Ft. Worth, Texas 76107
817-810-9612
Hours: 10AM-10PM 7 days
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As we do with all "chains, we go to the place more than once before we write our thoughts. Mostly because we hate to see chains come into town and do well. We are for the local Fort Worth businesses. Perhaps it helps that these are franchises - but only if a local person owns it. But, if we are to be true prognosticators on the art of the burger, then we must do so with our integrity intact.
And thus our review of smashburger. The concept and story behind this place is basically the same as any burger joint - founded by some guys who had enough of the fast food burger nation and wanted to create an alternative. In fact, Tom Ryan, the founder, used to be the chief concept guy at Quiznos and McDonalds before stepping out to do smashburger.
There is an outdoor patio that was great on this sunny Saturday. The service was average at best and nothing to get excited about here. In fact, it was a little "get you through the line and on to the next customer" method cloaked as "efficiency" that ultimately makes the experience much the same as the fast food chains they are trying to separate themselves from.
The burgers are 100% fresh Angus beef that is "smashed" (their term) into 1/3 or 1/2lb patties. We like the single patty concept versus the stackables that places like Trailboss or Jakes use. It makes us feel like we are getting a fresh and not frozen burger made for us.
Your meal is served "open-faced" on a long rectangular tray with your fries in a wire basket - very trendy restaurant. The overall size of the burger did not disappoint. The temperature was great and the meat was cooked medium - as it should be. And the seasoning of the beef was right on. The "All American" comes with American cheese (of course) on an egg bun, but you do have options for a multi-grain or spicy chipotle bun. Condiments are ketchup, mustard, pickles, purple onions. You can order one of their specialty burgers or "make your own" and get apple wood bacon, beefy chili, sauteed mushrooms, guacamole, avocado or a fried egg. Cheese varieties are American, Aged Swiss, Sharp Cheddar, Pepperjack or Blue. There is also a special "smash sauce" which we think is a holdover of the Big Mac spread from Tom's old days at McDonalds - not a good.
The fries are shoestring style and coated with olive oil, garlic and rosemary. AGH labels these the best fries in Fort Worth. The flavor was terrific. (Although more fine dinign than burger joint.) there are plenty of other great sides if you so choose liek sweet potato fries, haystack onions, fries without the fanciness, fried pickles nd more.
This is a diet coke place that also has some great handmade shakes with Haagen Dazs ice cream and fresh brewed Tazo tea.
Overall, this place was a good and you should put it on your list of places to visit - especially if you are with some no burger people. They can enjoy smashchicken, salads or smashdogs.
Stats:
Locations: Lots in 20 States
Date Est: 2010
SCORE: (1-7)
Sides: 5 pickles
Menu: 6 pickles
Character: 3 pickles
Service: 3 pickles
Price: $8 cheeseburger (with fries)