Thanks to my friend over at From From The Kitchen Of Mama Harris, I was invited to Smash Burger’s VIP Tasting Event near San Jose. I was so excited that I couldn’t sleep the night before. I felt like a kid on Christmas eve. Thinking about what how the food was going to taste. What the experience was going to be like. What do people wear to a food tasting event? I was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. However, I was happy because it was an experience that I was blessed with. I love food! I have stated before that being a food taster would be the ultimate dream job for me.
Smash Burger is located at Westgate Shopping Center in Campbell. The center is currently transitioning into a new look inside and out. The play area was redone, there is a new paint job on the building’s exterior, new decor all along the interior, and they even added a food court.
Smashburger Is the first restaurant that has opened up in the new food court. It’s across from Sushi Boat and adjacent to Starbucks. SmashBurger claims to be the fastest growing franchise in history. This particular store is number 411 on the list. There is also 68 other countries that have welcomed Smash Burger in their homes. The Founder, Tom Ryan, is known for creating the McGriddles, the Dollar Menu at McDonald’s, as well as the Stuffed Pizza and Lovers line at Pizza Hut.
When I walked in the ambiance was inviting. The colors of red, white, brown, and grey was pleasing to the eyes. The big windows aloud some sunlight into the eatery, light music playing the background. There was ample seating and space. The decor had a modern look to it. Personally, I liked it.
I was greeted by the friendly staff that was very attentive. I received great customer service with a smile from my three servers, Craig from the Sacramento store, Valerie from the Colemen store, and Jasmine from the Westgate store. They are polite, funny, but also serious about making the customers satisfied and happy with the service.
I was asked to find a seat where ever I was comfortable.
I love the red and white table setting. Bright and inviting.
Not too long after I sat down I was given two dishes that are on the side dish menu to try while I waited for others.
The Smash Fries were made with Rosemary, Salt, and Garlic. Thin fries that were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Just how I like them.
The other side dish I got to try was the Haystack Onions which I absolutely loved. I personally don’t like a lot of batter on my onion rings. These have just the right amount of batter and seasoning to give it a flavorful taste.
They offer three sauces to dip your sides in.
The Smash Sauce is their signature sauce. It’s made with Lemon, relish, mayo, and mustard.
The Spicy Chipotle Sauce came with The Haystacks.
The Truffle Mayo is on a couple of the burgers. It was my favorite of all of the sauces.
Another side that was offered that is not on the menu is the Fried Pickles. I have had some fried pickles from other restaurants and was not a fan. These were out of this world good. Just the right amount of batter. Not too salty or bitter.
We were given a menu to gives us some details on what we were going to be served.
Everything sounded delicious!!
The Classic Burger had an all american taste to it. The burger was juicy and tasted great with the Smash Sauce.
This BBQ burger was my favorite!! The Haystack onions, egg bun, and the bacon complemented the burger juicy taste. I was told that, depending on where a SmashBurger store is located, the BBQ sauce differs from state to state. Making each burger more personal for the customer.
This Truffle Mushroom Burger has great flavor. I love mushrooms on my burger, but I normally have it with Cheddar cheese. I’m not a big Swiss cheese fan, and I didn’t think this burger would be good. It was much better than I had expected. In the past I have had to add salt and pepper to my mushrooms, however, this burger did not need any added seasoning. I don’t know if it’s the Truffle Mayo and the egg bun that gave this burger life. Either way, I would difenitely recommend this burger if you are a Swiss cheese and mushroom kind of person.
Every SmashBurger has come up with a regional burger. Every area has their own burger named after their region.
The arugula was a nice add touch to our very own Bay Burger.
The veggie burger is the best I have ever tasted. I have tried bean and veggie burgers in the past and they have always been flavorless or dry. Not this burger. It’s taste fresh. It’s full of flavor, and it is juicy. It also has a heck of a kick to it with the Pepper Jack Cheese, fresh Jalapenos, and a Spicy Chipotle Bun. Even if you aren’t a vegetarian, you will taste this, and realize that veggie burgers aren’t so bad after all.
If you are not a burger fan then check out their Classic Chicken and Avocado Chicken Club Sandwiches. Both with grilled chicken and other fresh ingredients.
They also had salads for those not interested in a sandwich.
This salad is no small dish. All the ingredients are cut up fresh every more. What makes this salad different from other Cobb Salad is that they decided to change from the boiled egg to a fried egg. Never thought about having friend eggs in my salad. It was so good that I now want to try it at home on my own salads.
Last but not least, they let us try their yummy milkshake and malts.
My favorite flavor has always been the Oreo milkshake, but I’ve always felt like I wasn’t given enough oreo in my shake. Not at SmashBurgers! Their Oreo milkshake was full of Oreos, and it was thick. I also tried the PB and J. I was skeptical because I am not a fan of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, however, this shake was surprisingly good. A nice twist to an old favorite.
When we were done tasting the food we got an opportunity to go into the kitchen, and see how the smash burger is made.
What makes SmashBurgers different from the rest?
Their burgers start out as fresh, never frozen balls of 100% certified Angus beef.
Cooked to order, the beef is smashed on a hot buttered grill with the Smasher.
To read more about the smashing of the burger check out this article about the making of a SmashBurger.
Overall, SmashBurger is a nice, “fast food” casual dining restaurant. It has a nice atmosphere and is located in a popular area. The have great customer service which I feel is important for a customer during a dining experience. Their food is prepared fresh every morning, and your meal is cooked to order, ready in 3-5 minutes. The homemade taste leaves your mouth watering for more. I’m not even going to lie, I have already gone back since they opened, and I have ordered the sweet potato fries and a butterfinger milkshake. I believe that every time I eat there I will be leaving with a joyful tongue, and a happy stomach. I’m sure you will too 😉
SmashBurger at Westgate
SmashBurger on Colemen
SmashBurger is here to stay!!
Great review! I am really interested in trying the shakes. I can’t wait to try it all!
Thank you Nessa! The shakes are to die for 😉