People talk this place up a lot. In fact so much that I decided I had to take my wife on a crazy road trip just to try it out. Perhaps my perspective on the food here is a little skewed just because I had some crazy expectations.
The food was really just okay. I don't know how to put this but it tasted like a competent Wendy's. You know that Wendy's that is by every college campus? Where it's staffed by sixteen year old potheads and they could care less? The food at Smashburger is more like the food at the Wendy's by the lifestyle center where the soccer moms take their kids.
Yes I meant what I said. Their burgers taste like a decently made Wendy's burger. Deal with it. Their fries are also completely average and if you're competing for the same tier as Five Guys I don't know what to say.
You're waiting in your car cuz your girlfriend needs to get her nails done and there is no place for you to sit in there. What do you do next?
GRAB AN OREO SHAKE FROM SMASHBURGER OF COURSE.
Lemme break this down for you: Wendys used to have these amazing Oreo Frosties. For some reason someone at the International Wendys Corporation of America Inc decided "let's make them Oreo PARFAITS instead!!!" Whoever decided that can jump off of a low orbit satellite and ablate in our atmosphere.
LONG STORY SHORT ya just can't trust Wendys for a frosty anymore, THANK GOODNESS Smashburger keeps the faith with an Oreo frosty-shake-type thing. It is so good you'll want to buy a ShamWow to clean your tears of joy.
Thank you Smashburger, for being there when Wendy wasn't.
Eff you Wendy.
Stopped in Sunday evening, couldn't quite figure how one can leave a tip while waiting and paying for a meal, I am accustomed to leaving a tip when the meal is complete, there model is convulted, also having tip jars all over the place - order entry, pick up window is overwhelming, table cleanup service needs more staffing, one young kid left the task while custmers are awaiting to be seated, first time at smashburger and will try again when I visit a town that has one, living in Bridgewater (a central point for 287 and 78) we don't have one??
Review Source:Since I didn't know what to exactly think of Smashburger after my first visit, I decided to write my review after my second and probably last visit.
Smashburger is a chain that is starting to get very popular around Northern NJ, but probably spreading in other parts of the country as well. They specialize in a similar type of burger to Five Guys where you can create your own with many of the options being free. The prices are fair and the serving size can be enormous if you take advantage of the options.
The first time I visited, I ordered the "New Jersey" big smash burger which included applewood bacon, blue cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on an onion bun. What I remember was the burger was overly salty, but was also way too big. The big smash is WAY too big. My second time served great service from the employees, but also a much better burger. I created my own with a ton of random options, but I thought the original smash size was perfect for a meal with some smash fries on the side.
After the meal, I looked at my friend and said, 'Smashburger isn't bad, but we need to find another spot.' I realized this also after 35 minutes when my digestive system went crazy. Smashburger isn't the least greasy burger, but it's not on Five Guys level, however it still does some damage.
Nice alternative to McDonald's or five guys. Cooked to your order, so you know it's fresh. Good burger. Not the best though. Fries are why I'd go back. Rosemary or some herb is used. Very tasty. Crisp. Overall nothing to go out of the way for, but if in the area, it trumps mcd's, Wendy, etc. def a step up from typical burger stop. Think of it as the pandora of burger joints. Trendy place that will soon be forgotten.
Review Source:1st time here. Ordered a Classic Big Smashburger, Fries and, an Italian Hot Dog to go. First of all let me say everything was acceptable.
My nits are 1) Italian Dog is small. It's nowhere near the old Texas Wiener Ital Dog. Not enough potato's & onions and I didn't notice any peppers on it which is really what makes it an Italian dog. But they use a quality dog which is griddled which is good. It's only 4$ but really dogs a dirt cheap so how bout loading it up proper like? 2) The Smashburger was a bit too salty and overcooked to sear the gristle (Which I guess is their deal). If you want a really killer burger its got to be cooked medium rare pink (juicy like bloody), like a steak (gotta still fell the steer kickin). How about giving us the option of signing an e-coli waiver in exchange for a properly cooked burger. They use real yellow American cheese which is great but it overwhelms the burger(maybe slice it thinner, and I'm a GB Packer cheesehead). The lettuce is leafed iceberg not shredded which is good(less mess),The tomatoes were fresh acceptably ripe not green or marginal spoiled, Onions good, Ketchup was on the side(good).
The French Fries were A+. All in All they beat the crap out of MickeyD's (it's about the same price as a 1/3 lbs Anus Deluxe burger, and they're throwing you 1/2 lbs)
It's a welcome addition to the area for sure.
Second time to this place which is off my normal route.  Went with the Big Smash NJ burger. (They really could stand to have a copy of the menu behind the servers though. Same confusion over menu as mentioned in other reviews).  Took a small table but then moved bigger when no one came in new after me.   Didn't have to wait for a table - pleasant surprise for 7pm Saturday night  and while I can understand why families like to bring their kids here (relatively inexpensive sit down to eat restaurant) can you control them a little?  First manager type who came by, I told her the food was great but the kids were screaming conversations over there - 20 feet away .  Second manager must have come by 30 seconds later and I just said I already told someone how I feel and he didn't ask for details.
I really like their Onion Straws; its a variation of what Red Robin puts on some of their burgers. They serve them as a side and you get a small plateful with a dipping sauce. Â They also put them on the burgers. Drier than Red Robin which is good because a badly cooked Onion Straw at RR is a disaster. Â
The food was so good and eventually the kids finished up before I ran out of dirty looks that I will be back, either here or to one of the others in the North Central Jersey area. They don't have them down towards Piscataway/Edison yet. Â If they did it would be a terrific toss up.
The menu can be a little confusing and takes sometime to understand it all. I thought the burger was above average and the enjoyed the regualr egg roll the placed it on. Â They have many options for building your own burger. The place is clean and you can refill your own Coke product drinks. The fries reminded of the type you get a McDonalds. For their milkshakes they use premium Haagen Daz ice cream..can't beat that. All in all I would recommend and I will be visiting again.
Review Source:They don't do call-ahead orders. How stupid is that?
I don't get it. By taking my order out instead of dining in, I've already expressed that I DON'T want to spend time in your restaurant. And yet you insist that I come INTO your establishment, lengthen your line, and wait like 20 minutes for a burger to come off your grill and your staff to get over the confusion of which bag goes to which person.
Five Guys has better burgers, takes call-ahead and fax-ahead orders, and flips 'em off the grill faster. The only thing Smashburger has on Five Guys is better fries. But I should be cutting back on the starches anyway.
Pleasant surprise for a first-timer. Â I read the menu from outside before I lined up to get what we want. Â The place is clean and food is decent given it's a fast food joint. Â Parking can be challenging during lunchtime.
My daughter loves this place... she called it SmashBeaver at first, got a good laugh but corrected her. Her hot dog was sizable for a child plus it includes french fries and chocolate milk for $3.99. Â Not a bad deal given I'll probably eat some of her fries so I don't need to order fries.
I went for the grilled chicken avocado sandwich with a multi-grain bun. Â This was delicious! Â Okay, somewhat healthy but I totally offset it with an Oreo milkshake using Haagen Daz ice cream. Â Billions of calories but so yummy!
I have only been here for lunch, but all four times, everything has been completely pleasant! Â It was busy for some of those times, but everything was handled in a timely and efficient fashion. Â
The food was delivered quickly and at perfect temperature. Â Multiple staff members checked up at our table to ensure everything was fine, and to take an empty container. Â Certainly a large step above fast food burger joints. Â I personally prefer them over Red Robin. Â Yes, things were salty, but if that's such an issue, they can simply decrease the seasoning. Â
The fries have Delicious seasoning! Â Love it! Â
The restaurant was constantly being cleaned and tidied by the staff. Â So much, that you could practically eat off the floor, lol! Â
On those days where I feel the need to eat my day's worth of calories at once, lol, this place never fails to satisfy ;).
Lot of complaints about this place and I can see why. People don't understand how to read the menu, that doesn't have much on it unless the 'build your own' section confuses you. Not only that, I can understand not being happy about the 'slow' service but if you want quicker burgers in NP there is always the McDonalds down Springfield. These burgers are made to order, that means they make it once it's ordered, not waiting to be heated up when you order it, waiting to be made. Finally, a lot of salt on fast food? Unless you moved to the US yesterday that shouldn't be a complaint.
All the times I've eaten here the food has come as quickly as one could expect since they're making it once you order it, the drinks come quick since they have a soda fountain and you can get it yourself and the food has always been hot. I love this place, the kids working there are friendly and the only thing that takes long when ordering is that people don't know how to look at a menu and pick what they want then orate it.
Over an hour returned from my dinner at Smashburger, and I'm positive my blood pressure is still in quadruple-digit territory from the massive amount of salt used on everything. I'm also convinced that if they could have found a way to get salt into the bottled water, they would have. My first warning sign of the nightmare meal that was to follow was a gentlemen leaving, passing me as I was on my way in, Â and saying (I'll delete the expletives), "I've been waiting 15 minutes to order and the line hasn't moved once. I'm done with this place." He was right. Double lines. One cashier. One cashier? At dinner time? People were peeling off, one-by-one, giving up all hope of getting any food in less than an hour.
When we'd finally made it, the sweet (not her fault) cashier seemed a little flustered, particularly with the drink order. So much so, that I was convinced they'd mess it up. Bingo! Our food was delivered promptly, fries were a small portion for price, salty and cold, haystack onions were salty and cold, and halfway through eating, our drinks hadn't arrived. The server finally came with the drinks, and when I'd mentioned a mix-up, he walked away with ALL of them. Huh? Deliver the right ones, and then rush the other one immediately. Customer Service 101. The manager walked around avoiding eye contact.
Too much: salt. waiting.
Not enough: hot food. good service.
I apologize for cheating on you Five Guys. Never again.
They finally opened!! Â Watch out five guys!
I would say the menu is in between Five Guys where you can make your own burr but also like Johnny Rockets with their offerings of signature burgers, sandwiches and salad... oh and also shakes.
You can pick either the 1/4 or 1/3 lb. Â Also different buns like egg buns, onion buns etc.
I got the NJ Smash Burger - comes with bacon, blue cheese, haystack onions, grilled onions, tomato, lettuce and mayo on onion buns... Â Perfect combo!!! Â Even with all these toppings the stack was manageable without making too much mess. Â
My hubby created his own burger and loved it too. Â Though he did say that he thought it was smaller than five guys double stack. Â If you like super thick meaty burger this may not be as satisfying. Â
Smash fries - thin cut and crispy. Â Great Rosemary and garlic flavor.
Fried pickled - the pickles were a little too think for my taste.
Strawberry shake - super thick. Â Ok but I've had better.
Service wise I think they are still figuring it out... Â My ketchup bottle was almost empty and when i switched to the table next to us i got the stare. Â I told them it was almost empty and they just ignored me. Â But it's a burger joint so I wasn't expecting much.
Overall I am glad they finally opened. Â
I will definitely come back and try other non burger items too.
I am not a burger person but I enjoy a good hot dog. Â I like to try a place a few times before making a review. Â I have been to the NP one two times and another location once and all three times had same experience. Â Service was fast, hot dog was not served that hot and cheese fries while good (they use real cheese) they need to melt cheese more and the fries were not that hot either. Â Sorry but $4 for a hot dog is a bit much especially since I just get mustard on it. Â I wont go back.
Review Source:Best. Fries. Ever.
Smashburger introduces another foray into the premium burgers in New Jersey along with Five Guys and Fuddruckers.
At Smashburger you can either eat in or take out though eating in is recommended to avoid sogginess that can plague take out. You place your order and are given a number to bring with you to your table (akin to Fuddruckers when you order a shake). A short while later (the most I have waited is 5 minutes and that was while they were incredibly busy), someone brings your food to your table.
Burger was very juicy (much more so than Five Guys) and was on a pretty good roll. I definitely did not sense any over saltiness like the others were mentioning. There are tons of choices on the menu. What is nice about their menu is that it is location-centric. What other chain can you get Taylor Ham on your burger? The menu is not confusing at all. It is laid out into the different choices (burgers, hot dogs, chicken, salads) and provides all their toppings.
Now to the fries- you have to try the Smashfries. They are fries with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil and are the crispiest fries I have ever had from any restaurant. The garlic, rosemary, and olive oil work very well together to make a great tasting fry. These fries are so tasty they do not require any salt or ketchup on them.
To David H, you cannot compare it to Five Guys and then complain that the meal cost a lot of money. Had he not purchased the shake (which FIve Guys doesn't even offer), it would have been just as much as a Five Guys meal.
Writing this on behalf of D.
Needed a quick bite to eat and thought this would be a good choice for 2 reasons, #1 his cousin recommended this to us and #2 it was on the way to where we had to go. Â Wish I would have read the reviews first but we were in a rush, the place looks nice, everything is brand new and modern look.
D ordered the All American Burger which comes with lettuce, tom, onion. You have an option to upgrade from 1/3 lb to 1/2 burger, I thought that was awfully considerate, but it comes with a price.... It cost around $9 for a burger, fries, and a soda, I think this is a bit high for a burger joint. Â The fries were a dull in taste and well what can you say about the soda, umm can't mess that one up, the burger was a bit salty (I had a bite) but D enjoyed it.
BTW he misses Cheeburger Cheeburger!!!!
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. I have been to a Smashburger exactly 2x. The first time was at a different location. Based on my food experience there, I didn't think I would ever return. Last night I was famished and wanted something quick. The staff is always friendly and quick. The food is not so great. This time I ordered the NJ Burger 1/2 pound. It was put on the same size bun as a 1/3 so literally half the meat was hanging off the sides. It was very, very greasy, burger was well done, toppings didn't mix well (crumbled blue cheese and bacon -- which was nearly burnt and still rubbery). The fries were average yet oily as well. The burger, after one bite, fell apart and most of the toppings fell out. I don't consider myself a burger expert however I do know how to handle one. This was un-handleable (not a real word but you get the gist). I still think Five Guys is better quality, less greasy and fries are much better. Prices are the same ($10-12 for a burger, fries, soda). 2x and probably my last.
Review Source:Terrible burger and unfortunately 2 hours later the taste is still in my mouth. Â The menu is confusing and nothing seems to come together. Â The choice of rolls is silly, their haystack onions taste like more bread on your burger. Â Their cooking technique is to "smash" the burger resulting in a really dry overcooked piece of meat. Â My burger was also so salty that I would have sent it back if I didn't get it to go. Burger and a shake was almost 12 bucks. I don't get it.
I'll stick to Five Guys.
In response to Tristan D. who said I can't compare it to Five Guys, I sure can and I will. Â I didn't compare the pricing, I don't mind paying for a really good burger but I do mind paying for a inedible, salty, dry burger like they serve at Smashburger. Â If you enjoy the place then by all means keep going there.
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