Smashburger
Burger Flavor: 5
Creativity (selection): 3.5
French Fries: 3.5
Juiciness: 4
Bun: 4.5
Atmosphere: 3
Service:
3.5
(not the Montclair location)
I told you I would get to it soon enough! Yesss, so a few weeks ago I did indeed get Smashed at the new
SMASHBURGER in Montclair. I was up that way on some errands, but I have to say, I'd make the drive for no reason, as well. In a word, it was
GREAT. In three words, it was one to beat. Smashburger is one of the best NJ spots I've encountered, including atmosphere, service, variety, and above all,
quality at such competitive prices. Before I start rambling in a fit of passion, let me start with the burger.
Toasted buns aren't always the way to go. Let's discuss when the time is right, and another day we'll discuss when it's not....
To Toast:
-when the burger patty seems to have excessive juices (the seared bread creates a toughened barrier, allowing the top, tender part of the bun to remain dry and in tact)
-anytime an English Muffin bun is to be used
-when outdoor grilling is in effect (I would personally grill every component of the burger if I could if it wasn't for the lettuce catching fire)
-when cheese is preferred not on the burger patty (some think it takes away from the beef), but on the top bun instead
-when you like a little bark with your bite
So, a hefty bun that's toasted-CHECK!
I got the prestigious "New Jersey Smashburger" which boasts: Applewood smoked bacon, blue cheese crumbles, grilled onions, haystack onions, lettuce, tomato, and mayo all nestled in an onion bun.
I know what you're thinking. Too much onion. But noooooo, this is where you're dead wrong. Whether it's the Jersey burger, or the Classic Smashburger that Nick got, it was decided that the same blending of flavors has never been duplicated. Let me elaborate.
Despite the succulent grilled onions and the crispy haystack, as well as the hearty onion bun, my breath was not a-kickin afterwards, nor did I just taste onions. You might say, "No, but you probably tasted blue cheese 'cause that stuff is pOOOtent!." True, but no, that did not stand out either. Here's the deal with Smashburger. I've never before tasted a burger that had such a perfect co-mingling of ingredients. It was a sandwich first, then a hamburger.
Most of us would agree that there are stand-out ingredients in a burger, all with distinct tastes. This burger sandwich, however, had the perfect balance. A balance achieved only by a person (company) that's got burger making down to a science. Experts, they are. Upon finishing the hamburger, I was sort of awestruck. I said to Nick, "What was that? Did I just finish that? What was on it?" It was more of a yummy, special, decadent experience that just a lunch. Everything just fit so perfectly together that I hardly realized what was going on inside the buns.
I did pay attention long enough to realize that as I stared at the open-face burger placed in front of me by the exceptionally pleasant server that the veggies were vibrant and fresh: a dark green leaf of Romaine and two generously cut RED (Jersey) tomatoes. Great start. In one of my previous posts, I described why the place is called SMASHBURGER. It's all in how the patty is prepared. To be honest, though, I didn't notice a big difference when eating the burger. It seemed like a regular burger patty to me, but who knows, maybe the supposed nooks and crannies achieved through the smashing allow the other flavors of the toppings to seep in and that's how they get that unified taste. It's a definite possibility.
I always snag a piece of bacon off my burger before I dig in because bacon is so important to me that I like to try it off and on the burger. It was thick and delish. More meaty than crispy. I prefer less crisp from my bacon on my burger, than say, next to my eggs. I don't like that feeling of biting in and the bacon cracks everywhere and begins to snow down onto my plate. That's a waste.
Did I mention I got a frosted mug from the server alongside a bottle of Stewart's Root Beer. They also brought my my chocolate shake with my soda, which I would have preferred at the end, so I'll have to remember that for next time. The rosemary fries (Smashfries) were like something you'd see at a swanky NY steakhouse. The thin-cut fries are doused in olive oil with garlic and rosemary. If you get these, the small portion is a-OK. I couldn't eat a plateful like I can of regular fries. Who needs a plateful at Smashburger, though. The burger is what does the talking, and the talking says..Let's SMASHHH!
Review at a glance: Smashing good time. One of the best. Blended burger. Onion love. Key words all over restaurant: Smash. Sizzle. Savor. Perfect verbs. Toasted bun. Strip mall. Given number, food brought over to table. Haagen Dazs ice cream and shakes.
And the overall rating is.............
3.9 Patty Prize!
Great place to get a GREAT sandwich, and luck for you,
new locations are popping up ALL over northern NJ!
Make it a meal & add a thick shake. You won't regret it. Smashburger is definitely at the top of my list.
