Smashburger

Smashburger
By Bonnie Small

Founded in Colorado in 2007, Smashburger is a nationwide sensation, and thanks to owners Ernie and Stephen Sandoval, locations in South OC are sprouting up everywhere! The newest digs in San Clemente’s Gateway Village Plaza (adjacent to San Clemente High School) has been smashing for just over a month to rave reviews.

Smashburger’s goal is to bring back the classic American burger and they accomplish their mission by using a precise method of “smashing” a ball of 100% Angus beef on the flat top grill, resulting in a burger perfectly seasoned, expertly seared on the outside, and juicy inside.

The Smashburger core menu is available at each location, but specialties like the OC burger are unique to each region. Starting with either a beef patty or chicken breast, the OC brings some sophistication to quick food with the addition of baby portabella mushrooms, baby arugula, grilled onions, aged Swiss cheese and truffle mayo. One tip – a side of flash fried green beans and carrots (no batter!) is the perfect accompaniment.

No-fuss burger lovers will love the Classic Smash – American cheese and traditional burger condiments are perfected with the addition of Smash Sauce (think Thousand Island dressing made with mustard instead of ketchup.) If you like it hot, head for the Spicy Baja burgerwhich layers fresh jalapenos, guacamole, pepper jack cheese and chipotle mayo on – wait for it – a chipotle bun!

Anyone can order off the menu board, but you can impress your family and friends by ordering from Smashburger’s secret menu, which includes fried pickles and the jackpot-worthy Sin City Burger topped with a fried egg, bacon, grilled onions, haystack onions and Smash Sauce.

Nothing rounds out a classic burger better than a classic shake, which the Smashburger crew whips up with Häagen-Dazs ice cream. For a scrumptiously nostalgic blast, try the PB&J shake made with vanilla Häagen-Dazs, strawberry syrup and Nutter Butter cookies. (PB&J is featured for a limited time, but will soon make its way to the secret menu!)

Open daily 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

806 Avenida Pico, San Clemente • 949.218.4900 • SmashBurger.com