalapenos, and it was pretty delicious. The burger itself was a bit charred, but it didn't make the burger dry at all. I also tried the buffalo fries, and they were OK. I don't think they're really worth the upcharge, since all they do is put some Frank's seasoning on them and give you a side of ranch. I feel like the spices they put on their Smashfries probably cost more, yet somehow they're cheaper, but what do I know? Only issue I had today was that it was super busy, and the line was moving pretty slow right at around lunch time, because they only had one cashier for some reason. I think the burger took about another 10 minutes to be done after that, but oh well, I can deal with that. Ever since the first time I've had it, I think the taste of the food has improved, so that's really all I care about.
(4)Matthew L.
My first several visits were okay to subpar; every subsequent visit has been fantastic. Their grilled chicken sangwhiches are grand; the avocado club is a must (though I do recommend adding goat cheese), and the cucumber and goat cheese grilled chicken is amazazing. As to burgers, very good, though the bacon is just menh; I do recommend adding a fried egg. Fries aren't worth the money, but maybe it's just me; the sweet potato fries are good (but keep in mind I heart sweet potatoes in general), but otherwise forgettable.
(4)Nick M.
I am a huge burger fan but also not a big fan of fast food burgers more the gourmet variety. That being said as far as fast food burgers go this is probaby one of the best you can find. I enjoyed this far more than 5 Guys which I find to be overly greasy. I found this to be a good flavorful burger and I really dug the shoe string potato fries, I like crispy fries (again why I don't like 5 Guys and their 1 pound of limp soggy grease fries they give) so that was a bonus for me. I'd make a return visit if I was in the mood for a cheap quick burger.
(3)Nick D.
The newly opened Smashburger in Gahanna is great! We eat here maybe once every couple of weeks. However, my wife also won a year's worth of vouchers for a free Entree at the Yelp! Elite event a few months ago...which helps in deciding dinner some nights. If it is your first time at Smashburger here is what I recommend: BBQ, Bacon, and Cheddar Burger (or Chicken) Smash Fries Salted Caramel Milkshake Fountain Drink (optional) This is a standard when we come here and it is a great combination of food. I am salivating over the thought of it! It is not a very large place to eat, but the crowds have been small when we come during the week for dinner. Check out this smashing good place! 5/5 stars
(5)Amy P.
I think this franchise may be owned by the same people as the Lewis Center location. The staff is always super friendly and attentive, and the eatery is clean. The food, the most important part, is always amazing. I usually opt for a burger, which never fails to be juicy and super tasty. The smash fries are a favorite too. The rosemary & Olive oil mix really gives the fries a nice, unique twist. As the sweet expert, I would do no favors if I didn't plug the shakes...try one of the shakes made with Hagen-das ice cream. You'll thank me someday.
(4)Jt P.
Very much like 5guys. Nothing truly defining about this place IMO
(3)Taylor O.
I've been wanting to check this place out for a while now and I finally did. It was very clean inside, and the staff was very friendly. Lots of space to eat and the food came out fairly quick. I just got a bacon cheese burger with their seasonsed fried. The burger was really good, but I wasn't such a fan of the fries. They are too skinny for my liking, and I think may have been over oiled with the seasoning, they just seemed extra extra oily/greasy. I look forward to coming back, it's a very good burger place and the prices are really good.
(4)Shane H.
Nothing impressive. Service wasn't very good. Lady was very slow no emotion and didn't seem to care that we were there. The burger was nothing special I could have got one better at Wendy's if that says anything. Fries ehh they were fine
(2)Van S.
The first time I had Smashburger I was skeptical that it would remain juicy after all that smashing they're known for. They do a remarkable job of maintaining juiciness while getting an almost crunchy exterior. Lunch today was a Frank's RedHot & blue cheese burger. Lettuce, tomato, blue cheese, and hot sauce - a combination usually reserved for chicken (which is also an option) worked well as a burger. The egg bun was dense and flavorful, but the patty itself remains the highlight. The fried pickles were decent, but I probably should have stuck with their fries.. With a drink my total was around $11 which is a fair value. Service was friendly and food came out pretty quickly.
(4)Mike D.
Smash Fries. Rosemary -- Honey, do we use rosemary? I love it! Some seriously delicious and rosemary-y fries here. Probably the best part of my meal, which is saying something, as they're shoe-string type fries which are typically not my favorite. It was predictably slammin' for a new business, but the crowds were handled well on this day, almost a week after opening. I had a Bacon Cheddar Burger and the smash fries and was pretty happy. I might skip the bacon next time, it didn't seem worth the cost for the few crumbles I got on my burger. I prefer meaty strips of delicious ham butt. Overall the burger was tasty, though, so no big complaints in that area. Self-serve beverages and a Noodles-and-Co style "leave your trash on the table when you're done" type bussing system make it easy/lazy on the diner for sure. Would definitely nom again. A better value for the burger you get than other specialty "flip" burger chains in town.
(4)Lou D.
This is a great example of a business when the owner is not around. Good franchise, good product , super bad , rude servace. We call to place an order " we are to busy to take your order, we have a line out the door! We arrive 10 mins later , slow , a few people sitting, I guess the rush settled lol . Your then greeted by a young lady that would have been great on Seinfeld 'Soup Nazi" episode as she thinks she is the owner, can be rude and had the only burgers in town ! Ok its upscle fast food what do you expect lol, well five guys, Steak and Shake and plenty more have nice courteous staff that give you the same respect you show them. There is too many people out of work for some to have a job and hate there work . Please MR Owner , sit down , look at your investment and really managed the mice when the cat is away ! Or soon you will have no cheese at all , and no one will care !
(1)Steve M.
I picked the truffle and Swiss burger, the smash fries, and an Oreo shake. The burger was impossibly juicy and had a very good taste. Even with the high juice content the egg bun never got soggy and held its shape. It easily beats 5 guys and is on par with red robin (without the huge size). The smash fries were a problem, I loved the shoestring cut and the flavor of the fries themselves was good, however the rosemary was not what I think of when eating fries, sadly I have to give them a thumbs down. The shake was very good and reminded me of the old fashion shakes from the past. Next time I will go with the regular fries. All for 13.13 , now that made me smile.
(3)Daniela Z.
Totally smashed my big bacon cheeseburger w Smash fries & Oreo milkshake. Very delicious! The milkshake was incredibly good! Overall a wonderful meal. Burger was slightly salty vs well seasoned but still smashed all of it! 2 burgers with fries n 1 milkshake = $23
(4)Frank P.
It's okay if you like the owner yelling hello at you when you walk in... The woman is okay but her husband is a real jerky. As long as he's not on the schedule you'll be good. If you ask for pickle chips they will have a hard time finding them in the system so be patient. And if the old guy is making a milk shake and taking orders you are screwed.
(1)Frank D.
Very pricey for a burger, fries & shake. Which explains why they are never busy. The staff are friendly & pleasant. And the shakes are good.
(4)Rhett L.
This is the best Smashburger!!!! As the store was getting ready to close, they were nice enough to stay open and make me a hamburger and fries. They were in the process of shutting down the grill, but they actually cool enough to turn the grill back on and make my burger. They were totally cool about it. Their customer service was top notch!!
(5)Tiffany C.
Wait a minute... five stars for a burger chain? Yes, totally and absolutely. My reasoning being one thing.... the black bean veggie burger. Smashburger is awesome. How awesome? Well, I drove clear from the North side down to the East Side to try some of this goodness and I wasn't disappointed. Semi healthy options? They have it. You can order veggie "frites" (cooked carrot and asparagus slices with a healthy dose of seasoning to give em' zing) in place of their fries, which save on the massive amounts of calories you will probably ingest from that nice greasy burger sitting in your little basket, or the less greasier veggie burger option, which was out of this world. I have tried black bean burgers all around Columbus from Matt the Millers, Rusty Bucket, and others, and NONE have this one beat. Can a sista' get a black bean burger? Hell, yeah she can and get it chipotle style. Your lips will tingle. I stole a couple of my husband's rosemary or "smash fries" and they weren't really my thing. That's the thing though about the fries... Either you will love them, or hate them. The fries are just shoe string... nothing extraordinary, but they go well with the burgers. So, why is this place called Smash burger? Is it "smashing" or... smash-tastic? Well, it goes with the old concept of taking fresh burger meat and smashing it down with the spatula.. much like other chains like Steak n Shake and how they cook their burgers. *Sighs* Really... if only it were closer to me... what a happy girl I would be.
(5)Will P.
Not bad, but not worth the crosstown drive Heard such great reviews about Smashburger that I had to try it. Made the drive on a rainy night from the west side of town to see what the hype was all about. The interior was simple and it was not busy at all when I arrived. Ordered up the Bacon cheeseburger and sweet potato fries which did not take long to be ready. The food was hot, once it was served. The sweet potato fries were a little burned, still not too bad. The burger was just okay. My socks weren't blown off at all. Not worth driving across town for.
(3)Peggy H.
Better Half and I finally made it over to Smashburger on Saturday the 1st (6/1/13). We've gone at least twice before and the place has been packed to the gills with a line out the door. But this past Saturday - no lines and even a couple of empty tables. SCORE! I was impressed with how impeccably clean this place was. The counter service was very friendly and we didn't feel like we needed to hurry up & figure out our order (my biggest beef with Graffiti Burger). It helped a LOT that the menus are posted just outside and just inside the door, so you can take your time before ever going in to decide what you want. I ordered the Avocado Club with Smashfries and Better Half ordered the Spicy Baja with Chili Cheese Fries. ( I failed to read the Avocado Club description closely enough; I expected pepper jack cheese on it but there was NO cheese - my fail, not the restaurant's!) Better Half requested no guacamole on his burger, so we can't say if the guac's good or not. But the burgers ....oh my ... the burgers! Both were incredibly tasty and tender (cooked well done; no option on that). My multi-grain bun was wonderful, and the chipotle bun with the Spicy Baja was also delish. And the FRIES. I can only rate the fries a "4" because I like "mushy" fries, not super-crispy fries like most people. But the FLAVOR - wow. I'm already craving those fries tossed in olive oil, rosemary & garlic. YUMMO. I was also impressed that the Spicy Baja came with fresh sliced jalapenos instead of the typical pickled version. I will order the Spicy Baja and Smashfries on our next visit, and ask that the fries be a titch undercooked. Better Half ordained the Chili Cheese Fries as "okay" and would rate them a "3" - simply average. I noticed he every single one of them though .... just sayin'. There were two minor drawbacks to Smashburger for us. The first one is the traffic jam at the beverage "bar" - It's a small area (unfortunately, my pictures of this did not "take" for some reason), and people were lined up waiting to get their drinks. It's also in a very narrow part of the restaurant, exacerbating the traffic jam in that area. The other drawback was the total of our bill - nearly $25 for 2 burgers, 2 orders of fries and 2 drinks - which seemed a bit steep for lunch with no alcohol. Nonetheless, the food was good enough we'll go back for supper occasionally and enjoy every morsel just as we did Saturday. For us, Smashburger is a welcome addition to the Columbus food scene!
(4)Jason T.
Unreal how poorly run this location is. I tried to get a simple burger and fries but had to cancel my order and get a refund because of how slow and inefficient they were. They had the cashier expediting orders and were so far behind.
(1)Angie P.
I had a BBQ Bacon Cheddar burger and it was extremely good. It was even topped with fried onions and I am a sucker for fried onions. I didn't try the Smash Fries but did have regular fries. There was nothing special about them. Worth it and better than 5 Guys.
(5)Brian D.
Ahh Smashburger, welcome to Columbus! Being a huge fan of burgers (and a stalker of George Motz), I had to hit up the new kid in town. The interior layout of this place is a bit dysfunctional, but hey, I'm here for the food. The Smashburger was awesome. Toasted bun? Check. Fresh ground beef with a nice sear to seal in flavor? Check. Great toppings? Check. As to the toppings, Smashburger does red onions the right way - they slice them nice and thin to give you the great flavor without overwhelming your taste buds or leaving you to chew on a chunk of onion. My one "beef" with the burger is that the meat could use a dash of seasoning (it's amazing what a little splash of salt and pepper can do for ground beef). While the Smashburger was great, as the Dude would say, the rosemary and garlic tossed Smashfries really tied the whole meal together. I would return just for the fries. Five Guys, move over, there's a new, slightly cheaper, but also better, chain in town.
(4)Cherie R.
I will probably come here to give it another try in a few weeks. I understand that they just opened up, but they've got some kinks to work out. We ordered a baja burger and an avocado club burger with an order of smashfries to split. Service was friendly and quick. But then we got our food. There was no avocado on my avocado club, and the husband got regular fries and I got smashfries. Weird. And my smashfries were TERRIBLY oily. I know fries are oily. But these were drenched. I LOVE fries, but I could not finish these. When I flagged down a server and asked him about my avocado, he said "that's a really common mistake." You're going to admit that? Really? :-) No harm done, though, he got me my avocado. So we'll go back to try it again to see if they've worked out the kinks. Burgers were definitely good. Looking forward to trying haystack onions or sweet potato fries.
(3)Jason K.
Went in on a Sunday evening, the weather was nice so took advantage and sat out on their patio, which overlooks Hamilton Rd. I ordered the Avocado club (without mayo or ranch) and for the price it was a very good burger. I added a side of Smashfries, which are french fries tossed with rosemary, olive oil and garlic...quite good. My friend ordered the Spicy Baja burger and I was pleased to see that the jalapenos that they use are fresh, not the nasty pickled kind that you find elsewhere. That's a win and I will likely order it myself on my next visit. You can order beer with your meal, and if you order by the bucket you get a discount. All in all a good burger for a good price.
(4)Christopher G.
A new chain in town and a welcome one. Smashburger gets its name because they start with a ball of meat, and "smash" it on the flat top giving it a great sear. Very similar to Steak-n-Shake, but with a much larger patty...I want to say 1/3 pound. Buns are toasted with butter, and toppings are fresh and abundant. The fries, tossed in Rosemary, olive oil, and garlic are the best Ive ever had, however, the bottom one were oil soaked. The meat is VERY juicy...Im guessing it has a very high fat content, like 70/30 maybe. You also do not have a choice to how its cooked. Mine came out well done, but as stated, still juicy. The restaurant itself was small about 12 two person tables, 4 large booths, a row of "bar stool" style seating, and a small out door area, but seemed clean and modern. The place is pretty noisy though. You order your food when you enter, give you a number, then they bring it out to you. They also bus afterwards. Prices are high...really high. We got 2 burgers, 2 fries, and 1 drink, over $22! I also noticed they have a regular hot dog for $4.99! Unbelievable. So high marks for the food...one of the best burgers I have had, but thumbs down on the value.
(3)Joe A.
I've been twice since they opened. Both times they messed up the order. Visits were several months apart. I was hoping the first time they messed up it was because they had just recently opened. When I went back recently they failed again. Order was messed up and fries were cold... Won't be back.
(2)Annie M.
Went there today with hubby/daughter. Again - great consistency. Great burger. I am still loving the kids meal size. The reason for this new report is something that I didn't like seeing. The management will need to do something about keeping the cleaning bucket right out there on the main counter to clean the tables. I kept seeing them take that same rag/dipping into the water and washing down everything. It grossed me out. I would prefer to see them spray/wipe. Just putting it out there.
(3)Zack R.
Went for the basics on my first visit: Smashburger, Smashfries, and a vanilla malt. After placing our order, we looked for a seat in the crowded dining room. One booth opened up, but the seats were so close to the table that we had to move. We went to another table that was dirty, and it wasn't cleaned until our food came out. As another reviewer mentioned, I also didn't like how the cleaning bucket and rag are just kept out by where the food comes out. Gross. Overall, the restaurant was looking pretty bad: dirty tables, floors, and sparsely stocked drink area. I think the crew just can't keep up with the crowd at this point. My burger came out and was pretty undercooked, even for me. I took it up to the manager who was expediting and asked if it was cooked to the normal doneness. He said it was very undercooked, and replaced it within 3 minutes. The fries were very greasy/soggy and cold when they came out. Not very good. The Haagen Dazs malt was very good. Someone in our party got the fried pickles, and they were also very good. My replacement burger was very good. I would say that the red onion is a bit overpowering, considering the high quality of the beef, and it could have used a touch more Smash sauce. Next time I'd probably go with a plain burger with just cheese and Smash sauce, or with nothing but mustard pickle and onion. I'll also go for a different bun. The egg bun is too soft and falls apart and also sticks in your teeth for a long time. I just think I'll wait until they get their act together a little better. They clearly are still figuring things out.
(2)Ali H.
First timer, I got the spicy black bean burger and the veggie frites. I enjoyed the veggies. The burger was the wrong consistency for me. It was very soft and mushy. It seemed like it was just a can of blackbeans pushed together. I realize it was a blackbean burger but i just expected a little more texture. I would try a chicken sandwich next time around.
(3)GC B.
Had the regular Smash Burger, and the Smash Fries. Great Burger !!! The bun,toppings, Smash Sauce all compliment this well cooked burger. I am Hooked ! Smash Fries were good as well, crispy and the rosemary adds a subtle flavor that works well with the fry Fast service too !!
(4)Derek H.
Took my family of 4 here last night and everyone left happy. The quality of the burgers here is a significant step up from any of the other fast-casual joints such as five-guys or graffiti. The meat is fresh and tender and full of flavor and the toppings are well done. The rosemary fries were wonderful as were the sweet potato fries. We also enjoyed the selection of iced teas which include a green tea and a pomegranate tea. Smashburger really knows how to do the 'bunless' burger for us Paleo/low-carb dieters. They present you your burger on a beautiful plate with a fork and everything! I almost dinged one star for value as it was a little bit more expensive than I would have liked. But everything else was so good here and, to me, the extra expense is worth it.
(5)MITCH S.
this is second time I have eaten here. the first time left me unimpressed, but I could not remember why, now I do. the egg bun that they feature is unable to hold to hold the greasy burger. it has been a few hiurs since linch and ny mouth still feels yechy. the milk shake was good and rhat is why I gave them two stars.
(2)Kyle D.
Handcrafted Burgers, real Angus Beef with a menu full of choices it was really hard to pick. I went with the All American on the Spicy Chipotle Artisan Bun. I think Arnold said it best " Ill be back". Make sure when you leave to grab a Haagen-Dazs shake they will make you crave this place!! My only complaint was the COLD fries , what a bummer !!
(4)Ella W.
Omg so excited to see Smash here in central Ohio finally. Loved eating here in Houston!
(5)Dave C.
A cut above Five Guys or Graffiti Burger, but still not quite as good as O'Reilly's in Clintonville, SMASHburger offers a great selection of decent quality sandwiches at a very reasonable price. The service is more than acceptable and the atmosphere is a little hectic but still fun. And their (just shy of) five dollar shakes are absolutely fantastic, but only worth the 3.99 if you are dining in and get the extra metal cup. Check it out.
(4)Jim M.
Not bad. Five guys is better. Red onion only which automatically lowers my enjoyment. Milk shake was good. I will probably come back only in a pinch.
(3)Harley H.
The patty, bun and toppings, everything about the burger was excellent! The haystack onions were done perfectly. The other two sides we tried were the fried pepper rings and smashfries and neither were memorable. Maybe they are over staffed for the opening but there were employees hovering around our table the entire time we were eating. There really isn't a good table in the space. I would have given them five stars easily if the fries and room were better.
(4)Rebecca R.
Very dissapointed. The only thing that saved it from a lower rating was the service which couldnt get any better. The food however....burgers? Ok, not great but super greasy and doesnt help when server in a wire basket and thin paper. Flavor...not much. Smash fries? Bland....the olive oil and rosemary did absolutely nothing. They were out of oreos {things happen} but grocery right nearby. Got nutter butter in the shake instead and was like a treasure hunt trying to find the cookies....maybe about out and rationing? Overall food experience would deter us from coming back.
(2)Tiffany E.
Pretty decent burger place. When they say spicy baja, I was pleasantly surprised to find out it was genuinely spicy! The rosemary is an awesome flavor on the sweet potato fries. Not everything there is A+ food (the shakes and fried pickles for instance) but they have a few unique options that will keep customers coming.
(4)Jeffica K.
Decided to try the new burger joint in town. We were there at dinner time and it was crowded but the food came quickly and wait staff was very good. We had the all american and the baja burger. Both were very good. The burgers were hot and toppings were very fresh. Love the seared edges on the burger. I ordered mine well done...and im glad I did. A few of the others at our table had some nearly rare burgers. We had both the smash and the plain. Both were good. Its also nice to be able to have a cold beer with your burger. Will go again.
(3)Nate G.
Burgers are good(not great) but a but overpriced. The idea of smash fries is a good one but they don't have fresh cut fries which should be an automatic for a burger chain
(3)Sarah R.
I got the grilled chicken. It was really good and they have unique toppings like goat cheese, spinach, and cucumber. My husband got a burger. Again the topping choices are great but he said it was not seasoned as well as it could be-5 guys is better. The smash fries are...different, very heavily seasoned. The shakes are yummy, the Hagen daas ice cream makes a difference.
(4)Johnny G.
Takes forever even when there is no line, but damn the food is pretty solid. Rosemary seasoning makes otherwise bland shoestring fries pretty tasty. Burgers are cooked to order and have great texture. Overall a solid burger, but needs some help.
(3)Yianni C.
I tried this hamburger joint with my daughter recently and the flavors and presentation for a fast casual is very top notch. Its efficient, flavorful and many choices. Their burgers are juicy. When ordered the avocado burger the avocado itself was hard which means it was not ripe yet. When inquired why the girl said that it all they could get during the week and the best quality they could find. Their Spicy chicken with blue cheese, I asked for feta cheese instead made it excellent. For a burger place to make such a mouthwatering chicken sandwich, that was surprisingly. It was deep fried and it was very big. Two things Smashburger has over Five Guys: Their presentation for take out in a clear and professional container makes it look that they mean business instead of just the foil messy wrap with the lettuce falling all over the place when opening to eat. The other things is even though I can tell they do not cut their own fries like Five guys the quality is good and they give you a few options to give them more flavors if you choose to go that route. Last fry I got from Five Guys there was 5 black spots right on top that the eye can see. That is pour quality and staff should by trained to look at that before serving. Have been there several times.
(5)Hayley D.
Greasy burgers, small portions, very crowded, long wait, poor entrance design - not worth a second visit.
(2)Robin F.
I loved my BBq bacon cheeseburger. My daughter said her mushroom swiss burger had the best mushroom coverage ever. The sweet potato smash fries are great.
(5)Nila R.
SO AMAZING! I have been 3 times within the last 36 hours! They burgers are heavenly! I had a Classic Smash all three times. The third time I decided to get the big! Very delicious! The first time I got the smash fries and a milkshake too. The smash fries were okay, but I rather have fries from anywhere else. The milkshake was average and It wasnt spectacular. Then the next time I got regular fries....not enough salt...or maybe they didnt add salt. But the third time I got fried pepper rings! PERFECTO!!! yummmmmy!!! Im addicted to their burgers! And everything is made fresh. I was first in like one day right when it opened and the manager, or maybe its the owner, came in with fresh lettuce he bought from a local place. 5 Star burgers for sure! Not so much on the fries....three star. Oh and great staff!!
(5)