Been to this location twice now, and came out a very satisfied customer with happy belly both times! Both times I ordered the San Diego, 2nd time added the haystack onions. Also had a side of smash fries. Their sweet potato fries are also amazing. We were a large group, and everyone was happy with their order. The only reason it's not a 5 star is because they messed up my friend's order twice. But it was during rush lunch hour so no biggie. That said, this is definitely one of my top burger places other than In N Out. I have made it a goal to try their sin city burger next time after hearing so many good things about it.
(4)
melissa m.
I write alot of noodle house and brunch reviews but this deserve mad props. Im STILL thinking about this place and its been a week already! I may just make another trip to SD to visit friends and to go to Smash Burgers! Granted I was starving but my burger was absolutely delicious! Ordered the San Diego Burger which had the fresh avocado, fresh cilantro and onions topping plus some spicy sauce all on a torta bun. It was like having a burrito burger style! My friends had other burgers there that looked super good as well. I'll probably try to go for a San Diego Chicken Burger next time if possible. The burger patties were perfect size for the bun the chicken breast meat was flatten to it was larger than the bun but looked really good! Portions are appropriately satisfying and not overkill. Also its perfect to leave space for the side of sweet potato fries or the regular smash fries!
(5)
Randall R.
Every time we go to la jolla we swing by. I always get my Baja smash chicken with veggie frites. The best part is the conversation between my wife and I every time, I say it's smash burger, she says it's sma-sh, pronounced Sm-aw-sh... Kinda like a yuppie saying "dawling you look smawshing"....I know right. The proximity to the ocean, the booth by the soda machines, and the laughs had will always make me crave this place. The jalapeño slices in the sandwich are amazing. It's as if an angel with heartburn came down from heaven and touched my chicken smash.
(5)
Ryan C.
I came here with my girlfriend the other day hoping to try something outside my comfort zone. I don't like change, so most of the time, we always go to the same restaurants so I can order the same dish over and over again. I'm sure glad we came here! It's located in downtown La Jolla, next to a lot of nice pubs and dessert places. Parking was a bit difficult to find, but it's expected. Now, onto the food. My girlfriend tried the San Diego Burger, and she loved it! The cilantro was a nice touch, and the avocado was oh so fresh (I took a bite). I had the Avocado Club, with crispy chicken. It was amazing. The applewood bacon was just right: not too crispy, but not too soft. And of course, the avocado was fresh and tasty. Now, I read on Yelp that the sweet potato fries were a must-have, so of course we ordered a serving along with a regular order of french fries. It's pretty good, but the texture was a little too soft for our liking. The regular french fries were good though! I have a big appetite, so I have to admit that the burgers were a bit too small for me. Next time, I'll likely order two burgers just so I feel more satisfied! I would definitely recommend foodies to come to Smashburger; I'm sure you'll have a great time here!
(5)
Joseph C.
Sweet Potato Fries are the way to go. The food is good, one of the better burgers I had. Of course they are better than fast-food chains (even In-N-Out). The food tends to get a bit messy but you know it usually means they are packed with condiments. The regular Smash Fries was pretty good too. There is a slight kick of garlic taste in there (very little) so if you like that slight garlic taste (not salty), go for it. But I think it is a little boring (like standard fries) so Sweet Potato Fries are better.
(4)
Jay L.
was looking for a job, and smashburger was hiring. Manager asked me if i knew anything about smashburger, i said no except it probably has to do something with burgers?. so he tells me to try out smashburgers around san diego and return back to him once i find out what it is. Right after that interview, i checked the yelp review and their store location and BAM! i was there! WOW! trust me when QUALITY is what they aim for! BBQ bacon & cheese oh S0o0 damn goo0d! patty was juicy & hot fresh! it burnt the side of my mouth!. Yelp reviews talk about their smash fries & sweet potatoes, tired it and WHOA! suupeerr yummy good! though, i didn't get the job, i must say that smashburgers have the best quality of burgers out there! it knocked my first place in-n-out burgers to second place! the only reason why i didn't give 5 stars is cuz i think it's a little pricey,...& i didn't get the job.
(4)
Felix S.
So have good things to say and some not so good things about this place. I work around the area so a week ago i ordered food and the guy on the phone (phillip i want to say his name is not sure) was very nice and helpful. I asked him what he would recommend for me as i have never tried their food before. He suggested and i ordered it and thank god i did cause it was soo good. Went in and picked it up I called today cause i remembered how good the food was and the girl on the phone was a bit rude. Ordered the usual. I told her i wanted the 1/2 burger and it was quiet and she said then said" do you want the 1/3 or the 1/2 pound so i repeated it. it felt like maybe her phone was dropping calls cause she would ask what i wanted after i would tell her. Maybe she wasn't paying attention. As i was placing my order a client walked into my work so i asked her if it was ok to put her on hold. I checked in the client and got right back on the phone as i did i heard her say to her co-worker "don't you just love when they put you on hold" like it was bothersome to her. When my friend brought me my food they forgot to give her the Large coke i ordered so i just made a tea at work. Didn't want to call back and get her again. I work in customer service and receive many calls from our clients and i understand people have to put me on hold when they are at work or have their kids running around. I would never make a comment if i was put on hold about a client. Very unprofessional. Food is good though
(3)
Marie F.
I get takeout here all the time. Well, if you consider "all the time" the once a month I eat meat. Anyway, I always get the classic with cheese and a side of their smashfries (rosemary ftw!). Honestly, I was skeptical before I actually ever had one of their burgers. Don't they always say *not* to smash your burger, lest you release all the juices? But anyway, they somehow make it work. Very consistent, high quality. I'll keep returning whenever I'm in the mood for a burger.
(4)
Rob C.
not super impressed. while cooking a burger on a flat grill keeps the juices in, had the san diego and the tried the classic with sweet potato fries smashed style and didn't stand out. because it's smashed, kinda flattened and soft and falls apart. juicy, large but plenty of other burger chains like that, ie. super duper. probably regular fries with the rosemary garlic would be better too.
(3)
Chante G.
I went to Smash Burger today with two friends. It was the perfect place for a Sunday afternoon lunch. I got the Spicy Baja and Smash fries (with rosemary and garlic). Super delicious! The jalapenos they use were fresh and didn't look like they came out of a jar. They were really good. I bit into one of the jalapenos and boy was it spicy. The fries were amazing. I didn't need ketchup for the fries or burger. I don't live near La Jolla, but I would definitely make the trip out for another great burger. Way better than In-N-Out, in my opinion at least. I'm not the biggest fan of In-N-Out. I was born and raised in in Southern California, and I realize that In-N-Out is THE Southern California burger joint, but I don't get that excited over it. Our cashier was really nice and upbeat too as was the rest of the staff. There's a lot of seating and it's really clean. Overall great place.
(5)
Bobby D.
We've got movement on the best burger in San Diego list. If Yelp gave out half stars, this review would be 4.5 stars. As of now here is my best burger in San Diego list: Hodad's, Smashburger (2nd by a slim margin), In N Out, Corvette's, Five Guys, Island's, Fuddruckers, McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Carl's Jr., and Jack in the Box. Due to the summer and the lunchtime crowd, we had difficulty finding parking and seating for a group of 8, but we didn't have to wait too long to taste the goodness. The menu is pretty simple. There were three to four specialty burgers and different variations of fries. I ordered the Big Smash Baja burger, Smash fries, and a root beer float. The baja burger is supposed to be spicy, but not really. It has cheese, guacamole, and jalapenos. Everything on the burger along with the bread had that fresh look. After my first bite, the meat gave me the impression that it was a healthy tasting burger. It was really fresh, hearty, really good tasting meat. I read that the meat is from grass fed animals. I really enjoyed the entire burger. The fries are seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil. It tasted like pesto and I ate every morsel, not leaving any for leftovers. Wished the fries were thicker. My root beer float was delicious especially with the generous amount of Haagen Das ice cream. According to my wife, Smash is her #1 burger place. It's definitely my top two, right behind Hodad's, but not by much.
(4)
Linda Y.
After a couple hours of snorkeling, Smashburger was the perrrrrfect cure to my hunger. I'm so glad we tried this place! I ordered the 1/3 lb San Diego burger which had chipotle sauce, cilantro, jack cheese, avocado, sour cream, mixed greens, and a delicious angus beef patty. Everything worked really well together. I love the patty because it's thin but juicy and not oily. The crispy edges were my favorite part. I almost wanted to eat the middle then eat the edge but that would have been really messy and just... well, stupid. I got fried pickles as my side which were ridiculous. By ridiculous I mean super briney and super salty. They were good but after like 5 pickles, they were too much. The Smashfries are bomb. Rosemary, garlic, salt, pepper... eeggggcellent.
(5)
Eva A.
Smashburger is pretty damn delicious. Burgers run about $4.99 - $6.99 depending on what size you pick, fries about $1.99 - $2.99, and drinks $1.79 - $3.99 from soft drinks to shakes and floats. I went with the boyfriend and a friend and we all agreed that this is a great burger place. My meal consisted of the San Diego Smashburger, Sweet Potato Smashfries, and a Bottled Root Beer Float (which all seem extremely unhealthy but they do have a healthy alternative patty available). The San Diego burger was pretty good, I'm not big on ground beef so it didn't totally wow me. The Sweet Potato fries however were amazing! First time trying those type of fries and I was having a tough time keeping myself from devouring them all at once. The Root Beer Float was pretty sweet as well, just your classic version of it. Next time I'm in La Jolla I wouldn't mind stopping in again to try more of their menu. Until next time I hope everyone else is able to enjoy Smashburger!
(4)
Susan C.
When I first heard about Smashburger, I had no intention of paying a visit. The concept of "gourmet burger lounge" seemed nothing more than a clever marketing scheme to trick the mass into paying extra to eat average burgers on oddly-shaped, ridiculously-priced plates, while saving money by dimming the lights and attributing it to creating a more upscale ambiance. Somehow, though, on a fine Sunday afternoon, I found myself at the restaurant, in line to order. Even though I usually like my food to taste good, I so badly wanted this place to be bad, just so I could get the satisfaction of making witty remarks against what I thought to be an inflated establishment. But, I ended up being the fool. After my friends and I ordered and paid at the cashier, received our numbers, grabbed a booth, and waited 10 to 15 minutes to fly on by, the BBQ Bacon & Cheese, Mushroom Swiss, All American, and Sunset Smash were placed before us. And after 20 minutes or so, all of it was gone. Into our tums. Conclusion: Smashburger is more than your average burger-joint. But just for my own pride's sake, can I note that I was right about sitting in the dark... and eating off of weird-and-swirly dining platters?
(4)
Susan L.
I decided to see what all the hype was about this place. I guess you really can't expect much from a burger place, but I thought this place was just okay. The burgers are "smashed" and are juicy. I made my own burger which came with a multigrain bun, pepperjack cheese, jalepenos, lettuce, and all that junk. I asked for onions but I guess they didn't hear me. The guy at the cashier wasn't exactly customer friendly. The smashfries aren't that superb. It's EXTREMELY greasy, but the seasoning is tasty. Seating? Lots of booths, bars, and a few outside seatings. Overall, my experience here was okay. But I don't think I'll be coming back here for just an okay burger. Truthfully, I'd rather go to Burger Lounge.
(3)
Vicky N.
I love cilantro. If you don't, that's probably a deal breaker for me. And you probably won't like the San Diego Smashburger. It's pretty damn good w some cilantro. I also thoroughly enjoyed the Spicy Baja burger. Burgers are around $6-$7, but it's well worth its price, and you can't beat it's location... walking distance from the beach! Also, I thought a bucket of Blue Moon (4 bottles) for $10 was a sweet deal. I usually avoid restaurant chains, but I wouldn't mind going to Smashburger. Also, it appears that each city has a special burger dedicated to it.
(4)
George D.
Deeeeefreaaaaaaakingliscious!!!!!!! The burgers are excellent, pretty big and really tasty. The stuff can get pricey in a hurry, but the burgers will definitely fill you up and there is no lack of flavor. I'll definitely be going down there more often to fill my belly.
(5)
Tim L.
This was by far the best burger I have ever had. I decided to take a day off of my diet, and enjoy a good old traditional burger and fries meal. My friend told me this was the best burger place in SD, and he sure was right. This was better than the burger that Marshall was in love with on How I met Your Mother. I order the spicy baja burger, sweet potato smash fries, and a root beer float. Everything was amazing. The burger was filled with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, jalepenos, guacemole, and a unique spicy sauce. The beef patty itself was cooked just right and o so juicy. The fries were seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and herbs. They were hot and crisp and had a ton of flavor. This was honestly the best burger I've ever had. I wish I could take back all the burgers I've eaten in the past. I can't wait for the next time I come back to this amazing place. Overall,
(5)
Christina K.
I like the style of the menu but the quality of the food is alright. The amount of sweet potato fries was disappointing. Smaller amount of fries than I could get at Burger Lounge. I like the variety of the menu but I don't think the taste is worth the hype. I don't think it is a memorable place.
(3)
Dao N.
Great garlic fries and great burgers! I had the avocado burger with cilantro and it was so good! My kids didn't want any burgers so they had a kids menu that included hot dogs and Chicken fingers! Two of their favorites! Their shakes were the best!!! I would come here again!!
(5)
Dominic A.
This place is pretty dope! You have an option between a 1/3 lb burger for 5.99 or a 1/2 lb burger for 6.99, and they are all really good. I had the spicy baja and that was super hyphy! It was on a chipotle bun with spicy chipotle sauce and guacamole. I was literally in food coma heaven. My only complaint is that they don't give you enough fries (which you have to buy separate for 1.99), but if you're gonna buy fries then go with their SWEET POTATO FRIES, they are finger lickin' good! like seriously you could have the dirtiest hands, but at the end of your meal you might still want to lick your fingers. This place doesn't look like it either, but it is really big! and really nice.
(5)
Chung S.
I was debating of whether to give it a 4 or a 5, Yelp really need to start allowing for .5 stars. I was here with my GF yesterday after reading many positive reviews and I must say it was good. We are burger connoisseurs of sorts and really enjoyed the food here. San Diego burger: Tasty, fresh, juicy just list a burger should be. Onion Haystack: Light, flaky, crispy mmmm so good. Did get a little soggy at the bottom though. Oreo Shake: Pretty good but not the best shake I've ever had.
(4)
Mateo M.
I was invited here by Yelp and enjoyed the rush hour traffic, lack of parking and general hobnobbery during my visit. As far as location - it's the best. Close to all the surrounding shops, close to the water, close to my favorite town, but once inside the narrow yet deeeeeeep Smashburger, you feel like you could be anywhere. Fortunately, their warm smiles and well-laid-out design allows you to effortlessly flow from the front door up to the counter and back out to the patio where I thoroughly enjoyed a 1/3rd pound BBQ burger and fries (the string kind with garlic and herbs). My friend had the chicken sandwich which appeared quite "healthy" she said. It came on a whole wheat bun (I think - It was brown so I assumed...) I nibbled through the fries, but they were quite oily. The burger, on the other hand was awesome. It had shoestring onion rings which kind-of surprised me, but together with the bacon and BBQ sauce I was in heaven. The burger was Med-Rare which I prefer (can't remember if they asked me but it's likely they did). All I remember was that I was done before she was half-way through with her chicken sandwich. The staff was friendly, but that may have been because of the "deal" that day. The patio seating was narrow, but spacious enough for lunch and bordered the LJ boardwalk so it was good for people watching. I'd certainly return - especially if I were in the area. I have no doubt that they use quality ingredients and I enjoyed the burger very much. I'd probably go for the sweet potato fires next time however.
(4)
Paula S.
Went for a walk along the beach at the La Jolla cove area recently and stopped in to Smashburger. I have heard they have the best cheeseburgers in town so I decided to give it a try and see for myself. Doesn't look like much from the street but what would I expect, an elaborate, tacky neon sign? I admit I am a little bit of a junk food fan and have had some great cheeseburgers all over town but I have to say, this WAS the best I have had in a really long time. In fact, I have had others over the years that were maybe as good, but not sure I have had one that I would say is better....certainly not in San Diego. Also, I ordered the smallest one and it was pretty big...didn't expect that and didn't come close to finishing it. I tried the house special fries too, which were made with Rosemary...good but not great. I expected them to be much better than they were. Definitely tasted the Rosemary but still lacked flavor somehow. I think they just needed more salt...some course Himilayan Sea Salt would do the trick nicely. Easy fix. Inside, the place is much bigger than it looks from the outside so there is ample seating, but very limited seating outside...couple tables, literally...which is kind of sucky...it IS on Prospect in La Jolla! I also didn't like that the inside seating area seemed a bit too dark....needs better lighting in my opinion...but I took mine to go! Why eat in this semi-dark place when you have the beautiful ocean/La Jolla cove a block away? I am giving this place 4 stars because even though the cheeseburgers were amazing and deserve 5 stars, the fries...though good...needed a little work and the place itself was too dark. Will definitely be back though!
(4)
MsMargo M.
Not really a smash, but good on first try. Hubby and I decided to try Smashburger rather than our usual Burger Lounge. I like the basic menu - burgers, dogs, sides, and (huh?) salads. Who goes to a burger place for salads? I got a Classic Smashburger with a side of the Smash Fries (olive oil, rosemary, and garlic). Hubby had the BBQ, Bacon, and Cheese Burger with a side of Haystack Onions. I got a chocolate shake and hubby had the root beer float. They have a lime shake, which just sounds weird to me. The counter guy had a typical minimum wage attitude. Not rude, but not friendly. You order and pay and then they bring the food to your table. The restaurant itself was dark and REALLY cold. Cold enough inside that even though it was a cold day we sat outside. While we were there one guy from inside came out with his daughter just to warm up. Our food came fairly quickly and the waitress was really pleasant. The burgers were good and juicy with lightly crisped edges. The rolls were very fresh and did a good job of sopping up the meat juice. The Smash Fries are very thin cut shoestrings, and with the olive oil they were a little greasy at the bottom of the paper cone. Hubby really liked his burger and the bite I had had excellent bacon. The Haystack Onions are onion strings and we both thought they were better than the fries. We were about half-way done eating and our drinks hadn't come yet, so I went in to check on them. The waitress said she was making them now. We finished our food and then Hubby went to check on the drinks. There had been an ice cream mixer explosion and it was being cleaned up. Our drinks finally arrived well after we were done. Our waitress was definitely telling the truth because she had vanilla milk shake all down her back. That explains the milkshake, but not the lateness of the root beer float. Still she was really apologetic, which did help. The drinks were good. The milkshake was thinner than I expected - but that might have been related to the mixer explosion. Hubby thought his root beer float was terrific. The total for our meal was $26. Overall, the food good, not great. The room was freezing and dark. The service was definitely off. We would go again, but I think I'd rather go up the street to Burger Lounge.
(3)
Chrissy G.
I was a little weirded out by the fact that every time I pass or see a Smash Burger it is always practically empty. I thought that was saying something about the quality of the food and that it wasn't too good. Decided to try it. Burger was really good! I liked how you could customize your own burger and it was not greasy at all. The garlic fries however were greasy, but good.
(3)
Krista H.
LOVE these burgers! They're flavorful patties on really good buns. The crisp on the edges of the meat adds a wonderful home fried touch. Can't say what my favorite side is.... They're all amazing!
(5)
Dawn P.
- This place reminds me of The Counter Burger in Torrance, CA. - You get to pick what kinda sandwich you want. I picked Smash Chicken sandwich. It was $5.99. Very reasonable prices. - No combo meal. - Parking - hmm we found street parking some ways off -
(5)
Adrienne C.
Yum! After reading reviews on yelp, we decided to give Smashburger a try. The first time we went, parking was a disaster so we decided to come back another day. This place is definitely worth the wait! The interior has a modern feel to it and is more spacious than it appears from the outside. We came at around 1 or 2pm on a Saturday, and the line wasn't too bad. Maybe four or so people ahead of us, but the line moved fairly quick. We decided on the San Diego Smashburger with smashfries, the BBQ and Bacon burger, a Chicago Dog with a side of chili, and a chocolate milkshake... to go. We were told the wait would be around 7-8 minutes, which wasn't so bad. They gave us the chocolate milkshake first.... omg, delicioussss! I wish we had ordered for here so that we got the full glass plus the metal container with the rest of the milkshake. The burgers were very tasty - not dry at all, and very filling. Of the two burgers, I would probably order the BBQ burger rather than the SD. The smashfries were also very tasty with a nice hint of rosemary. Boyfriend hasn't tried the Chicago Dog yet, but I'm sure it'll be yummy too! Don't write Smashburger off as just another burger joint and give this place a try!
(5)
Ellen P.
I've been here a couple times. The burgers are pretty good but a bit expensive compared to places like IN-n-out but cheaper than red robin. I think it's worth the money. Sometimes, the flavor is too strong so a few bites in, I need to take a break with some water. The fries are amazing. The salads are definitely not worth the money. It doesn't taste that good nor do they give you a good amount. If you feel like a sit in burger joint by the beach on a saturday, this is the place to be.
(3)
Nadia Fern C.
Oh. Em. Gee. Why is it that I am slacking so bad on writing my reviews lately? Someone come motivate me... Something I need NO motivation for is looking around and completely inhaling a good cheeseburger. Never had Smashburger before but had been hearing about it NONSTOP so when the bf and I needed somewhere new to go for dinner a week or so ago, we ended up here. First of all, I love the location. While parking is a pain, anytime I get to hang out in La Jolla I am automatically in a great mood. Snobass. Second, I like the ordering concept. I dont like having to deal with waitresses because they are often stupid, ugly, really stupid, annoying and screw my order up so I was pleased to get to be my OWN waitress. Beyond that, I liked the seats and the setup and the atmosphere. It was super chill and very simple. The food was EFFING bomb. I am a cheeseburger connoisseur and really know my cow patties. This one was hot, not too greasy, juicy and cooked to perfection. The bun was delicious. They use Claussen pickles which I LOVE and overall, the burger was one of the best Ive ever had. Garlic fries were awesome as well. I liked the little contraption they came out in. I cant wait to try the sweet potato ones next time. Price was pretty cheap. Food was delicious and the service was great. Cannot wait for my next fat girl night here. (:
(5)
D D.
Sloooooooow. Two burgers and fries: 30 minutes. No one in line ahead of us.
(1)
Victoria L.
I first heard about Smashburger because I saw a bunch of people check in to the place on Foursquare. The name intrigued me so I decided I just HAD to try it. My bf and I went here on a Friday around 1PM. The line was only a few people long but that didn't matter because I had no idea what to get. You can create your own burger or go with one of their concoctions. I went with the Spicy Baja while my bf got the San Diego (which was what I originally wanted. I would love to have been able to order something that was a combination of the two. Anyway, the San Diego is unique because aside from the usual toppings, this burger has avocado, cilantro, and sour cream. I love sour cream! My boyfriend thought the burger was OK but had too much going on. I took a bite and thought he was crazy. I think the cilantro may have been a bit overwhelming for him, so make sure you like all of those if you're going to order this. My Spicy Baja was delicious. It had fresh jalapenos (not the pickled type from jars) and guacamole. SO GOOD!!! I'm lactose intolerant so I asked for no cheese but it came out with it on there anyway :( I just brushed it off and was good to go. The tips on Foursquare said to try the sweet potato fries as well as the smash fries - both of which are tossed in rosemary, olive oil, and garlic. Neither of us were impressed :-/ So all in all, the burgers were good, fries OK. I'd go back again but only if there weren't better options and it was super convenient to get to... like say right in front of us.
(3)
Beeza B.
I got to the register at 9:58pm on a Saturday night and was in the middle of making an order when a blonde douchebag guy walked in from out back and apologetically announced "the Kitchen is closed we cant make your burger".
(2)
Jason N.
The burgers are better than what I expected. I like the smash fries. I'm not a fan of sweet potato fries, but I liked these better than most. The wife loves sweet potatoes and enjoyed the fries very much. The chili was very good alone, on fries and dogs, but not for burgers. The chili kinda drowns out any burger. My bad. -1 star: Last time I checked the 92037 zip code is within the City of San Diego and not the city of 'La Jolla' as according to the Smashburger website. (see sandiego.gov/neighborhoo… ) -.5 star for difficult parking, but I will round up back to 4. It's a minor inconvenience that is balanced out by the fact that they serve local brews and good food at a very reasonable price. .
(4)
Lisa P.
This is a great spot if you're wanting to grab a quick quality burger. I had been wanting to try out Smashburger for the longest time and never had the chance to until a few days ago when my boyfriend and I were wandering around Prospect St. and wanted a quick bite to eat before doing Torrey Pines. We stopped in and the place wasn't too packed, ordered, and in less than 10 minutes, our order was brought to us outside. We split the Spicy Baja Burger (1/2 lb) with an addition of bacon and a side of sweet potato fries. I was really impressed with how the burger tasted, had a couple bites, and moved my way over to the sweet potato fries - definitely the highlight of the meal for me. The great thing about this place is you're able to customize EVERYTHING...and for the people that don't know where to start on the endless possibilities of customizing your meal, there are already pre-selected options put together for you by the pros. Fast, fresh and filling. I'll be back again.
(4)
Paul Y.
I'll put it Guy Fieri's way, "Its like I just drove a bus into flavor town!!" I'm not gonna try to over-hype this place, but this place is the best as far as taste and quality goes. I have tried the "create your own chicken burger" and also the "create your own smashburger". I gotta admit the chicken was pretty thin but thats cuz they smash it! Despite the thinness of the chicken patty, it did not, however, give a lesser degree of flavor. The create your own deal allows you to pick and choose what type of bun, dressings, toppings and add-ons. Types of bun include: Spicy chipotle bun, egg bun, and others. The dressings are sauces: ketchup, mustard, smash sauce, spicy chipotle and couple others. The toppings include: lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, grilled onions. Add-ons: guacamole, fried egg, and others. I gotta recommend adding the fried egg inside which ever burger you decide to go with. The fried egg does not overpower the burger, but simply adds its own twist to it. I got my "create your own smashburger" on a spicy chipotle bun, 1/3 pound patty (can choose 1/2lb), ketchup, mustard, spicy chipotle sauce, fried egg and all of the toppings. I have tried the smash fries, smash sweet potato fries, fried pickles and haystack onion rings so far. I gotta recommend trying all of these at least once but the fried pickles might be a little too salty for most people. The atmosphere is a little on the dark side, perfect for me because I'm dark as hell so I blend in and also because it complements my skin tone~ The booths are semi-comfortable. The only thing I can say that I didn't like about this place is that the bathroom faucets were one of those push down to get water things which I absolutely hate. I'm not complaining or marking them down on it but its just something to point out cuz I cant find anything else to say bad about this joint. Over-all my experience was excellent both times I've visited and might be a little too expensive for the average burger joint go-er but gotta remind you that you are in downtown La Jolla, where you probably wont be able to find a decent meal for under 10 dollars. Smashburger is one to go down in my "places to choose" spots whenever someone says, "hmm, where should we eat?"
(5)
Dennis P.
After finishing the La Jolla Half Marathon, my wife and I were looking for something to eat when we walked by Smashburger. We took a look at the menu and we decided to eat here. Boy was it a smart choice. I ordered the Spicy Baja burger and I was very surprised since the burger looked plain; it was full of flavor!!! The meat was very, very tasty especially with the sauce and the condiments that was in the burger. You can even order side items to go in the burger such as a fried egg. The SmashFries was very good and was complemented with good service. I will definitely eat here again and will spread the word of the very good burger Smashburger had to offer.
(5)
Mellow F.
If you don't like this place, i swear i swear i'm gonna punch you in the face, i swear..i swear..i'm so serious i haven't had the full experience of hodads, I did have a sample of a day-old hodad burger that was reheated in the microwave and felt the flavor was homestyle burgerish, but really are homestyle burgers that good? yeah, maybe cause 99% of the time they're free at your family/friends bbq...also some stoners make those things way to meaty, or put some cheese inside the meat that just loses flavor cause it gets burnt... and that burger lounge crap ...it's like eating a burger covered in wheat grass (i kinda like their red velvet cupcake though)... don't get me wrong, i'm all for the whole organic purist thing...but grass feed beef tastes like grass...i've had crazy burger too...and yah, that's why i write the way i write... anyways...3 words ...Sweet Potato Fries... the first time i ate a sweet potato fry, i immediately started making bruce lee noises (wwoooooo wwwwaaaataaah) then I jumped into a flying kick all the way across the room into the kitchen and landed my heel directly on the face of the person responsible for making these fries (at the time I think they're cooked in olive oil w/ basil added, but i could be wrong) , as he was falling to the ground i then landed on top of him in full guard and started socking him in the face repeatedly.... after 30 jabs and crosses...i stopped and looked at him...he was trying to say something behind his pummeled face...."yoouu...smashed..my....faaaaace"...... .. .. .. one more thing....hAAGAN DAAZ milk shakes!!
(5)
Mi W.
Overall I was disappointed with my meal. The service was very very slow and they kept screwing up the order for the large group near me. I had the 1/3 lb All-American burger, it was pretty good, juicy and the bun was fresh. I also ordered the fries, really disappointed, they were "stale" not crispy, rather soggy and not warm, skimpy amount for the price. Even worse than the fries was the chili cheese dog! :-( AWFUL AWFUL, the bun was horrible, the dog was dried out, the cheese was not melted. Overall the dog was tasteless. I would DEFINITELY steer far away from the chili dog. Good thing they don't have hot dog in the restaurant name!!
(1)
Jenn T.
I spent more time waiting for my food than eating it. As in, it was pretty good for me to scarf it down cuz I kept on wanting to eat it. I remember my burger being really juicy and saucy. Just the way I like it. This place reminds me a lot like Burger Lounge but with a more fun atmosphere. Smashburger has the same font as Supersmash Bros. Cute right?
(4)
Bob K.
Was taking an evening stroll with the wife when the need for feed arose. Walking in the first thing I noticed is that most of the seating is booths with high backs providing more than usual privacy. We grabbed one of the menu sheets at the front counter and made our orders. I went with a Mushroom Swiss burger, French fries, and a soda. The wife had only a Classic burger. We grabbed a seat and had just under a 10 minute wait before the meals were brought out to us on small chromed wire mesh trays (which I didn't particularly like). There is ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper and napkins at each table. Our ketchup was almost empty causing a bit of splatter about the table when squeezed. I found the burger tasty and quite good. The french fries were very good but they arrived only warm (at best) and by the time the meal was done they were not so agreeable. The dining room cleanliness was about average (except there were also beer bottle caps mixed in the the fries on the floor). The bathroom was also about average, with the trash container overflowing and the floor was quite wet. I wasn't sure if your expected to bus your own table, but I did, and didn't like the small (about 6-8") opening in the trash container making it a bit messy to dump your trash. I liked my meal but wish those fries had been served hotter. The wife found her burger "better than average". Extra special? No, but worthy of a return visit when in the area.
(3)
Garrett P.
In a town like San Diego, where burger fandom can reach critical levels, it's too bad to see a place like Smashburger get "meh" reviews. I'm sure in another city, this would be considered fairly good grub. However, since this *is* SD, and there are a lot of burger joints you could go to instead, I'll have to say that this is just an average burger. It's tasty, staff are friendly, has a prime location...but there's just too much competition around that can outshine Smashburger. Sorry, Smash - you're just getting an average rating from me.
(3)
David H.
First time EVER to a Smash (your wallet) Burger and I was not impressed at all. The quality of the ingredients was not up to par with whom I compare everyone's burger to: In-N-Out Burger. This was most apparent with the small, thinly sliced and GREEN tomatoes on my $7.29 San Diego Big Smash burger. I felt the service was slow as well. I think if i want to pay this much and want to wait this long for a burger, I will go to a full-service restaurant, where I'll at least get a side item, like fries, with my burger for that price. I also ordered the chili cheese fries for $3.29 and totally regretted it. The amount of fries felt really small for the price paid and the cheese and chili (or lack there of) was poor. The cleanliness of the bathroom left much to be desired, especially since the urinal in the men's restroom is visible from the area the line forms to place orders when the door is opened. Sorry, but I'll take two Double-Doubles from In-N-Out Burger with superior ingrediants for the price of one Big Smash any day. $40 for two adults and three children is just ridiculous.
(2)
Dennis L.
In all my travels, I had not come across a Smashburger yet. Thus, I thought it would be a good spot to get a quick lunch in La Jolla before heading into downtown San Diego. i went with the 1/2 lb Spicy Baja Smashburger with the Sweet Potato Smashfries. After receiving my food, I understood the name. The burger is a flattened yet juicy, and the toppings were excellent. The sweet potato fries were also very good, but I preferred the fried pickles that my wife ordered. Smashburger is not the best burger I have ever had, but it was good.
(3)
Miss Vanessa T.
The burgers are good but the location is mehhhh. Only come here if you happen to be in the area because parking sucks.
(3)
Annie N.
3.5 stars to be exact, but I rounded down for the small portioned sides I got the Spicy Baja Grilled Chicken Burger and it was pretty good: the chicken patty was a little too big to be contained under the bun but the meat was tender and grilled just right, although it could afford to have a tad bit more flavor. My favorite part of the meal was definitely the sides. My party each ordered a different side so we got to try the smash fries, sweet potato fries, haystack onion, chili cheese fries, and fried pickles. I used to not like pickles but I absolutely LOVE Smashburger's fried pickles; crispy on the outside, and sweet/sour/tangy on the inside. The garlic, rosemary, and olive oil sweet potato fries was also delicious. My friend had the nutter butter milkshake and said it lacked the anticipated peanut buttery taste; he was not a big fan of it. I did enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Smashburger. It was like a slightly fancier fastfood place, with some table service. It's a great place to kickback with a few friends in downtown La Jolla that doesn't cost a fortune.
(3)
Michael L.
Got lucky today, saw a coupon on slickdeals, and this has been on my list for the past half a year or so... sooo why not? I had to try the san diego smashburger, the one specialty burger that's offered at each smashburger that resembles the local flavor. I also got some sweet potato fries and a mint oreo shake. the shake was whatever, typical shake you can find at any places that offers shakes. the sweet potato fries were a surprise. They were fried to good consistency, and seasoned heavily to my liking. I never really had seasoned sweet potato fries before, but these were good. burger = thin wide patty with a nice crusty. seasoned very well. really fresh ingredients, great torta roll. overall really good burger. only reason for the 1 less star. i wish the portions were bigger. but that's okay.
(4)
Angelina D.
Ok, all I can say about this place is mmmmmmmm.... Delicious hamburgers. The Classic one I think is the one I like.
(5)
Kim A.
So, I just don't get the hype on this place. The burgers are OK here...but the price (approx 5 - 7 buckaroos) just isn't justified. Also...the whole idea behind "smashburger" is that they are smashing down the meat....but at this location...you never really get to see the "smash" happen.....that is a tough one to explain to the kiddos. Apparently they wanted to see some serious meat throwing action? The ingredients seemed fresh: lettuce was crisp, juicy tomatoes, snipped cilantro.....BUT.....the chicken breast did manage to have a bone splinter in it. Which, for anyone who knows me, can pretty much turn me off from the whole experience. All in all, a fair experience.....but I would likely try another place before making a prompt return visit to this location...my two cents.
(3)
Michelle T.
I got the San Diego burger with sweet potato fries. The bun had the perfect texture that did not allow it to get too soggy. The interesting combination of avocado, cilantro, pepper jack cheese, and a few other ingredients made for a fresh and unique flavor. The sweet potato fries were crispy enough and wonderfully flavored. I left feeling very satisfied. Come here when you want something that is somewhat classy (I consider gourmet burgers to be classy) but you don't want to spend an arm and a leg at one of the many expensive and upscale restaurants in downtown La Jolla. Service is quick, the place is clean, and the food is good.
(4)
JoEilyn S.
I am a major burger fanatic. Recommendations of what I enjoyed: - spicy baja - san diego smashburger - smashfries - haystack onions Disappointments: - sweet potato smashfries I was glad the place was almost empty on my first visit to Smashburger. I went on a weekday an hour and a half before closing for a late last minute dinner decision with my cousin and his wife. Reading over the decent sized menu wasn't too hard to make a decision. I've heard many great reviews and suggestions on their hot dogs, chili, and the meat on their burgers I was definitely excited and hungry. I went with the spicy baja. I wanted to add an egg to the burger but I decided to give the standard already made burger a try first. I surely was not disappointed! The burger itself was juicy and cooked to perfection the meat was, the flavor of every ingredient in the burger complimented each other and it was lovely to devour. I also liked how the burger had like a crispy edge around it. Two thumbs way up from me! Their burgers are mouthful sized which was really close to not able to fit in my mouth in one bite. The ingredients of how seasoned it was and how pleased I was til the end made it taste homemade. Wanting to have variety in our side dishes, we decided on smashfries, sweet potato fries, and haystack onions. My side dish order was sweet potato smashfries which were good but I thought they were pretty bland from the other sweet potato fry I've had, and I'm a fan of these too. Not a flavor that stuck with me after the meal. Wouldn't order these again knowing how much I loved the smashfries and haystack onions more. Rosemary, olive oil and garlic makes anything and everything taste better and it sure did justice to these fries. I completely love how the fries are thin cut just the way I like them (mcdonalds fries). Crisy and tons of flavor to compliment my fabulous burger. Can never go wrong with haystack onions with a meal. Very light, crispy taste to even put in my burger because that's how much I enjoyed them. Totally delicious and fairly resonably priced for such a wonderful burger. Won me over as a customer and will surely come back to try more. Maybe be able to build my own burger to my liking. If you like burgers, Smashburger just might be the place for you.
(5)
Kirstie G.
I like this place for an "affordable" lunch in La Jolla. I work in the neighborhood and the food is good for a daily lunch budget. However, the lines are way too long and there are not enough cashiers. Usually there are about ten people in line with one cashier - usually someone who seems oblivious to the line and also multi-tasks with expediting food and making milkshakes. On my lunch break, I don't usually enjoy waiting 15 minutes in line for food.
(3)
Paul P.
Very good burgers! Definitely worth it! Not better than Hodad's though! This would be second choice.
(4)
Jared G.
Came in here on a Friday with some Coworkers after we yelped somewhere good to go for lunch. This place was definitely unique and pretty good. The restaurant was nice and clean. I highly recommend the rosemary french fries. I did not order these but my coworker did and i ended up eating most of his lol. The burger i had was pretty good. Not amazing but just pretty good. I think the best way to describe smashburger is i have been one time and i have not been back since. Didnt love it, didnt hate it. I would definitely eat there again but its not at the top of my list when it comes to burger places. Add in the fact that it is far from my house and that is probably the leading factors to why i have not been back.
(3)
Patrick A.
This place is SOOO good that i thought about writing this review, and my mouth watered. THEE END
(5)
Leonardo D.
First time eating here and was great! loved the san diego burger and not pricey so thats a plus. Great vibe and atmosphere. Definitely coming back when im in town again!
(5)
Rory L.
I personally don't think Smashburger is the best thing since sliced bread. I came in with mid-level expectations because I knew I wouldn't be getting the entire burger experience since I don't eat meat. However, even without the beefy patty (which I can do without at In & Out and Five Guys and still have an awesome meal) I was a little disappointed. I ordered the San Diego Smashburger with no meat and extra avocado. I was underwhelmed by the unripe avocado and the bun was slightly stale. I've also tried the fried pickles and the onion straws here--both I think are heavily oversalted and greasy. The sweet potato fries are pretty good and the malt milkshake is decent, but this wouldn't be my choice place to eat. Perhaps the beef-eaters are having a better time?
(2)
Taylor C.
Pretty damn good burger. They have a unique selection. Get rosemary fries omg yum.
(4)
Jarrod G.
I was lucky enough to get invited to the grand opening, and now I've had it again tonight. This place is delicious! The burgers are so juicy! Tonight I had the best service from Mike. I was double parked outside and he made it his personal mission to check on my food and ran it out to me!! There was also a very nice lady "PR person" she said, that was also very nice. She too checked on my food. Great service!!! The classic smashburger is my fav. 1/2 pound for me. I get it with sharp cheddar. Never much of an American cheese guy. I prefer the regular fries but the smashfries are yummie too. Rosemary seasoned. However I have to get the fried pickles every time! My friend said the smashchicken was good but not as good as the burger. Do you think that's why it's called Smashburger?? I love that La Jolla has this place! Online and phone ordering coming soon.
(5)
Steven L.
Like most burger joints in this day and age, Smashburger comes heavy on the fake ambiance and fails to deliver on the product. Overlooking the fact that Smashburger is located in La Jolla, which always makes me feel like i am in purgatory when i am scrounging for a place to park, the food itself failed to bring that wow factor you expect. I order the "california smash", which is basically a cheeseburger with avocado, and was ghastly presented with a green mound that i suspect is the avocado and so much mayo sprayed on top that it made me wonder if my hamburger was somehow involved in a bukakake scene. With that being said, their sweet potatoes fries were pretty decent, excluding the dripping yellow grease that accompanies them. My advice, skip the 7$ burger, 4$ shake and 3$ dollar fries and go to some place else.
(3)
Tracy L.
I commend Smashburger for trying to do something different, especially since it has to in its location, but there are some annoyances that just make this place A-OK. Ordered the Spicy Baja. Not spicy at all. One of the jalapenos popped out of my burger and so I just ate that by itself. No taste at all....It was like the seeds on it were fake or something. The chipotle bun that it comes on? Soft and lovable, but it doesn't have any taste what so ever. The guacamole that came with the burger? Hardly! It was covered by the 3 jalapeno slices in fact. If I was ordering the guacamole as an add on, I would be pissed. And this really grinds my gears...my applewood bacon for $1.50 add on, which turned out to look like 1 slice, cut in half. Oh Hell mother fuckin no. Ordered the haystack onions as well and I found them to be delicious, but however very greasy, especially towards the end of the batch. Overall a good place, but not the best cause it lacks in the department in which they strive to be different.
(3)
Gina S.
This is the second time I've been here and this time I got the San Diego chicken sandwich and onion rings. They were great!
(4)
Mary H.
I wasn't sure I would dig Smashburger b/c it seemed that the burger would be dry and greasy. But I'm glad I was wrong and now I'm wondering why they don't have any locations in LA county. The meat was moist and delicious, but the star was the egg bun. It was super soft and doubled the yumminess of the burger. The smash fries are tossed with olive oil, rosemary, and garlic and were pretty good too.
(4)
Kristin M.
Good burgers. I had the mushroom Swiss and it was pretty delicious. The smash fries are great too. I can't comment on the rest of the menu. It runs a little more expensive than a regular fast food place. My favorite part is the sauce. The chipotle is bomb. They're right beside my job so very convenient, parking could difficult though depending on the time of day.
(4)
Andre L.
The burgers are very good and they're burgers are also priced about the same as burgers you'd get from Carls Jr. but everything is much fresher tasting. I got the 'Create your own Burger', with the Spicy Chipotle bun (wasn't spicy at all), Spicy Chipotle sauce and Smash sauce, and all the usual burger condiments including mushrooms which was an extra charge. I usually don't like my burgers with too much sauce..but I actually think I should've asked for more because some bites were delicious but some bites didn't have much flavor. I couldn't even really taste the mushrooms so maybe next time I'll get Avocado and Bacon and extra jalapenos because the ones that were in there because it wasn't very spicy. Overall, the burger was very good and juicy. We also ordered the Haystack onions and Sweet Potato Fries, and both were good. The onions are delicious but pretty greasy, but the sweet potato fries are seasoned well and delicious. Definitely will come back again if we're looking for another burger fix.
(4)
Kate M.
I'm not what you call a big meat freak but I have a hankering for a burger on occasion. On this particular occasion, I was absolutely famished - hadn't eaten all day and my blood sugar level bottomed out. I wanted a man sized burger with all the fixings. So, I hit the new Smashburger in LJ hoping to quell both my appetite and my curiosity about this new place. I ordered a BBQ bacon & cheese burger, 1/3 lb. with haystack onions. While all of the elements were fine - thick piece of bacon, cooked nicely, tasty haystack onions, not too sweet bbq sauce, decent meat patty - It just didn't have the right chemistry with my mouth. There was no wow or ah ha moment. No endorphins released that would trigger the deep desire to come back. In other words, if Smashburger was a guy, I'd say he was a pleasant enough study partner and did what it was supposed to do but I won't be calling him anytime soon for a hot date. Oh, and I did NOT like the fries. They were greasy (I think olive oil) and flavored with rosemary and/or parsley which one would think would make it taste good. But no, the fries lacked the deep potato taste that you might find in fries from In-n-Out and the added herbs and oily consistency really was a turn off. I was starving but didn't come close to finishing the fries - and there weren't even many to start out with. Smashburger really is a step up from fast food joints (except maybe In-n-Out). The price isn't bad and the ingredients are definitely of a higher quality than traditional fast food. It just wasn't my favorite. But, I believe that food taste is very personal. Who knows, maybe it'll be magic for you. It's worth a try.
(2)
Michael R.
The food was good but they had the front door propped open with people smoking on the patio. When I asked if they would close the door because my two year old was breathing smoke, they said "were gonna leave it open because she's almost done smoking". Well, as anyone knows, people who smoke can't go five minutes without another cigarrete, and when they both lit up again outside, it instantly ruined my otherwise good expierence. I really think the "Habit burger" is better anyways, and cheaper too. Overall it was good. But for superior customer service and burgers and shakes, its The Habit Burger for me.
(2)
Heather R.
I love a burger. Yelp got me into SmashBurger by offering me a free lunch. (I also love free) I ordered the half pound San Diego burger (avocado, cilantro, onion, sour cream, their special sauce, cheese and lettuce) with a side of Smash Fries. Thankfully my husband was with me so we asked if they'd cut it in half for us to share. It was just the perfect size for sharing, which we did. We were quite impressed with the quality of the burger which we could really taste. You know what I mean? At some places the meat has zero taste to it, but this meat tasted fresh and really good. My husband was impressed with the sweet potato fries which I didn't eat. But he gobbled down the whole side order so I know he really enjoyed each and every little potato fry. Next time I think I'll try one of their salads. I saw one 'walking by' going to the table behind us and it looked really good. My husband said the bathrooms were super clean and smelled fresh. The staff was super smiley and friendly and very willing to help. The restaurant overall was very clean and I like how they offer the option to choose super big straws for slurping shakes! Thanks Yelp and SB for my free lunch. I am a fan and will be back!!
(4)
Biggie S.
Dear Smashburger, I wanted to hate you. Oh how I wanted to hate you. But you took me in, and it was truly magical. It was sinful even. To think, she was in earshot, just a few blocks away the whole time. I know she heard everything. She must have. I've yet to return to my fair maiden--The Burger Lounge--for fear of reprisal. I can't possible look her in the eyes right now. Not after this. But, if loving you is wrong, I don't want to be right. Please understand, it is love between us, but you'll always be my mistress. She came to me first, and has always been true. I can't turn my back on that. I won't. Perhaps someday we can all live in harmony, in Utah maybe. For now, I must conjure another lame excuse so she'll let me in the door. I miss you already, Biggie
(5)
Buu H.
I would've given this 5 stars if the 5th star's description had been "Woo hoo! As good as it gets for La Jolla and for less than $10" buuuut it didn't. I would've stopped into Smashburger during its soft opening before the hype started, but I was afraid. How could anything less than $10 in downtown La Jolla truly exist? So, I waited until I heard people freaking out over it thru Yelp and radio shows. Now, I'm a believer. On two different occasions I ordered the San Diego burger and the chicken burger. Sooo juicy and delicious :) Although you have to order the sides separately, they're so worth it. The garlic fries don't leave you feeling bad about liking carbs, the sweet potato fries make me smile, and the FRIED PICKLES leave me panting for more. They have a cute patio area and pretty interesting beer options. I'm just happy I don't have to go to Vons or Subway for a cheap eat anymore.
(4)
Krissy K.
Awesome service. Food is just ok. Chicken is WAY too thin. sweet potato fries were greasy, shoestrings needed seasoning. Burgers "looked" good. The "smash sauce" is nothing but mayo, mustard & relish. The chipotle sauce tasted like smoked fish. Not loving this place. Next time I'll go to "The Livingroom" next door. The only reason for my visit was, "we had kids with us". They 'kinda' dug it.
(2)
Anh ..
If you're craving a really good burger, THIS IS NOT IT. Let me list all the places that I can think of that have *better tasting* burgers as alternatives for you, my dear burger hunter... In N Out The Counter Burger Lounge Islands Red Robin Rocky's Hodad's Starlite Yeah there are a lot of alternatives. I think the reason why they are getting 4 stars is because they have lots of burger options and are cheap, which is all some people care about. However, I believe that great food is worth the additional cost and this place is just ok. It's better than Fuddrucker's and all the fast food vendors, but don't expect more. Oh...and worst of all, their bacon is not crispy. Thou shall not have non-crispy chewy bacon!!! If I were Bruce Banner, this would be enough enragement to make me turn into the Hulk real fast.
(3)
Andy P.
I actually give Smashburger 2 1/2 stars. It was OK. I was excited to try Smashburger in LJ , and I had high expectations. My expectations were not met. Bottom line---it was just OK. The burger was too greasy for me and I did not enjoy the rosemary fries (drenched in oil). The place was clean and the service friendly but I expected it to be a few notches above fast-food. I was disappointed, and would have been happier at In n Out.
(2)
Leigh G.
We went to Smashburger the week they first opened, and I haven't been able to go a week without thinking of them since. Having grown up in the midwest, red meat remains an essential part of my diet, and every so often there is *nothing* that sounds better to me than a burger. The day we went to Smashburger was one of those days. I had the Smashburger that came with avocado and regular fries, and I think my husband had the chicken equivalent and sweet potato fries. I liked everything about the Smashburger - the texture of the bun was great, the meat was tasty, and the fries' seasoning was excellent. We even enjoyed the red and white decor of the booths and overhead lamps. Best of all, it was fairly reasonably priced eats for La Jolla, or at least this area of La Jolla in particular. It was the icing on the cake of our excellent morning of going to Bellows Gallery, checking out Casita Beach, and having lunch - and took the pain out of the bill. I'd return any time I'm in La Jolla!
(5)
Daniel L.
Despite its name, do not eat here when you are smashed. You will not be giving their burgers any justice! Located in beautiful downtown La Jolla, Smashburger is very well priced for their delicious burgers! I wouldn't recommend the mushroom swiss, because it wasn't as flavorful as their other burgers (and by that I mean the ones with avacados !!!).
(4)
Alexandra R.
I love the fact that not only do they have scrumptious burgers and fries, but they also serve really tasty salads (for those days when you need a little healthier selection)....I had the Baja Cobb accompanied with the Beefy Chili, it comes out to be a wining combo!! OMG, it was delicious....basically I was in heaven! If you opt for the burger and fries option, do choose the Sweet Potato Smashfries......also, if you've never tried fried pickles NOW is the time to try! This burger joint also makes the mark with its euro-sorta-moder-beach-diner decor......Its super cute inside and they have a small terrace out front for those beautiful SoCal sunny days.
(5)
Teag c.
All I can say about Smashburger is "Holy Crap, you have to try this place". After growing up on In N Out Burger (still a fave), I committed burger sacrilege and tried Smashburger in La Jolla. I went in with low expectations as: 1. We were cruising around the mean streets of La Jolla, 2. We were pretty hungry and didn't care what we ate, as long as... 3. We didn't drop major coin for subpar and/or touristy food. At Smashburger, you can order pre-selected burgers or build your own (I chose the latter) and add a variety of toppings, ingredients, cheeses, etc. In addition, you can choose from a variety of sides (onion strings, rosemary or regular fries, fried pickles, etc) or if you want to do chicken, they do that too. For the herbivores, they offer a variety of salads as well. I selected a cheeseburger with sharp cheddar and the Smash Sauce - the next 30 minutes were a blur - I think they went like this: Burger arrives...I inhale in approximately 5 minutes. Comatose and disgusted with myself for not savoring the flavors, I proceed to indulge in some fries, onion straws, and fried pickles. Gastric overload sets in and my slowly clogging arteries curse at me long enough for me to make a mental note that I will have to probably run a lot later to burn some of this off. I daydream about eating another burger, but my slowly settling metabolism and common sense finally prevail over my gluttony. The burgers are juicy, with the "smash" technique searing in a ridiculous amount of flavor, and the smash sauce performing as a nice compliment to the great flavored Angus beef. The onion straws and fries are tasty, if not a little greasy. A friendly employee advised that two more locations will be opening in San Diego soon, one in Mission Valley...joyyyyyyyy! Go check out Smashburger...you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Anna S.
Very good burger, but when I got home I realized that the burger had coriander and I hate coriander. But after taking the coriander out it was alright. Smashfries was not so special.
(3)
Jane s.
Nice little burger place right next to living room. Ordered San Diego burger w/Onion rings and Fries. Fries were just OK, the onions were GOOD. Liked the burger, not the best I tried but will do on Sunday evening.
(4)
Ariel B.
Tasty burger and wayyy cheaper than Burger Lounge or The Counter. Pros: Cheap. Great tasting burgers and Smash Fries. Shakes are great too. Cons: Parking is not that great in this area if you come around during peak times. There is not much sitting available here. Del Mar has bigger location so if you're close there, I'd go there instead. They have a parking structure as well. Beef is not grass fed if that matters to you. Highly recommended.
(5)
Kelly J.
My first smashburger was amazing and the onion rings were really good. Everything was so bomb :)
(5)
C B.
different way of having my burger. interesting twist, flavorful, good portion & open late during the weekends!
(4)
Natesa R.
Weekly munchies report: Atmosphere: It felt very trendy. Dining is served in a dim setting. Service: The staff was friendly, and they definitely made us customers, their top priority. One man complained about the fries, assuming they were not fresh; the staff jumped on it and provided him with new ones. They went by his table a couple times to make sure the rest of his meal went smoothly. Food: I brought the All-American burger (1/3) for $4.99 and their fries for $1.99. The fries, I believe, were the star of the whole meal. Just the aroma itself made it delicious. It had rosemary, garlic, and olive oil. I adore the smell of rosemary. Unique herbs with a simple dish, I would say a perfect combination. The burger to me was okay. Though, the egg bun was tasty, and it reminded me of a potato bun but sweeter. I would suggest trying one of the specialty burgers instead or even their hot dog. A customer across from me had one, and it looked better than the All-American burger. I love the fact that they also have a variety of fries. The vegetable and sweet potato fries sounds appetizing. Smashburger had limited amount of seating outside, but it had a good amount of seating inside. Another visit is on my list of to do for the weeks to come.
(4)
Joe C.
My favorite spot for a late afternoon shake in downtown La Jolla. I usually split it with my coworker so that we don't fall into a coma at work. Today I opted for a shake to go. Instead of finding the usual generous amount of deliciousness. Our styrofoam cup was barely half full even WITH the whipcream! My coworker told me that the guy had made it, put it in 2 separate glasses, realized they were to-go, put them in the styrofoam cup, put spoons on the glasses, and, with each glass still half full, brought them into the kitchen. I'm a huge fan of this place and I frequent this place often, but this is not very professional.
(1)
Merlynda D.
Burgers are so juicy! I was happily surprised on how delicious everything was! Inside everything is clean and spacious. Good ambience for friendly get togethers!
(5)
Winnie W.
wow way to get my money for a regular burger...i could go to in-n-out
(3)
Jonathan L.
Great burger place! I got my order to go. It was during a pretty big rush, but I didn't have to wait that long. I got the San Diego Smashburger. It really does come with fresh avocado (big pieces in mine). I got a 1/3 pounder and I still got full. I ordered a side of Smashfries, which is their equivalent of garlic fries. They were good, but pretty unhealthy. haha. I could taste the oil squeeze out as I ate them :( They'd probably taste better dining-in lol I also ordered a strawberry milkshake. It's nothing to die for, but it's good. They use Hagen Dazs ice cream. They also sell beer! I'd probably get a bucket of 4 (for $10) if I were to dine in. I'd definitely recommend this place and come back to it!
(4)
Tracy L.
They seriously have the BEST burger!!!! They are really juicy, tasty, and fulfuling. I always get a strawberry milk shake with it. This is one of the very few things that i don't mind eating and gaining weight, becuase it is THAT GOOD!!! Go try it go try it!!
(5)
Jason s.
Experienced this place for the first time on a Sunny Thursday afternoon - the place was jammed with people but i was able to find a seat inside easily. The Inside: Place is clean but very cookie cutter and sterile environment like a new cafeteria or something. IT's fairly dark inside and the lighting is really poor. The Food: Burger was a 3 out of 5 stars - really nothing special at all - the patty was overseasoned for sure. Service: negaitive star here - are you kidding... I had to wait over 30min for one single hamburger - they were giving away certificates for free burgers the next time you come in because the wait was so rediculous. Not worth the wait for a second. Price - the only reason this place is busy... it's Cheap But if you care more about the food product pay the extra couple bucks and go to Burger Lounge.
(3)
Judith H.
I've been meaning to get around and write about this place, I have gone a few times since it has opened and let me tell you it is devineeee. the smashfries are so amazing, they are seasoned with rosemary, and were cooked to perfection. my burger was delicious as well the meat was so flavorful, the friendly cashier/server (Julie) told us that it's because while they patty is on the grill they "smash it up" and add special seasoning to it. YUMM I got the chicken sandwhich sans mayo (ew) a different time and it was good, just next time i'll ask them to slap some cheese on it. im waiting to try the fried pickles? we'll see how crazy im feeling over all service was friendly and food was yummy
(4)
Crystal W.
This is a review of their chicken sandwich: YUMM-O! We made our own and it was so fresh and tasted delicious. They service was great. I will be back to try more!
(5)
Marlene M.
Was on my way to Burger Lounge but decided to give this place a try. The girl who took our order was very helpful in recommending what to order since it was our first time. When I placed my order she recommended ordering the avocado club which is a smashchicken but turning it into a smashburger with the torta roll. I added bacon and jalapenos. To my surprise it was pretty good. I ordered some smashfries. The rosemary was very strong but I enjoyed them. I would like to go back to and try one their smashchickens and some fried pickles...I LOVE PICKLES.
(4)
Dan W.
Ordered the "classic burger" as a benchmark against Burger Lounge's "lounge burger" . I'd say this place has a slight edge over burger lounge., taste wise. Plus, there's more room to sit than BL. Though it's sad to see that it displaced the candy store :(
(4)
Val M.
I was craving a good ol' fashioned hamburger and fries. After reading the reviews on Yelp and learning of the sweet potato fries I had made my decision to visit Smashburger. They have specialty hamburgers, but also give you the option of creating your own. I built my own and was very pleased. I was able to have a whole grain bun , grilled onions AND fresh avocado. I was disappointed with the avocado. It was just a Little scoop of what appeared to be guacamole. Other than that, the burger was very good. The regular french fries were good and the sweet potato fries were very good. I liked the unique twist of adding olive oil and I believe the other flavor was rosemary. The staff was friendly and the decor was fun which made for an overall pleasant experience.
(4)
James P.
WHAT I GOT: San Diego Smashburger w/ a side of SMASHfries PROS: This burger place is definitely better than your typical In-N-Out, McDonalds, Burger King (this is always a given) kind of joint. The fresh ingredients, flavorful sauces, and the torta roll combined made this sandwich SMASHing. See what I did there? CONS: It is a little expensive for what you're getting. It is definitely worth trying a few times but for approximately $10 (burger and fries), I could have gotten a better tasting and healthier alternative at another restaurant. ADVICE: The smashfries are standard so make sure you try these. Also, it's located in downtown SD so parking is going to be a little tricky to find. If you're already planning to spend the day at the beach, go for it. But if you're going just for Smashburger, it's probably better to stay at home.
(3)
S B.
Surprised how many people liked this place. Food wasn't good, long wait and below average.
(1)
Eli L.
Had the San Diego burger with regular fries. It was nice but both the decor and the taste of the burger itself really does remind me of a more upmarket McD's... in which case it's kinda expensive for what you get. Good burgers are everywhere in these parts so my assessment is - could do better!
(2)
Samuel D.
awesome burger joint for la jolla. very affordable. i spent about $17 for 2 people with side item and just water. great quality of food. awesome milk shakes/ malts. smash fries. worth going to.
(4)
Christina H.
I don't really understand the ambiance in here. You walk in through a long isle of table booths to find an ordering station - one very similar to that of a very popular red/yellow fast food chain - but the lighting is dim and the burgers and sides look a bit more dazzling in their metallic serving trays and spiraling French fry holders. It was like a five-star fast food place sandwiched in the middle of La Jolla. Ok, enough feeling foreign...how's the food? The Spicy Baja Burger was pretty amazing. The meat itself is very moist and crumbled slightly after every bite, which lets the eater know that it is not merely a frozen patty. It was savory, with a classy medium-rare touch. There was chipotle sauce and jalapenos on this specialty burger that made it oh-so-delicious. The order of Smash Fries was equally as delicious, with the seasonings of garlic, rosemary, and salt. Two burgers, a side, and a shared drink all came out to around $18. Which, like I said, is like a five-star fast food place with moderate prices and friendly service. But hey...there was not a crumb left on anyone's plate. The concept of a five-star fancy fast food place still confuses me.
(4)
Aurena B.
YUM! Hands Down... Best Customer Service from a burger joint! I'm vegetarian, so I had a grilled cheese sandwich and fries from the kids meal (No vegetarian burgers here-- but grilled cheese is delicious). Fries! YES!! They're the skinny crispy kind with yummy seasoning! Grilled Cheese Sandwich was perfect! Crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy in the inside. And they have fried veggies! That was Delicious and would've never expected this option from a burger joint. Oh-- And if you like lime-- they have this lime shake that's not sour... tastes like a lime tutone bar. Try it!
(5)
Melvin C.
I heard about this place from a friend of mine and so I decided to stop by and check it out. I ordered a 1/2-pound classic smashburger and smash fries. The burger was great and very juicy. The fries are great and were something that I never tasted before. The overall setting was very nice and the service is great. The people that work are very friendly. The only negative thing I would say is that this place is a little small. I came in with a large group and there was a group before me that was bigger than mine. With our two groups together, we packed up the place. Overall this place gets 4 stars for the outstanding service and great food. I will most definitely be back for more.
(4)
Joseph H.
Quality is great along with good taste for the price. Three star cause my fries were served cold.
(3)
Kerri E.
I first heard about Smashburger through Twitter. I started following them before they opened, and the buzz made me curious to see if their burgers could compete with some established SD burger joints. I ordered the Classic Smashburger with a side of Smashfries. The burger exceeded my expectations. It was juicy, flavorful and messy-exactly what I want when I'm splurging on a burger. The fries were amazing. Full of flavor and salty goodness. The best thing on the menu? The fried pickles. Hands down the BEST thing you will ever eat. Try these dipped in their buttermilk ranch and you will not be disappointed. I can't wait to go back!!
(5)
Hoss J.
My son and I have a thing about going to good burger joints. Labor day weekend we found our selves walking by Smashburger while starving for a good burger. We ordered and found ourselves pretty disappointed. The burgers were nothing like the big juicy burgers that other up and comers are famous for. The fries were especially disappointing. I don't think any of mine were over 1/2" long and i got very little in the basket. After eating, I left still hungry.
(1)
Realtor Karl B.
Must try the sweet potato fries... Burger is mad good and juicy. No wait. Food comes out fast - order at counter, they drop food off at table. Very nice and clean ambiance. -WAY BETTER THAN HODADS OVERALL. Not 5 stars for reasons other than food: Impossible to find close parking. Prices high ($10 for burger, fries, drink). But not too high since they are along the coast. Messy when eating the burger.
(4)
Drew M.
This place is the BOMB. So much better than Burger Lounge. Whenever I go here, no matter what I get, Its good. Best Burger: The Vegas Burger. But the thing about this place is they let anyone get a kids meal! For 4 bucks, you get a lot of food! (Its great for when i'm strapped for cash) I love this place, and hopefully it'll be there forever.
(5)
Tess D.
My mouth waters just thinking about the burger from Smash. Succulent, tasty, beef burger? Tick Wholemeal bread option? Tick Sweet Potato fries, fried to perfection? Tick Taste and being fulfilled? Tick I'm not a 'fast food' person....but this is THE BOMB! ...for everything else, there's master card. :P
(5)
Zapher D.
Burgers are great! A little over priced but it is La Jolla.... The fries are killer too!
(4)
Shelly T.
This was surprisingly good for the appearance of the restaurant. I was expecting burgers much like any other fast food place, but these were far from ordinary. They had so much flavor, and passed my bf's juice running down your arm test...the more juice the better. the Smashsauce is good as for as I could tell, adding a little sweetness to the regular cheeseburger. Also enjoyed the Smash Fries. We both had the 1/3 pound burger and shared fries, which was plenty for both of us. We went on a Saturday about 1:30p and the line was almost to the door but definitely worth the wait
(4)
Lana R.
Conveniently located on Prospect in La Jolla. The food if fine. Poor selection of beers though :(
(4)
jon b.
Wow, San Diego burger + Sweet potato fries = phenomenal. Probably one of the best burgers I've ever had. I'm definitely going back here! The sweet potato fries had some delicious olive oil and rosemary coating that was amazing. I would go back just for those.
(5)
My T.
Went here with friends, while they were talking I was eating.. who knows how many calories I consumed, and who cares! Sweet potato fries are amazing!, the smashburgers are AMAZING!
(5)
Rex R.
A really nice burger place! It was hard to find parking but it is by the beach... a little cramped for the dining area too.
(3)
J M.
Really not sure what the hype is all about.... My husband and I ordered out from smashburger. He got the BBQ bacon burger, it was pretty good and the smashfries were good as well. However, I ordered the BBQ ranch chicken with fried pickles on the side...I know, chicken at a burger place, who even does that? But we wanted to taste both. Anyway, I have to yelp about my disappointment with my dinner. The fried pickles were SO salty and probably the worst I have had, the chicken was pretty good, it was fried and a bit salty. Without the excess breading it was pretty good tho. My main problem was that the menu description of the chx sang was "Bacon, onion strings, BBQ sauce, Ranch, cheese, tomato, lettuce..." there was not tomato, lettuce or ranch on my sandwich. Needless to say I was pissed. All I was left with was salty bacon, salty chicken and a stack of salty onion strings....needless to say it was NOT a good combo with the pickles. With all that being said, we called smashburger to let them know of our disappointment. My husband spoke with Leo who was very nice and offered us a free sandwich. We did not want to go all the way back that night, but he took our info and said that the next time we come back we can redeem the free sang. SO- I will post again at a later date if this place redeems itself. As for now, I DO NOT recommend take out from here!
(2)
Ei D.
Hands down the best burgers that I've ever had! On my first trip here, I had the Mushroom Swiss Burger with the Haystack Onions. The burger was delicious! So juicy! So flavorful! So The Haystack Onions were ok, (I guess I was expecting Onion Rings!). On my second visit here, I had the San Diego Smashburger and sweet potato fries! It was soo good! Just the right amount of spicy, and again, a very juicy burger!! :) I brought my whole family here the second time, and they all loved it too! My dad wants to come back :) We all wanna come back! Thank you Smashburger! Now please! Open up a location here in Chula Vista!! Please! You'll get a lot of customers for sure!!
(5)
tandy w.
The burger and fries here were OK. I ended up ordering the bacon cheeseburger with the sweet potato fries-- everything was just way too salty. I was really looking forward to the sweet potato fries after reading all the great reviews, but it definitely fell short of my expectations. The burger was good, but the texture was too mushy/soft. What made my experience slightly unpleasant was the cashier. Upon walking up to the register, she proceed to count the cash in the tip jar. I stood there patiently until she finally says, "oh, are you here to order?" I'm thinking to myself-- what else would I be standing here for? I gave her my credit card and instead of handing it back to me-- she throws it down on the counter--which I found to be extremely rude. Aside from the rude cashier, everyone else in the restaurant were friendly.
(3)
Tim L.
My daughter loved the chocolate malt and chicken fingers, "amazing" she says. I loved BBQ burger and smash fries. Wife got a salad and she said it was Just good.
(5)
George R.
Amazing burgers! Especially after running a half marathon. ;-)
(5)
Jacqueline I.
As for the food, my husband and I ordered the Mushroom Swiss 1/2 pound and it was absolutely AMAZING! I think the thin egg bun made a big difference in the taste in that it didn't overpower the juicy grilled beef. You could taste the crispness of the burger and I wasn't sure if there was a seasoning that was put on the meat or was much like eating off a barbecue. We also ordered a side of sweet potato fries with olive oil and rosemary and they were really good, too. As for service, we probably waited in line for about five minutes and waited about another 20 minutes to get both items. Interior decor...we thought the place could have had more visually interesting design elements above the line of silver trim, especially since we were waiting for our food. Otherwise, we would most definitely eat there again!
(4)
lauren h.
LOVE the salads and the sides. Love how easy and kid friendly SmashBurger La Jolla is. Do wish the parking was better, but hasn't been a deterrent thus far. Always clean, always nice people, always great service. Psyched to have another quick and easy place to eat in the village.
(4)
Tommy K.
Much awaited after all the hype .. Is it "better" than Burger Lounge? (to compare neighborhood competition) I don' t know that it is much better apples for apples. But price wise it wins hands down. Hard to go spend $15 at BL when you can get a comparable meal from Smash for half the price. Burger was juicy and tasty, great flavor. Sweet potato fries (becoming all the rage these days) are thin and good For $7-9 with a drink is a great deal (in La Jolla especially) We went about 1pm and had only a brief 8-10 minute wait for the meal, which was perfect. Great location, good size place for the small building. Good, simple, In-N-Out style menu. 1. Smash. 2. Bubbas. 3. B Lounge. Mostly based on value/price, taste/flavor second
(4)
Alan S.
The food was surprisingly delightful. Went here on a Sunday afternoon and heard that they opened up about 3 weeks ago. I would say that the place does get busy but seating is easy to find. The servers seem very energetic and fun. As for the food I ordered the BBQ bacon burger which was satisfying for the moment. What sold me over was the fries and onion rings that we ordered on the side. The unique way they add lime and seasoning was great. For a burger in La Jolla at $7 with a side makes this place a good deal. It is no In-n-Out but with the location and service I would give it 4/5 stars
(4)
Carissa M.
Not bad. Not my favorite. I'd give it another shot, but I don't think it'll make my burger rotation.
(3)
Anthony V.
Wait too long at Sushi place across the street so we checked this place out. Very good well seasoned burger with fresh ingredients. Good value! I will return--
(4)
Rebecca C.
Came here with a friend. I got the Spicy Baja burger with a side of smashfries, which were absolutely delicious (I'm a huge fan/critic of fries). The burger was refreshing, with a right amount of spicy. My friend got classic smashchicken, which she really enjoyed, with a side of sweet potato smashfries. I personally do not like sweet potato fries at all but she loved her fries. A very cute, small atmosphere with nice workers and very reasonable prices. Definitely coming back again. Only downside would be the parking, but what can you say - that's downtown for ya.
(4)
Andrew B.
I can't comment whatsoever on the burgers, but the chicken sandwiches are out of this world. It's one of the best I have had, regardless of cost. They have pre-selected types of sandwiches, but you can also build your own, which I absolutely love. The onion straws (that come with some kind of horseradish sauce that is delicious) do not come in an oversized portion and are fantastic. The parking can be a pain, but that is just the way it is in La Jolla, no fault of smash burgers. Highly recommend this joint!
(5)
Diane P.
Until today, I've always thought this burger joint was a GameStop because the at first glance, the logo/sign looks a lot like GameStop's sign. Little did I know it is actually the home to some of the best gourmet burgers in SD!! We found a BOGO free coupon and decided to head to DTLJ for lunch on this nice, sunny day. The 2 of us got there around 11:30am and were the only customers in there. We ordered and got our food pretty quickly, but other reviews have said that they usually take forever to bring the food out. So maybe you should get there before 12 to avoid the lunch rush and wait! We both got the San Diego Smashburger, one 1/2lb ($5) and one 1/3lb ($6)- It came out on this cute metal basket. They place the top bun on the side so you could see everything that's on the patty: (American?) cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, avocado and their special Smashsauce (seems like some kind of variation of Thousand Island). So after we admired the burger beauties, we closed them up and devoured those things! The meat was really well seasoned and was quite juicy. I'm generally a very saucy person--as in, I like ketchup with my ketchup and ketchup with everything. However, I liked how the flavors of everything blended together so well that I didn't even bother adding any extra sauces to my burger! This was a first. The burger was really tasty and you could taste the freshness of all of the ingredients! Also, I guess they "smash" the patty down (hence the name, right? idk), so the burger is really clean-cut and easy to eat, as opposed to those other burgers elsewhere that are huge and have things falling out from every side. Sweet potato fries ($2 w/ burger)- they were good too, with a light crispiness in every bite. They're sweet potato fries, so obviously they still had that sweetness to them, but also had a nice, salty seasoning as well. Don't think it's the best I've ever had, but still really good and definitely worth getting. Smashfries ($2 w/ burger)- regular cut sized fries..kinda the size McDonalds fries are, but MUCH fresher, tossed in olive oil, rosemary, and garlic. Salty and garlic-y, couldn't really taste the rosemary too much, but still delicious! You would think the olive oil would make the fries soggy or stale within 10 minutes, but they remained crispy and flavorful up until the last bite. Nice! Drink ($2)- unlimited refills, but i guess that's normal haha just FYI 2 burgers, 2 orders of fries and 1 drink- $19 If you have a BOGO coupon= $13 Pretty decent prices even without the coupon for a flavorful, gourmet meal thats really filling. Will I be back? Definitely! I eventually want to try the fried pickles one of these days; I've been wanting to do so ever since Snooki starting endorsing those like crazy things on JS. lol
(4)
Crystal G.
My FAVORITE burger joint. HANDS DOWN. Not once have I been disappointed with their juicy burgers, awesome fries, and delicious shakes. The price is cheaper than most other burger joints with the same kind of style too. Maybe I've just been lucky to have never been disappointed, I don't know...but this is definitely my go-to and I recommend it to anyone. Plus, being so close to La Jolla Cove...it's a great place to go before or after taking a stroll!
(5)
A B.
Last week, I was hosting a fundraiser for our charity, It's All About the Kids at Alexander Salazar Fine Art Gallery down the street from Smashburger. My boyfriend and I set up all day [shorthanded] and were starving. He ran down to Smashburger to get us burgers. I am severely allergic/lactose intolerant to cheese. He ordered two burgers, one with cheese, one without. When he returned, one of the bags said, No cheese, so he ate the burger from the other bag. My fab friend had also just arrived starving, so I was going to share my burger with her. She opened the bag and I gasp...It has CHHHHHEEESE! Oh, no, we were starving and I could not eat it. I called Smashburger. I told the gal on the phone what had happened. She apologized. Our event was starting in 40 minutes, so I asked if she could run it down the street to me. She said Sure. In just a few minutes, a new burger, coupons and a smile arrived. THANK YOU SMASHBURGER for making my night. The burger was delicious and great way to make a simple mistake into a great experience. THANK YOU! Can't wait to go back...
(5)
Andy F.
This is where my wife and I first fell in love with Smashburger. This particular location can get pretty busy, but the food is still great and the service is fine. Best spot for a burger in the area!
(4)
Christopher A.
Damn good burger. Damn good shake. Fries however are just mediocre. This place is kind of expensive but your meal will hit the spot. Finally, I just do not understand why Smashburger does not offer cheddar cheese.
(4)
Robert F.
3.5 rounding up. There is something very cheesy to me about the design and branding. But more importantly, the food hits the spot. This is not a gourmet place, and so I consider it between the likes of fast food and foo foo. I like the burgers and the grilled chicken which is pounded and seems to hang out of the bun by two inches all the way around. Lots of combinations which taste better than they sound The sweet potato fries and haystack onions are nice additions. Don't forget the egg on top your burger...
(4)
Suzie M.
Delicious! Better than Burger Lounge! Not oily and very tasty! They deserve to be number one! I ate the Smash Burger, it was perfect. Air condition system is powerful, decoration is nice for a fast food restaurant, staff is friendly. Only the missing thing is the fork and knife section is not enough for the rush hour customers. And they are not plastic, it can be unhealthy... Try, you will like the smash!
(4)
Ivy S.
Solid burger. I can't say I can classify this place with In N' Out because it's a very different type of burger. With that being said, In N' Out always wins. However, this place serves a tasty SD burger. I love their sweet potato fries too! I would choose this place over burger lounge any day. (see, burger lounge post)
(4)
Samer M.
A friend had told us that she like Smashburger better than Burger Lounge. Today my roommates and I finally decided to try it. One thing that is different about their burgers is that the standard bun on the classic smashburger is the egg bun. I am not fan of burger places that let you fully customize your burger. I believe that the costumer should eat what the chef wants everyone to eat, but this thought could be because I really enjoy In'n'Out. I ordered the classic smashburger, smashfries, and a drink. This came up to $9.45. The smashfries were good. They were seasoned with garlic and a little too much rosemary for me. The burger was decent. I read reviewer who said that the burgers made at smashburgers are gourmet burgers and I don't believe so. I thought the smash sauce that they put in their burgers was going to be special, but it tasted like a mixture of mustard, ketchup, and the ranch dressing they used. My roommate ordered their fried pickles. Usually when someone tells me that food is salty, I don't taste, but the fried pickles were salty. In the end I believe Smashburger makes a decent burger and good fries, but if I had to go to a burger place in downtown La Jolla I would go to the Burger Lounge. Samer
(3)
Peter H.
decent burger, decent fries. nothing to brag about here. price isn't too bad as the other burger places in la jolla, but i'd rather go to burger lounge even though its almost $15 for burger fries and a drink. i thought everything here was pretty average. smash friesh, okay, smash burger, okay, fried onions, okay, smash potato fries, okay too.
(3)
Rhan K.
Really good burgers and fries. The only reason this place doesn't get 5 stars is because it has horrible fountain soda. so the good: GREAT food. I would suggest getting their smash fries. It just adds an extra bit of flavor that makes it GREAT! Their burgers are also really good. I got their kids size burger with some extra onion rings on it. Kids sized burgers are often really dry and over cooked, but this place had it right on the dot. (It was lunch and I couldn't eat a full 1/3 lb, so I went with the smaller one and it was not a bad decision on my part). My friend got one of their specialty burgers and thought that was great too! The service was also decent. It was sunday lunch and I had a very at attentive girl greet me and help us order. We got our food in a timely manner and there was really nothing to complain about. The price was decent. I got my kids meal for about 5 bucks, including drink and fries and I think a normal sized burger seemed comparable in price to other places. the bad: their soda. I know its a horrible thing to gripe about, but I'm eating a lot of greesy food and I paid for a soda. If I am going to do that, I was soda, not slightly flavored slightly bubbly water. It was just a big disappointment that the I couldn't wash down my great burger with a refreshing coke. Overall, great place to eat. I recommend it when you are craving a good burger.
(4)
Paul G.
We tried both a beef burger and a chicken burger while tasty the meat was paper thin on both. Don't recommend going here if you're hungry because you will leave that way.
(3)
Brown G.
The best thing they have going for them - their price point. They're the only cheap burgers in La Jolla. The burgers are tasty, but everything else on their menu is subpar. STAY AWAY FROM THEIR FLASH FRIED VEGGIES. Absolutely disgusting. They're limp pieces of baby green beans, asparagus, and carrots that are dripping with oil. Same comment for their fried pickles. ABSOLUTELY NO CRUNCH to them. Isn't that the whole reason why you order something fried?!!!! French fries are alright, nothing to call home about. Salads = big thumbs down. The greens were warm and wilted. The flavors in their Sunset Smash Salad just don't make any sense at all. I took a few bites and just tossed the whole thing into the trash. Like their name says, they should just stick to making burgers, and nothing else.
(2)
Tim S.
Good burgers. Great onion strings and sweet potato fries. Will be back again.
(4)
Lindsay W.
I loved the burgers. The decorations were also cool, and the smash fries are delish. Also, the root beer floats and shakes are very yummy.
(5)
Sheila P.
Fried pickles?!!?!?? LOVE it! I went to Smashburger last night and I was very impressed. I ordered a cheeseburger with french fries and my friend ordered a cheeseburger with fried pickles. The burger was amazing! It was juicy and very flavorful. My friend was equally happy with hers. I have to say that the fried pickles were my favorite part of the meal. I love fried food and I love pickles. Smashburger put two of my favorite things together and did not disappoint. I will be going back very soon. Can't wait to try their chili hot dogs and milkshakes!
(5)
Saad H.
had lunch here yesterday. the chili dog is bomb!! and the san diego burger was great. you can tell the meat quality was very good. ill go back fo sho!
(4)
Andrea P.
I'm not a big of burgers, but this place has seriously changed my outlook on burgers. I was in La Jolla with some friends and we saw that this place was getting pretty crowded so we figured it was a good place to eat, so why not..little did I know I was in for a surprise. I had the San Diego Burger w/ Sweet Potato fries..to put it simply..it was AMAZING! (did I mention, i'm not a big fan of burgers) but this one just had the right amount of EVERYTHING. You can tell the beef wasn't frozen and the ingredients completed each other so well A+++ in my book. My friend got the Spicy Baja Burger when I tired it, that too was good. There was a good amount of heat that kicked open your senses but not too much where you felt like you were going to die. I think this place converted me to liking burgers again, cause so far..this is the best burger place I've eaten in SD. San Diego Burger=Avocado, celantro and onions, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and chipotle mayo on a torta roll Spicy Baja Burger=Pepper Jack, Guacamole, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, chipotle mayo, jalapenos on a chipotle bun
(4)
Tommy M.
I was stoked to have found this place while being hungry one night in La Jolla. From the outside, it looks like a nice new place that specalizes in burgers and has very good burgers. I was reminded of "The Burger Lounge" in it's appearance. I ended up getting a chicken sandwhich and the 2 people I was with got hambugers. All of our food was very average and nothing special. My chicken sandwhich could have been from Wendy's and I would not have known the difference. The burgers looked like a normal burger, nothing out of this world. The part that upset me the most were the prices; 5.99 I believe for just a burger. Fries were extra! How do you not sell the burger with fries! The people were nice, it was very clean, and they had a wide variety of seating with clean bathrooms. I would not go back here; definitely would go to Burger Lounge next time.
(2)
Trisha Eve J.
As an In-n-Out fan, I was a little skeptical about Smashburger. However, I'm always open to try new places. I heard good things about this place, so I decided to try it out. I went to the La Jolla location about a month ago with my fiance and the Carmel Mountain location two weeks ago with my bible study group. I did like how they have different choices for condiments like Five Guys, which In-n-out does not have. Also, that they have different bun choices, which Five Guys and In-n-out don't have (with the exception of lettuce). The burgers at Smashburger are good as well as the sweet potato fries, however, I was not fond of the Smashfries. Smashburger and Five Guys definitely trump In-n-out when it comes to food choices, but that's because they are much more newer franchises than In-n-out. In-n-out has been around since 1948 and has stuck to their small, but tried and true menu. Luckily, all three of these places don't really break the bank. :)
(3)
Amber Y.
PROS: Yumm. Just had me a plate of sweet potato fries and an all American burger. SO GOOD. The meat is seared to perfection and the buns are nice and soft.. the sweet potato fries are a little thin in my opinion but still delicious with a hint of thyme. CONS: The fries are little pricey (1.99 for a tiny, baby basket of fries, 2.99 if you don't get a burger!!!). BUT: Its definitely stilll worth the visit if you're in downtown La Jolla. ALSO: ( I'm not a fan of the ambience --grey walls and booths-- it always feels too dark in here even though we're in sunny California. And I'd like to see the awesome burger I'm eating!)
(4)
Sofie C.
I came in here with very high expectations since I had heard a lot about this burger joint. The whole ambience was very diner-like and I liked the vibe I got. The staff was friendly and nice to us since it was our first time. After looking at the menu on the wall, my boyfriend and I decided to split the "San Diego Burger" and fries. The burger itself was huge and good. Notice how I used to word "good," it was alright but when I eat burgers I kinda just like them simple. This one had chipotle sauce, onions, cilantro and pepper jack cheese, in my opinion it was too much and not what I was expecting since I'm more of a traditional type. Next time I visit, I will order the Classic Smashburger: its plain and simple. You can't go wrong. BTW, ordering the fries and one burger was plenty for two.
(3)
Jeff S.
Great burger!! I enjoyed the side chili that was good for its price. Will definitely go again next time I'm in the area.
(5)
Albert S.
Blah under seasoned. I had the sd burger I looked like they put a half bunch of cilantro stems and all pretty bad. Over all burger wasent good I would much rather go to in n out and save some money and have a better tasting burger.
(2)
Amber A.
I love their garlic fries, semi-customizable burgers, and definitely their NUTTER BUTTER SHAKE! Good stuff for the price, and the place is clean and big enough. Tastes so good after a nice long day at the beach :]
(4)
Douglas S.
HAAEN-DAZS Butterfinger Shakes! Yesssssss please
(5)
L B.
Amazing burgers! the spicy baja chicken is so good. the outdoor terrace is also nice to sit in as you can eat and people watch.
(5)
chloe c.
New burger place around me! Burger is ok and I like smash fries with garlic & rosemary. it's a little bit greasy but tastes good though. However, I'd rather choose burger lounge than smash burger.
(4)
Rachel G.
This is the kind of burger joint where you eat until you are sick (i did this)...and also possible get all over yourself in your gluttonous fit (i did this also). Highly highly recommended and theres a gelato place right across the street if you havent exploded yet.
(5)
Lisa R.
It's a gourmet twist on the all-American burger, string onion rings and fries for a great price! I loved my burger with blue cheese, on a egg bun with bacon, guacamole, avocado and lettuce burger with smash sauce and the fact that they have a huge array of other combos that you can create with gourmet ingredients. To top them off was their friendly staff and great environment of being right in La Jolla's food district.
(5)
Victor L.
The food is okay, but what really annoyed me was the fact that they forgot my order, and I had to wait around 30 minutes. The worst part is the employees saw the number placard you receive after your order and they didn't even bother checking on the order. Needless to say, I was pretty disappointed.
(2)
Amy C.
I'm not a huge burger fan, but I'm glad I gave Smashburger a chance. This is probably the only other place I'd consider eating a burger at, (Besides Bareback! OMNOMNOM.) They taste great, the service was SO fast, and it's super clean inside. All A+'s in my book. My party and I ordered the San Diego, All-American, reg. french fries and veggie frites. The San Diego was delicious, however I didn't like the "ice cream scooped avocado" blob. Would've preferred they slice it so I have avocado evenly on the whole burger. The veggie frites were great and an interesting side to offer. The All-American is just a great no-nonsense burger. Definitely check them out. Their burgers are delicious!
(4)
Gary G.
I went to today's Smash Burger grand opening in La Jolla on Prospect and it was packed. The cashiers keep the line moving very well but almost all the seats were filled. I love burgers especially Hodad's burgers in Ocean Beach but this burger is really juicy. Great tasting meat and really fresh egg bun. Hard to beat the price in La Jolla for a 1/3 pound burger $4.99! I will be back with the rest of my office. Gary Giffin
(4)
Debbie O.
Yummy burgers. People in their swim suits. Burgers definitely satisfied my craving. Got the San Diego Smashburger with a side of haystack onions, which were way too oily by the way. Go with the sweet potato fries instead. Strawberry shake was very good. Not as thick as In-N-Out ones, which is a plus so I don't have to suck my lungs out trying to get a sip of the shake. Really the difference between SmashBurger and Buger Lounge is that SmashBurger does not use grass-fed beef. This is a big deal because you can definitely tell the difference in the patty. In addition, my mom recently showed me an article stating that grass-fed beef is one of the top twenty anti-aging foods. Weird, right? You wouldn't think that meat should be on the list, but there grass-fed beef is. Anyways, I haven't done my research in this, and I'm not saying you should take my word for it, but quality is something worth paying more for, in my opinion. However, SmashBurger does have more options. I love the toppings they put together, and the price is definitely a plus. I really like the quality of Burger Lounge, but I would definitely return for a SmashBurger.
(4)
Lisa F.
Heard good things and got a two-for-one offer in the mail. The place was almost empty when we got there. The young man at the counter was sweet and solicitous, but there was a disconnect between him and the kitchen. The hamburger was not cut in half as we asked and did not include the jalapenos we requested, and the salad had blue cheese on it although we specifically asked it not be included. The burger was reminiscent of fast food, but messier, and the skinny onions were kind of tasteless. The milkshake was overwhelmed by the whipped cream topping. Aside from too much dressing (and blue cheese!), the salad with grilled chicken wasn't bad. On a positive note, the manager came out, bringing jalapenos for our already-consumed hamburger, and apologized for the mistakes in the kitchen. She gave us a coupon for a free burger. It was delicious.
(2)
Giovanni V.
Came back here to get a burger and considering how much I liked their hot dogs I was kind of disappointed. A burger that has avocado and jalapeños should have far more flavor than it actually did. I stand by my earlier review of their hot dogs because they were excellent!
(3)
Meghan J.
Reminds me of Fat Burger..same concept. Just stumbled across this place while in La Jolla yesterday. Came down to the cove and despite all the complaints had no problem parking. Never hearing a thing about Smash burger we decided to try. The burgers were good, don't get me wrong but it came out to about $18 for two regular classic burgers and fries and we shared a drink. Some what expensive, I would never drive down here solely for this restaurant but if you happen to be in the area definitely give it a try.
(3)
Lawrence L.
Don't know what all the hype is about. Average burger at above average prices. Service was iffy at best and their burger does not compare to The Burger Lounge. If you are looking for a good burger there are a lot of better choices in San Diego.
(3)
Evan C.
Definitely go for San Diego burger. Comes with avocado and tasty sauce with spicy cheese. Also get the smash fries. Minus star for store policy to keep the door open all the time and people smoking right by the door.
(4)
Tony E.
Excellent food! I took the feedback from other "Yelpers" and my wife and I were very impressed with the food and the service. To bad the space was so confined and clustered. Anyhow I cannot complain because overall I was happy :) I highly recommend to all for lunch!
(4)
Layla Z.
Flavor in every bite. When I walked in, I scanned the tables and saw most people with a side of sweet potato fries and thought I'd give them a try. I had trouble picking a burger so I asked the cashier what the most popular burger was and he told me the San Diego burger, so I went with that. And let me tell you, he led me in the right direction. They came out with the food pretty fast and I thoroughly enjoyed my meal here. I was pretty full off my burger and fries, but i still tried my sister's oreo milkshake and it was nice. The meat patty itself was nothing sensational, but the toppings and dressing cover that and really make the burger juicy and flavorful. Also, at the bottom of my bowl of fries was a pile of oil, and I was sad that my last fries were drenched since they don't give a big helping to start with. I had to dab them out on a napkin but other than that, Smashburger is an affordable meal considering its location. We took a stroll down to the beach to digest a little and it was a nice way to end the meal and day. I would go again, if I were in the area.
(4)
Beau C.
Went there after seeing a flyer for it. The concept looks interesting, sort of a cross between a McDonald's and an In 'N Out maybe? Anyways I had the BBQ, Bacon & Cheese smashburger. I added a fried egg to see what it would be like (my cardiologist is probably gonna kill me) and my date got the build-your-own burger. We also decided on an order of the smashfries. We waited about ten minutes to order because a group of idiots in front of us apparently couldn't figure out how to order off a set menu. That isn't Smashburgers fault at all. Our ordering process was simple, and we took our seats. I liked the decor, reminded me of some European burger chains I've been in. Anyone who's ever eaten in a Hessburger will know what I mean. After maybe five minutes our order was delivered. They screwed up a little bit and didn't put the egg on my burger so I sent mine back. Five more minutes later it showed up again this time with the egg. Taste-wise it was delicious, cooked medium-rare just like I wanted. The 1/3 lb patty was large and well seasoned. It was quite greasy, so I figured they are using 80/20 ground beef versus 85/15 which I tend to prefer. That might be the only thing food-wise that I didn't like. It's very possible to make a juicy, delicious burger with less fat. The smashfries were quite good too, I think they are onto something with their rosemary seasoning. Maybe a touch more garlic but still really tasty. My date's burger was very traditional but she thoroughly enjoyed it and that's all that matters. Overall, an easy 4 stars. I'll go back for the other menu items, they all look really interesting.
(4)
Cindy G.
The powers that be (my friend who has the hook-up) graced me with the opportunity to come check out SmashBurger on their preview night. I'm always down for a freebie, especially when it's free food. I custom-made my burger with a 1/3 lb patty (you can order the different sized patties), chipotle bun, chipotle sauce, lettuce, tomato, pepper jack cheese and mushrooms. I'm not sure if it was the patty or the chipotle sauce or the combination of both, but my burger was VERY flavorful. It must have to do with the smashing of the burger to seal in flavor. I also took bites of my friends' Baja and San Diego burgers. Those did not disappoint either. Smashfries were yummy. They gave out sample of chocolate shakes. Let's just say I enjoyed them so much, I had three samples. At one point, I wanted another shake so bad and one of the employees asked if we needed anything else and I practically begged him for another shake. The guy was so nice and got me another shake. Thank you nice guy! You were awesome! I didn't have to pay for my meal, which was amazing in itself, however, I would definitely come back and pay for a great meal at SmashBurger. They have inexpensive, quality burgers. The service here was OUTSTANDING. I'm not sure if the staff were super friendly and helpful just because it was a special event, but I hope the customer service remains that way for all time. I think the word on the street is more will be opening throughout San Diego County, and if that's true, I have no doubt SmashBurger will be one of the top burger places in SD. Watch out other burger places, you have some legit competition! I believe SmashBurger officially opens today, March 24. Go check it out.
(5)
Erika C.
I would describe smashburger as Burger Lounge's cheaper, less tasty little brother. I got the all American with haystack onions on top (which are absolutely worth the extra 50 cents). The food is good, but if I'm already spending over $5 might as well spring for Burger Lounge.
(4)
Natalie K.
So had planned a night out in La Jolla and came upon this place on the way. I walked in about 10 min til closing and they were happy to take my order. I had a burger with some fries, which actually turned out pretty tasty. The burger meat was not greasy at all, which I enjoyed. They had a bigger menu with some interesting things that I would like to try next time, but all in all the restaurant itself was very neat and clean. I would definitely try it again!
(4)
Jen K.
The service was quick and friendly. The eating areas were clean. The burgers were perfectly cooked. I highly recommend the San Diego Smashburger and fried pickles. The best burgers we have had since moving to San Diego.
(5)
Elmo N.
First visit to Smash Burger's and I must say I did enjoy it. Lots to choose from when you custom build your burger. The beef is high quality although if I have one Major complaint is that I can't order the beef the way I prefer it. I like med rare and the best that they offer is med well. Come on Smash Burger, you were almost a 5 star joint! Chicken tenders were good too as were the smash fries 2 thumbs up for the San Diego burger and if your feeling adventurous, try the Chipotle bun
(4)
Nicole S.
My family was looking for casual and inexpensive (for La Jolla) restaurant to eat and found Smashburger. Everybody loved their food- the burgers and chicken are "smashed" or flattened, and the fries come in huge orders perfect for sharing. We had the garlic smash fries and sweet potato smash fries. This place is not cheap, but a great option for a fast, casual restaurant. The line gets pretty crazy, but the service is fast and right next to a staircase that leads down to the cliff and children's pool, in case you want to get your order to go. I had the BBQ smash chicken burger and loved it!
(4)
Tim W.
Many options. Unique flavor. Nice decor. Still in search of the best but this is up there. GREAT service. There was a tiny fly on the burger and they replaced the whole thing.. Like it was their fault? They offer a lime shake that I wasn't brave enought to try, maybe next time becuase will go back. I had the Spicy Baja. The chipotle bun was great and the RAW jalepenos were different. Hard to find parking and will likely try the Mission Valley location when it opens.
(4)
Keith M.
This taste like an expensive Wendy's. Nothing horrible but really not worth a revisit.
(2)
Soojin S.
YUM! A deliccccious burger that's not so pricey! I got the San Diego burger while my friend got the original Smash burger. Both were so tasty! At first I was skeptical of cilantro and sour cream in my burger but it was worth the risk. Both fries are flavored with rosemary and garlic are OFF THE HOOOOOOK. What kind of regular burger joint has ROSEMARY AND GARLIC FRIES?!? Yummerz. I would DEFINITELY recommend this place- so glad I found it before I graduated UCSD! Now this will be the burger place to be!
(5)
Christina H.
Loved this place! The price is affordable around $15 for my husband and I to each have a meal. I ordered a burger with smoked cheddar, bacon, and spicy chipotle....yum! The chipotle sauce is delicious and has just enough of a kick to it. Only ordered regular french fries but they were delicious with a little crunch to them! Also, you can order imported beer a bucket of 4 blue moons is about $10...sweet deal.
(5)
Kristen C.
Good but not great. Maybe because we went when they were first opening and they were still working out the kinks. Our food was good but nothing about it was memorable.
(3)
Todd P.
The burgers and the Onion rings are my favorite.
(4)
Brianna F.
Yum, Bacon burger was amazing. They really don't skimp on the quality of the burgers, and they have cool sides like fried pickles.
(4)
Christopher D.
I really enjoyed this place, it's a nice relief to see a fast food restaurant that is so clean and well kept. The staff is nice and brings your order straight to your table. I had the BBQ burger which had some damn good shoe string fried onions on it and a well seasoned patty. Maybe one of the most notable attributes of this place are the malts. The ice cream is brought in from the local Hagen Daz shop so you're getting some top quality sugar and cream.
(5)
Rubio S.
Greatest Fast Food Burger eaten so far....better than In and Out...love that summer is over, the place was dead...I like the booth seating too! Rootbeer floats with IBC too. Affordable and tasty! A bunch of different fries to taste too.
(5)
E Q.
Horrible service. As a local La Jollan it was very disappointing to see a store in our town with such bad service. I was in line to order from one of only two cash registers with 3 people in front of me when the older woman with curly hair decides to take a break. the young girl was slow so after waiting 15mins for 3 people to order I walked out. You could see the older woman chatting with people in the back while the customers waited. Wont be back and will not recommend to any other locals.
(1)
Tom E.
a bit greasy, salty - but a good burger... the cilantro and avocado on the san diego burger was a great idea. skip the onion rings - the first few were good, deeper in it was soggy greasy rings. they were out of root beer - my nieces were bummed... burger lounge is better, hodads better still, smashburger fine for a cheap fast good burger.
(3)
Vanessa T.
I loved their Spicy Baja Burger! This place is in a pretty good location and is not in direct competition with any other burger joints besides Burger Lounge but BL is more for the conscious eater where as SB is for someone who just wants a good burger. The layout is pretty good considering the allowable space. They have 2 lines to order which I like. And although they were fairly busy I got my order in a very short time. One caveat is their produce. The lettuce was not as green and fresh as I'd like and the tomatoes were dull looking too. Other than that it was a good tasty burger.
(4)
Elika E.
My boyfriend and I stopped by here on a Saturday night after he had raved to me about it.. he's gotten it twice on his lunch break. So we get there at about 830pm and the place was pretty busy. The line wasn't that long but took a while to get to the front? While standing there and observing I loved the fact that the menu is simple(reminds me of In-n-Out), but they offer salads here, and alcohol and wine which is great. So continuing to observe the environment while in line, the workers seemed frantic, unhappy, maybe they were short staffed? There were 3 of them up front/taking food out. The cashier wasn't friendly but wasn't rude either. We weren't super hungry so we shared a classic 1/2lb burger no cheese, and a side of french fries and a soda($10 total). We then waited for a booth to be cleaned, which was totally understandable. But then continued to sit for exactly 25minutes and wait for our one burger to be served to us.... while we watched every other table getting their food. Finally ours came out and the only nice worker served us so that was a plus. If you read my other reviews I'm usually not much of a complainer.. but 25 minute wait for one burger? No exaggeration either, we looked at the time on our receipt to when it was brought out. As for the food- it was good. But not great. Maybe because it was just a plain burger I thought it was just ok. The meat was a little on the dryer side. I did like the bun and that it's not a typical hamburger bun. We then ran out of ketchup that was on the table so my bf went to the front counter to ask for more.. the cashier gave him the little to-go packets... 3 of them. So then we went and grabbed another bottle of ketchup from an empty table. The french fries were ok but thinner, like mcdonalds fries just not as greasy. the sweet potatoe fries are probably a much better option. Overall the place was ok, kind of a mess, I think I'd choose another spot/restaurant in the village first instead of this place again, but it is a great concept and could be fun maybe during the day at an off time. And also, I see a lot of people complaining about the parking.. just have to say, isn't that expected? It is La Jolla Village, the main point is to walk around.. if you're looking for a pull up and park in front... an in n out joint is probably a better choice.
(3)
marie m.
Ah, a little piece of my beloved Colorado in SD, nice. I have no complaints, good food takes time to prepare and Smashburger is good. The price is right and the service exceptional.
(5)
Nick H.
Heard about this place in the newspaper, and I am glad I did. The location is great! I got the San Diego Smash Burger which was super juicy and very very good! We also got a chocolate shake and sweet potatoe fries, both which were amazing as well. If you are looking for another good burger spot, you gotta check this joint out!
(5)
Brad V.
Went in the evening. Had a burger and french fries. It was very fresh and tasty and the service was very good. I am impressed.
(5)
Whitney W.
I'm not a fan. I've been here twice. The first time I ordered a chicken salad and the chicken was soooo salty I couldn't eat it, but I figured it's a burger place and clearly they have had an accident with the salt plus the rest of our party liked there burgers and it's a cheap burger place for La Jolla. The second, and last time, my husband got food poisoning from the burger and hasn't been able to even look at a burger since. Also don't like the decor at all. Burger Lounge is wayyyy better in every way, though they don't have great seating accomodations it's cute and the food is awesome! Someone recommended that we tell management so that we could have free gift certificates. That made me laugh. Me thinks you pass on eating at the place that you got food poisoning from.
(1)
Krystal L.
i really like how this place is so close to where i live and how its a cheap but good burger place in the middle of downtown la jolla. their burgers are seriously really good especially if you add a fried egg! the sweet potato fries are bomb as well. they're seasoned with rosemary and they just taste sooo perfect! the staff is really nice too. i forgot that i had wanted to add a fried egg to my burger so i went back up and asked if i could add one and usually it costs and extra dollar for the egg but the girl just added for free. it's a really good place to go if you want to eat good cheap burgers in downtown la jolla.
(4)
Kyle B.
I was on vacation and was in La Jolla with my girlfriend and one of my buddies just looking for a simple burger and was very impressed with Smashburger. The prices were reasonable for La Jolla and they have a bucket of 5 beers for $10, which includes all beers! Food was very fresh and service was prompt. I just wish they had more seating outside.
(4)
Steph T.
very busy at lunch time but it's always consistently delicious. it makes me laugh that everything has 'smash' in the name though. smash chicken. smash salad. smash soda. the sweet potato fries are fun.
(4)
Andrew T.
the order. 1/2 pounder with just veggies, patty, and bun ( x2) burgers are sort of my thing and for a "fast food" burger joint this is definitely as good as it gets. essentially what makes a true burger are two components: the meat, first and foremost, and the bread. The meat here (im assuming a chuck blend) crumbles in your mouth, and the bun is a no fuss egg bun-a refreshing break from the traditional sesame one-that complements rather than distracts from the taste of the meat. and you read correctly; i liked my first one so much that i had to eat a second 1/2 pounder. This place is just a must have in the world of affordable burger joints--especially in Los Angeles!!
(5)
T K.
Let me start off by saying I am a very picky eater and I do not eat meat so I did not try a famous burger. I did try the smash fries which are season with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil. Can you say, YUM!?!? I imagine their burgers are good too. I saw some people eating them and they seemed to enjoy them. The place is very clean. The staff is nice and the guy who took my order was really nice and had what I think was an Australian accent. That is always fun. I sat on the patio and my little dog sat outside too. The inside was nice and air conditioned but who wants to sit inside in La Jolla?
(4)
Priscilla C.
Gourmet burger for $5? unheard of (in the OC). I went in a group of 6 and four of us tried the San Diego Burger! :) the sauce was so yummies I couldn't believe it came in a burger. ( the other two ordered the Sin City burger (good!!) and a Chicken burger (ok)) we all ordered different sides so we tried the Vegetables fries, shoestring onions, smash fries! (rosemary garlic... my favorite)... and all were really good. I was in a happy food coma afterwards
(5)
Yvette T.
SOOOO GOOD! I love their burgers here (craving one now actually). I had their 1/3 lb. mushroom swiss w/ fried pickles and the BF had the 1/3 lb. smashburger w/ rosemary fries. The sides were ok- pickles were a little too salty and the fries were not fresh. But the reason I came was for the burger and I have to say that it beats Hodad's, Rocky's, Islands, Fatburger, 5 guys and maybe, maybe even in-n-out. I love me some in-n-out but smashburger is higher quality so you can't really compare. But if you compare to the first 5 joints I listed, then definitely smashburger wins. Plus you can walk down to La Jolla Cove afterwards to look at the seals :)
(4)
Roger C.
All be it a little messy the burgers here and fries are fantastic better yet it's cheap too!! My new fav burger lounge
(5)
Dave G.
Matt (manager) and Marquisha (server), were fantastic! What a great experience!!! Everything was awesome!!!
(5)
Lola R.
The burgers are good but the hot dogs are the best!!!
(4)
Kelly B.
Place was messy. Burger was so-so. Definitely not a Nicky Rotten or Flemmings Steakhouse burger!!!! I won't be coming back just because it didn't do anything more than Burger King would for me.
(2)
Merry J.
This is the BEST hamburger I have ever had. Blows the competition right out of the water. The burgers are so juicy and flavorful. Plus you can get a beer to go with it, even get sweet potato french fries! hmm good! They have other types of sandwiches too if you want some variety, but I love their burgers. I like it better than burger lounge, or even the hallowed In and Out. I don't know how they do it, but they make the burgers taste so juicy delicious. Try it you will love it!
(5)
V V.
Loved the San Diego Burger! Nice variation from the always great Burger Lounge.
(4)
nicole b.
Today they are giving away free food during their grand opening. Service was excellent -- very friendly and knowledgeable. The place is clean and visually appealing. I ordered a salad to go -- it was kind of thrown together and not visually appealing (I think they were overwhelmed with the response to the opening) but ingredients were fresh, it wasn't drenched in dressing and the portion size was perfect. I'll definitely be back to try a burger or sandwich and glad to have a place so close to work that offers good salad!
(4)
Amy S.
I LOVE SMASHFRIES! Oh, and the burgers are great too.
(4)
Jane B.
I would move to California just to eat at Smashburger- Food, service, cleanliness, food, fried onions, A+++++
(5)
Geoffrey H.
Went here because the local news did a feature on it; not great, but not bad. The prices were reasonable, but the burger was nothing to rave about. It's nice that they have a couple different options for fries, i had the sweat potato ones, which were good. I think Burger Lounge which is 2 blocks away makes a better burger.
(3)
Lucky P.
Their burger is pretty amazing! I would have to say it's as good or even better than Five Guys. Okay, maybe Five Guys and Smash Burger is tied on first place. Smash is a little bit more expensive-perhaps it's because of the fancier joint. Everything tasted fresh and flavorful. You will not be disappointed! We went on a Thursday night, so the place was busy but not packed. I wish I ordered the shake, next time!
(4)
MIKE F.
Welcome to the neighborhood Smashburger. Awesome customer service. I got the half pound classic (had to for my first visit) and my prego wife got the 1/3 pound classic. We both devoured them. Looking forward to trying the rest of the menu. I would have given a point off for giving me regular fries instead of sweet potato fries, but i'm assuming they'll work those kinks out. A little pricey at $16 for 2 burgers and 2 fries, but we're in La Jolla, and sometimes i'd rather not drive all the way to PB for In-N-Out (and Burger Lounge is way over-rated). Maybe they'll come out with a customer loyalty program like a buy 9 get your tenth free?
(5)
Dave A.
Much much much better than last time. Got the baja burger this time. Taste was great. Still wish they'd do the burger medium rare. The sweet potato fries were perfect this time. I think my first visit might have been a fluke.
(4)
Sarah Katherine S.
i got the normal burger, but my husband got the cali burger and i am pea green!!! it was soooo messy and yummy. the shakes are just okay...
(4)
Giovanni T.
Had the San Diego Burger on my first visit. My friends ordered different sides, so we can try all the sides they offered. I was really impressed. It's really hard to compare with Burger Lounge. They 're both good places. The San Diego Burger was so good, I was really thinking of ordering a 2nd one. The sweet potato fries and the fried pickles are good sides to have with the burger.
(5)
l l.
bbq bacon cheeseburger no. pockets of salt in the burger.... (not mixed well?) i dont know. it was no bueno. is alll i know. think the sides were the only good part, but i may be wrong about that. I was incredibly hungry and the burger was not delicious, so maybe I settled...
(1)
Bobby Y.
i came here opening week with high hopes. i had just eaten at another colorado-based burger place, larkburger, with an amazing truffle burg. unfortunately, the bbq bacon cheese burger here was a huge let down. the patty was paper thin, dry, and bland. probably due all the smashing.
(2)
Leanne G.
Not recommended for veggies AT ALL!! I called Smashburger to make sure they serve veggie burgers. They do, but they are disgusting. Just a bunch of smashed up black beans that fell apart immediately. But let's back up, after I ordered the veggie burger, I asked the person at the counter what side was the most popular for me to try for my first time, and the guy said the sweet potato fries and then asked if I was vegetarian, to which I replied yes, or else I probably wouldn't have ordered a veggie burger! He then proceeded to tell me that their sides are all fried in beef fat. The ONLY reason why he told me that was because he is vegetarian too, and has never eaten the sides because of it! I was very irritated that they would 1) use beef fat, there's no point, and 2) not label it on their menu. If it were any other person, they probably wouldn't have told me, and I would have had some sort of potato soaked, cooked and fried in the fat of a cow. I'm sure there are a lot of veggies out there that have eaten their sides without knowing what it was cooked in. There are a lot of vegetarians, I don't know why they would purposefully cut out that much of a customer base and then not label it. Very disappointed. Go to BurgerLounge instead.
(1)
Bo B.
I was walking down prospect one day and I came across this place. I have been a here a couple times since. Deco is pretty modern with its bold red accents. I never really noticed that it was so dark until i came her during the day time. The place is like a cave, the register is at the opposite end of the place from the window. The menu is really big, not lengthy but size wise, and it has these interesting animated pictures of whats in the item. If you sit in the booths, you'll probably notice that end up kinda leaning forward in the seat, its as if its smashing your face into your meal. I really wish the price of the burger or sandwich included a side but i can live with it. They need to come up with combo deals. Cause they always ask if you would like fries with that, as if its included, which it isn't. The service is good, every time i have been when i receive my food the person is always good about asking if i need anything else. The trays that the food come in are a unique idea. They are little metal baskets, definitely not your typical plastic baskets. Im not really sure if i enjoy the burgers more of the chicken sandwiches. The chicken is pretty juicy. Parking is street parking, and it being downtown la jolla/prospect area, parking can be a challenge especially during nice weather.
(4)
Kevin P.
lemme just say that this was the best burger I've ever had in my life!! got the spicy baja and a side of smash fries today for lunch during work and seriously had a full on orgasm in front of the other customers eating there..the burger is cooked to perfection and is juicier than anywhere else i've ever been to..the cheese is perfectly melted on top too which only adds to the taste..I highly recommend this place to everyone! you won't find a better product for a better price, guaranteed..you'll end up waiting longer to get your burger than it takes for you to scarf it down..i DARE you to try and not eat this burger in under one minute..that's seriously how good it is....
(5)
F A.
Excellent burgers made with very good ingredients. I recommend starting with the Classic and some Smashfries.
(4)
Sarah A.
Went here for lunch today. We live in Tierrasanta, but we've heard good things so we thought, "Hey what the heck" and drove up to La Jolla for a few hours. They have outside seating, making them dog friendly, which was nice because our dog loves to go with us :) The burgers were good, nothing really special, and the buns were really good, but again nothing special. My husband ordered a mushroom swiss and I ordered off the kids menu. The burgers were a good size, and I know I ordered a kids meal, but really? A half handful of fries? We couldn't even substitute the fries for any other type of fries, even if we were willing to pay more. They literally just said, "No." Then, my husband ordered a side of haystack onions and after speaking to the Manager he said he'd "take care of it".... If taking care of it means, not giving them to us at all, then he sure did take care of it. Once our food came, we had to ask the waiter again for the onions. The food was ok, but definitely not worth the trip. I worry about a place that even the manager doesn't truly care about the customer service.
(2)
Erica C.
Best Burgers ever! Was on vacation from Arizona and looking for a cheap place for lunch in La Jolla and we found it. I have never been able to finish a whole burger at a resturant until we ate at Smash burger. I ate the San Diego burger and shared haystack onions with my husband. The onions were just as good as the burgers. We topped all of this off with a butterfinger shake, what a perfect meal. All for only about $20. Great deal for amazing food. We just wish there was one in Tucson, I guess we will have to make a 2 hour drive to Phoenix to go to Smash Burger.
(5)
Angie K.
I have been here about 3 times since they opened. They are right down the street from where I work. Great location. A few weeks ago I would have given them 4 stars. But after today's experience it's a solid 3. I waited forever to get my food! I got take out. I asked one of the server girls where my food was and she said "let me go and check it out" she came back and said "sorry we forgot about you" WHAT? You forgot about me WTF! (First of all never tell a customer you forgot about them) The burgers are pretty good lots of flavor nothing really bad to say about them. But my Fried Pickles were disgusting and I only got about 6 little round pickles. All I tasted was salt! Yuck. I have heard from my co workers that they have had salty burgers too. Lay off the salt please! The Salads are pretty good if your trying to go on the healthy side, I do recommend those! Other than that this place is a good cheap burger joint, a little busy but everywhere is about lunch time...
(3)
C T.
Service is great and everyone is always super friendly. Burgers are a decent size but a great value. Sometimes a bit greasy but overall a good solid burger
(5)
mike t.
The burgers are fair-good, not great. They must keep their fries under a heat lamp because the order I got was as close to cardboard as you can get. The salad was also made with wilted lettuce. It reminded me of the salads I've brought home from lunch & ate in the evening. Moderately priced but in my opinion you're better off going to Carl Jrs. Parking can be very difficult.
(1)
bryant p.
Great food without damaging your wallet. Burger lounge watch out!
(4)
Alex J.
Walk in and it smelled gross. I thought maybe it was outside or something else. Find out it was the food....trust me. It was the food Cashier was rude off the bat. Took awhile to get our food and it was terrible. I don't know what Californians think is a good burger, but even for FAST FOOD this is awful. Thin, grossly cooked patty (chicken or beef as we ordered 1 of each). By gross, I mean there was film from the grill on the meat. CLEAN THE GRILL. Fries weren't bad, but a little too thin. Potato strings is more accurate. Would I go back?? Nope. Not even if that's all there was close by. Not sure about In N Out but this can't even beat Jack in the Box.
(1)
Adam W.
Always so hungry when I go here. Maybe that's why I think it takes so long to get my food. Staff is really friendly. not a place to go to on your lunch break though.
(3)
David G.
Smash burger wasn't really what I expected. Burger was a decent size, but small meat. Unless you go with the "big" option. Otherwise it was delicious, and they give a ton of fries. Smash sauce just taste like mustard and mayo. Don't get your hopes up haha.
(4)
James H.
Big Angus burger "smash classic" rocked Get Bbq sauce on it. Onion ring haystack are thin but tasty
(5)
Melissa S.
When you are hungry sometimes all you care about is getting something quick and easy. We found one of the coveted spots in La Jolla and ran into the first food place we spotted. Smash Burger. It was wonderful. We walked in and instantly got in line. It was a long line, but it gave us time to figure out what we were going to order. I tried to be frugal so I went with choose your own burger and had all the free toppings: grilled onions, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumber, (Who wants cucumber on a burger?! I've never heard of it, but got it because it was free and ate it soon as the burger arrived. Nice and crunchy.) Smash sauce, I don't recall if I choose cheese. If it was free I put on a slab. I choose the Chipotle bun, it was spicy, which was good, I didn't want a bland burger. I think I'll choose something else next time. We ordered the basic fries and shared them. This is one of my favorite fry place. They were crispy, without a hint of limp. The people were friendly and helpful, after they brought to your table your order they asked you if there was anything else you needed. The delivery of the burger was a bit on the slow side, but they were busy so I can't really dock them for that. It was delivered fresh and hot and that's what matters. It's much quicker than a sit down restaurant. They made it to me before I had a melt down from not eating. I'd go back due to I loved the fries and the burger was really good. Just in case if you were wondering they don't have a private lot. You just park on the street. There was a valet for the restaurant next door. I bet if you were desperate you could pay them to park your car.
(5)
vincent c.
Never had smashburger before. Had the classic big version, it was BOMB. Randomly crave it now. Smashchicken is very good too. Not a fan of their smash fries. No full stars because the booths/floor weren't clean, and the place feels very tightly packed.
(4)
Deyanna C.
Came here yesterday me and the bf were hungry after walking a few miles. We only had 40 bucks and didnt want to go somewhere expensive nor fancy so we yelped this place. It was nice and fresh in here, kinda confusing where to start, ordered a big classic and big san diego along with 2 regular size fries and one drink came out to be 22 bucks which isn't bad same price id pay if i drove to jack in the box. Food was made fresh it was actually really good, burger was huge i couldn't finish mine. Good spot to grab a quick decent price.
(5)
siobhan y.
This place had a funky smell walking in . The food was so bad I took one bite and spit the burger out! My daughter right now has a stomach ache from the food. I took my burger back and at first the manager tried to not refund me. He also said he can only take off half the price? I told him I'm good I do not want anything else . A worker later asked how we were doing. I told her the manager never refunded me. She thought that was very odd and had him give my money back for at least my burger that I never ate. Stick to the Habit or Burger lounge ! There is a Burger Lounge around the corner in La Jolla from this nasty place.
(1)
Ed L.
Good legit Merican style cheesburger. Beef was well cooked and juicy. The lettuce, tomatoes and onions were fresh. Fries are thin cut, crispy and good. There's nothing really innovative or fancy about this place. Just good solid burgers.
(3)
Joe R.
I still have not figured out the SoCal Burger craze. Everyone says they have the best burger, and sadly, none of them are right. This includes Smashburger. I have given this place several tries and have never left thinking, "Wow, that was great!" The burgers are burgers. They are good, but they are not great. They have plenty of options, so there is a choice for everyone. I personally prefer the chicken. The strong point on the menu is the fries and shakes. Both are delicious...separately or together. I have to agree with other posts that cleanliness drags this place down a star. If the dining area was kept up a little more, this would be a four star place. I have yet to go in (5 times) and not see dirty tables, full trash cans and messy soda bar. Staff is always very friendly and helpful. Will provide recommendations if you are having issues choosing.
(3)
Chris L.
Good for a quick and easy meal. The tables were not clean and the guy working did not clean it even after we asked so we cleaned it ourselves. There was only one person delivering the food and cleaning. They need more people here. The burger was good. I liked how it was not uniform and the chipotle mayo was tasty. They serve honest tea here as an alternative to soda.
(3)
Jerry W.
I love Smashburger. I go there quite often on the weekend to grab a milk shake. They make them oh so good. The line moves pretty quickly and the staff have always been quite friendly. It is in the heart of La Jolla so a really cool location.
(5)
Lisa B.
I will start by saying this was a pretty good burger and I will probably go back. It is not as good as In N Out, but certainly a good alternative. The service, however, was definitely lacking. There were multiple empty-but-dirty tables that we ultimately had to clear ourselves so we could be seated. The staff was young and way more interested in being and looking cool than providing good service. The line was long and not very efficient. The overall experience was a bit frustrating, but not enough to keep me away for good.
(3)
James T.
**Biased opinion due to being in Starvation Mode, at least 30 min - 1 hour prior to arrival. Walking into Smashburger and seeing the huge banner above "$7.99 for Classic Smashburger, Fries, and a Drink!" - AND being the Asian I was, I immediately knew I was getting. Boom, baby. The original Smashburger is essentially: American cheese, ketchup, leaf lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and their signature smash sauce on a bun. When you're starving, this is the best thing since sliced bread. Wow. Juicy, and full of flavor from the burst of pickles and onions - this was gone in under 15 seconds. No joke. I requested the Smash Fries, instead of regular french fries, which is an interesting blend of fries that are tossed with rosemary, olive oil and garlic. Wow. And if you request chipotle sauce, it brings the flavor come to that much more "UMPF!" No but seriously, get some of these Smash Fries. They'll make you feel 'healthy' while you're downing your meal, especially if you go fat boy/girl mode with a shake to boot. ;)
(4)
Jocelyn M.
Okay, let's be honest ... it was kind of gross walking into this joint. Granted, I get that it's steps from the beach, but I've been to a bunch of other beach spots and they're much cleaner than this establishment. Upon entering the restaurant, the floors were murky with dirt. In fact, there was a pile of trash swept up right at the entrance!! The trash is located right next to the soda fountain and it looks like they hadn't taken out the trash the entire day. Basically, I tip-toed (okay, a little dramatic but you know I straight up pulled my sweat pant legs up so they wouldn't drag on the nasty floor) my way to the counter and my husband and I ordered our food. I'm sure you guessed by this time, we opted to sit outside. Although our food came out in a timely manner, my fries or should I say my olive oil and rosemary with a side of fries came out room temperature and my so-called toasted bun was also not warm. At. All. The only thing that was hot was the chicken, mushroom and cheese. Crazy thing is, it wasn't busy at all so you'd think it would be a lot cleaner. I don't know if it was because it was two hours before closing or whatever, but I don't think I'll ever return to this location ever again. I mean, McDonald's is way cleaner than this place! If you're looking for a beach experience with a clean place to eat, check out Kono's in Pacific Beach. Although their menu may be a little more simple, at least you won't feel grossed out and your food will always be hot.
(2)
Janice C.
The food was standard, its what you expect from a "higher" burger place. I came in with my family and the food didn't take long to arrive but I did have orders ordering, I feel like they were understaffed, there was only one guy working the cashier, takeouts and doing the busing. The only issue I had with my food was that my bottom bun wasn't really toasted and it got soggy fast... Other than that, it wasn't bad. It was good but nothing spectacular. Its what is expected
(3)
Arlene P.
Quick and easy. Everything you would expect from a Smashburger which is: * a juicy patty with crisp, smashed edges * your choice of an array of free toppings and cheeses or one of their specialty burgers - you can get regular or large sized patty :) The layout is weird... you have to go down a long aisle to get to the counter to order, but I guess that's cool, in case there is a long line. Thankfully, I just walked right in and ordered and it was ready quickly.
(4)
Leah J.
NEVER a bad trip at Smash. Food is consistently good, if not better. Burgers taste so fresh and their smash fries are so good and addicting.
(5)
Tito B.
On Sunday evening, my girlfriend and I went to have dinner and ended up at this fun place. I was craving bacon and bleu cheese and they made it happen. They had the crumbly bleu cheese, not the melted bleu cheese (good!). I really liked putting chululuh on my ketchup and making the perfect dip for the skinny miniature fries. The serving size was great. My beef burger was super tasty, the bread wasn't too thick, and the bacon was so crunchy and crisp. We were served by Robert. He was a cool guy and really funny! He even said a few jokes and made us an awesome strawberry shake. The shift lead that night (I forgot the name) helped us out a lot too. Great food and great service!
(5)
Shar M.
First off let me confess to you... I have a huge addiction to fried pickles. Smashburger enables me. I also just tried their blue cheese chicken sandwich which was amazing. It had loads of buffalo sauce and was slathered with blue cheese and lettuce and tomato on top of a Cibatta type bun. Every time I get sucked in here I know I am going to blow my diet but it's so worth it! Only because I don't have the willpower to order their fresh grilled chicken salad instead which is equally amazing!
(5)
Bob B.
Smashburger certainly solves your burger jonesin' with fast, tasty sandwiches. I don't know what they put in their meat (salt?) but I'm somewhat addicted to it. The fries are a different story. I generally enjoy them as I like thin-style fries but they almost always come out cold. I've had to send them back a couple of times. I mean, if you're going to carb-out with fries, they'd better be hot and as good as can be. This location, in the heart of La Jolla, is always dirty. There's food detritus on the floor. Everything has a greasy feel. The tables often have not been wiped clean. The bathrooms are always a mess - with no paper towels or soap. One time there was a flood right out front of the registers and people were walking through water for like 30 minutes before the staff bothered to clean it up. Every time I'm in there I want to channel my inner manager and start yelling at the kids working there to "Clean this place up!" So, maybe get your burgers to go.
(3)
Shelly M.
Love the create your own option. Bacon cheeseburger with guacamole? Yes, please! Sweet fries are better than most I've had.
(5)
Vannica K.
I love that I can customize my own burgers here ! I have tried both the chicken & patty an i personally enjoy the chicken more. Minus one star for the filthy restroom...
(4)
Esther K.
I came here for dinner with Gardenia H. last year on our way back from San Diego. I had heard a lot of good things about Smashburger so I wanted to try it out. It was a little challenging finding street parking, but we managed to. Once you're inside, you order from the counter and get a number. Once your order is ready, someone will bring it to your table. The restaurant is a decent size, with indoor and outdoor seating, and nice booths. It seemed like it took forever to get our food, but that was probably because we were starving and had a skewed sense of time. I got the San Diego Smashburger: fresh avocado, fresh cilantro and onions, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and spicy chipotle mayo on a torta roll, served with a wedge of lime. I got mine "protein-style" so there was no torta roll. Even without the bread, the burger tasted really good. I liked all the ingredients and they meshed very well. I would have loved to try their sides, perhaps the Smashfries or their Sweet Potato Fries, but I was on a diet when I stopped by and therefore couldn't. I would definitely come back to Smashburger if they open a location closer to me.
(4)
Ming Yee T.
Second time visit, I love the burger and fries here, the grill chicken burger with mushroom is so good and juicy. Staffs are friendly too. Definitely will come by soon:)
(5)
Eileen V.
Spicy Baja and BBQ Bacon cheddar was excellent! As well as the onion stack and chili cheese fries!!
(5)
Lorraine P.
All I do is eat good burgers After a week of the getting the runs from eating in Santa Barbara, I don't want No Mediocre burger. Bad-ass burgers only. Ain't no mediocre. Don't want no mediocre. I won't hit no mediocre Baja burger. You a bad burger stuntin on the mediocre. With my In-N-Out, so far from mediocre. Right hand in the air, I solemnly swear, I never mess with fried pickles if they're cold. Me coming over, if you ain't a five, I ain't coming back. Thicker Burger, Nice Taste, if you don't have well I think I'll pass. And if you ain't talking yummy, what you saying to me? Credit: T.I-No Mediocre.
(2)
Amy I.
Love this place, the employees are great, especially Christian, Christian is awesome. #notwrittenbychristian
(5)
Andrea B.
Voted best burger 2014?? Hmm.... The hamburger meat itself is actually pretty good, but the bacon on my burger was soggy and salty. There was a good amount of avocado on my burger, yeah!!! The haystack onions tasted like someone poured an entire salt shaker on them, I couldn't eat them, crazy salty. Awesome butterfinger milkshake, there were huge pieces of butterfinger in my super thick milkshake, just how i like it. Prices are reasonable, parking is really tough, service was friendly but slow.
(3)
Jack M.
There is something to be said about smashing a patty on a hot griddle and creating an irresistible crust on all beef Angus patty. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/smas… ) Did you see that? Pretty amazing stuff. I ordered the Avocado Club Big Smash Burger with a side of Smash Fries: love that rosemary. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/smas… ) The burger was terrific and the fresh avocado slices were perfectly creamy and ripe. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/smas… ) Like I mentioned earlier, the patty had an amazing crust that held all the beef's natural juices and flavor. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/smas… ) The bacon was crispy and tasty. The only downfall about the burger, was that I asked for it medium, but it arrived well done. Thankfully the meat was not dry and the burger was still great. One minute less on that griddle and the burger would of been a perfect 5 stars. The fries were very good as well. The rosemary herb flavor was aromatic and flavorful. They were thin, crispy, and very well seasoned. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/smas… ) I like the customer service at this location. The server who took my order was very hip and polite. Smash that patty!
(4)
Jack S.
Not a great outing at smash burger. Very very dirty. We got charged for bacon when they didn't have bacon. That's a crime. Food was cold when it came out. Not coming back. Poor service.
(1)
Emily C.
Great food and great service! Perfect for a date day or even a friendly get together! Their San Diego is AMAZING. Get it, and you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Ramy E.
Food are delicious .. People who working there are so friendly . Love that Place . I recommend this place to everyone need to eat delicious food
(5)
Leah D.
Me and my friend came here on a Monday afternoon for lunch and had the best customer service ever. Our host Seddy was very accommodating to our orders and made sure we were satisfied with what we were ordering. While we were waiting for our food I filled out the customer service survey for free fries and Sedraah came to our table to take our order. He was very funny and made my experience at Smashburger even better. Would definitely recommend anyone to come here for not only their food but excellent customer service.
(5)
David Ethan S.
Ah this place is fantastic -- I wish there were many more in San Diego! Highly recommended and delicious and a great addition to Prospect in LJ
(4)
Wendy M.
I had a Swiss cheese and mushroom burger and a beer which was just what I was craving! Burger was one of the best fast food burgers I have had and the staff seemed happy enough as well! I'm glad I was only living beside you a few days and that I found you on the last day:)
(5)
Mel J.
2.5 or 3 stars. I ordered the San Diego burger with beef, but the avocado wasn't ripe. The lime wedge was too dry, so I couldn't squeeze enough juice out of it. The beef patty was too fatty and salty for my taste. The fries were tasty. Somehow, this Smashburger wasn't as good for me as the one in Hazard center in Mission valley area, where I had enjoyed a tasty grilled chicken burger, and the avocado and toppings were just right. The Smashburger in La Jolla also seems to have a ventilation problem or something, as the air didn't smell too pleasant. When we eat, our sense of smell works together with our taste buds to create our dining experience. My yelper lunch buddy agreed that it smelled odd in there. If they improve the ventilation, and keep the tables and floor extra clean, that should help the place to smell appetizing. I might give this smashburger another try some time, but I'd sit outside for fresh air, and I'd order the grilled chicken burger next time. I'd also ask for ripe avocado! The friendly young woman who took our order was pleasant. I think the problem is that there are a TON of places to get my burger fix now, so it can't just be good enough...it has to be sensational nowadays to compete. All the little details matter. The avocado should be ripe, the lime wedge should be fresh and juicy, and hopefully there is a way to order that burger patty with less salt? STUDENTS: With student ID, you can get a classic smashburger, fries and a drink for $7.99.
(2)
Michael B.
Expected alot more for the money. Walked in hearing so much about these burgers. We're from yorba linda. Just approx 1 1/2 hrs away. They have them down there too. Anyway ordered large bbq cheeseburger with bacon. I asked what else comes on it. He responded onion straws. I said can I add mayo or smash sauce. I asked what is smash sauce he replied like thousand island. NOT. It's mustard sauce stuff icky. Burger comes out. Looked decent sized patty better be for over $7. Open up cheese bacon burger and smash sauce. I ask guy appeared to be lead guy that's it? No onion straws no bbq sauce no avocado no tomato no lettuce pickles. Plain for the most part. I asked he brought me onion straws and a few slices avocado. Apparently burger didn't come with avocado but he brought me some anyway. No tomatoes lettuce pickles no bbq sauce. Heck it's called bbq bacon cheddar. Then these so called garlic olive oil rosemary fries. Meh. No where as good as in and out then add some salty flavored seasoning. Call it garlic fries. Spent $23 was hungry walking out. Not money well spent. Costco at Christmas time had gift cards almost half price wish I bought them cuz this was straight up scandalous to charge this much for fast food. Honestly patty tasted great. Nice texture. Could have been cooked a little less well done.
(2)
Jeremy G.
No. I dont get it. You squish out all the yumminess~!! Why? WHY?! Ugh... grab the fries if youre gonna go...its the only saving grace.
(1)
Michelle R.
Great place for a quick, casual meal. Clean, lots of seating and the SMASHBURGER fries are delicious!
(4)
Brandon K.
My favorite burger joint of all! Beats In-n-Out any day because of their great selection of burgers! It was a surprise for me to find this location in La Jolla. But I was glad, the last time I had Smashburger when I was in Vegas. I'd suggest the Swiss mushroom burger, cheers! Egg bun and Swiss cheese with shrooms are the mix for foodgasmic pleasure.
(5)
Rho L.
I really, really wanted to love this place, especially since we went on my recommendation, but I just wasn't all that impressed. Wasn't to keen on the service, overcharged but hey who's nickel and diming. Located in the amazing shopping/grubbing district of La Jolla where parking is a fight to the death, there sits Smashburger, red and white signs ablazin. We were already planning in having mexican food after this meal so no one wanted to eat too much. I got myself the Avocado Club burger plus a fried egg with sweet potato fries. We also got an All American with bacon, hotdog and regular fries. The burger itself is tasty, but lacking the POW i expected based on the stellar reviews. My fried egg unfortunately was overdone also. Overall though, notably good cheeseburger with fresh ingredients and at $5-$7 a sammy, you'll surely get some bang for your buck. s BTW their sweet potato fries were done extremely well and delicious to the last fry.
(3)
Tammy N.
I am a big fan of Smashburger in compared to the other burger joints like Burger Lounge {not In-n-Out though... nothing beats INO}. I love their variety and sweet potato fries. What really won my heart here is the KEY LIME SHAKE! It is not on their menu so you have to ask for it and only some places offer it but it is AAAAAA-MAZING. I wish they had it regularly so I don't have to hunt it down. Their cinnamon shake is pretty good too and I love their burgers. Service has always been ok for me and the pricey is nice on the wallet!
(4)
Christopher C.
I came here with a friend of mine who recently moved to downtown La Jolla so we just walked around. I had always passed by but never tried it until now. Oh and parking is really annoying in downtown La Jolla. You might want to park in a residential area and just walk. Just walk people it's good for you! You don't HAVE to have the closest spot to everything... Ambiance: It's a really long and more narrow space. It's pretty chill and seems like it would get loud. We came on a Saturday at like 4:00pm and a good amount of people came in after us. The booths are nice and tall so you kind of feel like you have more privacy. Service: Don't know if this really counts 'cause you do have to go up to the counter and order yourself, but you do have people come give the food to your table and pick up after you which is nice :) Food: I got the big San Diego Burger. A Big is a 1/2 lb and a Regular is a 1/3 lb of beef. I also found out why they're called "Smash"burger 'cause they flatten the patties which was a bit of a bummer to me. I really like big patties that are thick and cooked medium rare, to keep it nice and moist. It was kind of weird to eat 'cause the patty has more surface area than the buns and it sticks out haha. And it does feel like "less" meat 'cause it's flatter. The flavors were nice though. I love avocado on my burger and the sour cream is a nice touch. You can also get some veggies and sauces added on for free which is nice, so I got some jalapenos 'cause I like my burgers spicy. I also got an order of Smashfries. The flavor was nice with the rosemary but haha once again the fries are really thin. I don't mind too much but it would be nice if it was a bit thicker. I mean not a bad experience or anything for my first time here, but I've definitely had better burgers. Everything was just kind of okay.
(3)
Kristin B.
My first Smashburger experience happened spontaneously in Newark Airport's Terminal C last month. I'd been blown away by how good these just-a-step-above-fast-food burgers are, and to boot Smashburger sells, among other sides, some pretty delicious sweet potato fries. Needless to say I was pumped when recently I noticed that MsMargo M. posted a thread detailing how one could receive a printable buy-1-burger-get-1-free coupon buy visiting the Smashburger website and playing a 30-second game. Cool, I thought, now I can hit up the Smashburger on Prospect Street on a discount. Boyfriend and I did just that earlier this week. Really nice service, and while we ordered at the register my guy was happy to learn that a few bottled beers are available. I have to say, the burgers we had here were definitely overcooked--a little dry, a little too blackened--compared to the burgers in Newark. Still, they were very tasty. The delicious Mushroom Swiss Burgers I ordered at both Smashburger locations were easily among the best seasoned burgers I've ever had. Also, the rosemary on the sweet potato fries is a nice touch. Can't really recall the last time I mentioned a business' bathroom in one of my Yelp reviews, but Smashburger's 2-stall ladies restroom needs a mention. It was filthy. Last night the handicapped stall was completely backed up, the toilet bowl half full of toilet paper and seat covers and other things that are typically found in toilets. Judging by the toilet situation and the particularly dirty floor, I'd say it'd been some time since the bathroom had been inspected by an employee. Quite a contrast to the clean and minimalistic appearance of the dining area. Bathroom aside, I like Smashburger a lot, and service at this particular location seems great.
(4)
Ruth T.
I love Smashburger! I've gotta say, it's one of the better burger place I've been to (I mean, besides In-n-Out, but this place has ~toppings~). I have had the San Diego burger, the Avocado Club, the Spicy Baja burger, and a custom burger in the various times I have visited. Every time, I have been bowled over by the perfect bread, juicy patties, and deliciously complimentary toppings. The only one I have a qualm with is the Spicy Baja, but just because the fresh jalapenos were so spicy that it was tear inducing. I wasn't expecting that, but serves me right. My favorite would have to be the custom burger I made, but since I purchased it, they have changed the Create Your Own menu, to my dismay. Previously, I ordered a burger with goat cheese, which created a flavorgasm so great I had been craving it since. How dejected I was when, the next time I visited, it had been taken off the menu entirely and you now had to *gasp* pay for cheese. Don't forget the fries! Smashfries are completely worth it. Cut thinly and seasoned to perfection with herbs and garlic. Only problem I have with this place is the space - it is very narrow and if you come during peak lunch hours, this place is PACKED. Oftentimes you can find yourself stuck awkwardly standing in the corner hovering around for a booth to open up...and you better be quick, because there are a few other parties roaming around with the same purpose. If you find yourself in this situation, I suggest you grab it to go, and escape to the nearby La Jolla Cove and eat by the beach. Much more relaxing. Protip: If you frequent this place like I do, save your receipts and do the survey at the bottom. Free fries (or choice of side) every time, no joke.
(4)
Meg D.
this place was pretty good
(5)
JN B.
Smashburger is a growing chain of restaurants, but so far there are still small and they are still serving up great tasting grub! We've also been to the one of off Aero Dr. near the 15 Freeway and to the one in San Marcos. So far they have been all good, and this place doesn't disappoint. It's located smack dab in the middle of the bustling, downtown La Jolla Cove area. We first tried this place back on Fourth of July. We were camped out on a curb on Girard Ave. waiting for the Fireworks show to start, and this place made a convenient location to get some great tasting burgers. This time around we were just picnicking at nearby Scripps Park, and this location again made a convenient go-to place. Tip: If you are coming from the beach or Scripps Park area, in between some of the buildings along Coast Blvd. and Coast Blvd. South, there are these walkways that will take you up to Prospect St. In fact, there is one right next to Smashburger.
(5)
Jarod P.
Sucks, they closed half hour early after we drove quite a distance to eat there. The guy inside laughed at us when he closed early. YOU SUCK, SMASHBURGER!!
(1)
Denise M.
I've been to Smashburger a handful of times since my initial review a few years ago, and I have since become a fan. I usually go to the Black Mountain Road location, since it's only a few minutes from my house. I went a couple weeks ago and had a chicken burger (avocado club) and it seriously, hands down, was the best chicken burger I've ever had in my life. Ever. You have the option of getting the chicken fried or grilled, and I chose fried (heck, I just came from a long hike up Potato Chip, so I was starving. Don't judge me). The chicken...oh the chicken....it was so delicious, perfectly moist and flavored. I normally hate ordering chicken, as I feel that it can easily be served too dry, but man oh man. I think from now on at Smashburger I'm always going to go for the chicken- it was that good. I also love that they have veggie frites on the menu- and their malts? Sinfully delicious. Smashburger has earned my stamp of approval!
(4)
Heike N.
What happened? I love or used to love them! The Hillcrest branch unfortunately closed. They had the best burgers and the friendlies people. Went today to the La Jolla branch. The place was (and stayed) dirty, apparently they clean their tables (and floor) only once a day and we had to wait over 50 minutes for our order. On a Sunday afternoon at 2 in a not crowded place??? When I complained all I got was a repeated and I quote ' don't ask me, I don't know where your order is or when you get it. Do you want your money back?' The burgers were dry and the fries cold... This branch needs a serious over haul in personnel and attitude.
(1)
Eric F.
So far the best burger I've had in La Jolla. Maybe even the San Diego area. When my friends and I were driving around, we found this place and we decided to give it a try. My burger was juicy and tasty, and had an amazing BBQ sauce on it. The fries were freshly made, and the whole place seemed to click together. From someone outside the area, I suggest going here!
(5)
Karin P.
Awful just had a horrible experience here! I went in with friends thinking ok something healthy YAY. I tried to order the spinach cucumber with goat cheese, the man behind the counter said, "we're out." Then I tried to order the black bean. . Again! "We're out," he said. So I was like ok the club. . . Then I handed him a $20 they didn't have change??? (Seriously) then he tried to give me 4 bucks in DIMES!! O yes, they we're serious. I said I'd wait for change an they were rude about it! That was just BAD business. He also forgot to ring up my drink. The burger or what ever it was was great! I noticed was a little pink on the inside though. An the fries were cooked in olive oil an seasoned with garlic. Very good till an hour later I got sick yay. An while sitting there I felt bad for a kid that wanted a grilled cheese but couldn't because again, THEY WERE OUT. Then he said chicken strips an nope nothing. . I'm glad I wasn't the only one disappointed!
(1)
Michelle C.
Was in la Jolla vacationing with family and we stopped here to eat. The burgers were pretty good but the smash fries were not my thing, but fortunately my mother loved them. The servers/cashiers were mediocre and it was pretty good overall.
(3)
Andy P.
HULLKKK SMASHHHHHHH is seriously the first thing that comes to mind. Makes me really wonder what inspired the owner to call it smashburger. It's not like they really do smash their...burgers...hmm. I'm not getting anywhere with this. But that Avengers Loki and Hulk scene was priceless...not smashburger. I really wish I can say positive things about this place but I think the price and sweet potato fries threw everything off. - San Diego Burger (5.99): It was a pretty juicy burger and I have to admit, with the texture of the bun, it was not bad. But for one who have tasted Hodads, this is definitely lacking in vibrant tastes and perfect texture. But not a bad choice if you like the ingredients. MmMm. I would want to try something else if I ever come back. - Sweet Potato Fries ($2.29): Tossed with rosemary, olive oil and garlic, yes they were, which put a slight kick to the taste. But they give you a dinky amount - which I was really disappointed in. They were thin and were not piled too high. Disappointed. And the taste wasn't anything out of the ordinary too, so, dont expect something super amazing. MEHHHH I shouldn't expect anything more from a chain restaurant. You can come here if you'd like, but don't expect to be wow'd too much. I'd rather spend this money at Red Robin and get unlimited fries - I practically paid almost the equivalent anyway. Ambiance: 3/5 Food: 3/5 Mediocre Price: 3/5 Overall: 3/5. Would rather spend my money elsewhere. You know, I may just be lacking good burger-tasting genes, because I'm tempted to never give high ratings for burgers, nor feel like they are ever worth my money...
(3)
Kenneth M.
Awesome truffle burgers and strawberry shakes and quite affordable considering its located in La Jolla
(4)
Michael P.
The location 3 stars and the location of the place another star for 4 total stars. The caramel shake was out of this world, the burgers good, and the fries great. My wife and I ordered the original Smashburger, and it was seasoned okay...a little more salt would have made it awesome. But we were pleased with our food and the walk over to the beach made it wonderful. If you are in La Jolla and want food for a picnic, this would be your place.
(4)
Viet N.
If you happen to be in downtown La Jolla and NOT wanting to dine at an expensive restaurant, go to Smashburger. I ordered a Spicy Baja burger with Haystack Onions on the side, and I loved it! The meat tasted very tender and was well cooked. There wasn't too much sauce slabbed into the burger itself, and everything was pretty much in proportion. And for all you spicy-fearing people, it's really not that spicy. At least, not to me, and I consider myself to have a really low tolerance for it. As for the onions, it left much to be desired...I don't know, maybe it's because I'm comparing them to onion rings, although the two are not the same in any way other than that they're both derived from onions...Anyway, the Haystack Onions were pretty delicately fried, and they fell apart pretty easily. It's pretty messy to consume, especially if you're eating it at the park overlooking the ocean nearby (which is where I'd recommend to eat a lunch if the weather's nice! It's well within walking distance from the place too!). Great customer service, and I'd definitely come back here again if I'm ever in the area!
(5)
Cristina A.
The food is very good. The staff is friendly, they always receive you with a smile, and the food always comes fast. I love this place. :)
(5)
Gina C.
We love coming here for great food and service! I was surprised to see the tip line removed when paying with a credit card, and then the tip jar gone a few weeks later... Why? In the service industry it's customary to leave a tip for good service. Why not allow your employees to receive this? Definitely NOT a good decision! Additionally, they've done away with the student meal deal and punch card; that card was one of my favorite things about coming here! The one star is due to all these negative changes recently. Bring back the stuff important to your customers (AND employees), and I'll gladly change it to five stars.
(1)
Joaquin L.
One of my favorite chain burger fast food shops. Burgers are made fresh to order here. You can customize it to your liking with their "create your own burger" option. The smashing of the patty helps the burger brown more giving it a delicious Maillard reaction. I love that they offer grilled onions which caramelize and provide the umami taste no raw onion can. I get my burgers on a spicy chipotle bun (yes Virginia, you can customize the bun!). My favorite thing in the restaurant are the smashfries - crispy thin cut fries tossed with finely chopped rosemary, garlic, and olive oil. They're absolutely addictive and I normally don't care much for fries at most burger joints. This location has a clean modern feel to it. My only complaint: in the past their burger toppings list was more extensive and you could add lots of veggies like cucumbers, spinach, etc for free. They've simplified the menu and cut back on the veggie toppings much to my dismay. :-(
(5)
T.J. V.
Totally enjoyed our lunch! The service we received was excellent. We'll eat here the next time we're in LA Jolla.
(5)
Natasha I.
These burgers are absolutely delicious! I just came here for the first time today and I loved what I ordered! I tried their BBQ bacon cheeseburger and an order of french fries; both delicious and fresh. I am definitely a foodie and I know what good, quality food tastes like. The price was not bad, either, I paid about $12. The establishment was also very clean and spacious. Food arrived promptly.
(5)
Jack S.
We stopped into Smashburger as a quick way to get a bite to eat before the fireworks Thursday night, and in spite of the wait, I would still say it was about the quickest thing going considering the crowds. It was about an hour and a half before the fireworks started, and we waited about 5 - 10 minutes in line to order. After we ordered it was about 30 minutes to get our food. We were thankful that we gave ourselves plenty of time to get food and still find viewing spots before it was too dark to navigate. This was my wife's first time at any Smashburger, and I had only been to the Redondo Beach location before this weekend. I went for the "San Diego" which included avocado, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle cream sauce on a torta roll. She got the classic smash with bacon. Both burgers were juicy and delicious; the torta roll was nice and soft, and went perfectly with the burger, which had a good kick to it and was spicier than I expected it to be. I love their shoestring cut on the fries, and they were delicious! In all, it was a good experience, considering the crowd, and we enjoyed our burgers with the Fourth of July festivities!
(4)
Andrew D.
This place is good for the food but because of the proximity to the beach the price is high. We spent 17.00+ for a big burger and and reg burger with one order of fries. The service is not good too. Things kept coming to the wrong tables. Seems like they front have very good communication skills.
(3)
Reba B.
Both my mom and my meals tasted like someone dumped a salt shaker into our food. Waaaaaaay too salty. This is the only time we've eaten here so I can't say it's constantly bad but it was way way way salty.
(2)
Glam T.
Great burgers! Ordered the San Diego burger and it was DELISH! Had cilantro in it which gave it a way different flavor, but the service was eh.... The cashier wasn't all that happy to be working there, not one smile came out of her. And they messed up our order slightly, other than that I love Smash Burger!
(4)
Ray S.
The place practically empty and there was horrible customer service. I was greeted by two employees and someone from the kitchen staff. All three of them said "Someone will be with you soon". The two employees were too occupied by tending to the trash instead of tending to customers. One of the employees appeared to be of Filipino/Asian ethnic background. I waited by the registers for about 10 minutes and walked out when I didn't get service. I ended up going to the nearby Living Room instead.
(1)
Eva I.
I got the San Diego burger and sweet potato fries. The meat patties were salty! I can taste the salt on the meat patty, and it wasn't too pleasant. Other than the salty patty, I do like the rest of the burger- the spicy chipotle sauce, sour cream, pepper jack cheese, cilantro, avocado, lettuce, and tomato. The San Diego burger is served with a wedge of lime. I ate the last 1/4 of my burger with some lime, and the saltiness from the patty was much more bearable. The citrus distracted the saltiness a bit. The sweet potato fries were decent. Really prominent rosemary smell and taste. However, it still doesn't match up to the sweet potato fries I had at crazee burger! They have undoubtedly the world's best sweet potato fries. Haha =) I don't think I will be coming back. There are many more options for burgers in the area.
(2)
Charles M.
This is the first time I came here and my 1st impression about this place was it's kind of small. But knowing that it's around the beach area so it is compromisable. Food was great I ordered the barbecue bacon cheddar burger it was kind of small for its price but it was awesome, overall Pricewise i put this place between In N Out burgers and Eureka.
(5)
Tommy F.
Had the Big Classic Smash... It was good, the meat was tasty but the tomatoes were tough. It's s cool spot, but I don't think I'll be getting "that craving" for Smash Burgers anytime soon. Almost has a "corporate flavor"... Almost.
(3)
Bre E.
I went into Smashburger for the first time on a Saturday night. (I was secretly hoping it was really the "Smashclub" and I might see Uncle Jesse.) Upon arriving, I saw the San Diego chicken burger on the menu. OMG, everything a San Diegan should love; lime & avacado flavors mmmm!! My mouth was watering as I ordered that and some rosemary seasoned fries. I also ordered a nutter butter milkshake- why not? I placed the order to go and sat down and waited for my meal. I waited and waited and waited and waited...30 minutes went by until I heard my name. "This burger better be good!" I thought angry and hungry. When I got back to my hotel, I feasted on the best friggin chicken burger I have ever tasted! The chicken was kind of like a big thin pork chop, in the best way to say that as possible, cooked absolutely perfect. The avocado was bananas and the lettuce and tomatoes were nice and fresh. The bun was soft and buttery and the lime taste was just amazing. I was NOT disappointed. I would've happily waited 30 MORE minutes to taste this burger again. The fries were addictingly delicious and even though I hated myself for drinking the shake, IT WAS AMAZING. Sooo good. I don't even like burger joints and I would go back! My boyfriend ate a real burger, I don't know which one, but he loved it. We'd go back! Nom nom nom
(4)
Jenise N.
Jalapeño truffle burger, the bomb. Don't forget the smash fries and the sweet potato fries. SmashBurger will always be among the top 5 on my fast burger list.
(5)
Bishoy T.
Really nice service, I was alone and went to the toilet after I received my order and when I came back they thought that I left so they threw the food away. However when I asked about my order they apologized a lot and gave me a new order. The people here are really friendly.
(5)
Nancy T.
Friendly!!! Great staff!!! Food is always good and fresh made to order. Makes it nice that they come around asking how was everything. Even though I didn't need to tip I still did! I always love great service
(4)
Gabriel C.
Big size San Diego smashburger ($8) was overall quiet mediocre. My friend described it perfectly - an over-glorified fast food style burger joint. Burgers come in two sizes - regular and big. The big size brings the burger from a small-sized burger to a slightly larger than average fast food burger. The San Diego is your average burger topped with two slices of avocado and chipotle sauce. Patty was cooked medium-rare, but looked like it had been squashed in the cooking process. Torta bun was definitely a nice twist compared to the traditional seasame seed bun.
(3)
Dean P.
It was an amazing day outside. I was with good company and I was showing them the finer parts of San Diego. While in La Jolla we happened across Smashburger. I was told about this place awhile ago and was excited to try it. I noticed how clean the place was and yet it was kind of dark inside. The menu was pretty standard for this nouveau style of burger joint. I decided on the San Diego and added bacon and went with the smash fries. My friend ordered the mushroom swiss. Our order came and I took a bite of the fries and was in heaven. There was a perfect mix of garlic, olive oil and rosemary... Now the burger was not bad, it was fresh and juicy, yet the flavors were an odd combination for a burger. The cilantro and lime threw the meaty taste off. It was not bad, but I would not order it again. My friends burger, he said, was juicy also and he liked it but also said that next time he will build his own burger. With all the options Smashburger gives you it should be a great experience. BTW, Nice Picture add Greg!!! Thanks for the company!
(3)
Michael L.
If you're looking to upgrade from the major chains, do yourself a favor and head to Slaters or Hodads. If you're looking for a snack while you hang at the cove, this location will fill the need. Garlic fries are a must.
(3)
Kathy A.
Delicious chicken sandwich with mushrooms and truffle mayo! Kid reported that classic burger was amazing. Looked good. Smashfries were thin and tasty, just a bit oily for my taste. Great rolls for the sandwiches. Would return!
(4)
Mike M.
The burger was good, a little pricey for $13, since it was fast food, but definitely better than McDonald's or Burger King. The only downside was that the meat was over cooked, but none the less tasty. Major bonus for being so close to the beach.....
(3)
Andrew H.
4 stars for the burger which was juicy and tasty. 5 stars for the smash fries which were fantastic, crisp, not too oily, and the seasoning was phenomenal, flavorful but not overpowering.
(4)
Michelle P.
Came down to La Jolla with a friend to get the view of the coves and take some pictures. Of course you gotta grab something to eat. So we looked around to see what sounded good and not too expensive. We saw Smashburger and figured might as well give it a shot. Nice burger joint, my friend said its like a chic McDonald's. It's quiet, laid back, and classy for a burger joint. And the prices are very reasonable too! I got the San Diego smashburger, which includes fresh avocado, fresh cilantro and onions, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and spicy chipotle on a torta roll. (yes, I drew that straight from the menu,) they also have a lime wedge on the side which gives it that perfect kick. I also got their smash fries which are just fries tossed with rosemary, olive oil, and garlic. Very nice blend of the flavors.
(5)
Peijean T.
I know you're probably just going to order a burger here, given that it's called Smashburger, but I'll tell you, DO NOT OVERLOOK THE SMASHCHICKEN. Like it's beef buddy, the smashchicken has also been smashed flat so that it's really tender and the fibers are "loose" when you bite into it. We got the BBQ Ranch Smashchicken with a crispy (fried) patty, so it was a smashed chicken filet that has been breaded then fried. The breading was thick, crunchy and bursting with flavor. The chicken was very much like the kind of chicken sandwich you would get at a FRIED CHICKEN JOINT NOT a burger place that just happens to serve chicken for those who aren't hungry for beef. The chicken in the BBQ Ranch Smashchicken was so amazing that we didn't immediately notice that the BACON that was supposed to be included in the sandwich HAD INADVERTENTLY BEEN LEFT OUT. The chicken was SO tasty and crunchy and wonderful that when we did notice the absence of the bacon, we DIDN'T EVEN CARE. Show the Smashchicken some love!
(4)
Alan D.
Yesterday evening the "B" team must have been working. This first time at this location did not live up to experiences at other locations. They didn't know about the off-menu item known as "fido style." According to the website this means a plain hamburger patty to feed to your dog. I needed one. No big deal, she entered a plain patty. And we placed our other orders. The ice machine did not make ice. I informed the staff who ignored me waiting at the ice machine until one happened to come by. She could not fix it, saying it had been acting up for a while. No ice. Someone delivered two of our items, saying the third burger was coming. One bigger was for my son but it had fries that he did not order. My burger had two patties when I ordered a single. I quickly surmised that the extra patty was for my dogs. Whatever. I separated the patty out for the dogs and we waited for the third platter. And waited. And waited. As others came and went with their orders. I went inside and asked where the third platter was. They had to fish the paper receipt from the used stack to see that one had been missed. I guess my middle-ages face is not trustworthy. They had to make it fresh. When they brought it to my wife it had no fries, though she had ordered some. I guess they gave the fries to my son earlier. The food? Buns were a little tough. My son refused to eat his top bun. Burgers were crumbly, at least mine was. The shakes were good, though! Overall, not the good experience I was expecting from a Smash Burger joint.
(2)
Amir A.
I guess its been a while since I've been back. Walked in just before closing to get a burger that I wasn't even particularly craving. I noticed they changed up their menu (or maybe I wasn't paying attention) to include some preset burgers. I got the San Diego version and also tried the Spicy Baja with a side order of Smash Fries. 15 minutes later, I bit into a very neatly presented burger and was floored. Despite the fact it was 15 minutes to closing the ingredients were all so fresh and the burger cooked perfectly. The fries were crispy and flavorful. The added avocado and sauces dripping as I furiously bit into the burger made me licking my finger and wishing I had ordered the 1/2lber. Not too expensive (around $8 for the fries and burger) and worth it because of how amazing it tasted. I take back any comparison I did with In-N-Out, this place is better by far.
(4)
Angelina M.
The food for the price seemed cheap 2 burger one hotdog and 2 drink for 25 I could get that at in and out for 15 and they would have come with fries! Disppointed
(1)
Albert W.
In the battle of sit down burger joints in La Jolla, we have a winner. Prior to Smashburger's entry on the La Jolla scene, the San Diego homegrown Burger Lounge chain had pretty much a monopoly on the "burger restaurant" niche in the neighborhood. Burger Lounge was to La Jolla what Hodad's is to Ocean Beach. In our burger-chomping hero's mind, Smashburger has upped the ante on the burger biz in the upscale neighborhood and trumped the incumbent leader with more interesting sides and a much better burger. Burger Lounge's mantra of "pure, simple, delicious" versus Smashburger's "smash, sizzle, savor" motto shows the contrast between the two. On the one hand, BL is purely just a burger without much imagination, it's a bit too simple, and their meat actually tastes too lean. Smashburger's technique of "smashing" their seared round globs of beef on the grill to make a patty seem to have the desired effect of trapping the moisture in to produce a thoroughly cooked, yet juicy patty our hero actually savored. This newcomer to the West coast is a welcome addition to La Jolla and is smashing the status quo of burgers. If this is the future of fast food in America, this country must be doing something right (other than excelling at obesity). PROS: - The long, deep layout of this location makes it easy to manage customer queues and the seating still feels spacious. - Servers are quite friendly and follow up with you after they bring out your order to see how you're doing. - The menu of this chain is customized to the locals to include a "San Diego Smashburger" with avocado in it, which tasted great. - Many creative sides available, including fried pickles and fried vegetables. CONS: - The plastic numbered signs given to customers makes it feel a bit cheap like Carl's Jr... is it a coincidence that this place serves "six dollar burgers"? - Pretty damn unhealthy at 1,010 calories and more than your daily recommended dose of sodium for a 1/3 lb Smashburger alone. Then again, this ain't no puny Whopper or Big Mac. You better have a defibrillator on standby for the 1/2 lb BBQ bacon cheeseburger.
(4)
Shelby L.
I don't see the hype in this place. I got the Bacon Cheese Burger and the bacon was SUPER salty. I mean SUPER salty. The sweet potato fries were "eh", service was "eh". It's overpriced for what I tasted, then only thing I enjoyed was the bun. The burger itself wasn't really mouth watering juicy and didn't have any flavor. Wasn't impressed at all. I would rather cook burgers at home then spend 8 bucks on a burger a la carte here. But this is just my opinion.
(2)
Cara C.
The burgers are a little bit more than at McDonald's, yes, but they are actually very good. But it's not the flavorful burgers that entice me the most, it's their sweet potato fries and milkshakes. OH MY. Where have these been?! How come nobody makes sweet potato fries?! At Smashburger they season them with rosemary, too. My mouth is watering as I type this. The milkshakes are all made right there with Haagen-Dazs ice cream. Scooped, blended, and served in a traditional metal cup and tall 50s-style glass. So yummy. This location is very clean and the workers are pretty cool. You get a number and sit down at a table, and they accommodate you like waiters. Love it.
(3)
Melanio F.
Clarification - My review is based on my experience receiving a free burger, side and drink. I never let this influence me nor the events leading to picking up my freebie. First - After I received the invitation to try their burger, side and drink, I followed up and got notice that I was chosen for responding in an appropriate time. Looking forward to try it and was happy that this was a chance. I have to drive a short distance from work @ UTC area to La Jolla dowtown but I thought it was worth it. Second - Never drive towards a familiar area when you are in a time crunch using a new way, Exiting on Gilman of the South 5 cost me time to go to Smashburger because I got caught in the UCSD"bermuda triangle" How you can drive around there at night is a miracle. Disclaimer, I had a rental car which did not have GPS which would have directed me to the exit out of the campus easily. Third - Arriving at my destination, finding suitable parking within a block of the place, I go in and fall in line behind some young foreign students (Spanish) who probably just got out of class etc. Each of them had to order separately and this added another 15 minute wait to get to the Smashburger! Fourth - Picking the right burger and sides. As I waited to order, I perused the menu and settled on the Classic Smashburger (w/o onions or you can have it with grilled style onions) and Classic SmashFries to evaluate if this burger is worth the travel and recommendation. I had a Diet Coke for my drink (you are given a cup and you go to the fountain) - sugar is my enemy not calories as some Yelpers could attest to. Fifth - Service was quick, I mentioned I was with Yelp, I got checked off the list (only 25 Yelpers were given this chance for a try) and waited for my order. The order came quick, I barely texted anything and had my drink when my name was called. Sixth - Food Evaluation. With all the running I did to get to the place, I was hungry but too busy to eat the burger. I had the SmashFries and to me, when warm (reheated it in the toaster oven), it was good, thin, crunchy hint of the herb (prefer more of the rosemary etc.) and delicious. Seventh - SmashBurger - since I didn't eat for lunch the day I got it, I had to reheat the burger the next day and it still tasted pretty good. I often reheat stuff so I knew to remove the buns and reheat seperately again in the T.O. The burger tasted great, not bloody rare, just right for me. I like mine mostly welldone but this was done right. Eight - I would like to try out the rest of the menu another time when I am not rushing or getting it free. Nine - Location is fine, opening up in Mission Valley and Del Mar in July (hopefully with a drive-thru). The space in La Jolla I think is fine for tourists passing through the area or for To Go orders. One of my Yelper friends said the space is fine but I disagree. it was a little tight going in and out and falling in line to order. Ten - The tenth reason or topic on this review is the difference, is this more In n Out or more Burger Lounge (they offer beer too)? I think it has an advantage over In n Out for the availability of alcohol, the choices (Make your own SmashBurger and choose the toppings) over Burger Lounge without being the Fuddrucker experience (a tad bit cost more). Burgers start at 4.99 and build up from there. Although my food was free, my review is based on how the food tasted, location and of course pricing. 4 stars for this initial visit and I will update when the next visit occurs which could be soon as they open Mission Valley location.
(4)
Minda w.
I've heard many good things about this place but the San Diego burger is so not worth my $6. Take out is quick. Eat in takes forever. Where's the nearest In N Out?
(3)
Danny W.
Wohoo! I got smashed for the first time the other day, and no hangover! These burgs are quickly sweeping the nation, and have recently decided to set up shop in La Holla. Before trying them I assumed they were fast food style like In N Out. Well even though they have a similar cult-like following, they're pretty different. It's more like the Chipotle of burger places. They have quality food quickly, but also supply a clean atmosphere to dine in and enjoy a beer with your food. Similar to Chipotle as well, it's service with a genuine smile that you totally won't get at most drive through chains. What's different about Smashburger is the variety to their menu. While their bread and butter is obviously ground chuck between a bun they've got salads and other options worthy of a trip towards the cove. The veggie frites are an awesome addition to the side options if you want to switch up the classic burger-fry combo. Is it my favorite burger? No, but if I were the star of ABC's newest burger/dating show "The Burgelor" and got to test out a whole bunch of different ones choosing my favs round after round, they'd definitely get a couple of roses. Or perhaps it'd be napkins in this spinoff. I'm going to conclude this review with some peer pressure. If you haven't gotten smashed yet, what are you waiting for? Come on...everyone's doin it!
(4)
Olga V.
Convinient location. The place is clean, great service and food. Been there couple of times and liked it.
(4)
Calista M.
NOM! We picked up an order to-go (to enjoy down at Cuvier Park on the cliffs). This place is much bigger than it appears from the street, and the decor is pretty cool. I noticed that every person who entered while we waited for our food, had a kid... so that was nice to know how kid-friendly it was. My 3-yr old daughter had 2 other girls to mingle with while we waited. The cashier who took our order was awesome (forgot her name, was working on Aug. 22nd around 6:30pm) - great knowledge & recommendations of the menu. I got the Avo-Club burger - DElish...savored every bite. Husband got the S.D. Chicken sandwich...which was a surprise to me...it was okay, but he said he'd rather had mine! teehee... Once I said I wanted a side of the sweet potato fries, the girl helping us also suggested the sp smashed fries (which are tossed with rosemary, olive oil and garlic - ummm...YUM!). Those did NOT disappoint...so...freakin...good! Dipped in honey mustard - OMG. These are a must-try for sure. The 'haystack onions' were better IN my burger, than eating/dipping them on the side - IMO. Husband thought the same. They're verrrry thin, not too much batter, so a bit hard to manage by hand.
(4)
Jake Y.
I heard the food was good and better than five guys. So I gave it a try. It was good, sure. Just not the greatest. Also. You're paying alot for small amounts. Not really worth it.
(2)
Tommy P.
Great for individual orders. Really horrible for big orders. Every time i've eaten there by myself, it's great. order's always perfect (except the fries can have a giant pool of oil in the bottom) I literally just had an order of about 10 burgers for our office a few minutes ago. Part of the order was a Buffalo Chicken & A Baja Smash Burger. Instead, we got back a regular chicken and a baja chicken burger. I appreciate the quality, but please take an extra minute to check that what you've ordered is what they actually made.
(2)
Tiffany N.
mMmm mmMm! A burger joint that is moderately priced, has a wide selection of burger toppings, sauces, and buns, and fresh ingredients that altogether taste super delicious? This is probably the best combination anyone (especially a broke college kid) could ask for! Smashburger is definitely solid all around. The restaurant is casual and laid out so you order from the cashier and then find a seat. The staff here are always very friendly and will even check up on you at your table to bring you anything you need. During both of my visits, me and my dining partner both ordered the San Diego burger and the Spicy Baja burger, both similar in ingredients yet still slightly different. The San Diego burger has: avocado, cilantro & onions, pepperjack cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, spicy chipotle mayo on a torta while the Spicy Baja burger has: pepperjack cheese, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, onion, spicy chipotle mayo, jalapenos on a chipotle bun I also noticed the hamburger patty seemed freshly "smashed" -- no pre-formed patties here! :P We also ordered smashfries the first time, which are their crispy fries tossed in rosemary, olive oil, and garlic. These were delicious but very fragrant and herbal -- my friend thought it was too much paired with her spicy baja but I thought they were still tasty. The second time around we ordered haystack onions as a side to try something different. They're the thin onion strings that I prefer as a topping on the burger rather than as a side, so stick to the fries :P We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and ate everything down to the last bite. Especially the second time around when I received a bogo coupon for a burger it made it taste that much better :) Sign up for their email list and they will automatically email you a coupon! *SCORE* They also have build your own burgers (with a huge variety of choices), chicken sandwiches (grilled or crispy), hot dogs, salads, etc for anyone in the mood for something other than a burger. I saw an order of chili cheese fries that someone had ordered and it looked delicious, definitely gonna try that next! The best part about this place is that with the quality you're receiving, it won't break the bank like other gourmet burger places would. and with the only locations nearby being SD and Vegas, it makes living in SD a lot easier :P
(4)
Vince S.
I was skeptical about going here; usually I make my burgers my way. When I go out and eat burgers, they are generally too bland, too greasy....in general, I end up regretting it. I ordered the spicy baja burger, and it was delicious. It had just the right amount of spiciness, sauce, guacamole.....it was perfect. In the end, this is one of the only hamburger restaurants which I would actually enthusiastically return to. So why 4 stars? It is a bit pricy, even though it is also one of the least expensive places to eat in the area.
(4)
Robert B.
I always get the Spicy Baja. It's tasty. Very friendly staff. My favorite place to get a burger after Five Guys.
(4)
Sarah G.
Since I only eat red meat two times a month, I want to go to a place that is awesome. Especially when it comes to burgers. I hail from the southeast where burgers and BBQ are taken very seriously, and fortunately San Diego has provided me with a plethora of options. This place definitely meets my high burger bar. First off, the bread was DELISH. Definitely had to have been baked at the restaurant. The patty was the perfect size and the condiments were supa-tasty. Now here comes the fries. The smashfries were only so-so, but they made up for it with the sweet potato fries and the haystack fries. I am a sucker for sweet potato (and...they're healthy, right? ugh!) and they fried those bad boys to perfection. Now, the haystack fries were probably the most incredible onion rings I've ever had. They were sliced extremely thin and battered in something buttery and bad for you, but it was melt-in-your-mouth good. To cap it all off, the service was awesome. Usually La Jolla can be a little persnickety, but this place had some of the friendliest staff in all the land. When I didn't get a drink they offered me a water cup regardless. Also, our food came out to us rather quickly. But just a heads up: there will be a line unless you go at 3 p.m. on a Tuesday.
(5)
Jacky C.
Came here a couple days ago for a Buy One Get One Free burger deal online. This deal is definitely a steal so go now before it is over! My party ordered the San Diego burger (because we are in San Diego and the name of the burger is particular to the local city where Smashburger is in) and Spicy Baja burger. I enjoyed the San Diego burger a lot: the burger is filled with avocado, spicy chipotle and a nice fresh beef patty on a onion bun. However I do not enjoy the spicy baja burger since it was not a juicy as the San Diego burger. The baja burger bun was definitely not as good as the bun on the San Diego burger. The reason I gave it a 4/5 because the burger is just decent and not worth the price of 7 dollars. I felt that with that price you can get a bigger and juicier burger at Five Guys or In n Out.
(4)
Ryan S.
Service was great, they gave us two extra sauces when we asked and even warned us that one might overpower the burgers flavors! Burgers were delicious, the seasoned and smashed meat is just right. The sides were a bit greasy but I guess that's what I should expect from a fast food joint. It smelled a bit funny inside, possibly the trash needed to be taken out more often, and the interior was a bit small for a cold rainy day. Overall it was a gold experience and I would come back if I had a craving for a burger.
(3)
Sharon L.
I ordered the San Diego burger with a veggie patty. The veggie patty consisted of hearty black bean, which reminded me of the Neighborhood black bean burger. Good but the toppings were sparse. The sweet potato fries were infused with lots of rosemary goodness. I was even burping up rosemary the next day! If only there were more fries...
(3)
Amy E.
Yummm. Spicy Baja burger is delicious-- juicy and flavorful. Smash fries (rosemary and garlic) area always a treat. Didn't need to dress anything up with ketchup. One of my go-to place when I'm craving a burger! Not a fan of the sweet potato fries. Fried onions are good, but I can't have too many of them in one sitting.
(4)
Tiffany L.
I don't know. I was really, really excited to try Smashburger. I think I just ordered the wrong things. Firstly, I love the interior, there's plenty of places to sit and lots of big comfortable booths, although it is pretty dark in there. You order at a counter, and someone brings your order to your table. Everyone was very friendly, always asking how everything was, and if we needed anything else. I ordered the Smashchicken in attempt to order something healthier than a burger. I got grilled onions instead of red onion. My boyfriend ordered the BBQ Bacon Smashburger. We also ordered Smash Fries, fried pickles and veggie frites to share. With an iced tea and a Coke, our total was $28. The prices are really not that bad. I was so disappointed with my Smashchicken. It was dripping in grease, and when I say that, I mean it literally. It was probably the greasiest thing I've ever eaten, and I ordered this as a healthier alternative! It was so greasy that it completely turned the bottom bum into a mush that made it completely unmanageable to eat. When my boyfriend had asked one of the workers about it, he said it was a common complaint apparently. His explanation was that the burgers and chicken get bathed in butter before grilling, and while the beef soaks up the grease and caramelizes, the chicken doesn't absorb all the grease and it makes the chicken extremely greasy. If it's a common complaint, you'd think they'd use less butter and grease if that's the case? Sigh. Disappointing... I should have ordered a burger, my boyfriend loved his and when I tried it, it was very good. The BBQ sauce was amazing, and it was juicy and not even a quarter as greasy as mine was. My favorite thing without a doubt was the Smash Fries, french fries with rosemary and olive oil. So tasty, and I loved the addition of rosemary. The other sides were so disappointing. The Veggie Frites are greasy and drenched with salt. They had so much salt on them, that I must have gotten a weeks worth of salt intake. The Fried Pickles were good, but also extremely salty. I assume most people would order the Veggie Frites as an alternative to french fries in attempt to be healthier, but I honestly don't think they're healthier than french fries. They were fried and much, much saltier than the fries. They have iced Tazo tea which is delicious, and they also offer beer and wine. They have a deal that's 4 beers for $9.99 which is a good deal, considering one beer is almost $4. I doubt I would return but if I did, I would try a burger.
(3)
Fallan F.
LOVED it! Reasonable prices and the food is great. Parking is horrible though.
(5)
John D.
If I could give them no stars I would. Food here sux. Fries are frozen and they fry in LARD I asked. Will never go here again.
(1)
Jeremy M.
Smash burger was great. The sweet potato smash fries would be worth going back for by themselves. Bottom line: The staff was courteous, the beer was varied and cold, and the food was tasty.
(5)
Jessica D.
I was not impressed. The service was good, the timely manner in which it came was good. Even the fries were good. But the burger was tastless!! We ordered the Avocado Club and Mushroom Swiss. The Avocado was better because the bacon carried most of the flavor for the meat. If all you specialize in is burgers...I expect the meat to be top notch! But sadly it was not. Without the avocado, cheese, tomatoes, or fixins to spice it up, you have a very tasteless sad burger. Very disappointed....
(2)
Lyn P.
San Diego is becoming a town full of great burger choices and Smashburger is another great option for you burger lovers. The vibe is a little more fast food but the results are definitely more gourmet. My burger-partner-in-crime ordered what is typical of our burger adventures - the classic for him and a bbq bacon cheeseburger for me. We also ordered the smashfries and the onion strings. My friend also ordered a chocolate shake as he had a sample shake while we were in line and thought it was really good. Our burgers came up pretty quickly and were brought to us. They looked amazing and it didn't take us long to assemble and dig right in. My burger was juicy and the bbq sauce did not overwhelm - it just brought out the meaty goodness of the angus beef. The cheese had melted onto the burger and the bacon and onions added crisp and extra layers of goodness. I really loved it - my fave fast food burger has always been the Carl's Jr. western bacon and this version was like it's kicked up equivalent. It was less greasy than a fast food burger and the ingredients were definitely a higher quality. The sides also lived up to our expectations - I loved the smashfries which are seasoned with olive oil and rosemary. The flavor of the olive oil and rosemary really make the fries special. And the onion strings were the thinly sliced and slightly breaded version that I love. My burger partner in crime gave the thumbs up to his burger and the shake - made with Haagen Daz after all - how could that be bad? Best of all, the prices were totally reasonable - less than $25 for the two of us (he ordered the 1/2 lb. burger which is a little pricier than the 1/3 lb. that I order.) So how do I compare to my other burger joints in town? Not as good as the Counter, but better than Burger Lounge. We'll be placing Smashburger on the burger rotation for sure.
(4)
Sarah C.
This a a good place to check out if you want an inexpensive good eat. I ordered a meal for 2 for less than $20, which I thought that would be impossible to do in downtown La Jolla. I am a fan of their crispy, skinny, rosemary olive oil fries. I ordered the burger with avocado and bacon. And washed it down with a Coke. You can't really go wrong with a combination like that. Give it a shot!
(4)
Tim G.
I'm really torn on whether Smash Burger should get 4 stars or 3 stars. It's not either of them but 3.5 stars. I ordered the Spicy Baja and it was PRETTY GOOD. It had some different elements like avocado and decent flavor, BUT IT LACKED THE "WOW!" FACTOR that I was looking for. Would I come back here on a regular basis? Doubt it--maybe if it's the last option or if In-N-Out closes down. To be less critical, prices weren't bad. Good location. Friendly staff.
(3)
Angelo F.
I honestly didn't know what to expect since this place is so new and after having Hodad's, it's gonna be tough to measure up to that. Let me just say, this place is right up there in my #2 spot! Bread options were great, I got the multi-grain. The patty I chose was the half pound and the toppings included grilled onions, sharp cheese, mayo, bacon and a fried egg. Ohh my goodness, the meat was perfectly seasoned and cooked! I love my meat rare to medium rare and they did it just right. I also ordered sweet potato fries and those too were seasoned just right as well. Definatley making this place part of my monthly rotations! Highly recommend. By the way, prices are reasonable for a gourmet burger. I spent $14 for everything (Plus a drink).
(5)
Lori N.
As far as quick casual burger restaurants go, I'd say this place is a step above In & Out and a step below The Burger Lounge (I'm a fan of the grass-fed cows there, what can I say?). Smashburger is pretty simple, like the rest of 'em, pretty basic selection of made to order burgers ranging from $5-$8 pending topping & size of patty (you can chose from 3 different sized patties). I do like the fact that they have chicken burgers & entree salad options for those who don't like hamburgers. But then again, why would you come to a place called smashBURGER if you weren't coming for a burger? Also, their sides suck. Depressingly thin onion rings, super soggy skinny fries, sweet & regular, I can't say I'm a big fan, I'm all about the crisp! I'd rather have a single good burger all by itself than mediocre burger + fries.
(3)
Michelle H.
I'm not much of a burger person, but Smashburger was pretty good! I ordered the Baja Smashburger (with Jalapenos) and Smash Fries. I love how the fries are garlic-sprinkled? Yummy. Not a burger fan, but I will definitely eat here again next time I am craving a burger!
(4)
Vanessa R.
I'm a fan of a good burger and Smashburger executed well with fresh ingredients. I paired my Spicy Baja burger with a decadent Nutter Butter shake and sweet potato fries. If you like Nutter Butter cookies, this shake is for you. I dined in and their employees were very attentive and friendly. If and when I return, I will order something other than the Spicy Baja burger.
(3)
Greg E.
Stopped through here to finally try this burger chain. The restaurant was very clean but dimly lit compared to other restaurants. Most of the food here were standard stuff you could get at other burger joints. After weighing heavily on my options, I finally settled for the Mushroom Swiss and fries. The burger was good. Perfect sized patty; not real thick but not thin neither. Now the smash fries I had were excellent. I could see myself coming back just for the fries alone. They do give you the option of customizing your own burger into something else. I may do that the next time I come back to a Smash burger location. Parking sucks as it is only street parking so you may have to drive around the block a few times until you are lucky enough to snag one. 3.5 stars really, but rounding it would make it 4 stars.
(4)
David P.
I'm going to be quick and concise here because a place like this needs no more further high remarks, which is similar to this sentence not needing to be any longer than it already is going to be and that is precisely why I am going to end it. Now. Got the spicy baja without jalapenos. Burger was well proportioned without being messy and sloppy. Beef patty was very well cooked, delicious, and tender. Sauce was finger licking good. Felt like Jesus. I became a mortal again when I felt the food coma.
(5)
Gretchen B.
Mmmm, mmmm, good. Went to this location with a two friends while visiting S. California. I had the Harvest Salad with grilled chicken, sunflower seeds, and blue cheese and balsamic dressing - fantastic, especially for fast food. My friends had the burgers and fries which looked juicy and plentiful. I've since found a Smashburger at the Newark NJ airport terminal food court since my visit to this location in San Diego. It is now my favorite airport lunch, too.
(4)
Adele F.
WARNING: Do not try to SMASH your burger together. I'll explain later. || B A C K G R O U N D || Came to this location because it had the best rating out of all the Smashburgers in the area. Also, who doesn't lover a burger by the beach? Mmm. The layout was interesting: you pass multiple booths on your way to the back of the store, which is where the line for placing your order is. You can grab a menu at the entrance and at the beginning of the line and ponder over your order while waiting before dropping the menu off at the cashier. They have a few outdoor tables, which you can sit at to watch life pass by, along with stop-and-go traffic. Today was strange because they were low on meat--and yes, I too wondered how that was possible. Perhaps it was because it was President's Day, and eating a burger is the best way to celebrate the birthing of our Presidents, but they made an announcement that they only had 15 quarter pounders (their Smash burgers) and 9 third pounders (their Big Smash burgers) left. Luckily, my boyfriend and I were second in line, so we had our meal secured. I also thought it was courteous of them to announce this so that people at the very end of the line could find another location to dine. We ordered two Big Smash burgers with a side of haystack onions and were given a placecard. You can upgrade to a Double Smashburger: $2 for a Smash upgrade, and $3 for a Big Smash upgrade. Their menu also has one veggie burger, a few chicken burgers, some salads, hot dogs, and milkshakes. There are kids meals too! After 8 minutes or so, our orders were delivered to us hot and fresh. || F O O D || SAN DIEGO BURGER: fresh avocado, fresh cilantro and onions, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and spicy chipotle mayo on a torta roll. Served with a wedge of lime [Smash for $5.99 | Big Smash for $7.29] - When my order arrived, the burger was arranged with my veggies and sauce on the top half of the bun, and my meat and melted cheese on the bottom half of the bun. After I sprinkled on some Haystack Onions, I thought it would be cool to truly "smash burger." I then proceeded to grab the veggied bun and quickly smash it onto the meat-n-cheese bun. Needless to say, sauce and bits of cilantro and avocado sprayed on the table (and on me) within a 2 inch radius, and my boyfriend got a good laugh. So please, learn from my mistake and DO NOT smash your burger. @___@ - The meat is well-cooked and juicy! - The bun was warm and soft c: - The avocado was overshadowed, pooh. - I totally didn't notice they gave me a lime wedge. Haha :x SPICY BAJA BURGER: pepper jack cheese, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, onion, spicy chipotle mayo and fresh jalapenos on a spicy chipotle bun [Smash for $5.99 | Big Smash for $7.29] - I didn't really taste the difference in his spicy chipotle bun versus my torta bun...I guess it's more yellow? - I liked his guac more than my avocado :c HAYSTACK ONIONS: finely shredded onions, deep-fried, served with dipping sauce [$1.99] - My boyfriend had the brilliant idea of putting the haystack onions IN the burger, which was GENIUS. I thought the crunch of the onions complemented the juicy bite of the burger. - He also mistakenly poured the dipping sauce on his burger (he thought it was the sauce for his burger), which tasted tangy and slightly mustardy to me. I wasn't a huge fan of the dipping-turned-burger sauce. || C L O S U R E || A great place for a tasty burger! However, my boyfriend and I both agreed that for the size and quality, we would pay $5 max for our burgers. What can I say, In-N-Out makes us appreciate cheap AND flavorful burgers. :P
(4)
Denise K.
I went with a group of friends and everyone was pleased with their meals. I shared the San Diego burger and the Spicy Baja burger. The San Diego burger was nothing special. The Spicy Baja was good, but they don't warn you that they leave thick, large chucks of jalepeno in the burger - it's high heat. I like spicy stuff, I just think they should have cut the jalapeno's into smaller or thinner slices. No one wants to bite into a burger and unknowingly get a mouthful of jalapeno! I did love the sweet 'tato fries - the rosemary adds such great flavor. But for $2+, it's a teeny tiny portion. I'd say, if you're going to spend money on a burger, go to Neighborhood, Hodads, even In n Out.
(3)
Michelle Y.
Thanks to SlickDeals, I got a BOGO coupon for this place in their celebration of opening 100 stores! Upon entering, it felt like an upscale version of In-N-Out, but their menu variety is much better that I had a really difficult time deciding which burgers/chicken sandwiches to get! In the end, I chose the San Diego SmashBurger (as it'd be unique to only their San Diego locations) and the Avocado Club SmashChicken (grilled; option for crispy also available), with a side of sweet potato fries. I liked how the burger had a sprinkle of cilantro on it that added an interesting twist on the flavor and the sweet potato fries weren't bad; it was a little tangy/spicy from the pepper or whatever seasoning they had on it, but sat in a little pool of oil at the end of it... D: In total, with the coupon, I paid $8.68 - quite the deal for what I got out of it, but if it was just a burger and fries for that much I'm not sure if I'd shell out that much given the smaller size of their portions. Now I know that it's probably what's best for patrons at burger places these days, but I've been horribly trained to think to get my money's worth! D: Nonetheless, the ingredients are fresh and tasted great. I saved my chicken sandwich for lunch the next day and after reheating it in the toaster oven, it was still delicious! Between the two, I think my preference is definitely the chicken! :D I don't anticipate on making another visit here without that great coupon but it's still a place I'd suggest to my friends to try out.
(3)
Chrystal Z.
I'm not sure where you will find dinner for $6 in La Jolla where your mouth will involuntarily open and utter "uhMMmmmMMMMMMMMMMMmmmm" with every bite. Literally, with EVERY bite I took, right from the beginning, I couldn't help but close my eyes and indulge myself in an explosive mix of jalapeno, spicy guacamole, freshly smashed beef (pun intended..), and cheese. I added the garlic mushrooms and replaced the onion with grilled onion, and next time I'm adding an egg! That did put my bill up to about $9, but it was definitely worth it. Sweet potato fries in olive oil and rosemary (rosemary with fries. INGENIOUS, I'M TELLING YOU... that made my night, soaking my already fatty fries back into the olive oil/rosemary concoction and not caring about how much badassness was being put into my arteries). I got a second order to go as we left... wanted so badly to finish them at home but my stomach had literally no capacity left to ingest them.
(5)
J R.
Oh SMASH! Smash Burger rocks! Even at 10am I relished my Swiss mushroom burger with veggie frites. How did I end up eating a burger so early? On our way to the airport looking for something to fill our belly's we saw Smash and at the plea of our daughter decided to try it. My first impression upon walking in...this place is clean! Sparkling clean! We headed to the back and ordered our fare. Chicken tenders for our daughter and a bacon avocado for my husband. We all loved our meal. I love the fact that the burger wasn't 2"' thick and crammed with fixings but instead was a quality piece of meat "smashed" and lightly topped with mushrooms and Swiss. Delicious and completely satisfying. The veggie frites were carrots and green beans and the fries are thin, crispy little taters of perfection. Thank you dear Smash Burger inventor! Might I suggest Danville, CA for your next location?
(5)
Therese B.
Love it. Surprisingly good. Family friendly. Cheap eat.
(4)
Denise T.
Every time I have friends visiting me in La Jolla, first thing that comes to mind: "I have to take 'em to Smashburger!" I don't eat red meat so I always feel like a burden when my friends and I are deciding on where to eat and it seems like everyone wants to go to in-n-out or some other burger joint that seems to only have red meat options. But lo and behold, Smashburger made my dreams come true the moment I walked in and realized that they serve chicken burgers as a substitute!!! Any regular burger they serve, they can transform into a "smashchicken"(grilled or crispy) sandwich upon request. Loves it! They also have a separate just chicken menu as well that needs no substitution. I definitely recommend their Mushroom Swiss (caramalized mushrooms, melted swiss, and mayo) or their "create your own smashchicken" option for $5.99. For sides, I always order their haystack onions (fried thinly sliced onions) which comes with a cool ranch dipping sauce. I ordered their fries once but once I tasted their haystack onions I never looked back. Smashburger is a cool place to eat and mingle with friends in a really casual setting (kind of reminiscent of a diner where high schools would go to chill after school). Parking can be hard to find, especially on weekends. It's street parking only so keep your eyes peeled for empty slots. It's worth the trip!
I came here with Jenn T. on our outing to downtown LJ. I was excited to try Smashburger since I've passed it several times while strolling the area. Unfortunately, my experience was disappointing. We ordered our food. That was the easy part. Our cashier was helpful, prompt and friendly. Now, the wait for our food was ridiculous. I think we waited for nearly 45 minutes for our food. 45 Minutes! WTF?! For a burger?! Lames. My tummy was punching at my insides because it was angry that I wasn't feeding it. My tummy can be a jerk. Anyways, our food FINALLY comes and I would think that at this point, ANYTHING would taste amazing since I was so hungry, but nope. The burger was...okay, nothing special. I could have made the same thing on my george foreman. Meh. For the price, I didn't see the quality. The bun was whatever and the veggies, while fresh where also just kind of sitting there. I was pretty disappointed in my experience and I dont think that I'll be coming back. Go to Burger Lounge instead, I hear their onion rings are the ish.
(2)
Dave H.
When we need a quick bite around town, we hit Smashburger. I am surprised that there is never a wait and the burgers are just the right size, flavorful and well seasoned. I have has the regular burger, one with truffles (barely tasted truffles) and others and have never had a bad burger. The fries are good, as are the sweet potato fries. I never miss when I go to Smashburger
(5)
Cat M.
I love this place! I've tried out their San Diego Burger, Avocado Club, Caesar Salad, Smashfries, & Sweet Potato Smashfries! The burgers generally come in small sizes if you order the regular smash, but the big smash is equivalent to a regular burger. The angus beef patty was delicious! I like how it's crispy and juicy. The patty was well done for me, but I like my beef well done. The salad is a lot for the price you pay for as well. It was enough to fill up 2 people! My favorite were the french fries. They were both really oily, but completely worth it! I love the Rosemary seasoning on it. It makes it extra flavorful. I recommend eating the french fries before they go cold because they taste really bad when they're cold. Other than that! I recommend both the Smashfries & Sweet Potato Smashfries! Overall, I really enjoyed this place. I love how you can choose to build your own burger as well. The ingredients seem fresh, and the beef patty is extremely tasty and juicy. I recommend this place to anyone who wants a quick lunch or snack after spending a day at the beach, which is just down the street!
(5)
Joseph H.
Good location when you need a good quick burger in La Jolla. Burgers always come out hot and full of flavor, staff is helpful and friendly. I like all Smashburgers, but this one is better than others. Good people watching in busy part of La Jolla from the stools by the front windows. I recommend the regular fries vs the smash fires, but thats just me.
(4)
Oz T.
I visited Smash Burger today at 1 Pm on a Sunday.. Store was rather empty line was maybe 8 people deep.. SLOWEST SERVICE ever.. The cashier took phone orders and made clients in front of him wait.. The server tried to Joke about the food being quicker than the wait.. I got my order to go and the fries were so cold there is no possible way they were cooked when ordered.. The burger was tasty .. But French Fries are not hard to cook.. If you like cold over priced food from un-trained staff.. visit SMASH Burger.. I recommend going next door food is way better at Living Room and service is better
(2)
Sarah J.
I got the San Diego burger with chicken and It was probably the best burger I've ever had! My fiance got the bbq bacon cheeseburger and said it was really juicy and very flavorful. We'll be back to this location every time we come to San Diego but will make sure to visit ones closer to home too :)
(5)
Shannon S.
Yummy burgers. I wish they had more patty selections. A garden burger option, portabella burger, salmon burger, ostrish, bison, etc. I had the burger with BBQ sauce and haystack onion rings. The haystack onion rings were right on point! Crispy, delicious salty and a wee bit sweet. I wanted more of these beautiful things piled high on my burger. Gave the smash fries a whirl. Good, but not amazing. Can't make any modifications to these fries (ie light on the garlic was a no can do). And then there were - deep fried pickles. Super salty, strangely addictive. This place was way better than burger lounge!
(4)
Katherine S.
So I really want to give this place 3.5 stars, but since thats not possible, I have to give 3. This place is pretty good, but not the best. They have chicken, beef, or black bean burgers, and I went with chicken. I made my own w. cilantro, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and grilled onions. The chicken patty itself was good and fresh. I like that they have such a large variety on their menu, so thats awesome. However, I ordered grilled onions, and about 1/2 of them were still raw, which I wasn't happy about. I have a thing about raw onions. Also, the oder of fries that my finace got were tiny, but they were sweet potato, and tossed with rosemary, so they were DELICIOUS! I'll probably go back to try something else, but I wasn't overwhelmed enough to rush back.
(3)
Rora B.
I was watching The Food Network Channel and came upon this place. It is a far drive from me, but I was like we must try it. and I have to say I dont regret trying this place. I LOVE IT! This place is amazing. Their San Diego Burger is my ultimate favorite! The chipotle mayo with pepper jack cheese and they give you a lime to squeeze on it ( if you would like). The flavors in my mouth, oh man, just writing about it makes my mouth water. Its something about the burger patty. It has a crispy crust on it and as soon as you bite into the burger, it is juciy. The difference in textures is amazing! Their milkshakes are GREAT! I get the Oreo one and it is delicious! The fries are great as well. The rosemary and garlic are a great combination! I go to this place for my birthday and I talk about it all the time! I take people here to try it and they all have fallen in love with it just as I have! The staff is always friendly and always have a smile. The enviorment is great and the people are so friendly. I love this place, its almost like a food obsession haha. Now that it is a little bit closer to me, I try and go as often as I can. and If you feel full from all this deliciousness, you can walk along the beach. :)
(5)
Mark L.
Really excellent burger. Fast & great value. I love Smash Burger and in LaJolla Village, I'd rate SmashBurger as the #2 Burger in the village. 1. Burger Lounge 2. Smash Burger
(4)
Brian K.
I'm glad I tried it. My burger was decent but not worth writing home to mama about even though it would cost me just 44 cents and an envelope. The patty was good but again, nothing worth writing home to mama about. It had a consistency of a smashed burger. Wait, that's why it's called, Smashburger? No shit, Sherlock! Sure, the patty is different but why do they have to smash it? Doesn't make sense to me and I love burgers. The fries were good but again, nothing special. In n Out fries = special. Hamilton's fries = special. JRDN truffle fries = special. Smashburger fries = NOT THAT SPECIAL. The Diet Coke was, well, it's Diet Coke. With downtown La Jolla's infamous parking, or rather, the lack thereof, there are much better burger joints to frequent. Bottom line: If you work in the area or live within walking distance, sure, worth a visit. Again, save that Liberty Stamp and don't write home to mama (about Smashburger).
(3)
Joe G.
I know I should have yelp'ed this back when I was in SD, but it slipped my mind. This is actually one of the best burger places I have been to. The patio seating is a little small, but you aren't paying for that. The location is pretty crappy because you literally see everyone walk-by and they see you eating. BUT the burgers are great. Service is fast here because you literally order at the counter. I suggest you decide what you want before you reach the cashier, just so you don't have the people behind you waiting while you decide... DO NOT miss the rosemary garlic fries. overall a good experience. Will definitely come back again.
(4)
Cat A.
Fall apart meat and juices running down your mouth would typically be a sign of good eats, but.... The patty and the bun that was just served within minutes was falling apart as I bit into it. I found it to be really messy. The juice that was dripping off the side of my mouth, felt and tasted more like grease, which contributed to the fall apart bun and made it soggy. And lastly, for someone who likes things pretty seasoned up, it was extremely salty. It was like I sprinkled table salt all over it and instead, the top fell off and a quarter of the bottle got on my burger. The fries are good, that I can't complain about. The place reminds me of a Ruby's diner for some reason. And the staff seemed happy ( they must pay well and have good benefits). A good spot for the La Jollan businessman/woman who is looking to quickly chow down on a burger before heading back to the office. Otherwise, it's just not a burger to get excited about and not worth going out of the way for.
(3)
Bruce F.
Of all your hamburger options in La Jolla, Smashburger is by far your best bet. Burger Lounge, a couple blocks away is not nearly the burger Smashburger is. The beef is the star of this burger, unlike say, In-and-Out, where the meat is only an afterthought, and the fresh onion, lettuce, and tomato play the leading role. Truly great fries at Smashburger as well and unlike most Smashburgers, there are some tables out front to enjoy on a nice day. Shakes are awesome, too!
(4)
Ed K.
Great burger fast food...prices were fair. I will only go to smash burger if I'm in going to have burger.
(5)
Angie J.
DARE I SAY IT?? DARE I SAY IT?? ... BETTER THAN IN-N-OUT??? ...YEAH it is!! If in-n-out is the middle-class, Smash Burger is definitely UPPER CLASS. The bun..oh man, the texture was amazing. Not like regular buns where they get soggy super quickly and are flimsly. But they're firm, so you can grab your huge burger, but at the same time soft and delicious. The meat is amazing...sorry can't explain it well, but trust me, it tastes bomb. What's inside the burger is great also: onions, GUAC, lettuce, tomatoes, some cilatro thingy with a kick, melted cheese.... IT'S GREAT. I don't like to eat burgers often bc they're greasy and unhealthy, but i would definitely eat Smash Burger all dayy err dayy!...but there's none near where i live. How very unfortunate... Smash Burger..i will return to you!
(5)
Sean L.
For this trip, I tried the San Diego Smashburger for a little something different. Topped with fresh cilantro, avocado, purple onions and a chipotle mayo, you can tell how this burger got its namesake. But this is why I dropped my rating from last time- The sides are cheaper if you pair them with a burger. But, if you want to pair more than one side, you have to pay full price. Since I chose chili and sweet potato fries, I ended up paying a full $2.99 for a very small order of fries (you can check out the picture, looks like someone picked at them before they came out to me). They were good- but $3 good? Not sure about that.
(3)
James L.
So being out of towners, we have never heard of Smash Burger. However, we saw lots of different people carrying these Smash Burger to go bags that had a logo reminiscent of Game Stop. When it came around time to eat, all of those subliminal messages worked and we stumbled upon Smash Burger. You guessed it right, their premise are smashed burgers. I was a bit skeptical of this at first because anytime I think of smashing meat, I think of all the flavor in the juices seeping out of the meat. Well, not in this case. My burger (which came with other toppings) came out nice and juicy. For 5 bucks, it wasn't a bad deal for fast food burger fare. I was sorely disappointed in their sweet potato fries. I think I should really stick to Father's Office or Boiling Crab's fries. The frickles (fried pickles) weren't that bad, but again, something only a pickle fan would probably enjoy. All in all, a cheap meal but better than fast food restaurant quality. There was one glaring thing... standing in line to order seemed to take an eternity!
(3)
Tiffany L.
Located in one of the busiest areas in San Diego. Luckily, it was a Tuesday afternoon and we were able to find street parking nearby. Type of food: American- hamburger, salad, shakes Ambiance: Right when you walk in, there's a long hall way before you reach the registers to order your food. Half way through the hall way, I wanted to leave because the walk was way too far. There were plenty of tables and booths for customers. The restaurant is more spacious that I thought it would be. Smashburger is right on the busy street of Prospect in La Jolla, most of the crowd would be young adults and tourists. Service: The service was very friendly. The lady at the register gave us suggestions on some of her favorite hamburgers. Since we were basically the only customers there at 2 pm, the food came out in less than 10 minutes. Taste: The portion was enough for one person. I had the Spicy Baja burger. I wasn't sure how spicy it would be, so luckily I asked for the spicy mayo and jalapenos on the side. My burger was made with spicy chipotle bun, how interesting right? I liked the guacamole and pepper jack cheese. I felt the burger to be a little greasy, but the greasier the juicier right? Overall, the Spicy Baja Burger was pretty good. The flavor wasn't super feisty, but the burger was unique. Nan had the San Diego burger which she really enjoyed. We also shared some sweet potato fries which were greasy but super flavorful and crunchy. They were topped with some seasoning which made it extra tasty. I think it's rosemary- super delicious. Price: The price was a little high for a hamburger. My Spicy Baja burger came out to be $6.45. I think I prefer In N Out any day. But it was a great place to check out. Overall: Smashburger is in a great area- near the beach and shopping boutiques. It seems like a fun place to have a quick bite. I guess, compared to the neighboring restaurants, Smashburger is the most affordable. I'll come if I'm ever craving a burger at La Jolla Cove.
(3)
Cassie R.
AMAZING! The food is well prepared and always delicious! I recommend the sweet potatoe fries! It is a great place to grab lunch when in La Jolla and around Main Beach. These places are popping up everywhere. I am looking forward to the Orange County location. Great Son-Father operation!
(5)
Jereld W.
There is a grilling mantra..."Never flatten the burger while cooking!" Smashburger decides to break the rules and smashes the patty while cooking. The literature provided by them claims that smashing the burger sears the meat on the outside and seals in the juices. Well...I'll stick to tradition on this one. The menu kind of reminded me of the burgers at Red Robin. I ordered the spicy baja burger and unfortunately the burger was dry. I did try my friend's burger and his wasn't as dry though. Maybe it's just luck of the draw. Bonus points for CAB burgers though. One thing I can highly recommend are the Smashfries. Both sweet and regular Smashfries. Both are tossed with rosemary, olive oil, garlic, and awesomeness. Pro-tip: Don't like your burgers smashed? There's a burger lounge a few blocks away that has comparable food and prices.
(3)
deanna d.
Quick and easy ordering with a decent menu selection. You can get chicken sandwiches also! When I went, I tried the original smashburger, jalapeno and bacon and cheese burger subbed with chicken, a side salad and a chocolate milkshake. Milkshake was bland and too icey, but everything else was very good. Not the best burger I've had, but definitely satisfied my burger craving. I would probably go back again for sure.
(4)
erika d.
Love this smash burger! Good food, always comes out fast and they never got my order wrong even when its a saturday in the summer. Really clean too except sometimes the bathrooms could use a little work. No parking nearby but thats like anywhere you go in la jolla. Big proportions too, i usually have to get a kids meal or it goes to waste!
(4)
Andre D.
A solid 4-star burger joint. I ordered San Diego burger, Smash sweet potato fries, and chocolate milkshake, and I really like them all. I like the concept of smashing the patty to make the surface area of the burger more charred than the regular patty. Also love that they throw in avocado in the burger. The patty is also well-seasoned or at least doesn't taste bland like some other burgers. The toppings also look fresh, giving an excellent overall visual on the burger. The fries is also as impressive. I really like the seasoning, and it really goes well with the burger without having to dip it in ketchup. Also the chocolate milkshake is excellent, which is made with Haggen-Dazs ice cream. Not too sweet and I'm pretty sure no whip cream added in my milkshake. Atmosphere feels very laid-back with family/friends- oriented setting. The reason that I do not give a 5-star rating is because I think Hodad's or Slater's 50/50 still have the edge as far as the burger concerns, but I will definitely coma back here again in the future
(4)
Melissa N.
Came here on a whim with a couple of friends on a Monday evening, and ugh, I don't think I'll be coming back. 1. The place was really stuffy and hot. 2. They have a 'meatless' burger that's not vegetarian... what's the point? 3. The cashier takes forever. 4. I only got the garlic fries and they don't taste like garlic fries. 5. We waited about 15 mins for our food, and all I ordered was fries... even though there was only three other people in the whole restaurant. I gave them two stars because they serve cheap beer (I think it was 3 dollars a bottle?).
(2)
Stephani S.
I have to say that my hero let me down :( I had hit up the worldly Albert W's burger list to figure out where I should go to find a most delicious burger near my work that would satisfy my burger urge. When I found two equally rated burgers in the vicinity I then texted him for a final decision. He chose Smashburger. Having been there once before I was a bit skeptical. My first eating experience there left me wanting for more. Given the advice of my hero and the fact that I ate there when they were only a few weeks old, I decided to give them another shot. I hopped in the car with a coworker who will further be referred to as dude that worships the ground that I walk on (DTWTGIWO). We made the trek from Sorrento Valley down into La Jolla Village. DTWTGIWO: Woah, I didn't realize we were going so far for a burger. Me: I will go anywhere, no matter how far, to get my mouth around some deliciousness. DTWTGIWO: Well OK. When we got in there every family on the planet had decided to descend into the La Jolla beach area for just out of school summer time fun and a Smashburger. Amazingly they managed to move that line fairly quickly and we ordered and had a seat in about 15 minutes. Cool! I got a burger and he got a chicken sandwich thingy. We shared sweet potato fries. Here is the breakdown: Burger: thin, slightly overcooked meat Bun: amazing Veggies: fresh but they forgot to add the pickles and tomatoes that I requested Fries: So good! i love the olive oil and garlic on them. These are single serving size though so don't plan on sharing. Unfortunately we did :( DTWTGIWO"s review of his sandwich: That was really good! I would totally go back! The price kind of sucked though. Did I mention that he bought lunch? Heh heh
(3)
Trang L.
Many people are saying that you're either a burger lounge person or a smash burger. Today I had a smash burger for the first time and.. *drum roll*... I am a burger lounge person. I had ordered the classic smash burger and the hay onions. To my surprise the onion rings were not your normal day onion rings.. but it is the type of onion rings you typically would put in a burger. It was good.. but too greasy for my liking. And I had to eat it with a fork. The burger seemed like a regular burger. There was nothing special about it. And again, it was way too greasy for my liking. I had just ran the La Jolla half marathon and went here after.. maybe it was my fault because maybe my metabolism was shooting up the roof.. but this burger gave me one hell of a stomach ache.
(3)
Eduardo G.
I trired the BBQ, Bacon and Cheeseburger along with some smash fries. The fries were delicious, I'd say comparable to the fries at o'brothers -although these had a slight edge. The burger itself was absolutely delicious. The meat had a seasoning to it that I have not tasted a burger before and it was quite tasty. Prices are pretty good - about the same as hodad's. Highly recommened.
(5)
Ryan D.
3 star for A-ok...we eat here a lot frankly cuz there is not a lot to choose from. It's good but for me its just missing something.
(3)
Rose W.
I love Smashburger! I came here with my friends and it was definitely a great experience. THE FOOD was awesome. I love the San Diego and the sweet potato fries. THE SERVICE was great. There was a cute boy to take my order, and the burgers came pretty quickly. Overall, I'm very much in love with this burger joint. So long, In N Out!
(5)
Eric R.
Excellent! Had the SD burger and smashfries. This is a SD chain with Haagen-daz malts. Good value, especially for La Jolla.
(4)
Alison F.
DEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-Lish! I was a little hesitant to eat here because of all of the tourists flocking this location but we wanted to try something new. These burgers are SOOOO good and don't miss out on the sweet potato fries. Everything is fresh and you CAN taste the freshness.A great place to grab a good burger by the beach in La jolla. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Amy X.
A friend referred us to this place and I'm so glad he did because the burgers are bomb! And it's only 10 minutes away. Located in the middle of downtown la jolla and it's not expensive at all compared to all the other restaurants around. So you order it at the counter and then they give you a number and you can find your own table. Then they serve you within the next 10 minutes. I ordered the San Diego Smashburger and added mushrooms and sweet potato fries. The total was about $8-9. The sweet potato fries were BOMB. They add rosemary to it and I think cilantro (not sure) and it had the perfect crisp to it. The burger was DELISH. It had avocado, cilantro, sour cream, pepperjack cheese, onion, lettuce, tomatoes, and chipotle mayo. Yums.
(4)
Valerie L.
I'm addicted to this place! It's located on Prospect right next to The Living Room. Parking is always a problem because it's close to the beach, so I wouldn't recommend coming here on the weekends. It's located surprising close to Burger Lounge. I prefer Smashburger!! I don't know why but I'm always calling Smashburger.... "Smooshburger". "Snooki, smoosh smoosh!!" (South Park & Jersey Shore reference.) LOL. I love the concept of creating your own burger. The place was clean, and there was a lot of seating inside. Recommendations: San Diego Smashburger- (avocado, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, cilantro, sour cream, chipotle sauce.) I'm a sucker for burgers with avocado. I never had cilantro with my burger but it was surprising good. Mushroom Swiss- (garlic sauteed mushrooms, swiss cheese and mayo on an egg bun) The EGG BUN was really amazing! I thought the sauce was too CREAMY. I'm planning to add on bacon next time, maybe it will lessen the creaminess. Mint Oreo Milkshake- this is NEW, and isn't on the menu yet. But ORDER IT! Damnnn this stuff is good!
(5)
Kirk C.
The burgers at this place are very good, meat is freshly cooked, not microwaved. Yes it's expensive but what else can you expect in the La Jolla district. I thought the fries were very good, and not oily like so many other places. The staff shows excellent courtesy at this restaurant, highly expected for the price of these tasty burgers.
(4)
Annette C.
Love my smashburger and the sunset salad. Burger is fresh and tasty. This is my primary eating joint when I am in La Jolla. The only reason I can't give it a five is the slow service to order and the reality that people can't make up their minds when faced with a plethora of good options.
(4)
April L.
My friends were raving about Smashburger for a couple days so we had to check it out a couple days later. I must say, Smashburger did not disappiont! I ordered the 1/3 Barbecue, Bacon, and Cheese burger ($5.99) which was DELICIOUS! It had like shoestring onion rings in it, and I'm not a fan of onions but did not mind these in my burger. I ordered the Sweet Potato SmashFries ($1.99 with a burger) which were also very good and tried my friend's SmashFries which also pleased my taste buds. Instead of just any ol' drink ($1.79 i believe) I ordered a Vanilla milkshake ($3.99). Sooo yummy. My bill ended up being around $13 dollars which is more than I would like to spend on a burger, fries, and a shake, but would certainly do it all over again, just not often. Expect to spend a little bit of time finding parking because it can be a little hard. If you're lucky you can park close to the beach and Smashburger!
(4)
Doris K.
Not bad for my first San Diego burger experience. I find it unfortunate that my mushroom Swiss burger has to be cooked to medium well but it still tasted juicy. My Swiss cheese was also a little crispy on the sides which was an interesting surprise. Looks like someone might have forgotten about my burger. I did find everything a little greasier then I would expect. My fries were swimming in a pool of olive oil, and it seemed like the mushrooms on my burger were soaked in butter. Overall, I'd still go back for an artery clogging good time on a weekday or weeknight when parking is not too difficult.
(3)
Iz I.
They make burgers, Fries and Shakes. AND they do it so very well! Nothing fancy, no gourmet. Just good All-American burgers. Best in San Diego as of 6/28/11 Good Price. Real Malts too.
(5)
S R.
Smash burger is my favorite "fast food" restaurant in San Diego! I am obsessed with their Spicy Baja Chicken Sandwich on a spicy chipotle bun and avocado instead of guacamole. It is so good! I would skip the fries though...they are good but not fantastic. Also, for some reason their sodas are really good...very fizzy!
(4)
Jane C.
I got the Spicy Baja burger, which has guac, pepper jack, chipotle mayo, jalapenos, lettuce/tomato/onion. It was SO GOOD. SO. GOOD. I also got the Smashfries (fries with olive oil, rosemary, and garlic). They were also super delicious. My friend got the Classic Smashburger. Normal cheeseburger with the regular stuff, but it was also really good. It just melts in your mouth. She also got fried pickles. They literally taste just like pickles that have been fried. They're served with ranch, and they're pretty good. My third friend was crazy hungover, so all she could handle was a strawberry milkshake. Since she couldn't eat anything else, the polite thing for me to do would have been to enjoy my burger quietly, but I couldn't contain myself. I may or may not have had random outbursts of "OMG! SO! GOOD!" every 5 minutes or so. Try this place! But not when you're hungover and can't eat anything because you'll sit there and be sad while your friends are eating the BEST BURGER EVER.
(5)
Lisa H.
Pow...Kaboom....the same sounds in the comic book Batman and Robin! Wowzers, the burgers are SOOOO good. I was a little hesitant about all the new trendy burger places but have come to embrace them. Now this place definitely beats Burger Lounge in regards to price. I ordered a 1/3 lb classic smashburger, regular french fries and small drink for $9.10 as opposed to $15 as Burger Lounge. All the ingredients were fresh quality including a "busting out" piece of fine lettuce, ripe tomatoes, crisp onion and some kind of special sauce that they add to the burger. The burger is also served on a very soft egg bun. The meat patty was super juicy that your teeth sink right into the burger. Heavenly experience! Your burger and fries are served in a rectangular shaped metal basket and the fries come in a small circular metal basket. The condiments such as ketchup, mustard and hot sauces are at the table. Don't worry there are plenty of napkins at the table as well. They offer a variety of items such as chicken sandwiches, salads, burgers, fried pickles, sweet potato fries and Haagen Daz Ice cream shakes and a classic frosted mug of root beer float!!!!!!!!!! The burger and fries were so delish that I had to try one of their shakes to go. I had a strawberry shake and was not disappointed. It was great to see a place also priding themselves in customer service. I had at least 3 staff ask me how my burger and food was. You could tell that they also believed in what they were serving. The staff was really into keeping tables clean and bussing the tables. Ambience: On the darker side, but there are lots of booths to sit at including some outside patio seating. Everything is simple with big letterings on the wall of SIZZLE. Definitely RED IS THE CHOICE OF COLOR. Its like something that you would see in Europe or even in Asia. As I sat there eating my burger everyone who was coming in would automatically glare down at my burger to see if it lived up to their standard in regards to looks. A lot of times I just yelled out to the newbies, "It's awesome". Bathrooms were clean as well with a big sign regarding customer service. I've already been here two days in a row. Will most likely go back sometime next week to try their root beer float and possibly a salad. So glad that something affordable, trendy and fun is in the village. Angus certified beef by the way.
(5)
George H.
smashburger or burger lounge? I am going with burger lounge based on taste alone. Price is another issue since u will pay a premium for burger lounge's grass fed beef. I ordered the classic smashburger w/ a side of smash fries. The smash fries were tossed in some olive oil, rosemary and basil which was very good. Now back to the burger, 100% angus beef so it was a very juicy burger but I felt it was a little too greasy. The bun was ok but not great for an artisan bun, fyi burger lounge has an amazing bun. I will have to go back again and try the rest of their menu.
(3)
Victoria L.
Omg delicious!! I had the San Diego burger with their sweet potato fries. Wow, these were the best sweet potato fries I've ever had. They were seasoned with rosemary, olive oil, and just the right amount of salt. They were wonderfully crispy on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside. I seriously wish I had some to eat right now as I'm writing this review. The burger didn't disappoint either. The beef patty was well seasoned and juicy. I never knew cilantro could compliment a burger so well but it sure did. Their avocado was rich, creamy and fresh. That's rare. My friend described this place as a burger version of Panera. lol. I seriously wish that there was a Smashburger where I live!
(5)
Cynthia Y.
Smashburger is delicious!! We were trying to decide on what to eat when we arrived at La Jolla Cove. Thanks to yelp we decided to come try Smashburger! The menu is pretty simple. There's burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, or salad. Me and the boyfriend shared a spicy baja burger w/ sweet potato fried. The burger was delicious!! The meat falls apart in your mouth, very tender and very well seasoned. Yummmm..... probably one of the best burgers I've had. I still love in-n-out the most =P The sweet potato fried were pretty good too! Probably the best sweet potato fried I've had. I already tried the regular fries, which IMO werent as great as the sweet potato, the fries had too much of a herb taste. I also tried the onion rings which were alright, a little too thinly cut and a little too oily for fried food =x Overall not a bad place, decent price for yummy hamburgers =)
(4)
Bradley N.
I've been a big fan of smashburger for a while now. Their smashfries and BBQ bacon cheese is my go to when I want a good burger at a reasonable cost. But the other night I was straight blown away at the quality of my food. Me and my roommate at here at about 9:40pm on 11/12/14. We were the last customers so the chef must have been bored or maybe they just take pride in their work. Our food was beyond perfect. Fries were perfectly golden and crispy with just the right amount of garlic and rosemary (usually it's not enough). Burger was absolutely delicious too. I just want to say thanks to the chef and staff that night. I haven't been that satisfied from a meal is while.
(5)
Dora C.
I only had their sweet potato fries, so I'm not sure how the burgers are, but the fries were alright!
(3)
Jessamine A.
Ate here on 7/25/12... Fresh and delicious!!! My hubby's new burger place, it has replaced Burger Lounge. :) We split a Big Classic and sweet potato fries. Of course when you go during a weeknight it's not busy...PERFECT!
(5)
Eric B.
Where's the Beef? I'd rather eat a pink slime burger than the the extremely thin representation of a burger with an oddly maroonish brown hue on the exterior that I got at Smashburger. I guess I should have known better. First they call it "smash" burger, hence the very thin piece "100% angus" beef that resembles something less palatable than Alabama roadkill. But it was my fault. I took the advice to come her 90 pound vietnamese woman with a British accent that said they had a "proper" burger. Finally the onion stack. Well, it was more of an onion soggy pile than a stack. I haven't eaten at McDonalds in over 20 years, but it probably would have been better.
(1)
Kestrel D.
How sad for me that this place has not yet made it to Boston. Enjoyed the Avocado Club Smashchicken and sweet potato fries. Tasty tasty, especially the avo and fries. I like the concept, I like the food, and contrary to what others have said, I thought the price was very reasonable for the amount and quality of food.
(4)
James F.
Smashburger lured me with a free Yelp lunch, so I came with a friend. I was hoping that they would have a variety of burger patty substitutes, like turkey or veggie, but nope, it's a 1/3 or 1/2 lb Angus patty or a chicken breast. So I got a "San Diego Smashchicken" and a side of Veggie Frites. My friend got a 1/2 lb Classic Smashburger, with their Smashfries (rosemary, olive oil, and garlic). This review will now use the word "Smurf" instead of "Smash". yelp.com/biz_photos/ePcs… My smurfchicken was quite tasty - and i really enjoyed getting it served on torta bread. However, I didn't quite comprehend the "Smurf" in Smurfchicken until i picked it up and looked at the profile. My chicken breast was smurfed flat. really flat. unlike my friend's smurfburger which had a think patty. my chicken was wafer thin. I felt a little robbed. yelp.com/biz_photos/ePcs… My veggie frites - fried asparagus, carrots and green beans. They were good, although by the end, i struggled to finish them, and there weren't a huge portion. They just were kinda oily at the end. The asparagus comes out best though. My friend was thoroughly pleased with her Classic Smurfburger, but after eating most of it, realized that 1/2 lb of meat was a lot, and so led to a discussion of how much meat is in other restaurants' hamburgers. Ultimately, she didn't finish it, because she was full. The smurffries were pretty tasty with their rosemary and garlic. They stayed good even to the end. yelp.com/biz_photos/ePcs… The dining area is nice, with booths, and tables and some outdoor space out front, with the counter all the way in the back (very linear restaurant - we got there when there was a line, which pushed back into the booths. Friendly staff. Parking is downtown La Jolla: figure it out on your own. Moral of the story: get the beef or go elsewhere. While the fixin's on my San Diego smurfburger (a chunk of avocado, pepper jack, cilantro, LT, etc.) were good, my chicken was a mere topping and not a base food to the sandwich. Since I don't do the beef, I'll probably go elsewhere until they get turkey or veggie patties.
(4)
Une F.
Very kid- friendly and good quality meat and food for the very affordable prices. I like the spicy jalapeno burger and the rosemary fries. They have good shakes too. I prefer the Del Mar Plaza location though for the better ambiance.
(5)
Beatrice P.
The burger was pretty good, but the smasfries were delicious. It's a little on the pricey side, but if you text a number and sign up for their smash club, they send you a BOGO for a free burger on your next visit. I enjoyed it, and when i have some extra $$ to spend on burgers, I might just come back here.
(4)
Sarah M.
This place has great service, yummy burgers, and great shakes. I first tried Smashburger in Las Vegas and always ordered the Sin City Burger. Obviously, this location does not have that burger. This makes me very sad. I love the veggie frites, dill pickle chips, chocolate shakes, onion strings, and burgers. I'm not crazy about the greasy fries (not a fan of adding more oil after they're fried), and I really don't like the Tazo iced tea (so I'm usually stuck drinking water when I'm not drinking a shake).
(4)
Kristen J.
I hate La Jolla, so it took a free lunch offer for first-responding Elites and the promise of other locations opening to bring me to Smashburger. As always, there was not a single space to park even at 11:20, so I paid $3 in a lot after nearly losing my mind driving around. I liked the decor of the place -- kind of mod. The name reminds me of Smashmouth, which I hate almost as much as La Jolla. But the food may make me change my prejudice against the smash-words. The staff was very friendly. My food arrived pretty quickly, but was very fresh and hot (It was not very busy). I ordered the San Diego burger and the fried pickles as a side. Odd combination, perhaps. My sister (who lives in Mississippi) raves about fried pickles and I had never tried them. Burger: Extremely tasty. Even though this is a very bold burger topping-wise, I could still taste the burger itself and it was divine. Juicy, flavorful. I also loved the toppings that came with the San Diego burger. The sauce was the perfect amount of spicy for me and the cilantro just really made the whole thing pop. I was a little irked by the glob of avocado that was on it, and wish it would have been cut into slices so I could have eaten the burger more easily. The person who took my order warned me that the burger was spicy and very big, but it wasn't that spicy and I also finished the entire thing (oink!) Fried Pickles: OMG. I love pickles. I used to make pickle slushies out of leftover brine as a kid. Why I am not dead, I will never know. One may also easily die eating these fried pickles -- they were delicious, even if the sodium and fat are bad for you. Not soggy. Breading was very crisp and done perfectly. I could have eaten a pound of them. I love fries and wish I could have tried those, too. However, I am super happy I chose the pickles. I will definitely go back once they are located somewhere other than La Jolla.
(4)
Boyd K.
First time at Smashburger on a recent trip to La Jolla. Great burgers with nice variety and a fun place to eat. Not quite Zombie burger, but a great burger place in La Jolla.
(4)
Tiffany A.
Every time I go here I'm always happy with our service and meal. I don't usually crave burgers, so a burger joint has to be really good for me to actually want to go out of my way to come back. My favorites are the jalapeno hot dog and the baja burger, both awesome! Their sides aren't that large, but while they might be small in size they are oh so good, my favs are the specialty fries and the shoestring onions.
(5)
Tony L.
Great burgers here!!! As with every other burger joint lately, this place servers up Sweet Potato SMASHFRIES as well which aren't bad at all. We had the regular SMASHFRIES as well with the rosemary/garlic/olive oil flavorings but I think the Sweet Potato version was better. I got the San Diego SMASHburger as did some of my friends and it was damnnn goood. However, I was supposed to get a slice of lime with my SD smashburger but i didn't get and didn't realize til i was nearly done with my burger. my friends on the other hand got their wedge of lime with their SD SMASHburger.
(4)
Laura U.
Amazing avocado club burger! Clean, great staff! Yum!!
(5)
Chaffee Y.
I stopped by Samshburger in La Jolla for a quick bite before I made a delivery to my client. I ordered all American burger and smashfries. While I rate the burger as very good with exception on way too many mustard on the bun, the fries is a big disappointment - It is cold and not crispy at all. I agree with many other comments here - I probably go to In N Out next time. Note: the service is good on the other hand.
(2)
Nolan G.
I was very unimpressed. In fact, after eating there I feel rather ill. After ten bucks for a burger and fries, I got a cheap burger that wasn't particularly tasty. The fries were the only upside. Eat elsewhere.
(2)
Darren S.
Smashburger gave me a decent burger experience but it wasn't something stood out to me over similar burger joints. I had a 1/3 pound bbq bacon burger, smashfries and a chocolate shake. According to their literature, they smash the beef on a a super hot grill in order to sear in the juices. If anything, maybe the mashing concept overworks the meat. The texture was denser and not as juicy as say, the Counter Burger. The patty taste was nice, the sauce was sharp but didn't dominate and the egg bun was my favorite aspect aside from the patty. The burger overall did remind me of a less greasy and buttoned-up Carls Jr. Western Bacon. To me, that just means I will probably eat it again. The seasoned fries are on the thinner side, stayed crisp and stayed warm for a long while. Hooray for freshly cooked food. Lastly the shake was pretty darn good. This one has taken the prize for my favorite chocolate shake in SD. For the price, Smashburger has really competitive prices ($5.99 for burger, $1.99 for fries). For about the same price a burger and bottomless steak cut fries can be had at Red Robin. A Red Robin burger may look more impressive but they're more about adding sauces and accoutrement that mask and overpower the flavor of the patty. If you look the menu they're much less inventive than Counter but more so than Burger Lounge. In the crowded group of non fast food sit down SD burger joints, choosing one always depends on the situation. I definitely wouldn't trek across the county for Smashburger but if I was in La Jolla and wanted an affordable, fresh and simple burger with a beer or tasty shake, I'd choose Smashburger.
(3)
Daniel C.
I come to get here probably about once a week. I can't help it! Just wanted to finally take the time to give a shout out to the awesome and friendly employees-especially Liz. She greets me and welcomes me back each time I come and will make small talk and make sure I have everything I need. Truly excellent service, thank you!
(4)
Dominique N.
This place is definitely a great place to grab some burgers for cheap and not sacrifice any quality! The food here is really well made, and I recommend getting the special San Diego Burger! Its really fresh, tasty, and delicious. I would consider it just below In-N-Out by just a small step.
(4)
Sandy D.
After snorkeling at the cove this afternoon, we walked right up the hill to get some Yelp raving burgers. Clearly corporate but so's In-N-Out and they rock.... Crazy busy with screaming kids, they may have outnumbered the adults. Incredibly friendly and helpful employees. The prices seem right for what you get. Clean restaurant with a modern decor. I finally got to try Fried Pickles, but it turns out I'm not a fan. The smash sauce seems to be mustard based instead of the normal ketchup based. These burgers are the messy but yummy kind. Great buns, perfectly toasted.
(4)
Cherlyn B.
Bacon took over my eyes & i didn't even realize that i accidently ordered a "bbq" bacon burger! Oh no.. I don't like savory food drenched in sweet sauces! I asked the lady if it was too late to have sauce on the side. She said that they already made it, but was nice enough to tell me that if I didn't like it, they can make me a new one. Good thing I accidently ordered it, because the juicy angus beef burger was so delicious topped with the right amount of sauce, bacon, cheese, & haystack fried onions. Smash fries are an ultimate must! They're french fries seasoned with garlic, rosemary, & other spices. Soo good with ranch! The service was excellent with extremely nice & helpful employees. The dining area was cool with red lights hanging from the ceiling & the name Smashburger across the walls. The bathrooms: Clean as a whistle! They're menu includes: Classic Burger, All American Burger, BBQ Bacon burger, San Diego guacamole burger, Spicy Baja Burger, & Mushroom Swiss. Don't like those options? Good news.. There's a build your own burger option with your choice of bun, meat, veggies, & other toppings. The beef patties are Juicy & perfectly seasoned in between two soft buns. Not a beef lover? They also have chicken! Toppings: thinly sliced onion rings, guacamole, sauteed mushrooms, chili, bacon, fried egg, etc.. Sides: smash fries, classic fries, sweet potato fries, fried veggies, fried haystack onions, chili, & fried pickles. Smashburger also offers hot dogs & milkshakes!
(4)
Faye L.
The good news is that my search for 'THE' burger in SD is still on... I'd like to say this place has a nice 'concept'. But come on now - I feel like it's the trend right now - this 'build your own burger' type of deal. The location is awesome. Right next to the Living Room coffee shop, up the hill from the beautiful beach, great patio for people watching (and they also allow pets in their patio!). We ordered: - San Diego Smashburger: Avo, fresh cilantro and onions, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, chipotle mayo served on a torta roll. We ordered the 1/2lb ($6.99): I added a fried egg for .99c. The burger was ok. It wasn't cooked 'pink' or medium rare like i'd hoped. It was made 'well done' but still remained juicy. Torta roll was a bit dry and the chipotle mayo was blech. - Pacific Coast SmashWedge salad $6.99: my friend ordered this. She didn't seem to dig it all that much. Nice portion. - Sweet Potato smashfries $1.99 : now THIS was good. Each sweet potato was crispy and seasoned just right. Tiny portion - Veggie Frites $3.59: flash fried asparagus, carrot sticks and green beans. This dish was a COMPLETE let down. They flash fry the veggies (no batter) for 45-50 seconds. The veggies are wilted, tiny, and depressing. And again, tiny portion. The service was ok. You order up front first and then they give you # card to place on your table (Carls Jr style - ha!). My friend's salad was made wrong and they forgot a few things on my burger as well. Instead of waiting for the guy to come back to our table, it was just easier for me to walk to the front and get the forgotten stuff. No biggie. Total price tag was about $27 (not incl tip). I guess it's not bad for a meal in downtown La Jolla right !? Cheers...
(3)
Joe Q.
After a day of laying out at the nearby beach, I felt like going to Hodads. But somehow I ended up driving to Prospect Street because I wanted gelato for dessert but still wanted some real food, so I walked around in search for a burger. I didn't want to go to some fancy sit-down spot and order a $12 burger, so after looking around my fiance and I spot this red and white logo that's pretty eye catching. Nice work in marketing guys! So we go into Smashburger and order 2 burgers with some sides of smashfries and onion strings. Wow, I really wasn't expecting a quality burger! I think the meat makes the burger, and for some place that looks like a run of the mill chain, it actually has a very fresh and juicy patty to serve on its hamburgers. I am quite impressed. Better quality meat than In-N-Out in my opinion. Maybe that's why it's about $5 a burger. The lettuce used appeared to be fresh greens, but I was eating too fast to notice. The sides were special in itself. Smashfries include olive oil and garlic and you can never get too much garlic. I had to chomp down most of those before Rachel got to them. The onion strings were good too, but of nothing special. I'd recommend this place. It also has chicken and hot dogs for those who are not into eating cow. It even has bigger burgers (1/2 lb instead of 1/3 lb) for those with big appetites. I'd go here again definitely.
(5)
C. J. W.
Wanted a nice lunch while in La Jolla but didn't want to spend La Jolla prices for it so I spotted this place. So glad I did.......prices were fair and the food quality was amazing. With their upscale offerings of sweet potato smash fries & Haagen Daaz Shakes their menu is more unique. They have a large and comfortable dining room and sidewalk patio area with tables! I was surprised how fast the service was as they really do prepare your order at the time you order it (unlike so many other places.) A definite revisit.
(5)
Rachel Q.
I like to guilt my fiance into thinking he never takes me anywhere in San Diego.. I figure that since I'm going to be living there in a few months (God willing!) he needs to show me all the things I need to look forward to.. Sooo.. he takes me around here.. Let's preface this by saying that he and I don't really do much.. I've learned in the few years we have been together that our dates usually consist of walking around and eating.. in that order.. So.. this was our idea of him "taking me places..." We found this nice burger place because the bbq place we wanted to go to was EMPTY.. it was opened.. but NO ONE was eating there.. The menu is simple.. pick a burger.. you can either have it with a 1/3lb, 1/2lb or chicken.. and then there are sides.. Joe got the San Diego burger with onion strings.. and I got the Swiss Mushroom burger with their Smash fries.. We cut the burgers in half and gave each other a piece.. we are soooo smart! I liked my burger better.. I'm not a fan of having all these veggies in my burger.. The burger meat was good.. fresh.. and not too seasoned.. the burgers were a good size too.. The onion strings were good as were the dip that it came with.. the smash fries were a little too greasy and tasted more like parmesean than rosemary and garlic.. maybe my mouth was playing tricks on me.. next time I'll stick to regular fries.. We'd definitely have to come back again.. try some other things they have to offer.. I wonder where else I can guilt Joe into taking me...
(4)
Joey D.
Perfect I first discovered the amazingness of Smashburger on a trip to Denver last December and have been craving it ever since. When I found out they were opening one in La Jolla, I became, admittedly, more excited than one should for a cheeseburger restaurant. My experience with Smashburger in La Jolla was consistent with my experience in Denver: Perfect. I won't launch in to the burger wars here since it is all preference based anyways, but for me Smashburger is hands down my favorite. Best tasting burger, toppings, and fries (try the smash fries tossed in olive oil). The malts are fantastic and the service is extremely friendly. I thought friendly service in La Jolla was impossible, but it's not! Smashburger sets the standard for friendly and helpful service. I'm really big on old fashioned friendly service, people who actually make you feel welcome for stopping by and extend the businesses thanks for coming in, and Smashburger in La Jolla didn't disappoint. If you're heading down South on the 5 and are passing by La Jolla, pull off and stop at Smashburger- it's 100% worth it!
(5)
Wah A.
Nice fresh burger and comfortable seat.
(4)
Bailey Z.
Burgers are the new cupcake. Remember when Sprinkles popped up? That was followed by Kara's Cupcakes and a whole bunch of other copycat gourmet cupcake fad shoppes. I think the same thing is happening to burgers now. Everyone copied the In-N-Out Burger model of burgers, using fresh ingredients to construct a made-to-order burger. Now, Burger Lounge is going to get some competition in downtown La Jolla with the newly opened Smashburger. It utilizes pretty much the same concept, but with an expanded menu, which includes more flavor combinations and also a chicken burger. The modern burger follows the same blueprint in constructing a burger by using quality beef, artisan buns and fresh vegetables. I think the quality between Burger Lounge and Smashburger is about the same. I like the use of egg buns at Smashburger, but I think the beef patty at Burger Lounge is juicier (but also messier). I suppose the smashing of the patties is also what makes the burgers here flatter and easier to eat here. For the time being, I will give these two places a split decision. Only time will tell who will best the other in the burger wars. A few notes about the service at this place. I know this place is new, but the food came out extremely slow. A classic burger took over 20 minutes to arrive. It was also dumb how the cashier took your order, THEN asked you if it was okay for you to wait 20-25 minutes for your burger. Of course, having already ordered, your default answer is to wait. That didn't really make much sense. On a more positive note, I do like their rosemary and olive oil tossed fries. They are wildly addictive and go well with the posh culture of downtown La Jolla.
(4)
Ty M.
The San Diego burger was great!! Loved the cilantro in it made it taste ohhh sooo fresh. I'm a pretty big into fast service.. And for downtown La Jolla this place delivered!
(4)
Krystal A.
Crunchy Fries, Delicious Chicken Sandwich, and Strawberry Shake. I'm a burger fan so typically I do get excited to try new burger joints, except for some reason..I go here and order a chicken sandwich. O_O And I think I did that because it had avocado AND bacon. WIN! I also just ordered regular fries because my boyfriend ordered sweet potato fries and I figured..I could just pick from him. Maybe I was just really hungry, but I seriously inhaled the food in front of me. Yes, it was that good! & I'd go back. We went on a Sunday night and it wasn't crowded (thankfully), I hate waiting for food. The place was clean and so was their bathroom. Then again...it is La Jolla and wouldn't expect anything less. :)
(5)
Michael P.
Really good burger. The meat is the best you'll find at a chain restaurant. Compares well to Shake Shack on the east coast. Their smash sauce is great and the smash fries with rosemary are pretty good too. Nice booth seating or a fast food place. I've always been and still am a in-n-out fan, but I might just prefer smashburger.
(4)
David J.
Spicy burger is great.
(4)
Carol S.
California Burger ALL the way!! I love this place! Their french fries are great, the service is ALWAYS amazing, and I just can't get enough of the burgers. They might be a little pricey for some people, but I'll pay for a good burger!
(5)
Christine N.
Coworker - "UGH, I forgot my lean cuisine" Me - "SMASHBURGER!" Coworker - "OK!!" *high fives* JK about the high five, but yes, this place is bomb diggity. 99.9% of the time I order the kids meal smashburger for a whopping 3.99 - it comes w/fries and a refillable soda!! Delicious! The burger is almost the size of a regular adult size burger and the beef tastes a lot healthier than a lot of other fast food places. It's just the right size for someone thats hungry but not starving. When I feel like being a baller, I order the 6.99 cobb salad. It comes w/bacon bits, eggs, chicken, blue cheese, and ranch dressing. *Drools* I might just have to hide my coworkers Lean Cuisine tomorrow... :P
(4)
Steve N.
Great manager, they lost or order but she made it right. Could have been a bad review but all ended well. Great burger and fries. This was the first time I tried the olive oil tossed fries and I loved them.
(4)
Jennifer M.
Not a Huge fan of fast food, But since I believe in balance and my last review was about whole foods I am writing a review about a fast food place I visited today! Love the sweet potato fries and there is only so much you can do to a hamburger to make it taste better "probably a step up from boiling an egg". Unlike my favorite Reviewer Danny, I did not get smashed by there burger, but it tasted pretty good. Well worth the money spent.
(4)
Karma S.
3.5 stars. Decided to give this place a try after passing it up several times. A nice experience overall. You'll get a good bang for your buck. The quality is certainly much better than a typical fast food place. I had their mushroom swiss burger and rosemary&sea salt seasoned fries. Tasty and no complaints here. The location of this particular Smashburger is great & you'll get a chance to do some people watching if you get a seat in their outside patio area.
(3)
Alan B.
I'm so pissed about this review...I want to give it one star due to the service, cleanliness, and overall management but the burgers, fries, and onion rings were so good. The family and I went there on a lazy Saturday evening and we completed the order at 6:30pm. So we look for a table, and all of them were dirty and weren't bussed. Eventually I take the trash and clear my own table for my family as they washed their hands. As soon as my daughters get back they quickly complain about the disgusting ladies bathroom. After noticing that no one around us were getting their food I noticed that it had been almost 25 minutes already. I go to the counter and there was not a manager in sight and it just seemed that the staff was overwhelmed. I express my concern and get reassured that it'll be soon. Soon to them meant twenty more minutes and just as I was going to get my money back the food finally arrived. My smashburger was dope and the smashfries were the business! It took alot for me to forget how long the wait was but the meal was prettty good. So overall I'm torn but the wait and service is not worth it, I'd rather go to five guys or in and out.
(2)
Brian B.
Not a bad burger. It has a lot of flavour. I'd pick Burger Lounge (just a block away) over it, but this place makes for a tasty meal as well (though I got a massive stomach ache a couple hours after consuming it). One thing I thought was odd was that they offer chili cheese dogs, as well as french fries, but chili cheese fries was apparently too difficult. The guy at the counter said there was some way he could type it into the register, but I didn't care to wait for him to figure it out. Shakes are good. Staff is friendly, especially the Aussie.
(4)
Shaun S.
I was happy to find SmashBurger on Yelp as I am always up for a new burger joint. I stopped by Tuesday afternoon with my niece and nephew on our way to Balboa Park. As other yelper's have stated, parking is quite limited on the street only. I was fortunate to find a spot quickly and near the restaurant. Walking to the joint, my nephew thought is looked pretty fancy on the outside. After you enter you notice the restaurant style booths which is nice for a casual burger joint. The menu is nicely laid out near the counter and also kid friendly with hot dogs, cheeseburger, chicken strips and grilled cheese. My niece would have liked Mac and Cheese to the kids menu. I ordered the 1/2lb smash burger and my niece/nephew both ordered smashdog kids meals. The straws were a bit too big for the kids drinks, they should get some smaller straws for those. The booth's were nicely designed and comfortable with silver squishy seats. Finally the food came and we dug in. I started with the standard french fries and have to say they were pretty marginal. Standard shoestring, no real seasoning. Salt and Pepper helped quite a bit. I must say the burger was really good. Hot, juicy, melt in your mouth type good. Up to par with my other fave joints such as Burger Lounge and Fudds (haven't made it to Hodad's yet). As for my niece and nephew, they enjoyed the hot dog, nice and juicy, but agreed with me on the fries. My 4 star rating is much more for my love of the burger which outweighs my comment on the fries. If you're a huge burger fan and can withstand parking problems I recommend stopping by here! Del Mar & San Diego locations should be opening soon. Edit: I wanted to add that I only tried the original fries, I am hoping to try the haystack onion and smashfries soon.
(4)
Monika C.
I'm not a red meat/burger lover, but checked out Smashburger in La Jolla with some friends, and had a chicken sandwich. Yes! Location: Great Food: Average Ambiance: Casual Price: Moderate I met some friends for an open water swim in the Cove, and afterwards we went for dinner at Smashburger. I ordered the Build Your Own Chicken Smashburger and got the veggie frites on the side. I was eyeing the sweet potato fries but thought I'd try something new with the veggie frites. My sandwich was okay, I'd say about average. Chicken on a bun with veggies (lettuce, onions, pickles.) I give the majori points though for letting me choose the bun, chicken preparation (grilled, breaded), and toppings. Being a cheese hater I passed on the choice of cheese of course. The veggie frites were interesting. They were flash fried and the carrots looked like sweet potato fries and tasted pretty good. The asparagus or green beans (can't remember which now) were okay .. but I ended up scarfing the whole basket down! My friends ordered burgers, sweet potato fries, and fried pickles. I looooved the sweet potato fries. I have had fried pickles in the past and they're okay, but in this situation the rush of salty liquid into my mouth as I bit into the pickle was an unwanted reminder of all of the saltwater going into my mouth during the open water swim. Maybe on another night they'd be okay. My favorite part of this place is the 'create your own' option. Definitely worth checking out!
(4)
Kelly O.
My boyfriend declared this his favorite burger in San Diego. I know some of you are thinking that is crazy, since "best burger" is so hotly contested in this city, but that's his opinion... compared to Rocky's, Hodads, Burger Lounge, O'Brothers, Bareback grill, The Pearl, etc. The burger I tried was a "Spicy Baja", which had jalapenos, pepperjack, guac, tomato, onion, chipotle mayo. It was delicious but very messy - mainly because the patty was too big for the bun. The Smashfries with rosemary were very good. I'm looking forward to going again. I heard these burgers are like 1000 calories each so...might have to limite my intake. :)
(5)
Greg H.
In a mood for a burger? Forget going to a restaurant. Don't settle for Mcdonald's. This place is THEE boss at making burgers. This burger joint easily sits at number 1 on the best burger places I know. The burgers are big, juicy, and delicious. The place can be easy to miss and parking might be a little difficult in downtown SD but it's all well worth it! Everyone who has never tried this place NEEDS TO DO SO IMMEDIATELY!!
(5)
Garlic E.
Okay, so I've been going here since it opened. The burgers remain great. Here are a few complaints: 1. The french fries simply drip with grease. It's not the kind of napkin-spotting grease that usually occurs. This is actual drips coming off the food. Can that be changed with a new batch of fry oil? 2. The floors are slippery and dirty. If you make the mistake of looking down to see why you almost fell, you'll feel a small gag reflex when you see how dirty the place is on the floor and against the floorboards. I grew up in a family of all boys, and even by that underwhelming standard, the place is dirty. On the bright side, service is wonderful. I will go back, but can you guys take some well-intentioned suggestions to make the place as nice as it was when it opened?
(2)
Kelly C.
Only been open 3 weeks, so I'm sure that they are getting everything together and I always take that into consideration when reviewing brand new places. FOOD: Great varied menu with your choice of 1/3 or 1/4 lb burgers, chicken, hot dogs and salad. I started with the San Diego Burger since it has avocados. After looking at the pictures again, I saw that I didn't get the lime. I suppose they are still working on the details. I agree w/ previous reviews that the "ice cream scoop" avocado was not appetizing -- I spread it out with a fork. Also there was a crazy amount of cilantro that I took about 2/3 of it off. The torta roll was nice and fluffy without being too dense. Many choices of fries -- all are on the side & sold separately (but cheaper w/ a burger). I got the veggie frites and they were okay, not great -- a smaller portion than I expected. Next time I want to try the Haystack onions since they looked really good. The sweet potato fries look good too! My BF got the BBQ bacon & cheese burger and it was great. He's picky about his BBQ sauce and really liked theirs. The egg bun was really good. The smashfries were a bit over-seasoned for our tastes -- the ones at the bottom were really soaked in oil and had too much of the rosemary and garlic. I like that they have wine & beer on the menu and we will probably order it in the future. Overall a GREAT PRICE for what you are getting! The restaurant is fairly small (long & narrow) with mostly booths and a few tables. It's similar to newer places (Panera, Corner Bakery, Pat & Oscars, etc.) where you order first in line, take a number for your table and then they bring you the food (which means less tipping for the wait staff). It's not the best ambiance and not really a "date" place, but great for when you want to have a quick meal and be able to sit down and relax. Not crowded at all on this particular Friday night at 8:30pm. Easy to find this place since it's right next to The Living Room and has good signage. Parking is all on the street, but there's a good amount down by the Cove and you can walk up and down the hill to get some exercise! More locations will be opening this year in Del Mar and San Diego!
(4)
Dao L.
The first time I was here I really liked it. I decided to come back with my bf two weeks later. We ordered 2 smash fries but the guy took the wrong order and gave us sweet potato fries instead. I only came for the fries so I talked to the guy and asked for a replacement. We waited 20 minutes for the fries to come out but they never did. We finished eating and left. Would never come back here again!
(1)
Steph C.
After a long, hard day of finding parking, gawking at the seals, being as surreptitious as possible in front of the boardwalk artists, and being basically ignored on sight at the art galleries at La Jolla Cove, we really worked up an appetite. But since the art curators are right and we don't have any money to our name, and we weren't here for prom dinner, Smashburger fits. First heard about these chain when I spent my last summer in Colorado. They're in between fast food and Johnny Rocket's - and they have about six different types of burgers on egg bread. They're the perfect size for sharing if you're there for a snack and modest for a meal. The patty has just the right give, their special sauces don't overpower and their leafed lettuce is so green it hurts to look at. Of real note is their smashfries - fried to a slender crisp and tossed with rosemary and olive oil... I could barely make myself share like a civilized adult. Good place in the area to stop by and tide yourself over without breaking the bank!
(4)
Melvin J.
Came here for lunch after catching rays. Wanted a good burger and this place gave it to me. The smash fries, tossed in olive oil, rosemary and garlic, were drenched in olive oil. Good service and friendly staff.
(3)
Steve H.
I wasn't overly impressed with the Smashburger. I had a San Diego burger with fries, everything very average. My buddy ordered the crispy chicken sandwich and he didn't like it. Service was nice, food came out quickly. Place is on par with a lot of other average burger joints popping up.
(3)
James C.
Despite missing things in my order such as onion hash and getting a 1/3 pounder rather than 1/2 lbs it was probably the best burger I've ever had. The angus was crispy at the edges and the inside was juicy. The sweet potato fries had a great crispy texture and were seasoned. Would like the 3/8" fries but the flavor made up for it. Spicy Baja rocks w/ guacamole, pepper jack and serranos. Burgers are good although on the greasy side. Sweet potato and smash fries are seasoned and taste just right! Highly recommend this burger joint! Don't forget to save that receipt for the free fries survey cuz you'll most likely be coming back here for more.
(5)
Melody Y.
The husband would never pay more than a few bucks for a burger. So I rarely eat "gourmet" burgers. Coming here was a special trip for me as I've heard many good things about smashburger. I got to take some engagement photos for 2 of my good friends (woohoo!), and they treated me to smashburger. I gotta say, it lived up to its hypes. Burgers were tasty, juicy, and full of flavors, lots of fun addons. But the best part is definitely their sweet potato fries. YUMMO. They bring your food to you, so it adds more of a "diner" feel than a "fast food burger joint" feel. The place is not all that spacious, but the quality of the food is superb. sweet potato fries ftwww. I think I'll be back just for that...
(3)
Jacques S.
This was a tough one. I had really high hopes going into this meal, having heard some minor buzz... and don't get me wrong, the food was "A-Ok", 3.5 stars if I could give it, but here is why I rounded down. Reason 1: It is blocks away from Burger Lounge which in my opinion just makes a better burger. Reason 2: Too many options with no way to organize. It was cool that I could customize my burger but I had to remember what bun I wanted, cheese, toppings, spread.. it was a little overwhelming. It was kind of a Five Guys wanna be. Reason 3: I had to wait 10 minutes for the guy to take the 3 girl's orders ahead of me because he was too busy flirting. Not really the end of the world, but I have to say that I have never experienced anything like that before. If you are in La Jolla, I would go to Burger Lounge. If you are CRAVING sweet potato fries, go to Smashburger. 1. Burger Lounge 2. In-n-out 3. Hodads 4. Blazin Grill (PB) 5. Five Guys 6. Smashburger
(3)
Rebecca L.
I went to Smashburger again yesterday! Still love it! I had a wedge salad this time with a yummy spicy dressing it was really good. and of course I also picked up my favorite the Sweet Potato smash-fries! I absolutely love those things!! They are sweet, Salty, with a hint of rosemary and garlic. The only thing I disliked was.... I get an hour for lunch and so we were in a rush. Everything happened to be in our favour! we made green lights and even snagged the 30 parking out front... line wasn't too long... But there were a lot of orders so it wasn't fast. I only wish they were set up for phone orders but apparently not. which is kinda a bummer... Our office wont be able to head down there to pick up lunches to go. But there is still dinner and weekends.
(5)
Jhal33 G.
You can't go wrong with this place because they have the BEST Burgers in San Diego. I love the area because it's close to everything and the only complain i have is it's too hard to find a sidestret parking. Food - EXCELLENT Customer Service - GREAT Location - Small and Clean Would i recommend this place? ABSOLUTELY!!
(5)
Anna S.
Great burger and salad at a pricey location. We created out own burger and ended up with a great meal. We asked the waiter about the wine and he suggested again it which shows true service in my opinion. Great place!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Drive-Thru : No Caters : No
Burger or Hamburger is savored as the most desired fast food meal in the United States. A hamburger is basically a sandwich prepared by stuffing ground meat patty, generally beef, between two slices of a bun cut in half. Hamburger is also famous for its seasoning. Most popular condiments used in hamburgers in the United States are mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Besides ground meat patty, hamburgers are also stuffed with lettuce, onions, tomato slices, pickles, and cheese.
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B K.
Been to this location twice now, and came out a very satisfied customer with happy belly both times! Both times I ordered the San Diego, 2nd time added the haystack onions. Also had a side of smash fries. Their sweet potato fries are also amazing. We were a large group, and everyone was happy with their order. The only reason it's not a 5 star is because they messed up my friend's order twice. But it was during rush lunch hour so no biggie. That said, this is definitely one of my top burger places other than In N Out. I have made it a goal to try their sin city burger next time after hearing so many good things about it.
(4)melissa m.
I write alot of noodle house and brunch reviews but this deserve mad props. Im STILL thinking about this place and its been a week already! I may just make another trip to SD to visit friends and to go to Smash Burgers! Granted I was starving but my burger was absolutely delicious! Ordered the San Diego Burger which had the fresh avocado, fresh cilantro and onions topping plus some spicy sauce all on a torta bun. It was like having a burrito burger style! My friends had other burgers there that looked super good as well. I'll probably try to go for a San Diego Chicken Burger next time if possible. The burger patties were perfect size for the bun the chicken breast meat was flatten to it was larger than the bun but looked really good! Portions are appropriately satisfying and not overkill. Also its perfect to leave space for the side of sweet potato fries or the regular smash fries!
(5)Randall R.
Every time we go to la jolla we swing by. I always get my Baja smash chicken with veggie frites. The best part is the conversation between my wife and I every time, I say it's smash burger, she says it's sma-sh, pronounced Sm-aw-sh... Kinda like a yuppie saying "dawling you look smawshing"....I know right. The proximity to the ocean, the booth by the soda machines, and the laughs had will always make me crave this place. The jalapeño slices in the sandwich are amazing. It's as if an angel with heartburn came down from heaven and touched my chicken smash.
(5)Ryan C.
I came here with my girlfriend the other day hoping to try something outside my comfort zone. I don't like change, so most of the time, we always go to the same restaurants so I can order the same dish over and over again. I'm sure glad we came here! It's located in downtown La Jolla, next to a lot of nice pubs and dessert places. Parking was a bit difficult to find, but it's expected. Now, onto the food. My girlfriend tried the San Diego Burger, and she loved it! The cilantro was a nice touch, and the avocado was oh so fresh (I took a bite). I had the Avocado Club, with crispy chicken. It was amazing. The applewood bacon was just right: not too crispy, but not too soft. And of course, the avocado was fresh and tasty. Now, I read on Yelp that the sweet potato fries were a must-have, so of course we ordered a serving along with a regular order of french fries. It's pretty good, but the texture was a little too soft for our liking. The regular french fries were good though! I have a big appetite, so I have to admit that the burgers were a bit too small for me. Next time, I'll likely order two burgers just so I feel more satisfied! I would definitely recommend foodies to come to Smashburger; I'm sure you'll have a great time here!
(5)Joseph C.
Sweet Potato Fries are the way to go. The food is good, one of the better burgers I had. Of course they are better than fast-food chains (even In-N-Out). The food tends to get a bit messy but you know it usually means they are packed with condiments. The regular Smash Fries was pretty good too. There is a slight kick of garlic taste in there (very little) so if you like that slight garlic taste (not salty), go for it. But I think it is a little boring (like standard fries) so Sweet Potato Fries are better.
(4)Jay L.
was looking for a job, and smashburger was hiring. Manager asked me if i knew anything about smashburger, i said no except it probably has to do something with burgers?. so he tells me to try out smashburgers around san diego and return back to him once i find out what it is. Right after that interview, i checked the yelp review and their store location and BAM! i was there! WOW! trust me when QUALITY is what they aim for! BBQ bacon & cheese oh S0o0 damn goo0d! patty was juicy & hot fresh! it burnt the side of my mouth!. Yelp reviews talk about their smash fries & sweet potatoes, tired it and WHOA! suupeerr yummy good! though, i didn't get the job, i must say that smashburgers have the best quality of burgers out there! it knocked my first place in-n-out burgers to second place! the only reason why i didn't give 5 stars is cuz i think it's a little pricey,...& i didn't get the job.
(4)Felix S.
So have good things to say and some not so good things about this place. I work around the area so a week ago i ordered food and the guy on the phone (phillip i want to say his name is not sure) was very nice and helpful. I asked him what he would recommend for me as i have never tried their food before. He suggested and i ordered it and thank god i did cause it was soo good. Went in and picked it up I called today cause i remembered how good the food was and the girl on the phone was a bit rude. Ordered the usual. I told her i wanted the 1/2 burger and it was quiet and she said then said" do you want the 1/3 or the 1/2 pound so i repeated it. it felt like maybe her phone was dropping calls cause she would ask what i wanted after i would tell her. Maybe she wasn't paying attention. As i was placing my order a client walked into my work so i asked her if it was ok to put her on hold. I checked in the client and got right back on the phone as i did i heard her say to her co-worker "don't you just love when they put you on hold" like it was bothersome to her. When my friend brought me my food they forgot to give her the Large coke i ordered so i just made a tea at work. Didn't want to call back and get her again. I work in customer service and receive many calls from our clients and i understand people have to put me on hold when they are at work or have their kids running around. I would never make a comment if i was put on hold about a client. Very unprofessional. Food is good though
(3)Marie F.
I get takeout here all the time. Well, if you consider "all the time" the once a month I eat meat. Anyway, I always get the classic with cheese and a side of their smashfries (rosemary ftw!). Honestly, I was skeptical before I actually ever had one of their burgers. Don't they always say *not* to smash your burger, lest you release all the juices? But anyway, they somehow make it work. Very consistent, high quality. I'll keep returning whenever I'm in the mood for a burger.
(4)Rob C.
not super impressed. while cooking a burger on a flat grill keeps the juices in, had the san diego and the tried the classic with sweet potato fries smashed style and didn't stand out. because it's smashed, kinda flattened and soft and falls apart. juicy, large but plenty of other burger chains like that, ie. super duper. probably regular fries with the rosemary garlic would be better too.
(3)Chante G.
I went to Smash Burger today with two friends. It was the perfect place for a Sunday afternoon lunch. I got the Spicy Baja and Smash fries (with rosemary and garlic). Super delicious! The jalapenos they use were fresh and didn't look like they came out of a jar. They were really good. I bit into one of the jalapenos and boy was it spicy. The fries were amazing. I didn't need ketchup for the fries or burger. I don't live near La Jolla, but I would definitely make the trip out for another great burger. Way better than In-N-Out, in my opinion at least. I'm not the biggest fan of In-N-Out. I was born and raised in in Southern California, and I realize that In-N-Out is THE Southern California burger joint, but I don't get that excited over it. Our cashier was really nice and upbeat too as was the rest of the staff. There's a lot of seating and it's really clean. Overall great place.
(5)Bobby D.
We've got movement on the best burger in San Diego list. If Yelp gave out half stars, this review would be 4.5 stars. As of now here is my best burger in San Diego list: Hodad's, Smashburger (2nd by a slim margin), In N Out, Corvette's, Five Guys, Island's, Fuddruckers, McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Carl's Jr., and Jack in the Box. Due to the summer and the lunchtime crowd, we had difficulty finding parking and seating for a group of 8, but we didn't have to wait too long to taste the goodness. The menu is pretty simple. There were three to four specialty burgers and different variations of fries. I ordered the Big Smash Baja burger, Smash fries, and a root beer float. The baja burger is supposed to be spicy, but not really. It has cheese, guacamole, and jalapenos. Everything on the burger along with the bread had that fresh look. After my first bite, the meat gave me the impression that it was a healthy tasting burger. It was really fresh, hearty, really good tasting meat. I read that the meat is from grass fed animals. I really enjoyed the entire burger. The fries are seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil. It tasted like pesto and I ate every morsel, not leaving any for leftovers. Wished the fries were thicker. My root beer float was delicious especially with the generous amount of Haagen Das ice cream. According to my wife, Smash is her #1 burger place. It's definitely my top two, right behind Hodad's, but not by much.
(4)Linda Y.
After a couple hours of snorkeling, Smashburger was the perrrrrfect cure to my hunger. I'm so glad we tried this place! I ordered the 1/3 lb San Diego burger which had chipotle sauce, cilantro, jack cheese, avocado, sour cream, mixed greens, and a delicious angus beef patty. Everything worked really well together. I love the patty because it's thin but juicy and not oily. The crispy edges were my favorite part. I almost wanted to eat the middle then eat the edge but that would have been really messy and just... well, stupid. I got fried pickles as my side which were ridiculous. By ridiculous I mean super briney and super salty. They were good but after like 5 pickles, they were too much. The Smashfries are bomb. Rosemary, garlic, salt, pepper... eeggggcellent.
(5)Eva A.
Smashburger is pretty damn delicious. Burgers run about $4.99 - $6.99 depending on what size you pick, fries about $1.99 - $2.99, and drinks $1.79 - $3.99 from soft drinks to shakes and floats. I went with the boyfriend and a friend and we all agreed that this is a great burger place. My meal consisted of the San Diego Smashburger, Sweet Potato Smashfries, and a Bottled Root Beer Float (which all seem extremely unhealthy but they do have a healthy alternative patty available). The San Diego burger was pretty good, I'm not big on ground beef so it didn't totally wow me. The Sweet Potato fries however were amazing! First time trying those type of fries and I was having a tough time keeping myself from devouring them all at once. The Root Beer Float was pretty sweet as well, just your classic version of it. Next time I'm in La Jolla I wouldn't mind stopping in again to try more of their menu. Until next time I hope everyone else is able to enjoy Smashburger!
(4)Susan C.
When I first heard about Smashburger, I had no intention of paying a visit. The concept of "gourmet burger lounge" seemed nothing more than a clever marketing scheme to trick the mass into paying extra to eat average burgers on oddly-shaped, ridiculously-priced plates, while saving money by dimming the lights and attributing it to creating a more upscale ambiance. Somehow, though, on a fine Sunday afternoon, I found myself at the restaurant, in line to order. Even though I usually like my food to taste good, I so badly wanted this place to be bad, just so I could get the satisfaction of making witty remarks against what I thought to be an inflated establishment. But, I ended up being the fool. After my friends and I ordered and paid at the cashier, received our numbers, grabbed a booth, and waited 10 to 15 minutes to fly on by, the BBQ Bacon & Cheese, Mushroom Swiss, All American, and Sunset Smash were placed before us. And after 20 minutes or so, all of it was gone. Into our tums. Conclusion: Smashburger is more than your average burger-joint. But just for my own pride's sake, can I note that I was right about sitting in the dark... and eating off of weird-and-swirly dining platters?
(4)Susan L.
I decided to see what all the hype was about this place. I guess you really can't expect much from a burger place, but I thought this place was just okay. The burgers are "smashed" and are juicy. I made my own burger which came with a multigrain bun, pepperjack cheese, jalepenos, lettuce, and all that junk. I asked for onions but I guess they didn't hear me. The guy at the cashier wasn't exactly customer friendly. The smashfries aren't that superb. It's EXTREMELY greasy, but the seasoning is tasty. Seating? Lots of booths, bars, and a few outside seatings. Overall, my experience here was okay. But I don't think I'll be coming back here for just an okay burger. Truthfully, I'd rather go to Burger Lounge.
(3)Vicky N.
I love cilantro. If you don't, that's probably a deal breaker for me. And you probably won't like the San Diego Smashburger. It's pretty damn good w some cilantro. I also thoroughly enjoyed the Spicy Baja burger. Burgers are around $6-$7, but it's well worth its price, and you can't beat it's location... walking distance from the beach! Also, I thought a bucket of Blue Moon (4 bottles) for $10 was a sweet deal. I usually avoid restaurant chains, but I wouldn't mind going to Smashburger. Also, it appears that each city has a special burger dedicated to it.
(4)George D.
Deeeeefreaaaaaaakingliscious!!!!!!! The burgers are excellent, pretty big and really tasty. The stuff can get pricey in a hurry, but the burgers will definitely fill you up and there is no lack of flavor. I'll definitely be going down there more often to fill my belly.
(5)Tim L.
This was by far the best burger I have ever had. I decided to take a day off of my diet, and enjoy a good old traditional burger and fries meal. My friend told me this was the best burger place in SD, and he sure was right. This was better than the burger that Marshall was in love with on How I met Your Mother. I order the spicy baja burger, sweet potato smash fries, and a root beer float. Everything was amazing. The burger was filled with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, jalepenos, guacemole, and a unique spicy sauce. The beef patty itself was cooked just right and o so juicy. The fries were seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and herbs. They were hot and crisp and had a ton of flavor. This was honestly the best burger I've ever had. I wish I could take back all the burgers I've eaten in the past. I can't wait for the next time I come back to this amazing place. Overall,
(5)Christina K.
I like the style of the menu but the quality of the food is alright. The amount of sweet potato fries was disappointing. Smaller amount of fries than I could get at Burger Lounge. I like the variety of the menu but I don't think the taste is worth the hype. I don't think it is a memorable place.
(3)Dao N.
Great garlic fries and great burgers! I had the avocado burger with cilantro and it was so good! My kids didn't want any burgers so they had a kids menu that included hot dogs and Chicken fingers! Two of their favorites! Their shakes were the best!!! I would come here again!!
(5)Dominic A.
This place is pretty dope! You have an option between a 1/3 lb burger for 5.99 or a 1/2 lb burger for 6.99, and they are all really good. I had the spicy baja and that was super hyphy! It was on a chipotle bun with spicy chipotle sauce and guacamole. I was literally in food coma heaven. My only complaint is that they don't give you enough fries (which you have to buy separate for 1.99), but if you're gonna buy fries then go with their SWEET POTATO FRIES, they are finger lickin' good! like seriously you could have the dirtiest hands, but at the end of your meal you might still want to lick your fingers. This place doesn't look like it either, but it is really big! and really nice.
(5)Chung S.
I was debating of whether to give it a 4 or a 5, Yelp really need to start allowing for .5 stars. I was here with my GF yesterday after reading many positive reviews and I must say it was good. We are burger connoisseurs of sorts and really enjoyed the food here. San Diego burger: Tasty, fresh, juicy just list a burger should be. Onion Haystack: Light, flaky, crispy mmmm so good. Did get a little soggy at the bottom though. Oreo Shake: Pretty good but not the best shake I've ever had.
(4)Mateo M.
I was invited here by Yelp and enjoyed the rush hour traffic, lack of parking and general hobnobbery during my visit. As far as location - it's the best. Close to all the surrounding shops, close to the water, close to my favorite town, but once inside the narrow yet deeeeeeep Smashburger, you feel like you could be anywhere. Fortunately, their warm smiles and well-laid-out design allows you to effortlessly flow from the front door up to the counter and back out to the patio where I thoroughly enjoyed a 1/3rd pound BBQ burger and fries (the string kind with garlic and herbs). My friend had the chicken sandwich which appeared quite "healthy" she said. It came on a whole wheat bun (I think - It was brown so I assumed...) I nibbled through the fries, but they were quite oily. The burger, on the other hand was awesome. It had shoestring onion rings which kind-of surprised me, but together with the bacon and BBQ sauce I was in heaven. The burger was Med-Rare which I prefer (can't remember if they asked me but it's likely they did). All I remember was that I was done before she was half-way through with her chicken sandwich. The staff was friendly, but that may have been because of the "deal" that day. The patio seating was narrow, but spacious enough for lunch and bordered the LJ boardwalk so it was good for people watching. I'd certainly return - especially if I were in the area. I have no doubt that they use quality ingredients and I enjoyed the burger very much. I'd probably go for the sweet potato fires next time however.
(4)Paula S.
Went for a walk along the beach at the La Jolla cove area recently and stopped in to Smashburger. I have heard they have the best cheeseburgers in town so I decided to give it a try and see for myself. Doesn't look like much from the street but what would I expect, an elaborate, tacky neon sign? I admit I am a little bit of a junk food fan and have had some great cheeseburgers all over town but I have to say, this WAS the best I have had in a really long time. In fact, I have had others over the years that were maybe as good, but not sure I have had one that I would say is better....certainly not in San Diego. Also, I ordered the smallest one and it was pretty big...didn't expect that and didn't come close to finishing it. I tried the house special fries too, which were made with Rosemary...good but not great. I expected them to be much better than they were. Definitely tasted the Rosemary but still lacked flavor somehow. I think they just needed more salt...some course Himilayan Sea Salt would do the trick nicely. Easy fix. Inside, the place is much bigger than it looks from the outside so there is ample seating, but very limited seating outside...couple tables, literally...which is kind of sucky...it IS on Prospect in La Jolla! I also didn't like that the inside seating area seemed a bit too dark....needs better lighting in my opinion...but I took mine to go! Why eat in this semi-dark place when you have the beautiful ocean/La Jolla cove a block away? I am giving this place 4 stars because even though the cheeseburgers were amazing and deserve 5 stars, the fries...though good...needed a little work and the place itself was too dark. Will definitely be back though!
(4)MsMargo M.
Not really a smash, but good on first try. Hubby and I decided to try Smashburger rather than our usual Burger Lounge. I like the basic menu - burgers, dogs, sides, and (huh?) salads. Who goes to a burger place for salads? I got a Classic Smashburger with a side of the Smash Fries (olive oil, rosemary, and garlic). Hubby had the BBQ, Bacon, and Cheese Burger with a side of Haystack Onions. I got a chocolate shake and hubby had the root beer float. They have a lime shake, which just sounds weird to me. The counter guy had a typical minimum wage attitude. Not rude, but not friendly. You order and pay and then they bring the food to your table. The restaurant itself was dark and REALLY cold. Cold enough inside that even though it was a cold day we sat outside. While we were there one guy from inside came out with his daughter just to warm up. Our food came fairly quickly and the waitress was really pleasant. The burgers were good and juicy with lightly crisped edges. The rolls were very fresh and did a good job of sopping up the meat juice. The Smash Fries are very thin cut shoestrings, and with the olive oil they were a little greasy at the bottom of the paper cone. Hubby really liked his burger and the bite I had had excellent bacon. The Haystack Onions are onion strings and we both thought they were better than the fries. We were about half-way done eating and our drinks hadn't come yet, so I went in to check on them. The waitress said she was making them now. We finished our food and then Hubby went to check on the drinks. There had been an ice cream mixer explosion and it was being cleaned up. Our drinks finally arrived well after we were done. Our waitress was definitely telling the truth because she had vanilla milk shake all down her back. That explains the milkshake, but not the lateness of the root beer float. Still she was really apologetic, which did help. The drinks were good. The milkshake was thinner than I expected - but that might have been related to the mixer explosion. Hubby thought his root beer float was terrific. The total for our meal was $26. Overall, the food good, not great. The room was freezing and dark. The service was definitely off. We would go again, but I think I'd rather go up the street to Burger Lounge.
(3)Chrissy G.
I was a little weirded out by the fact that every time I pass or see a Smash Burger it is always practically empty. I thought that was saying something about the quality of the food and that it wasn't too good. Decided to try it. Burger was really good! I liked how you could customize your own burger and it was not greasy at all. The garlic fries however were greasy, but good.
(3)Krista H.
LOVE these burgers! They're flavorful patties on really good buns. The crisp on the edges of the meat adds a wonderful home fried touch. Can't say what my favorite side is.... They're all amazing!
(5)Dawn P.
- This place reminds me of The Counter Burger in Torrance, CA. - You get to pick what kinda sandwich you want. I picked Smash Chicken sandwich. It was $5.99. Very reasonable prices. - No combo meal. - Parking - hmm we found street parking some ways off -
(5)Adrienne C.
Yum! After reading reviews on yelp, we decided to give Smashburger a try. The first time we went, parking was a disaster so we decided to come back another day. This place is definitely worth the wait! The interior has a modern feel to it and is more spacious than it appears from the outside. We came at around 1 or 2pm on a Saturday, and the line wasn't too bad. Maybe four or so people ahead of us, but the line moved fairly quick. We decided on the San Diego Smashburger with smashfries, the BBQ and Bacon burger, a Chicago Dog with a side of chili, and a chocolate milkshake... to go. We were told the wait would be around 7-8 minutes, which wasn't so bad. They gave us the chocolate milkshake first.... omg, delicioussss! I wish we had ordered for here so that we got the full glass plus the metal container with the rest of the milkshake. The burgers were very tasty - not dry at all, and very filling. Of the two burgers, I would probably order the BBQ burger rather than the SD. The smashfries were also very tasty with a nice hint of rosemary. Boyfriend hasn't tried the Chicago Dog yet, but I'm sure it'll be yummy too! Don't write Smashburger off as just another burger joint and give this place a try!
(5)Ellen P.
I've been here a couple times. The burgers are pretty good but a bit expensive compared to places like IN-n-out but cheaper than red robin. I think it's worth the money. Sometimes, the flavor is too strong so a few bites in, I need to take a break with some water. The fries are amazing. The salads are definitely not worth the money. It doesn't taste that good nor do they give you a good amount. If you feel like a sit in burger joint by the beach on a saturday, this is the place to be.
(3)Nadia Fern C.
Oh. Em. Gee. Why is it that I am slacking so bad on writing my reviews lately? Someone come motivate me... Something I need NO motivation for is looking around and completely inhaling a good cheeseburger. Never had Smashburger before but had been hearing about it NONSTOP so when the bf and I needed somewhere new to go for dinner a week or so ago, we ended up here. First of all, I love the location. While parking is a pain, anytime I get to hang out in La Jolla I am automatically in a great mood. Snobass. Second, I like the ordering concept. I dont like having to deal with waitresses because they are often stupid, ugly, really stupid, annoying and screw my order up so I was pleased to get to be my OWN waitress. Beyond that, I liked the seats and the setup and the atmosphere. It was super chill and very simple. The food was EFFING bomb. I am a cheeseburger connoisseur and really know my cow patties. This one was hot, not too greasy, juicy and cooked to perfection. The bun was delicious. They use Claussen pickles which I LOVE and overall, the burger was one of the best Ive ever had. Garlic fries were awesome as well. I liked the little contraption they came out in. I cant wait to try the sweet potato ones next time. Price was pretty cheap. Food was delicious and the service was great. Cannot wait for my next fat girl night here. (:
(5)D D.
Sloooooooow. Two burgers and fries: 30 minutes. No one in line ahead of us.
(1)Victoria L.
I first heard about Smashburger because I saw a bunch of people check in to the place on Foursquare. The name intrigued me so I decided I just HAD to try it. My bf and I went here on a Friday around 1PM. The line was only a few people long but that didn't matter because I had no idea what to get. You can create your own burger or go with one of their concoctions. I went with the Spicy Baja while my bf got the San Diego (which was what I originally wanted. I would love to have been able to order something that was a combination of the two. Anyway, the San Diego is unique because aside from the usual toppings, this burger has avocado, cilantro, and sour cream. I love sour cream! My boyfriend thought the burger was OK but had too much going on. I took a bite and thought he was crazy. I think the cilantro may have been a bit overwhelming for him, so make sure you like all of those if you're going to order this. My Spicy Baja was delicious. It had fresh jalapenos (not the pickled type from jars) and guacamole. SO GOOD!!! I'm lactose intolerant so I asked for no cheese but it came out with it on there anyway :( I just brushed it off and was good to go. The tips on Foursquare said to try the sweet potato fries as well as the smash fries - both of which are tossed in rosemary, olive oil, and garlic. Neither of us were impressed :-/ So all in all, the burgers were good, fries OK. I'd go back again but only if there weren't better options and it was super convenient to get to... like say right in front of us.
(3)Beeza B.
I got to the register at 9:58pm on a Saturday night and was in the middle of making an order when a blonde douchebag guy walked in from out back and apologetically announced "the Kitchen is closed we cant make your burger".
(2)Jason N.
The burgers are better than what I expected. I like the smash fries. I'm not a fan of sweet potato fries, but I liked these better than most. The wife loves sweet potatoes and enjoyed the fries very much. The chili was very good alone, on fries and dogs, but not for burgers. The chili kinda drowns out any burger. My bad. -1 star: Last time I checked the 92037 zip code is within the City of San Diego and not the city of 'La Jolla' as according to the Smashburger website. (see sandiego.gov/neighborhoo… ) -.5 star for difficult parking, but I will round up back to 4. It's a minor inconvenience that is balanced out by the fact that they serve local brews and good food at a very reasonable price. .
(4)Lisa P.
This is a great spot if you're wanting to grab a quick quality burger. I had been wanting to try out Smashburger for the longest time and never had the chance to until a few days ago when my boyfriend and I were wandering around Prospect St. and wanted a quick bite to eat before doing Torrey Pines. We stopped in and the place wasn't too packed, ordered, and in less than 10 minutes, our order was brought to us outside. We split the Spicy Baja Burger (1/2 lb) with an addition of bacon and a side of sweet potato fries. I was really impressed with how the burger tasted, had a couple bites, and moved my way over to the sweet potato fries - definitely the highlight of the meal for me. The great thing about this place is you're able to customize EVERYTHING...and for the people that don't know where to start on the endless possibilities of customizing your meal, there are already pre-selected options put together for you by the pros. Fast, fresh and filling. I'll be back again.
(4)Paul Y.
I'll put it Guy Fieri's way, "Its like I just drove a bus into flavor town!!" I'm not gonna try to over-hype this place, but this place is the best as far as taste and quality goes. I have tried the "create your own chicken burger" and also the "create your own smashburger". I gotta admit the chicken was pretty thin but thats cuz they smash it! Despite the thinness of the chicken patty, it did not, however, give a lesser degree of flavor. The create your own deal allows you to pick and choose what type of bun, dressings, toppings and add-ons. Types of bun include: Spicy chipotle bun, egg bun, and others. The dressings are sauces: ketchup, mustard, smash sauce, spicy chipotle and couple others. The toppings include: lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, grilled onions. Add-ons: guacamole, fried egg, and others. I gotta recommend adding the fried egg inside which ever burger you decide to go with. The fried egg does not overpower the burger, but simply adds its own twist to it. I got my "create your own smashburger" on a spicy chipotle bun, 1/3 pound patty (can choose 1/2lb), ketchup, mustard, spicy chipotle sauce, fried egg and all of the toppings. I have tried the smash fries, smash sweet potato fries, fried pickles and haystack onion rings so far. I gotta recommend trying all of these at least once but the fried pickles might be a little too salty for most people. The atmosphere is a little on the dark side, perfect for me because I'm dark as hell so I blend in and also because it complements my skin tone~ The booths are semi-comfortable. The only thing I can say that I didn't like about this place is that the bathroom faucets were one of those push down to get water things which I absolutely hate. I'm not complaining or marking them down on it but its just something to point out cuz I cant find anything else to say bad about this joint. Over-all my experience was excellent both times I've visited and might be a little too expensive for the average burger joint go-er but gotta remind you that you are in downtown La Jolla, where you probably wont be able to find a decent meal for under 10 dollars. Smashburger is one to go down in my "places to choose" spots whenever someone says, "hmm, where should we eat?"
(5)Dennis P.
After finishing the La Jolla Half Marathon, my wife and I were looking for something to eat when we walked by Smashburger. We took a look at the menu and we decided to eat here. Boy was it a smart choice. I ordered the Spicy Baja burger and I was very surprised since the burger looked plain; it was full of flavor!!! The meat was very, very tasty especially with the sauce and the condiments that was in the burger. You can even order side items to go in the burger such as a fried egg. The SmashFries was very good and was complemented with good service. I will definitely eat here again and will spread the word of the very good burger Smashburger had to offer.
(5)Mellow F.
If you don't like this place, i swear i swear i'm gonna punch you in the face, i swear..i swear..i'm so serious i haven't had the full experience of hodads, I did have a sample of a day-old hodad burger that was reheated in the microwave and felt the flavor was homestyle burgerish, but really are homestyle burgers that good? yeah, maybe cause 99% of the time they're free at your family/friends bbq...also some stoners make those things way to meaty, or put some cheese inside the meat that just loses flavor cause it gets burnt... and that burger lounge crap ...it's like eating a burger covered in wheat grass (i kinda like their red velvet cupcake though)... don't get me wrong, i'm all for the whole organic purist thing...but grass feed beef tastes like grass...i've had crazy burger too...and yah, that's why i write the way i write... anyways...3 words ...Sweet Potato Fries... the first time i ate a sweet potato fry, i immediately started making bruce lee noises (wwoooooo wwwwaaaataaah) then I jumped into a flying kick all the way across the room into the kitchen and landed my heel directly on the face of the person responsible for making these fries (at the time I think they're cooked in olive oil w/ basil added, but i could be wrong) , as he was falling to the ground i then landed on top of him in full guard and started socking him in the face repeatedly.... after 30 jabs and crosses...i stopped and looked at him...he was trying to say something behind his pummeled face...."yoouu...smashed..my....faaaaace"...... .. .. .. one more thing....hAAGAN DAAZ milk shakes!!
(5)Mi W.
Overall I was disappointed with my meal. The service was very very slow and they kept screwing up the order for the large group near me. I had the 1/3 lb All-American burger, it was pretty good, juicy and the bun was fresh. I also ordered the fries, really disappointed, they were "stale" not crispy, rather soggy and not warm, skimpy amount for the price. Even worse than the fries was the chili cheese dog! :-( AWFUL AWFUL, the bun was horrible, the dog was dried out, the cheese was not melted. Overall the dog was tasteless. I would DEFINITELY steer far away from the chili dog. Good thing they don't have hot dog in the restaurant name!!
(1)Jenn T.
I spent more time waiting for my food than eating it. As in, it was pretty good for me to scarf it down cuz I kept on wanting to eat it. I remember my burger being really juicy and saucy. Just the way I like it. This place reminds me a lot like Burger Lounge but with a more fun atmosphere. Smashburger has the same font as Supersmash Bros. Cute right?
(4)Bob K.
Was taking an evening stroll with the wife when the need for feed arose. Walking in the first thing I noticed is that most of the seating is booths with high backs providing more than usual privacy. We grabbed one of the menu sheets at the front counter and made our orders. I went with a Mushroom Swiss burger, French fries, and a soda. The wife had only a Classic burger. We grabbed a seat and had just under a 10 minute wait before the meals were brought out to us on small chromed wire mesh trays (which I didn't particularly like). There is ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper and napkins at each table. Our ketchup was almost empty causing a bit of splatter about the table when squeezed. I found the burger tasty and quite good. The french fries were very good but they arrived only warm (at best) and by the time the meal was done they were not so agreeable. The dining room cleanliness was about average (except there were also beer bottle caps mixed in the the fries on the floor). The bathroom was also about average, with the trash container overflowing and the floor was quite wet. I wasn't sure if your expected to bus your own table, but I did, and didn't like the small (about 6-8") opening in the trash container making it a bit messy to dump your trash. I liked my meal but wish those fries had been served hotter. The wife found her burger "better than average". Extra special? No, but worthy of a return visit when in the area.
(3)Garrett P.
In a town like San Diego, where burger fandom can reach critical levels, it's too bad to see a place like Smashburger get "meh" reviews. I'm sure in another city, this would be considered fairly good grub. However, since this *is* SD, and there are a lot of burger joints you could go to instead, I'll have to say that this is just an average burger. It's tasty, staff are friendly, has a prime location...but there's just too much competition around that can outshine Smashburger. Sorry, Smash - you're just getting an average rating from me.
(3)David H.
First time EVER to a Smash (your wallet) Burger and I was not impressed at all. The quality of the ingredients was not up to par with whom I compare everyone's burger to: In-N-Out Burger. This was most apparent with the small, thinly sliced and GREEN tomatoes on my $7.29 San Diego Big Smash burger. I felt the service was slow as well. I think if i want to pay this much and want to wait this long for a burger, I will go to a full-service restaurant, where I'll at least get a side item, like fries, with my burger for that price. I also ordered the chili cheese fries for $3.29 and totally regretted it. The amount of fries felt really small for the price paid and the cheese and chili (or lack there of) was poor. The cleanliness of the bathroom left much to be desired, especially since the urinal in the men's restroom is visible from the area the line forms to place orders when the door is opened. Sorry, but I'll take two Double-Doubles from In-N-Out Burger with superior ingrediants for the price of one Big Smash any day. $40 for two adults and three children is just ridiculous.
(2)Dennis L.
In all my travels, I had not come across a Smashburger yet. Thus, I thought it would be a good spot to get a quick lunch in La Jolla before heading into downtown San Diego. i went with the 1/2 lb Spicy Baja Smashburger with the Sweet Potato Smashfries. After receiving my food, I understood the name. The burger is a flattened yet juicy, and the toppings were excellent. The sweet potato fries were also very good, but I preferred the fried pickles that my wife ordered. Smashburger is not the best burger I have ever had, but it was good.
(3)Miss Vanessa T.
The burgers are good but the location is mehhhh. Only come here if you happen to be in the area because parking sucks.
(3)Annie N.
3.5 stars to be exact, but I rounded down for the small portioned sides I got the Spicy Baja Grilled Chicken Burger and it was pretty good: the chicken patty was a little too big to be contained under the bun but the meat was tender and grilled just right, although it could afford to have a tad bit more flavor. My favorite part of the meal was definitely the sides. My party each ordered a different side so we got to try the smash fries, sweet potato fries, haystack onion, chili cheese fries, and fried pickles. I used to not like pickles but I absolutely LOVE Smashburger's fried pickles; crispy on the outside, and sweet/sour/tangy on the inside. The garlic, rosemary, and olive oil sweet potato fries was also delicious. My friend had the nutter butter milkshake and said it lacked the anticipated peanut buttery taste; he was not a big fan of it. I did enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Smashburger. It was like a slightly fancier fastfood place, with some table service. It's a great place to kickback with a few friends in downtown La Jolla that doesn't cost a fortune.
(3)Michael L.
Got lucky today, saw a coupon on slickdeals, and this has been on my list for the past half a year or so... sooo why not? I had to try the san diego smashburger, the one specialty burger that's offered at each smashburger that resembles the local flavor. I also got some sweet potato fries and a mint oreo shake. the shake was whatever, typical shake you can find at any places that offers shakes. the sweet potato fries were a surprise. They were fried to good consistency, and seasoned heavily to my liking. I never really had seasoned sweet potato fries before, but these were good. burger = thin wide patty with a nice crusty. seasoned very well. really fresh ingredients, great torta roll. overall really good burger. only reason for the 1 less star. i wish the portions were bigger. but that's okay.
(4)Angelina D.
Ok, all I can say about this place is mmmmmmmm.... Delicious hamburgers. The Classic one I think is the one I like.
(5)Kim A.
So, I just don't get the hype on this place. The burgers are OK here...but the price (approx 5 - 7 buckaroos) just isn't justified. Also...the whole idea behind "smashburger" is that they are smashing down the meat....but at this location...you never really get to see the "smash" happen.....that is a tough one to explain to the kiddos. Apparently they wanted to see some serious meat throwing action? The ingredients seemed fresh: lettuce was crisp, juicy tomatoes, snipped cilantro.....BUT.....the chicken breast did manage to have a bone splinter in it. Which, for anyone who knows me, can pretty much turn me off from the whole experience. All in all, a fair experience.....but I would likely try another place before making a prompt return visit to this location...my two cents.
(3)Michelle T.
I got the San Diego burger with sweet potato fries. The bun had the perfect texture that did not allow it to get too soggy. The interesting combination of avocado, cilantro, pepper jack cheese, and a few other ingredients made for a fresh and unique flavor. The sweet potato fries were crispy enough and wonderfully flavored. I left feeling very satisfied. Come here when you want something that is somewhat classy (I consider gourmet burgers to be classy) but you don't want to spend an arm and a leg at one of the many expensive and upscale restaurants in downtown La Jolla. Service is quick, the place is clean, and the food is good.
(4)JoEilyn S.
I am a major burger fanatic. Recommendations of what I enjoyed: - spicy baja - san diego smashburger - smashfries - haystack onions Disappointments: - sweet potato smashfries I was glad the place was almost empty on my first visit to Smashburger. I went on a weekday an hour and a half before closing for a late last minute dinner decision with my cousin and his wife. Reading over the decent sized menu wasn't too hard to make a decision. I've heard many great reviews and suggestions on their hot dogs, chili, and the meat on their burgers I was definitely excited and hungry. I went with the spicy baja. I wanted to add an egg to the burger but I decided to give the standard already made burger a try first. I surely was not disappointed! The burger itself was juicy and cooked to perfection the meat was, the flavor of every ingredient in the burger complimented each other and it was lovely to devour. I also liked how the burger had like a crispy edge around it. Two thumbs way up from me! Their burgers are mouthful sized which was really close to not able to fit in my mouth in one bite. The ingredients of how seasoned it was and how pleased I was til the end made it taste homemade. Wanting to have variety in our side dishes, we decided on smashfries, sweet potato fries, and haystack onions. My side dish order was sweet potato smashfries which were good but I thought they were pretty bland from the other sweet potato fry I've had, and I'm a fan of these too. Not a flavor that stuck with me after the meal. Wouldn't order these again knowing how much I loved the smashfries and haystack onions more. Rosemary, olive oil and garlic makes anything and everything taste better and it sure did justice to these fries. I completely love how the fries are thin cut just the way I like them (mcdonalds fries). Crisy and tons of flavor to compliment my fabulous burger. Can never go wrong with haystack onions with a meal. Very light, crispy taste to even put in my burger because that's how much I enjoyed them. Totally delicious and fairly resonably priced for such a wonderful burger. Won me over as a customer and will surely come back to try more. Maybe be able to build my own burger to my liking. If you like burgers, Smashburger just might be the place for you.
(5)Kirstie G.
I like this place for an "affordable" lunch in La Jolla. I work in the neighborhood and the food is good for a daily lunch budget. However, the lines are way too long and there are not enough cashiers. Usually there are about ten people in line with one cashier - usually someone who seems oblivious to the line and also multi-tasks with expediting food and making milkshakes. On my lunch break, I don't usually enjoy waiting 15 minutes in line for food.
(3)Paul P.
Very good burgers! Definitely worth it! Not better than Hodad's though! This would be second choice.
(4)Jared G.
Came in here on a Friday with some Coworkers after we yelped somewhere good to go for lunch. This place was definitely unique and pretty good. The restaurant was nice and clean. I highly recommend the rosemary french fries. I did not order these but my coworker did and i ended up eating most of his lol. The burger i had was pretty good. Not amazing but just pretty good. I think the best way to describe smashburger is i have been one time and i have not been back since. Didnt love it, didnt hate it. I would definitely eat there again but its not at the top of my list when it comes to burger places. Add in the fact that it is far from my house and that is probably the leading factors to why i have not been back.
(3)Patrick A.
This place is SOOO good that i thought about writing this review, and my mouth watered. THEE END
(5)Leonardo D.
First time eating here and was great! loved the san diego burger and not pricey so thats a plus. Great vibe and atmosphere. Definitely coming back when im in town again!
(5)Rory L.
I personally don't think Smashburger is the best thing since sliced bread. I came in with mid-level expectations because I knew I wouldn't be getting the entire burger experience since I don't eat meat. However, even without the beefy patty (which I can do without at In & Out and Five Guys and still have an awesome meal) I was a little disappointed. I ordered the San Diego Smashburger with no meat and extra avocado. I was underwhelmed by the unripe avocado and the bun was slightly stale. I've also tried the fried pickles and the onion straws here--both I think are heavily oversalted and greasy. The sweet potato fries are pretty good and the malt milkshake is decent, but this wouldn't be my choice place to eat. Perhaps the beef-eaters are having a better time?
(2)Taylor C.
Pretty damn good burger. They have a unique selection. Get rosemary fries omg yum.
(4)Jarrod G.
I was lucky enough to get invited to the grand opening, and now I've had it again tonight. This place is delicious! The burgers are so juicy! Tonight I had the best service from Mike. I was double parked outside and he made it his personal mission to check on my food and ran it out to me!! There was also a very nice lady "PR person" she said, that was also very nice. She too checked on my food. Great service!!! The classic smashburger is my fav. 1/2 pound for me. I get it with sharp cheddar. Never much of an American cheese guy. I prefer the regular fries but the smashfries are yummie too. Rosemary seasoned. However I have to get the fried pickles every time! My friend said the smashchicken was good but not as good as the burger. Do you think that's why it's called Smashburger?? I love that La Jolla has this place! Online and phone ordering coming soon.
(5)Steven L.
Like most burger joints in this day and age, Smashburger comes heavy on the fake ambiance and fails to deliver on the product. Overlooking the fact that Smashburger is located in La Jolla, which always makes me feel like i am in purgatory when i am scrounging for a place to park, the food itself failed to bring that wow factor you expect. I order the "california smash", which is basically a cheeseburger with avocado, and was ghastly presented with a green mound that i suspect is the avocado and so much mayo sprayed on top that it made me wonder if my hamburger was somehow involved in a bukakake scene. With that being said, their sweet potatoes fries were pretty decent, excluding the dripping yellow grease that accompanies them. My advice, skip the 7$ burger, 4$ shake and 3$ dollar fries and go to some place else.
(3)Tracy L.
I commend Smashburger for trying to do something different, especially since it has to in its location, but there are some annoyances that just make this place A-OK. Ordered the Spicy Baja. Not spicy at all. One of the jalapenos popped out of my burger and so I just ate that by itself. No taste at all....It was like the seeds on it were fake or something. The chipotle bun that it comes on? Soft and lovable, but it doesn't have any taste what so ever. The guacamole that came with the burger? Hardly! It was covered by the 3 jalapeno slices in fact. If I was ordering the guacamole as an add on, I would be pissed. And this really grinds my gears...my applewood bacon for $1.50 add on, which turned out to look like 1 slice, cut in half. Oh Hell mother fuckin no. Ordered the haystack onions as well and I found them to be delicious, but however very greasy, especially towards the end of the batch. Overall a good place, but not the best cause it lacks in the department in which they strive to be different.
(3)Gina S.
This is the second time I've been here and this time I got the San Diego chicken sandwich and onion rings. They were great!
(4)Mary H.
I wasn't sure I would dig Smashburger b/c it seemed that the burger would be dry and greasy. But I'm glad I was wrong and now I'm wondering why they don't have any locations in LA county. The meat was moist and delicious, but the star was the egg bun. It was super soft and doubled the yumminess of the burger. The smash fries are tossed with olive oil, rosemary, and garlic and were pretty good too.
(4)Kristin M.
Good burgers. I had the mushroom Swiss and it was pretty delicious. The smash fries are great too. I can't comment on the rest of the menu. It runs a little more expensive than a regular fast food place. My favorite part is the sauce. The chipotle is bomb. They're right beside my job so very convenient, parking could difficult though depending on the time of day.
(4)Andre L.
The burgers are very good and they're burgers are also priced about the same as burgers you'd get from Carls Jr. but everything is much fresher tasting. I got the 'Create your own Burger', with the Spicy Chipotle bun (wasn't spicy at all), Spicy Chipotle sauce and Smash sauce, and all the usual burger condiments including mushrooms which was an extra charge. I usually don't like my burgers with too much sauce..but I actually think I should've asked for more because some bites were delicious but some bites didn't have much flavor. I couldn't even really taste the mushrooms so maybe next time I'll get Avocado and Bacon and extra jalapenos because the ones that were in there because it wasn't very spicy. Overall, the burger was very good and juicy. We also ordered the Haystack onions and Sweet Potato Fries, and both were good. The onions are delicious but pretty greasy, but the sweet potato fries are seasoned well and delicious. Definitely will come back again if we're looking for another burger fix.
(4)Kate M.
I'm not what you call a big meat freak but I have a hankering for a burger on occasion. On this particular occasion, I was absolutely famished - hadn't eaten all day and my blood sugar level bottomed out. I wanted a man sized burger with all the fixings. So, I hit the new Smashburger in LJ hoping to quell both my appetite and my curiosity about this new place. I ordered a BBQ bacon & cheese burger, 1/3 lb. with haystack onions. While all of the elements were fine - thick piece of bacon, cooked nicely, tasty haystack onions, not too sweet bbq sauce, decent meat patty - It just didn't have the right chemistry with my mouth. There was no wow or ah ha moment. No endorphins released that would trigger the deep desire to come back. In other words, if Smashburger was a guy, I'd say he was a pleasant enough study partner and did what it was supposed to do but I won't be calling him anytime soon for a hot date. Oh, and I did NOT like the fries. They were greasy (I think olive oil) and flavored with rosemary and/or parsley which one would think would make it taste good. But no, the fries lacked the deep potato taste that you might find in fries from In-n-Out and the added herbs and oily consistency really was a turn off. I was starving but didn't come close to finishing the fries - and there weren't even many to start out with. Smashburger really is a step up from fast food joints (except maybe In-n-Out). The price isn't bad and the ingredients are definitely of a higher quality than traditional fast food. It just wasn't my favorite. But, I believe that food taste is very personal. Who knows, maybe it'll be magic for you. It's worth a try.
(2)Michael R.
The food was good but they had the front door propped open with people smoking on the patio. When I asked if they would close the door because my two year old was breathing smoke, they said "were gonna leave it open because she's almost done smoking". Well, as anyone knows, people who smoke can't go five minutes without another cigarrete, and when they both lit up again outside, it instantly ruined my otherwise good expierence. I really think the "Habit burger" is better anyways, and cheaper too. Overall it was good. But for superior customer service and burgers and shakes, its The Habit Burger for me.
(2)Heather R.
I love a burger. Yelp got me into SmashBurger by offering me a free lunch. (I also love free) I ordered the half pound San Diego burger (avocado, cilantro, onion, sour cream, their special sauce, cheese and lettuce) with a side of Smash Fries. Thankfully my husband was with me so we asked if they'd cut it in half for us to share. It was just the perfect size for sharing, which we did. We were quite impressed with the quality of the burger which we could really taste. You know what I mean? At some places the meat has zero taste to it, but this meat tasted fresh and really good. My husband was impressed with the sweet potato fries which I didn't eat. But he gobbled down the whole side order so I know he really enjoyed each and every little potato fry. Next time I think I'll try one of their salads. I saw one 'walking by' going to the table behind us and it looked really good. My husband said the bathrooms were super clean and smelled fresh. The staff was super smiley and friendly and very willing to help. The restaurant overall was very clean and I like how they offer the option to choose super big straws for slurping shakes! Thanks Yelp and SB for my free lunch. I am a fan and will be back!!
(4)Biggie S.
Dear Smashburger, I wanted to hate you. Oh how I wanted to hate you. But you took me in, and it was truly magical. It was sinful even. To think, she was in earshot, just a few blocks away the whole time. I know she heard everything. She must have. I've yet to return to my fair maiden--The Burger Lounge--for fear of reprisal. I can't possible look her in the eyes right now. Not after this. But, if loving you is wrong, I don't want to be right. Please understand, it is love between us, but you'll always be my mistress. She came to me first, and has always been true. I can't turn my back on that. I won't. Perhaps someday we can all live in harmony, in Utah maybe. For now, I must conjure another lame excuse so she'll let me in the door. I miss you already, Biggie
(5)Buu H.
I would've given this 5 stars if the 5th star's description had been "Woo hoo! As good as it gets for La Jolla and for less than $10" buuuut it didn't. I would've stopped into Smashburger during its soft opening before the hype started, but I was afraid. How could anything less than $10 in downtown La Jolla truly exist? So, I waited until I heard people freaking out over it thru Yelp and radio shows. Now, I'm a believer. On two different occasions I ordered the San Diego burger and the chicken burger. Sooo juicy and delicious :) Although you have to order the sides separately, they're so worth it. The garlic fries don't leave you feeling bad about liking carbs, the sweet potato fries make me smile, and the FRIED PICKLES leave me panting for more. They have a cute patio area and pretty interesting beer options. I'm just happy I don't have to go to Vons or Subway for a cheap eat anymore.
(4)Krissy K.
Awesome service. Food is just ok. Chicken is WAY too thin. sweet potato fries were greasy, shoestrings needed seasoning. Burgers "looked" good. The "smash sauce" is nothing but mayo, mustard & relish. The chipotle sauce tasted like smoked fish. Not loving this place. Next time I'll go to "The Livingroom" next door. The only reason for my visit was, "we had kids with us". They 'kinda' dug it.
(2)Anh ..
If you're craving a really good burger, THIS IS NOT IT. Let me list all the places that I can think of that have *better tasting* burgers as alternatives for you, my dear burger hunter... In N Out The Counter Burger Lounge Islands Red Robin Rocky's Hodad's Starlite Yeah there are a lot of alternatives. I think the reason why they are getting 4 stars is because they have lots of burger options and are cheap, which is all some people care about. However, I believe that great food is worth the additional cost and this place is just ok. It's better than Fuddrucker's and all the fast food vendors, but don't expect more. Oh...and worst of all, their bacon is not crispy. Thou shall not have non-crispy chewy bacon!!! If I were Bruce Banner, this would be enough enragement to make me turn into the Hulk real fast.
(3)Andy P.
I actually give Smashburger 2 1/2 stars. It was OK. I was excited to try Smashburger in LJ , and I had high expectations. My expectations were not met. Bottom line---it was just OK. The burger was too greasy for me and I did not enjoy the rosemary fries (drenched in oil). The place was clean and the service friendly but I expected it to be a few notches above fast-food. I was disappointed, and would have been happier at In n Out.
(2)Leigh G.
We went to Smashburger the week they first opened, and I haven't been able to go a week without thinking of them since. Having grown up in the midwest, red meat remains an essential part of my diet, and every so often there is *nothing* that sounds better to me than a burger. The day we went to Smashburger was one of those days. I had the Smashburger that came with avocado and regular fries, and I think my husband had the chicken equivalent and sweet potato fries. I liked everything about the Smashburger - the texture of the bun was great, the meat was tasty, and the fries' seasoning was excellent. We even enjoyed the red and white decor of the booths and overhead lamps. Best of all, it was fairly reasonably priced eats for La Jolla, or at least this area of La Jolla in particular. It was the icing on the cake of our excellent morning of going to Bellows Gallery, checking out Casita Beach, and having lunch - and took the pain out of the bill. I'd return any time I'm in La Jolla!
(5)Daniel L.
Despite its name, do not eat here when you are smashed. You will not be giving their burgers any justice! Located in beautiful downtown La Jolla, Smashburger is very well priced for their delicious burgers! I wouldn't recommend the mushroom swiss, because it wasn't as flavorful as their other burgers (and by that I mean the ones with avacados !!!).
(4)Alexandra R.
I love the fact that not only do they have scrumptious burgers and fries, but they also serve really tasty salads (for those days when you need a little healthier selection)....I had the Baja Cobb accompanied with the Beefy Chili, it comes out to be a wining combo!! OMG, it was delicious....basically I was in heaven! If you opt for the burger and fries option, do choose the Sweet Potato Smashfries......also, if you've never tried fried pickles NOW is the time to try! This burger joint also makes the mark with its euro-sorta-moder-beach-diner decor......Its super cute inside and they have a small terrace out front for those beautiful SoCal sunny days.
(5)Teag c.
All I can say about Smashburger is "Holy Crap, you have to try this place". After growing up on In N Out Burger (still a fave), I committed burger sacrilege and tried Smashburger in La Jolla. I went in with low expectations as: 1. We were cruising around the mean streets of La Jolla, 2. We were pretty hungry and didn't care what we ate, as long as... 3. We didn't drop major coin for subpar and/or touristy food. At Smashburger, you can order pre-selected burgers or build your own (I chose the latter) and add a variety of toppings, ingredients, cheeses, etc. In addition, you can choose from a variety of sides (onion strings, rosemary or regular fries, fried pickles, etc) or if you want to do chicken, they do that too. For the herbivores, they offer a variety of salads as well. I selected a cheeseburger with sharp cheddar and the Smash Sauce - the next 30 minutes were a blur - I think they went like this: Burger arrives...I inhale in approximately 5 minutes. Comatose and disgusted with myself for not savoring the flavors, I proceed to indulge in some fries, onion straws, and fried pickles. Gastric overload sets in and my slowly clogging arteries curse at me long enough for me to make a mental note that I will have to probably run a lot later to burn some of this off. I daydream about eating another burger, but my slowly settling metabolism and common sense finally prevail over my gluttony. The burgers are juicy, with the "smash" technique searing in a ridiculous amount of flavor, and the smash sauce performing as a nice compliment to the great flavored Angus beef. The onion straws and fries are tasty, if not a little greasy. A friendly employee advised that two more locations will be opening in San Diego soon, one in Mission Valley...joyyyyyyyy! Go check out Smashburger...you won't be disappointed.
(4)Anna S.
Very good burger, but when I got home I realized that the burger had coriander and I hate coriander. But after taking the coriander out it was alright. Smashfries was not so special.
(3)Jane s.
Nice little burger place right next to living room. Ordered San Diego burger w/Onion rings and Fries. Fries were just OK, the onions were GOOD. Liked the burger, not the best I tried but will do on Sunday evening.
(4)Ariel B.
Tasty burger and wayyy cheaper than Burger Lounge or The Counter. Pros: Cheap. Great tasting burgers and Smash Fries. Shakes are great too. Cons: Parking is not that great in this area if you come around during peak times. There is not much sitting available here. Del Mar has bigger location so if you're close there, I'd go there instead. They have a parking structure as well. Beef is not grass fed if that matters to you. Highly recommended.
(5)Kelly J.
My first smashburger was amazing and the onion rings were really good. Everything was so bomb :)
(5)C B.
different way of having my burger. interesting twist, flavorful, good portion & open late during the weekends!
(4)Natesa R.
Weekly munchies report: Atmosphere: It felt very trendy. Dining is served in a dim setting. Service: The staff was friendly, and they definitely made us customers, their top priority. One man complained about the fries, assuming they were not fresh; the staff jumped on it and provided him with new ones. They went by his table a couple times to make sure the rest of his meal went smoothly. Food: I brought the All-American burger (1/3) for $4.99 and their fries for $1.99. The fries, I believe, were the star of the whole meal. Just the aroma itself made it delicious. It had rosemary, garlic, and olive oil. I adore the smell of rosemary. Unique herbs with a simple dish, I would say a perfect combination. The burger to me was okay. Though, the egg bun was tasty, and it reminded me of a potato bun but sweeter. I would suggest trying one of the specialty burgers instead or even their hot dog. A customer across from me had one, and it looked better than the All-American burger. I love the fact that they also have a variety of fries. The vegetable and sweet potato fries sounds appetizing. Smashburger had limited amount of seating outside, but it had a good amount of seating inside. Another visit is on my list of to do for the weeks to come.
(4)Joe C.
My favorite spot for a late afternoon shake in downtown La Jolla. I usually split it with my coworker so that we don't fall into a coma at work. Today I opted for a shake to go. Instead of finding the usual generous amount of deliciousness. Our styrofoam cup was barely half full even WITH the whipcream! My coworker told me that the guy had made it, put it in 2 separate glasses, realized they were to-go, put them in the styrofoam cup, put spoons on the glasses, and, with each glass still half full, brought them into the kitchen. I'm a huge fan of this place and I frequent this place often, but this is not very professional.
(1)Merlynda D.
Burgers are so juicy! I was happily surprised on how delicious everything was! Inside everything is clean and spacious. Good ambience for friendly get togethers!
(5)Winnie W.
wow way to get my money for a regular burger...i could go to in-n-out
(3)Jonathan L.
Great burger place! I got my order to go. It was during a pretty big rush, but I didn't have to wait that long. I got the San Diego Smashburger. It really does come with fresh avocado (big pieces in mine). I got a 1/3 pounder and I still got full. I ordered a side of Smashfries, which is their equivalent of garlic fries. They were good, but pretty unhealthy. haha. I could taste the oil squeeze out as I ate them :( They'd probably taste better dining-in lol I also ordered a strawberry milkshake. It's nothing to die for, but it's good. They use Hagen Dazs ice cream. They also sell beer! I'd probably get a bucket of 4 (for $10) if I were to dine in. I'd definitely recommend this place and come back to it!
(4)Tracy L.
They seriously have the BEST burger!!!! They are really juicy, tasty, and fulfuling. I always get a strawberry milk shake with it. This is one of the very few things that i don't mind eating and gaining weight, becuase it is THAT GOOD!!! Go try it go try it!!
(5)Jason s.
Experienced this place for the first time on a Sunny Thursday afternoon - the place was jammed with people but i was able to find a seat inside easily. The Inside: Place is clean but very cookie cutter and sterile environment like a new cafeteria or something. IT's fairly dark inside and the lighting is really poor. The Food: Burger was a 3 out of 5 stars - really nothing special at all - the patty was overseasoned for sure. Service: negaitive star here - are you kidding... I had to wait over 30min for one single hamburger - they were giving away certificates for free burgers the next time you come in because the wait was so rediculous. Not worth the wait for a second. Price - the only reason this place is busy... it's Cheap But if you care more about the food product pay the extra couple bucks and go to Burger Lounge.
(3)Judith H.
I've been meaning to get around and write about this place, I have gone a few times since it has opened and let me tell you it is devineeee. the smashfries are so amazing, they are seasoned with rosemary, and were cooked to perfection. my burger was delicious as well the meat was so flavorful, the friendly cashier/server (Julie) told us that it's because while they patty is on the grill they "smash it up" and add special seasoning to it. YUMM I got the chicken sandwhich sans mayo (ew) a different time and it was good, just next time i'll ask them to slap some cheese on it. im waiting to try the fried pickles? we'll see how crazy im feeling over all service was friendly and food was yummy
(4)Crystal W.
This is a review of their chicken sandwich: YUMM-O! We made our own and it was so fresh and tasted delicious. They service was great. I will be back to try more!
(5)Marlene M.
Was on my way to Burger Lounge but decided to give this place a try. The girl who took our order was very helpful in recommending what to order since it was our first time. When I placed my order she recommended ordering the avocado club which is a smashchicken but turning it into a smashburger with the torta roll. I added bacon and jalapenos. To my surprise it was pretty good. I ordered some smashfries. The rosemary was very strong but I enjoyed them. I would like to go back to and try one their smashchickens and some fried pickles...I LOVE PICKLES.
(4)Dan W.
Ordered the "classic burger" as a benchmark against Burger Lounge's "lounge burger" . I'd say this place has a slight edge over burger lounge., taste wise. Plus, there's more room to sit than BL. Though it's sad to see that it displaced the candy store :(
(4)Val M.
I was craving a good ol' fashioned hamburger and fries. After reading the reviews on Yelp and learning of the sweet potato fries I had made my decision to visit Smashburger. They have specialty hamburgers, but also give you the option of creating your own. I built my own and was very pleased. I was able to have a whole grain bun , grilled onions AND fresh avocado. I was disappointed with the avocado. It was just a Little scoop of what appeared to be guacamole. Other than that, the burger was very good. The regular french fries were good and the sweet potato fries were very good. I liked the unique twist of adding olive oil and I believe the other flavor was rosemary. The staff was friendly and the decor was fun which made for an overall pleasant experience.
(4)James P.
WHAT I GOT: San Diego Smashburger w/ a side of SMASHfries PROS: This burger place is definitely better than your typical In-N-Out, McDonalds, Burger King (this is always a given) kind of joint. The fresh ingredients, flavorful sauces, and the torta roll combined made this sandwich SMASHing. See what I did there? CONS: It is a little expensive for what you're getting. It is definitely worth trying a few times but for approximately $10 (burger and fries), I could have gotten a better tasting and healthier alternative at another restaurant. ADVICE: The smashfries are standard so make sure you try these. Also, it's located in downtown SD so parking is going to be a little tricky to find. If you're already planning to spend the day at the beach, go for it. But if you're going just for Smashburger, it's probably better to stay at home.
(3)S B.
Surprised how many people liked this place. Food wasn't good, long wait and below average.
(1)Eli L.
Had the San Diego burger with regular fries. It was nice but both the decor and the taste of the burger itself really does remind me of a more upmarket McD's... in which case it's kinda expensive for what you get. Good burgers are everywhere in these parts so my assessment is - could do better!
(2)Samuel D.
awesome burger joint for la jolla. very affordable. i spent about $17 for 2 people with side item and just water. great quality of food. awesome milk shakes/ malts. smash fries. worth going to.
(4)Christina H.
I don't really understand the ambiance in here. You walk in through a long isle of table booths to find an ordering station - one very similar to that of a very popular red/yellow fast food chain - but the lighting is dim and the burgers and sides look a bit more dazzling in their metallic serving trays and spiraling French fry holders. It was like a five-star fast food place sandwiched in the middle of La Jolla. Ok, enough feeling foreign...how's the food? The Spicy Baja Burger was pretty amazing. The meat itself is very moist and crumbled slightly after every bite, which lets the eater know that it is not merely a frozen patty. It was savory, with a classy medium-rare touch. There was chipotle sauce and jalapenos on this specialty burger that made it oh-so-delicious. The order of Smash Fries was equally as delicious, with the seasonings of garlic, rosemary, and salt. Two burgers, a side, and a shared drink all came out to around $18. Which, like I said, is like a five-star fast food place with moderate prices and friendly service. But hey...there was not a crumb left on anyone's plate. The concept of a five-star fancy fast food place still confuses me.
(4)Aurena B.
YUM! Hands Down... Best Customer Service from a burger joint! I'm vegetarian, so I had a grilled cheese sandwich and fries from the kids meal (No vegetarian burgers here-- but grilled cheese is delicious). Fries! YES!! They're the skinny crispy kind with yummy seasoning! Grilled Cheese Sandwich was perfect! Crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy in the inside. And they have fried veggies! That was Delicious and would've never expected this option from a burger joint. Oh-- And if you like lime-- they have this lime shake that's not sour... tastes like a lime tutone bar. Try it!
(5)Melvin C.
I heard about this place from a friend of mine and so I decided to stop by and check it out. I ordered a 1/2-pound classic smashburger and smash fries. The burger was great and very juicy. The fries are great and were something that I never tasted before. The overall setting was very nice and the service is great. The people that work are very friendly. The only negative thing I would say is that this place is a little small. I came in with a large group and there was a group before me that was bigger than mine. With our two groups together, we packed up the place. Overall this place gets 4 stars for the outstanding service and great food. I will most definitely be back for more.
(4)Joseph H.
Quality is great along with good taste for the price. Three star cause my fries were served cold.
(3)Kerri E.
I first heard about Smashburger through Twitter. I started following them before they opened, and the buzz made me curious to see if their burgers could compete with some established SD burger joints. I ordered the Classic Smashburger with a side of Smashfries. The burger exceeded my expectations. It was juicy, flavorful and messy-exactly what I want when I'm splurging on a burger. The fries were amazing. Full of flavor and salty goodness. The best thing on the menu? The fried pickles. Hands down the BEST thing you will ever eat. Try these dipped in their buttermilk ranch and you will not be disappointed. I can't wait to go back!!
(5)Hoss J.
My son and I have a thing about going to good burger joints. Labor day weekend we found our selves walking by Smashburger while starving for a good burger. We ordered and found ourselves pretty disappointed. The burgers were nothing like the big juicy burgers that other up and comers are famous for. The fries were especially disappointing. I don't think any of mine were over 1/2" long and i got very little in the basket. After eating, I left still hungry.
(1)Realtor Karl B.
Must try the sweet potato fries... Burger is mad good and juicy. No wait. Food comes out fast - order at counter, they drop food off at table. Very nice and clean ambiance. -WAY BETTER THAN HODADS OVERALL. Not 5 stars for reasons other than food: Impossible to find close parking. Prices high ($10 for burger, fries, drink). But not too high since they are along the coast. Messy when eating the burger.
(4)Drew M.
This place is the BOMB. So much better than Burger Lounge. Whenever I go here, no matter what I get, Its good. Best Burger: The Vegas Burger. But the thing about this place is they let anyone get a kids meal! For 4 bucks, you get a lot of food! (Its great for when i'm strapped for cash) I love this place, and hopefully it'll be there forever.
(5)Tess D.
My mouth waters just thinking about the burger from Smash. Succulent, tasty, beef burger? Tick Wholemeal bread option? Tick Sweet Potato fries, fried to perfection? Tick Taste and being fulfilled? Tick I'm not a 'fast food' person....but this is THE BOMB! ...for everything else, there's master card. :P
(5)Zapher D.
Burgers are great! A little over priced but it is La Jolla.... The fries are killer too!
(4)Shelly T.
This was surprisingly good for the appearance of the restaurant. I was expecting burgers much like any other fast food place, but these were far from ordinary. They had so much flavor, and passed my bf's juice running down your arm test...the more juice the better. the Smashsauce is good as for as I could tell, adding a little sweetness to the regular cheeseburger. Also enjoyed the Smash Fries. We both had the 1/3 pound burger and shared fries, which was plenty for both of us. We went on a Saturday about 1:30p and the line was almost to the door but definitely worth the wait
(4)Lana R.
Conveniently located on Prospect in La Jolla. The food if fine. Poor selection of beers though :(
(4)jon b.
Wow, San Diego burger + Sweet potato fries = phenomenal. Probably one of the best burgers I've ever had. I'm definitely going back here! The sweet potato fries had some delicious olive oil and rosemary coating that was amazing. I would go back just for those.
(5)My T.
Went here with friends, while they were talking I was eating.. who knows how many calories I consumed, and who cares! Sweet potato fries are amazing!, the smashburgers are AMAZING!
(5)Rex R.
A really nice burger place! It was hard to find parking but it is by the beach... a little cramped for the dining area too.
(3)J M.
Really not sure what the hype is all about.... My husband and I ordered out from smashburger. He got the BBQ bacon burger, it was pretty good and the smashfries were good as well. However, I ordered the BBQ ranch chicken with fried pickles on the side...I know, chicken at a burger place, who even does that? But we wanted to taste both. Anyway, I have to yelp about my disappointment with my dinner. The fried pickles were SO salty and probably the worst I have had, the chicken was pretty good, it was fried and a bit salty. Without the excess breading it was pretty good tho. My main problem was that the menu description of the chx sang was "Bacon, onion strings, BBQ sauce, Ranch, cheese, tomato, lettuce..." there was not tomato, lettuce or ranch on my sandwich. Needless to say I was pissed. All I was left with was salty bacon, salty chicken and a stack of salty onion strings....needless to say it was NOT a good combo with the pickles. With all that being said, we called smashburger to let them know of our disappointment. My husband spoke with Leo who was very nice and offered us a free sandwich. We did not want to go all the way back that night, but he took our info and said that the next time we come back we can redeem the free sang. SO- I will post again at a later date if this place redeems itself. As for now, I DO NOT recommend take out from here!
(2)Ei D.
Hands down the best burgers that I've ever had! On my first trip here, I had the Mushroom Swiss Burger with the Haystack Onions. The burger was delicious! So juicy! So flavorful! So The Haystack Onions were ok, (I guess I was expecting Onion Rings!). On my second visit here, I had the San Diego Smashburger and sweet potato fries! It was soo good! Just the right amount of spicy, and again, a very juicy burger!! :) I brought my whole family here the second time, and they all loved it too! My dad wants to come back :) We all wanna come back! Thank you Smashburger! Now please! Open up a location here in Chula Vista!! Please! You'll get a lot of customers for sure!!
(5)tandy w.
The burger and fries here were OK. I ended up ordering the bacon cheeseburger with the sweet potato fries-- everything was just way too salty. I was really looking forward to the sweet potato fries after reading all the great reviews, but it definitely fell short of my expectations. The burger was good, but the texture was too mushy/soft. What made my experience slightly unpleasant was the cashier. Upon walking up to the register, she proceed to count the cash in the tip jar. I stood there patiently until she finally says, "oh, are you here to order?" I'm thinking to myself-- what else would I be standing here for? I gave her my credit card and instead of handing it back to me-- she throws it down on the counter--which I found to be extremely rude. Aside from the rude cashier, everyone else in the restaurant were friendly.
(3)Tim L.
My daughter loved the chocolate malt and chicken fingers, "amazing" she says. I loved BBQ burger and smash fries. Wife got a salad and she said it was Just good.
(5)George R.
Amazing burgers! Especially after running a half marathon. ;-)
(5)Jacqueline I.
As for the food, my husband and I ordered the Mushroom Swiss 1/2 pound and it was absolutely AMAZING! I think the thin egg bun made a big difference in the taste in that it didn't overpower the juicy grilled beef. You could taste the crispness of the burger and I wasn't sure if there was a seasoning that was put on the meat or was much like eating off a barbecue. We also ordered a side of sweet potato fries with olive oil and rosemary and they were really good, too. As for service, we probably waited in line for about five minutes and waited about another 20 minutes to get both items. Interior decor...we thought the place could have had more visually interesting design elements above the line of silver trim, especially since we were waiting for our food. Otherwise, we would most definitely eat there again!
(4)lauren h.
LOVE the salads and the sides. Love how easy and kid friendly SmashBurger La Jolla is. Do wish the parking was better, but hasn't been a deterrent thus far. Always clean, always nice people, always great service. Psyched to have another quick and easy place to eat in the village.
(4)Tommy K.
Much awaited after all the hype .. Is it "better" than Burger Lounge? (to compare neighborhood competition) I don' t know that it is much better apples for apples. But price wise it wins hands down. Hard to go spend $15 at BL when you can get a comparable meal from Smash for half the price. Burger was juicy and tasty, great flavor. Sweet potato fries (becoming all the rage these days) are thin and good For $7-9 with a drink is a great deal (in La Jolla especially) We went about 1pm and had only a brief 8-10 minute wait for the meal, which was perfect. Great location, good size place for the small building. Good, simple, In-N-Out style menu. 1. Smash. 2. Bubbas. 3. B Lounge. Mostly based on value/price, taste/flavor second
(4)Alan S.
The food was surprisingly delightful. Went here on a Sunday afternoon and heard that they opened up about 3 weeks ago. I would say that the place does get busy but seating is easy to find. The servers seem very energetic and fun. As for the food I ordered the BBQ bacon burger which was satisfying for the moment. What sold me over was the fries and onion rings that we ordered on the side. The unique way they add lime and seasoning was great. For a burger in La Jolla at $7 with a side makes this place a good deal. It is no In-n-Out but with the location and service I would give it 4/5 stars
(4)Carissa M.
Not bad. Not my favorite. I'd give it another shot, but I don't think it'll make my burger rotation.
(3)Anthony V.
Wait too long at Sushi place across the street so we checked this place out. Very good well seasoned burger with fresh ingredients. Good value! I will return--
(4)Rebecca C.
Came here with a friend. I got the Spicy Baja burger with a side of smashfries, which were absolutely delicious (I'm a huge fan/critic of fries). The burger was refreshing, with a right amount of spicy. My friend got classic smashchicken, which she really enjoyed, with a side of sweet potato smashfries. I personally do not like sweet potato fries at all but she loved her fries. A very cute, small atmosphere with nice workers and very reasonable prices. Definitely coming back again. Only downside would be the parking, but what can you say - that's downtown for ya.
(4)Andrew B.
I can't comment whatsoever on the burgers, but the chicken sandwiches are out of this world. It's one of the best I have had, regardless of cost. They have pre-selected types of sandwiches, but you can also build your own, which I absolutely love. The onion straws (that come with some kind of horseradish sauce that is delicious) do not come in an oversized portion and are fantastic. The parking can be a pain, but that is just the way it is in La Jolla, no fault of smash burgers. Highly recommend this joint!
(5)Diane P.
Until today, I've always thought this burger joint was a GameStop because the at first glance, the logo/sign looks a lot like GameStop's sign. Little did I know it is actually the home to some of the best gourmet burgers in SD!! We found a BOGO free coupon and decided to head to DTLJ for lunch on this nice, sunny day. The 2 of us got there around 11:30am and were the only customers in there. We ordered and got our food pretty quickly, but other reviews have said that they usually take forever to bring the food out. So maybe you should get there before 12 to avoid the lunch rush and wait! We both got the San Diego Smashburger, one 1/2lb ($5) and one 1/3lb ($6)- It came out on this cute metal basket. They place the top bun on the side so you could see everything that's on the patty: (American?) cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, avocado and their special Smashsauce (seems like some kind of variation of Thousand Island). So after we admired the burger beauties, we closed them up and devoured those things! The meat was really well seasoned and was quite juicy. I'm generally a very saucy person--as in, I like ketchup with my ketchup and ketchup with everything. However, I liked how the flavors of everything blended together so well that I didn't even bother adding any extra sauces to my burger! This was a first. The burger was really tasty and you could taste the freshness of all of the ingredients! Also, I guess they "smash" the patty down (hence the name, right? idk), so the burger is really clean-cut and easy to eat, as opposed to those other burgers elsewhere that are huge and have things falling out from every side. Sweet potato fries ($2 w/ burger)- they were good too, with a light crispiness in every bite. They're sweet potato fries, so obviously they still had that sweetness to them, but also had a nice, salty seasoning as well. Don't think it's the best I've ever had, but still really good and definitely worth getting. Smashfries ($2 w/ burger)- regular cut sized fries..kinda the size McDonalds fries are, but MUCH fresher, tossed in olive oil, rosemary, and garlic. Salty and garlic-y, couldn't really taste the rosemary too much, but still delicious! You would think the olive oil would make the fries soggy or stale within 10 minutes, but they remained crispy and flavorful up until the last bite. Nice! Drink ($2)- unlimited refills, but i guess that's normal haha just FYI 2 burgers, 2 orders of fries and 1 drink- $19 If you have a BOGO coupon= $13 Pretty decent prices even without the coupon for a flavorful, gourmet meal thats really filling. Will I be back? Definitely! I eventually want to try the fried pickles one of these days; I've been wanting to do so ever since Snooki starting endorsing those like crazy things on JS. lol
(4)Crystal G.
My FAVORITE burger joint. HANDS DOWN. Not once have I been disappointed with their juicy burgers, awesome fries, and delicious shakes. The price is cheaper than most other burger joints with the same kind of style too. Maybe I've just been lucky to have never been disappointed, I don't know...but this is definitely my go-to and I recommend it to anyone. Plus, being so close to La Jolla Cove...it's a great place to go before or after taking a stroll!
(5)A B.
Last week, I was hosting a fundraiser for our charity, It's All About the Kids at Alexander Salazar Fine Art Gallery down the street from Smashburger. My boyfriend and I set up all day [shorthanded] and were starving. He ran down to Smashburger to get us burgers. I am severely allergic/lactose intolerant to cheese. He ordered two burgers, one with cheese, one without. When he returned, one of the bags said, No cheese, so he ate the burger from the other bag. My fab friend had also just arrived starving, so I was going to share my burger with her. She opened the bag and I gasp...It has CHHHHHEEESE! Oh, no, we were starving and I could not eat it. I called Smashburger. I told the gal on the phone what had happened. She apologized. Our event was starting in 40 minutes, so I asked if she could run it down the street to me. She said Sure. In just a few minutes, a new burger, coupons and a smile arrived. THANK YOU SMASHBURGER for making my night. The burger was delicious and great way to make a simple mistake into a great experience. THANK YOU! Can't wait to go back...
(5)Andy F.
This is where my wife and I first fell in love with Smashburger. This particular location can get pretty busy, but the food is still great and the service is fine. Best spot for a burger in the area!
(4)Christopher A.
Damn good burger. Damn good shake. Fries however are just mediocre. This place is kind of expensive but your meal will hit the spot. Finally, I just do not understand why Smashburger does not offer cheddar cheese.
(4)Robert F.
3.5 rounding up. There is something very cheesy to me about the design and branding. But more importantly, the food hits the spot. This is not a gourmet place, and so I consider it between the likes of fast food and foo foo. I like the burgers and the grilled chicken which is pounded and seems to hang out of the bun by two inches all the way around. Lots of combinations which taste better than they sound The sweet potato fries and haystack onions are nice additions. Don't forget the egg on top your burger...
(4)Suzie M.
Delicious! Better than Burger Lounge! Not oily and very tasty! They deserve to be number one! I ate the Smash Burger, it was perfect. Air condition system is powerful, decoration is nice for a fast food restaurant, staff is friendly. Only the missing thing is the fork and knife section is not enough for the rush hour customers. And they are not plastic, it can be unhealthy... Try, you will like the smash!
(4)Ivy S.
Solid burger. I can't say I can classify this place with In N' Out because it's a very different type of burger. With that being said, In N' Out always wins. However, this place serves a tasty SD burger. I love their sweet potato fries too! I would choose this place over burger lounge any day. (see, burger lounge post)
(4)Samer M.
A friend had told us that she like Smashburger better than Burger Lounge. Today my roommates and I finally decided to try it. One thing that is different about their burgers is that the standard bun on the classic smashburger is the egg bun. I am not fan of burger places that let you fully customize your burger. I believe that the costumer should eat what the chef wants everyone to eat, but this thought could be because I really enjoy In'n'Out. I ordered the classic smashburger, smashfries, and a drink. This came up to $9.45. The smashfries were good. They were seasoned with garlic and a little too much rosemary for me. The burger was decent. I read reviewer who said that the burgers made at smashburgers are gourmet burgers and I don't believe so. I thought the smash sauce that they put in their burgers was going to be special, but it tasted like a mixture of mustard, ketchup, and the ranch dressing they used. My roommate ordered their fried pickles. Usually when someone tells me that food is salty, I don't taste, but the fried pickles were salty. In the end I believe Smashburger makes a decent burger and good fries, but if I had to go to a burger place in downtown La Jolla I would go to the Burger Lounge. Samer
(3)Peter H.
decent burger, decent fries. nothing to brag about here. price isn't too bad as the other burger places in la jolla, but i'd rather go to burger lounge even though its almost $15 for burger fries and a drink. i thought everything here was pretty average. smash friesh, okay, smash burger, okay, fried onions, okay, smash potato fries, okay too.
(3)Rhan K.
Really good burgers and fries. The only reason this place doesn't get 5 stars is because it has horrible fountain soda. so the good: GREAT food. I would suggest getting their smash fries. It just adds an extra bit of flavor that makes it GREAT! Their burgers are also really good. I got their kids size burger with some extra onion rings on it. Kids sized burgers are often really dry and over cooked, but this place had it right on the dot. (It was lunch and I couldn't eat a full 1/3 lb, so I went with the smaller one and it was not a bad decision on my part). My friend got one of their specialty burgers and thought that was great too! The service was also decent. It was sunday lunch and I had a very at attentive girl greet me and help us order. We got our food in a timely manner and there was really nothing to complain about. The price was decent. I got my kids meal for about 5 bucks, including drink and fries and I think a normal sized burger seemed comparable in price to other places. the bad: their soda. I know its a horrible thing to gripe about, but I'm eating a lot of greesy food and I paid for a soda. If I am going to do that, I was soda, not slightly flavored slightly bubbly water. It was just a big disappointment that the I couldn't wash down my great burger with a refreshing coke. Overall, great place to eat. I recommend it when you are craving a good burger.
(4)Paul G.
We tried both a beef burger and a chicken burger while tasty the meat was paper thin on both. Don't recommend going here if you're hungry because you will leave that way.
(3)Brown G.
The best thing they have going for them - their price point. They're the only cheap burgers in La Jolla. The burgers are tasty, but everything else on their menu is subpar. STAY AWAY FROM THEIR FLASH FRIED VEGGIES. Absolutely disgusting. They're limp pieces of baby green beans, asparagus, and carrots that are dripping with oil. Same comment for their fried pickles. ABSOLUTELY NO CRUNCH to them. Isn't that the whole reason why you order something fried?!!!! French fries are alright, nothing to call home about. Salads = big thumbs down. The greens were warm and wilted. The flavors in their Sunset Smash Salad just don't make any sense at all. I took a few bites and just tossed the whole thing into the trash. Like their name says, they should just stick to making burgers, and nothing else.
(2)Tim S.
Good burgers. Great onion strings and sweet potato fries. Will be back again.
(4)Lindsay W.
I loved the burgers. The decorations were also cool, and the smash fries are delish. Also, the root beer floats and shakes are very yummy.
(5)Sheila P.
Fried pickles?!!?!?? LOVE it! I went to Smashburger last night and I was very impressed. I ordered a cheeseburger with french fries and my friend ordered a cheeseburger with fried pickles. The burger was amazing! It was juicy and very flavorful. My friend was equally happy with hers. I have to say that the fried pickles were my favorite part of the meal. I love fried food and I love pickles. Smashburger put two of my favorite things together and did not disappoint. I will be going back very soon. Can't wait to try their chili hot dogs and milkshakes!
(5)Saad H.
had lunch here yesterday. the chili dog is bomb!! and the san diego burger was great. you can tell the meat quality was very good. ill go back fo sho!
(4)Andrea P.
I'm not a big of burgers, but this place has seriously changed my outlook on burgers. I was in La Jolla with some friends and we saw that this place was getting pretty crowded so we figured it was a good place to eat, so why not..little did I know I was in for a surprise. I had the San Diego Burger w/ Sweet Potato fries..to put it simply..it was AMAZING! (did I mention, i'm not a big fan of burgers) but this one just had the right amount of EVERYTHING. You can tell the beef wasn't frozen and the ingredients completed each other so well A+++ in my book. My friend got the Spicy Baja Burger when I tired it, that too was good. There was a good amount of heat that kicked open your senses but not too much where you felt like you were going to die. I think this place converted me to liking burgers again, cause so far..this is the best burger place I've eaten in SD. San Diego Burger=Avocado, celantro and onions, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and chipotle mayo on a torta roll Spicy Baja Burger=Pepper Jack, Guacamole, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, chipotle mayo, jalapenos on a chipotle bun
(4)Tommy M.
I was stoked to have found this place while being hungry one night in La Jolla. From the outside, it looks like a nice new place that specalizes in burgers and has very good burgers. I was reminded of "The Burger Lounge" in it's appearance. I ended up getting a chicken sandwhich and the 2 people I was with got hambugers. All of our food was very average and nothing special. My chicken sandwhich could have been from Wendy's and I would not have known the difference. The burgers looked like a normal burger, nothing out of this world. The part that upset me the most were the prices; 5.99 I believe for just a burger. Fries were extra! How do you not sell the burger with fries! The people were nice, it was very clean, and they had a wide variety of seating with clean bathrooms. I would not go back here; definitely would go to Burger Lounge next time.
(2)Trisha Eve J.
As an In-n-Out fan, I was a little skeptical about Smashburger. However, I'm always open to try new places. I heard good things about this place, so I decided to try it out. I went to the La Jolla location about a month ago with my fiance and the Carmel Mountain location two weeks ago with my bible study group. I did like how they have different choices for condiments like Five Guys, which In-n-out does not have. Also, that they have different bun choices, which Five Guys and In-n-out don't have (with the exception of lettuce). The burgers at Smashburger are good as well as the sweet potato fries, however, I was not fond of the Smashfries. Smashburger and Five Guys definitely trump In-n-out when it comes to food choices, but that's because they are much more newer franchises than In-n-out. In-n-out has been around since 1948 and has stuck to their small, but tried and true menu. Luckily, all three of these places don't really break the bank. :)
(3)Amber Y.
PROS: Yumm. Just had me a plate of sweet potato fries and an all American burger. SO GOOD. The meat is seared to perfection and the buns are nice and soft.. the sweet potato fries are a little thin in my opinion but still delicious with a hint of thyme. CONS: The fries are little pricey (1.99 for a tiny, baby basket of fries, 2.99 if you don't get a burger!!!). BUT: Its definitely stilll worth the visit if you're in downtown La Jolla. ALSO: ( I'm not a fan of the ambience --grey walls and booths-- it always feels too dark in here even though we're in sunny California. And I'd like to see the awesome burger I'm eating!)
(4)Sofie C.
I came in here with very high expectations since I had heard a lot about this burger joint. The whole ambience was very diner-like and I liked the vibe I got. The staff was friendly and nice to us since it was our first time. After looking at the menu on the wall, my boyfriend and I decided to split the "San Diego Burger" and fries. The burger itself was huge and good. Notice how I used to word "good," it was alright but when I eat burgers I kinda just like them simple. This one had chipotle sauce, onions, cilantro and pepper jack cheese, in my opinion it was too much and not what I was expecting since I'm more of a traditional type. Next time I visit, I will order the Classic Smashburger: its plain and simple. You can't go wrong. BTW, ordering the fries and one burger was plenty for two.
(3)Jeff S.
Great burger!! I enjoyed the side chili that was good for its price. Will definitely go again next time I'm in the area.
(5)Albert S.
Blah under seasoned. I had the sd burger I looked like they put a half bunch of cilantro stems and all pretty bad. Over all burger wasent good I would much rather go to in n out and save some money and have a better tasting burger.
(2)Amber A.
I love their garlic fries, semi-customizable burgers, and definitely their NUTTER BUTTER SHAKE! Good stuff for the price, and the place is clean and big enough. Tastes so good after a nice long day at the beach :]
(4)Douglas S.
HAAEN-DAZS Butterfinger Shakes! Yesssssss please
(5)L B.
Amazing burgers! the spicy baja chicken is so good. the outdoor terrace is also nice to sit in as you can eat and people watch.
(5)chloe c.
New burger place around me! Burger is ok and I like smash fries with garlic & rosemary. it's a little bit greasy but tastes good though. However, I'd rather choose burger lounge than smash burger.
(4)Rachel G.
This is the kind of burger joint where you eat until you are sick (i did this)...and also possible get all over yourself in your gluttonous fit (i did this also). Highly highly recommended and theres a gelato place right across the street if you havent exploded yet.
(5)Lisa R.
It's a gourmet twist on the all-American burger, string onion rings and fries for a great price! I loved my burger with blue cheese, on a egg bun with bacon, guacamole, avocado and lettuce burger with smash sauce and the fact that they have a huge array of other combos that you can create with gourmet ingredients. To top them off was their friendly staff and great environment of being right in La Jolla's food district.
(5)Victor L.
The food is okay, but what really annoyed me was the fact that they forgot my order, and I had to wait around 30 minutes. The worst part is the employees saw the number placard you receive after your order and they didn't even bother checking on the order. Needless to say, I was pretty disappointed.
(2)Amy C.
I'm not a huge burger fan, but I'm glad I gave Smashburger a chance. This is probably the only other place I'd consider eating a burger at, (Besides Bareback! OMNOMNOM.) They taste great, the service was SO fast, and it's super clean inside. All A+'s in my book. My party and I ordered the San Diego, All-American, reg. french fries and veggie frites. The San Diego was delicious, however I didn't like the "ice cream scooped avocado" blob. Would've preferred they slice it so I have avocado evenly on the whole burger. The veggie frites were great and an interesting side to offer. The All-American is just a great no-nonsense burger. Definitely check them out. Their burgers are delicious!
(4)Gary G.
I went to today's Smash Burger grand opening in La Jolla on Prospect and it was packed. The cashiers keep the line moving very well but almost all the seats were filled. I love burgers especially Hodad's burgers in Ocean Beach but this burger is really juicy. Great tasting meat and really fresh egg bun. Hard to beat the price in La Jolla for a 1/3 pound burger $4.99! I will be back with the rest of my office. Gary Giffin
(4)Debbie O.
Yummy burgers. People in their swim suits. Burgers definitely satisfied my craving. Got the San Diego Smashburger with a side of haystack onions, which were way too oily by the way. Go with the sweet potato fries instead. Strawberry shake was very good. Not as thick as In-N-Out ones, which is a plus so I don't have to suck my lungs out trying to get a sip of the shake. Really the difference between SmashBurger and Buger Lounge is that SmashBurger does not use grass-fed beef. This is a big deal because you can definitely tell the difference in the patty. In addition, my mom recently showed me an article stating that grass-fed beef is one of the top twenty anti-aging foods. Weird, right? You wouldn't think that meat should be on the list, but there grass-fed beef is. Anyways, I haven't done my research in this, and I'm not saying you should take my word for it, but quality is something worth paying more for, in my opinion. However, SmashBurger does have more options. I love the toppings they put together, and the price is definitely a plus. I really like the quality of Burger Lounge, but I would definitely return for a SmashBurger.
(4)Lisa F.
Heard good things and got a two-for-one offer in the mail. The place was almost empty when we got there. The young man at the counter was sweet and solicitous, but there was a disconnect between him and the kitchen. The hamburger was not cut in half as we asked and did not include the jalapenos we requested, and the salad had blue cheese on it although we specifically asked it not be included. The burger was reminiscent of fast food, but messier, and the skinny onions were kind of tasteless. The milkshake was overwhelmed by the whipped cream topping. Aside from too much dressing (and blue cheese!), the salad with grilled chicken wasn't bad. On a positive note, the manager came out, bringing jalapenos for our already-consumed hamburger, and apologized for the mistakes in the kitchen. She gave us a coupon for a free burger. It was delicious.
(2)Giovanni V.
Came back here to get a burger and considering how much I liked their hot dogs I was kind of disappointed. A burger that has avocado and jalapeños should have far more flavor than it actually did. I stand by my earlier review of their hot dogs because they were excellent!
(3)Meghan J.
Reminds me of Fat Burger..same concept. Just stumbled across this place while in La Jolla yesterday. Came down to the cove and despite all the complaints had no problem parking. Never hearing a thing about Smash burger we decided to try. The burgers were good, don't get me wrong but it came out to about $18 for two regular classic burgers and fries and we shared a drink. Some what expensive, I would never drive down here solely for this restaurant but if you happen to be in the area definitely give it a try.
(3)Lawrence L.
Don't know what all the hype is about. Average burger at above average prices. Service was iffy at best and their burger does not compare to The Burger Lounge. If you are looking for a good burger there are a lot of better choices in San Diego.
(3)Evan C.
Definitely go for San Diego burger. Comes with avocado and tasty sauce with spicy cheese. Also get the smash fries. Minus star for store policy to keep the door open all the time and people smoking right by the door.
(4)Tony E.
Excellent food! I took the feedback from other "Yelpers" and my wife and I were very impressed with the food and the service. To bad the space was so confined and clustered. Anyhow I cannot complain because overall I was happy :) I highly recommend to all for lunch!
(4)Layla Z.
Flavor in every bite. When I walked in, I scanned the tables and saw most people with a side of sweet potato fries and thought I'd give them a try. I had trouble picking a burger so I asked the cashier what the most popular burger was and he told me the San Diego burger, so I went with that. And let me tell you, he led me in the right direction. They came out with the food pretty fast and I thoroughly enjoyed my meal here. I was pretty full off my burger and fries, but i still tried my sister's oreo milkshake and it was nice. The meat patty itself was nothing sensational, but the toppings and dressing cover that and really make the burger juicy and flavorful. Also, at the bottom of my bowl of fries was a pile of oil, and I was sad that my last fries were drenched since they don't give a big helping to start with. I had to dab them out on a napkin but other than that, Smashburger is an affordable meal considering its location. We took a stroll down to the beach to digest a little and it was a nice way to end the meal and day. I would go again, if I were in the area.
(4)Beau C.
Went there after seeing a flyer for it. The concept looks interesting, sort of a cross between a McDonald's and an In 'N Out maybe? Anyways I had the BBQ, Bacon & Cheese smashburger. I added a fried egg to see what it would be like (my cardiologist is probably gonna kill me) and my date got the build-your-own burger. We also decided on an order of the smashfries. We waited about ten minutes to order because a group of idiots in front of us apparently couldn't figure out how to order off a set menu. That isn't Smashburgers fault at all. Our ordering process was simple, and we took our seats. I liked the decor, reminded me of some European burger chains I've been in. Anyone who's ever eaten in a Hessburger will know what I mean. After maybe five minutes our order was delivered. They screwed up a little bit and didn't put the egg on my burger so I sent mine back. Five more minutes later it showed up again this time with the egg. Taste-wise it was delicious, cooked medium-rare just like I wanted. The 1/3 lb patty was large and well seasoned. It was quite greasy, so I figured they are using 80/20 ground beef versus 85/15 which I tend to prefer. That might be the only thing food-wise that I didn't like. It's very possible to make a juicy, delicious burger with less fat. The smashfries were quite good too, I think they are onto something with their rosemary seasoning. Maybe a touch more garlic but still really tasty. My date's burger was very traditional but she thoroughly enjoyed it and that's all that matters. Overall, an easy 4 stars. I'll go back for the other menu items, they all look really interesting.
(4)Cindy G.
The powers that be (my friend who has the hook-up) graced me with the opportunity to come check out SmashBurger on their preview night. I'm always down for a freebie, especially when it's free food. I custom-made my burger with a 1/3 lb patty (you can order the different sized patties), chipotle bun, chipotle sauce, lettuce, tomato, pepper jack cheese and mushrooms. I'm not sure if it was the patty or the chipotle sauce or the combination of both, but my burger was VERY flavorful. It must have to do with the smashing of the burger to seal in flavor. I also took bites of my friends' Baja and San Diego burgers. Those did not disappoint either. Smashfries were yummy. They gave out sample of chocolate shakes. Let's just say I enjoyed them so much, I had three samples. At one point, I wanted another shake so bad and one of the employees asked if we needed anything else and I practically begged him for another shake. The guy was so nice and got me another shake. Thank you nice guy! You were awesome! I didn't have to pay for my meal, which was amazing in itself, however, I would definitely come back and pay for a great meal at SmashBurger. They have inexpensive, quality burgers. The service here was OUTSTANDING. I'm not sure if the staff were super friendly and helpful just because it was a special event, but I hope the customer service remains that way for all time. I think the word on the street is more will be opening throughout San Diego County, and if that's true, I have no doubt SmashBurger will be one of the top burger places in SD. Watch out other burger places, you have some legit competition! I believe SmashBurger officially opens today, March 24. Go check it out.
(5)Erika C.
I would describe smashburger as Burger Lounge's cheaper, less tasty little brother. I got the all American with haystack onions on top (which are absolutely worth the extra 50 cents). The food is good, but if I'm already spending over $5 might as well spring for Burger Lounge.
(4)Natalie K.
So had planned a night out in La Jolla and came upon this place on the way. I walked in about 10 min til closing and they were happy to take my order. I had a burger with some fries, which actually turned out pretty tasty. The burger meat was not greasy at all, which I enjoyed. They had a bigger menu with some interesting things that I would like to try next time, but all in all the restaurant itself was very neat and clean. I would definitely try it again!
(4)Jen K.
The service was quick and friendly. The eating areas were clean. The burgers were perfectly cooked. I highly recommend the San Diego Smashburger and fried pickles. The best burgers we have had since moving to San Diego.
(5)Elmo N.
First visit to Smash Burger's and I must say I did enjoy it. Lots to choose from when you custom build your burger. The beef is high quality although if I have one Major complaint is that I can't order the beef the way I prefer it. I like med rare and the best that they offer is med well. Come on Smash Burger, you were almost a 5 star joint! Chicken tenders were good too as were the smash fries 2 thumbs up for the San Diego burger and if your feeling adventurous, try the Chipotle bun
(4)Nicole S.
My family was looking for casual and inexpensive (for La Jolla) restaurant to eat and found Smashburger. Everybody loved their food- the burgers and chicken are "smashed" or flattened, and the fries come in huge orders perfect for sharing. We had the garlic smash fries and sweet potato smash fries. This place is not cheap, but a great option for a fast, casual restaurant. The line gets pretty crazy, but the service is fast and right next to a staircase that leads down to the cliff and children's pool, in case you want to get your order to go. I had the BBQ smash chicken burger and loved it!
(4)Tim W.
Many options. Unique flavor. Nice decor. Still in search of the best but this is up there. GREAT service. There was a tiny fly on the burger and they replaced the whole thing.. Like it was their fault? They offer a lime shake that I wasn't brave enought to try, maybe next time becuase will go back. I had the Spicy Baja. The chipotle bun was great and the RAW jalepenos were different. Hard to find parking and will likely try the Mission Valley location when it opens.
(4)Keith M.
This taste like an expensive Wendy's. Nothing horrible but really not worth a revisit.
(2)Soojin S.
YUM! A deliccccious burger that's not so pricey! I got the San Diego burger while my friend got the original Smash burger. Both were so tasty! At first I was skeptical of cilantro and sour cream in my burger but it was worth the risk. Both fries are flavored with rosemary and garlic are OFF THE HOOOOOOK. What kind of regular burger joint has ROSEMARY AND GARLIC FRIES?!? Yummerz. I would DEFINITELY recommend this place- so glad I found it before I graduated UCSD! Now this will be the burger place to be!
(5)Christina H.
Loved this place! The price is affordable around $15 for my husband and I to each have a meal. I ordered a burger with smoked cheddar, bacon, and spicy chipotle....yum! The chipotle sauce is delicious and has just enough of a kick to it. Only ordered regular french fries but they were delicious with a little crunch to them! Also, you can order imported beer a bucket of 4 blue moons is about $10...sweet deal.
(5)Kristen C.
Good but not great. Maybe because we went when they were first opening and they were still working out the kinks. Our food was good but nothing about it was memorable.
(3)Todd P.
The burgers and the Onion rings are my favorite.
(4)Brianna F.
Yum, Bacon burger was amazing. They really don't skimp on the quality of the burgers, and they have cool sides like fried pickles.
(4)Christopher D.
I really enjoyed this place, it's a nice relief to see a fast food restaurant that is so clean and well kept. The staff is nice and brings your order straight to your table. I had the BBQ burger which had some damn good shoe string fried onions on it and a well seasoned patty. Maybe one of the most notable attributes of this place are the malts. The ice cream is brought in from the local Hagen Daz shop so you're getting some top quality sugar and cream.
(5)Rubio S.
Greatest Fast Food Burger eaten so far....better than In and Out...love that summer is over, the place was dead...I like the booth seating too! Rootbeer floats with IBC too. Affordable and tasty! A bunch of different fries to taste too.
(5)E Q.
Horrible service. As a local La Jollan it was very disappointing to see a store in our town with such bad service. I was in line to order from one of only two cash registers with 3 people in front of me when the older woman with curly hair decides to take a break. the young girl was slow so after waiting 15mins for 3 people to order I walked out. You could see the older woman chatting with people in the back while the customers waited. Wont be back and will not recommend to any other locals.
(1)Tom E.
a bit greasy, salty - but a good burger... the cilantro and avocado on the san diego burger was a great idea. skip the onion rings - the first few were good, deeper in it was soggy greasy rings. they were out of root beer - my nieces were bummed... burger lounge is better, hodads better still, smashburger fine for a cheap fast good burger.
(3)Vanessa T.
I loved their Spicy Baja Burger! This place is in a pretty good location and is not in direct competition with any other burger joints besides Burger Lounge but BL is more for the conscious eater where as SB is for someone who just wants a good burger. The layout is pretty good considering the allowable space. They have 2 lines to order which I like. And although they were fairly busy I got my order in a very short time. One caveat is their produce. The lettuce was not as green and fresh as I'd like and the tomatoes were dull looking too. Other than that it was a good tasty burger.
(4)Elika E.
My boyfriend and I stopped by here on a Saturday night after he had raved to me about it.. he's gotten it twice on his lunch break. So we get there at about 830pm and the place was pretty busy. The line wasn't that long but took a while to get to the front? While standing there and observing I loved the fact that the menu is simple(reminds me of In-n-Out), but they offer salads here, and alcohol and wine which is great. So continuing to observe the environment while in line, the workers seemed frantic, unhappy, maybe they were short staffed? There were 3 of them up front/taking food out. The cashier wasn't friendly but wasn't rude either. We weren't super hungry so we shared a classic 1/2lb burger no cheese, and a side of french fries and a soda($10 total). We then waited for a booth to be cleaned, which was totally understandable. But then continued to sit for exactly 25minutes and wait for our one burger to be served to us.... while we watched every other table getting their food. Finally ours came out and the only nice worker served us so that was a plus. If you read my other reviews I'm usually not much of a complainer.. but 25 minute wait for one burger? No exaggeration either, we looked at the time on our receipt to when it was brought out. As for the food- it was good. But not great. Maybe because it was just a plain burger I thought it was just ok. The meat was a little on the dryer side. I did like the bun and that it's not a typical hamburger bun. We then ran out of ketchup that was on the table so my bf went to the front counter to ask for more.. the cashier gave him the little to-go packets... 3 of them. So then we went and grabbed another bottle of ketchup from an empty table. The french fries were ok but thinner, like mcdonalds fries just not as greasy. the sweet potatoe fries are probably a much better option. Overall the place was ok, kind of a mess, I think I'd choose another spot/restaurant in the village first instead of this place again, but it is a great concept and could be fun maybe during the day at an off time. And also, I see a lot of people complaining about the parking.. just have to say, isn't that expected? It is La Jolla Village, the main point is to walk around.. if you're looking for a pull up and park in front... an in n out joint is probably a better choice.
(3)marie m.
Ah, a little piece of my beloved Colorado in SD, nice. I have no complaints, good food takes time to prepare and Smashburger is good. The price is right and the service exceptional.
(5)Nick H.
Heard about this place in the newspaper, and I am glad I did. The location is great! I got the San Diego Smash Burger which was super juicy and very very good! We also got a chocolate shake and sweet potatoe fries, both which were amazing as well. If you are looking for another good burger spot, you gotta check this joint out!
(5)Brad V.
Went in the evening. Had a burger and french fries. It was very fresh and tasty and the service was very good. I am impressed.
(5)Whitney W.
I'm not a fan. I've been here twice. The first time I ordered a chicken salad and the chicken was soooo salty I couldn't eat it, but I figured it's a burger place and clearly they have had an accident with the salt plus the rest of our party liked there burgers and it's a cheap burger place for La Jolla. The second, and last time, my husband got food poisoning from the burger and hasn't been able to even look at a burger since. Also don't like the decor at all. Burger Lounge is wayyyy better in every way, though they don't have great seating accomodations it's cute and the food is awesome! Someone recommended that we tell management so that we could have free gift certificates. That made me laugh. Me thinks you pass on eating at the place that you got food poisoning from.
(1)Krystal L.
i really like how this place is so close to where i live and how its a cheap but good burger place in the middle of downtown la jolla. their burgers are seriously really good especially if you add a fried egg! the sweet potato fries are bomb as well. they're seasoned with rosemary and they just taste sooo perfect! the staff is really nice too. i forgot that i had wanted to add a fried egg to my burger so i went back up and asked if i could add one and usually it costs and extra dollar for the egg but the girl just added for free. it's a really good place to go if you want to eat good cheap burgers in downtown la jolla.
(4)Kyle B.
I was on vacation and was in La Jolla with my girlfriend and one of my buddies just looking for a simple burger and was very impressed with Smashburger. The prices were reasonable for La Jolla and they have a bucket of 5 beers for $10, which includes all beers! Food was very fresh and service was prompt. I just wish they had more seating outside.
(4)Steph T.
very busy at lunch time but it's always consistently delicious. it makes me laugh that everything has 'smash' in the name though. smash chicken. smash salad. smash soda. the sweet potato fries are fun.
(4)Andrew T.
the order. 1/2 pounder with just veggies, patty, and bun ( x2) burgers are sort of my thing and for a "fast food" burger joint this is definitely as good as it gets. essentially what makes a true burger are two components: the meat, first and foremost, and the bread. The meat here (im assuming a chuck blend) crumbles in your mouth, and the bun is a no fuss egg bun-a refreshing break from the traditional sesame one-that complements rather than distracts from the taste of the meat. and you read correctly; i liked my first one so much that i had to eat a second 1/2 pounder. This place is just a must have in the world of affordable burger joints--especially in Los Angeles!!
(5)T K.
Let me start off by saying I am a very picky eater and I do not eat meat so I did not try a famous burger. I did try the smash fries which are season with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil. Can you say, YUM!?!? I imagine their burgers are good too. I saw some people eating them and they seemed to enjoy them. The place is very clean. The staff is nice and the guy who took my order was really nice and had what I think was an Australian accent. That is always fun. I sat on the patio and my little dog sat outside too. The inside was nice and air conditioned but who wants to sit inside in La Jolla?
(4)Priscilla C.
Gourmet burger for $5? unheard of (in the OC). I went in a group of 6 and four of us tried the San Diego Burger! :) the sauce was so yummies I couldn't believe it came in a burger. ( the other two ordered the Sin City burger (good!!) and a Chicken burger (ok)) we all ordered different sides so we tried the Vegetables fries, shoestring onions, smash fries! (rosemary garlic... my favorite)... and all were really good. I was in a happy food coma afterwards
(5)Yvette T.
SOOOO GOOD! I love their burgers here (craving one now actually). I had their 1/3 lb. mushroom swiss w/ fried pickles and the BF had the 1/3 lb. smashburger w/ rosemary fries. The sides were ok- pickles were a little too salty and the fries were not fresh. But the reason I came was for the burger and I have to say that it beats Hodad's, Rocky's, Islands, Fatburger, 5 guys and maybe, maybe even in-n-out. I love me some in-n-out but smashburger is higher quality so you can't really compare. But if you compare to the first 5 joints I listed, then definitely smashburger wins. Plus you can walk down to La Jolla Cove afterwards to look at the seals :)
(4)Roger C.
All be it a little messy the burgers here and fries are fantastic better yet it's cheap too!! My new fav burger lounge
(5)Dave G.
Matt (manager) and Marquisha (server), were fantastic! What a great experience!!! Everything was awesome!!!
(5)Lola R.
The burgers are good but the hot dogs are the best!!!
(4)Kelly B.
Place was messy. Burger was so-so. Definitely not a Nicky Rotten or Flemmings Steakhouse burger!!!! I won't be coming back just because it didn't do anything more than Burger King would for me.
(2)Merry J.
This is the BEST hamburger I have ever had. Blows the competition right out of the water. The burgers are so juicy and flavorful. Plus you can get a beer to go with it, even get sweet potato french fries! hmm good! They have other types of sandwiches too if you want some variety, but I love their burgers. I like it better than burger lounge, or even the hallowed In and Out. I don't know how they do it, but they make the burgers taste so juicy delicious. Try it you will love it!
(5)V V.
Loved the San Diego Burger! Nice variation from the always great Burger Lounge.
(4)nicole b.
Today they are giving away free food during their grand opening. Service was excellent -- very friendly and knowledgeable. The place is clean and visually appealing. I ordered a salad to go -- it was kind of thrown together and not visually appealing (I think they were overwhelmed with the response to the opening) but ingredients were fresh, it wasn't drenched in dressing and the portion size was perfect. I'll definitely be back to try a burger or sandwich and glad to have a place so close to work that offers good salad!
(4)Amy S.
I LOVE SMASHFRIES! Oh, and the burgers are great too.
(4)Jane B.
I would move to California just to eat at Smashburger- Food, service, cleanliness, food, fried onions, A+++++
(5)Geoffrey H.
Went here because the local news did a feature on it; not great, but not bad. The prices were reasonable, but the burger was nothing to rave about. It's nice that they have a couple different options for fries, i had the sweat potato ones, which were good. I think Burger Lounge which is 2 blocks away makes a better burger.
(3)Lucky P.
Their burger is pretty amazing! I would have to say it's as good or even better than Five Guys. Okay, maybe Five Guys and Smash Burger is tied on first place. Smash is a little bit more expensive-perhaps it's because of the fancier joint. Everything tasted fresh and flavorful. You will not be disappointed! We went on a Thursday night, so the place was busy but not packed. I wish I ordered the shake, next time!
(4)MIKE F.
Welcome to the neighborhood Smashburger. Awesome customer service. I got the half pound classic (had to for my first visit) and my prego wife got the 1/3 pound classic. We both devoured them. Looking forward to trying the rest of the menu. I would have given a point off for giving me regular fries instead of sweet potato fries, but i'm assuming they'll work those kinks out. A little pricey at $16 for 2 burgers and 2 fries, but we're in La Jolla, and sometimes i'd rather not drive all the way to PB for In-N-Out (and Burger Lounge is way over-rated). Maybe they'll come out with a customer loyalty program like a buy 9 get your tenth free?
(5)Dave A.
Much much much better than last time. Got the baja burger this time. Taste was great. Still wish they'd do the burger medium rare. The sweet potato fries were perfect this time. I think my first visit might have been a fluke.
(4)Sarah Katherine S.
i got the normal burger, but my husband got the cali burger and i am pea green!!! it was soooo messy and yummy. the shakes are just okay...
(4)Giovanni T.
Had the San Diego Burger on my first visit. My friends ordered different sides, so we can try all the sides they offered. I was really impressed. It's really hard to compare with Burger Lounge. They 're both good places. The San Diego Burger was so good, I was really thinking of ordering a 2nd one. The sweet potato fries and the fried pickles are good sides to have with the burger.
(5)l l.
bbq bacon cheeseburger no. pockets of salt in the burger.... (not mixed well?) i dont know. it was no bueno. is alll i know. think the sides were the only good part, but i may be wrong about that. I was incredibly hungry and the burger was not delicious, so maybe I settled...
(1)Bobby Y.
i came here opening week with high hopes. i had just eaten at another colorado-based burger place, larkburger, with an amazing truffle burg. unfortunately, the bbq bacon cheese burger here was a huge let down. the patty was paper thin, dry, and bland. probably due all the smashing.
(2)Leanne G.
Not recommended for veggies AT ALL!! I called Smashburger to make sure they serve veggie burgers. They do, but they are disgusting. Just a bunch of smashed up black beans that fell apart immediately. But let's back up, after I ordered the veggie burger, I asked the person at the counter what side was the most popular for me to try for my first time, and the guy said the sweet potato fries and then asked if I was vegetarian, to which I replied yes, or else I probably wouldn't have ordered a veggie burger! He then proceeded to tell me that their sides are all fried in beef fat. The ONLY reason why he told me that was because he is vegetarian too, and has never eaten the sides because of it! I was very irritated that they would 1) use beef fat, there's no point, and 2) not label it on their menu. If it were any other person, they probably wouldn't have told me, and I would have had some sort of potato soaked, cooked and fried in the fat of a cow. I'm sure there are a lot of veggies out there that have eaten their sides without knowing what it was cooked in. There are a lot of vegetarians, I don't know why they would purposefully cut out that much of a customer base and then not label it. Very disappointed. Go to BurgerLounge instead.
(1)Bo B.
I was walking down prospect one day and I came across this place. I have been a here a couple times since. Deco is pretty modern with its bold red accents. I never really noticed that it was so dark until i came her during the day time. The place is like a cave, the register is at the opposite end of the place from the window. The menu is really big, not lengthy but size wise, and it has these interesting animated pictures of whats in the item. If you sit in the booths, you'll probably notice that end up kinda leaning forward in the seat, its as if its smashing your face into your meal. I really wish the price of the burger or sandwich included a side but i can live with it. They need to come up with combo deals. Cause they always ask if you would like fries with that, as if its included, which it isn't. The service is good, every time i have been when i receive my food the person is always good about asking if i need anything else. The trays that the food come in are a unique idea. They are little metal baskets, definitely not your typical plastic baskets. Im not really sure if i enjoy the burgers more of the chicken sandwiches. The chicken is pretty juicy. Parking is street parking, and it being downtown la jolla/prospect area, parking can be a challenge especially during nice weather.
(4)Kevin P.
lemme just say that this was the best burger I've ever had in my life!! got the spicy baja and a side of smash fries today for lunch during work and seriously had a full on orgasm in front of the other customers eating there..the burger is cooked to perfection and is juicier than anywhere else i've ever been to..the cheese is perfectly melted on top too which only adds to the taste..I highly recommend this place to everyone! you won't find a better product for a better price, guaranteed..you'll end up waiting longer to get your burger than it takes for you to scarf it down..i DARE you to try and not eat this burger in under one minute..that's seriously how good it is....
(5)F A.
Excellent burgers made with very good ingredients. I recommend starting with the Classic and some Smashfries.
(4)Sarah A.
Went here for lunch today. We live in Tierrasanta, but we've heard good things so we thought, "Hey what the heck" and drove up to La Jolla for a few hours. They have outside seating, making them dog friendly, which was nice because our dog loves to go with us :) The burgers were good, nothing really special, and the buns were really good, but again nothing special. My husband ordered a mushroom swiss and I ordered off the kids menu. The burgers were a good size, and I know I ordered a kids meal, but really? A half handful of fries? We couldn't even substitute the fries for any other type of fries, even if we were willing to pay more. They literally just said, "No." Then, my husband ordered a side of haystack onions and after speaking to the Manager he said he'd "take care of it".... If taking care of it means, not giving them to us at all, then he sure did take care of it. Once our food came, we had to ask the waiter again for the onions. The food was ok, but definitely not worth the trip. I worry about a place that even the manager doesn't truly care about the customer service.
(2)Erica C.
Best Burgers ever! Was on vacation from Arizona and looking for a cheap place for lunch in La Jolla and we found it. I have never been able to finish a whole burger at a resturant until we ate at Smash burger. I ate the San Diego burger and shared haystack onions with my husband. The onions were just as good as the burgers. We topped all of this off with a butterfinger shake, what a perfect meal. All for only about $20. Great deal for amazing food. We just wish there was one in Tucson, I guess we will have to make a 2 hour drive to Phoenix to go to Smash Burger.
(5)Angie K.
I have been here about 3 times since they opened. They are right down the street from where I work. Great location. A few weeks ago I would have given them 4 stars. But after today's experience it's a solid 3. I waited forever to get my food! I got take out. I asked one of the server girls where my food was and she said "let me go and check it out" she came back and said "sorry we forgot about you" WHAT? You forgot about me WTF! (First of all never tell a customer you forgot about them) The burgers are pretty good lots of flavor nothing really bad to say about them. But my Fried Pickles were disgusting and I only got about 6 little round pickles. All I tasted was salt! Yuck. I have heard from my co workers that they have had salty burgers too. Lay off the salt please! The Salads are pretty good if your trying to go on the healthy side, I do recommend those! Other than that this place is a good cheap burger joint, a little busy but everywhere is about lunch time...
(3)C T.
Service is great and everyone is always super friendly. Burgers are a decent size but a great value. Sometimes a bit greasy but overall a good solid burger
(5)mike t.
The burgers are fair-good, not great. They must keep their fries under a heat lamp because the order I got was as close to cardboard as you can get. The salad was also made with wilted lettuce. It reminded me of the salads I've brought home from lunch & ate in the evening. Moderately priced but in my opinion you're better off going to Carl Jrs. Parking can be very difficult.
(1)bryant p.
Great food without damaging your wallet. Burger lounge watch out!
(4)Alex J.
Walk in and it smelled gross. I thought maybe it was outside or something else. Find out it was the food....trust me. It was the food Cashier was rude off the bat. Took awhile to get our food and it was terrible. I don't know what Californians think is a good burger, but even for FAST FOOD this is awful. Thin, grossly cooked patty (chicken or beef as we ordered 1 of each). By gross, I mean there was film from the grill on the meat. CLEAN THE GRILL. Fries weren't bad, but a little too thin. Potato strings is more accurate. Would I go back?? Nope. Not even if that's all there was close by. Not sure about In N Out but this can't even beat Jack in the Box.
(1)Adam W.
Always so hungry when I go here. Maybe that's why I think it takes so long to get my food. Staff is really friendly. not a place to go to on your lunch break though.
(3)David G.
Smash burger wasn't really what I expected. Burger was a decent size, but small meat. Unless you go with the "big" option. Otherwise it was delicious, and they give a ton of fries. Smash sauce just taste like mustard and mayo. Don't get your hopes up haha.
(4)James H.
Big Angus burger "smash classic" rocked Get Bbq sauce on it. Onion ring haystack are thin but tasty
(5)Melissa S.
When you are hungry sometimes all you care about is getting something quick and easy. We found one of the coveted spots in La Jolla and ran into the first food place we spotted. Smash Burger. It was wonderful. We walked in and instantly got in line. It was a long line, but it gave us time to figure out what we were going to order. I tried to be frugal so I went with choose your own burger and had all the free toppings: grilled onions, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumber, (Who wants cucumber on a burger?! I've never heard of it, but got it because it was free and ate it soon as the burger arrived. Nice and crunchy.) Smash sauce, I don't recall if I choose cheese. If it was free I put on a slab. I choose the Chipotle bun, it was spicy, which was good, I didn't want a bland burger. I think I'll choose something else next time. We ordered the basic fries and shared them. This is one of my favorite fry place. They were crispy, without a hint of limp. The people were friendly and helpful, after they brought to your table your order they asked you if there was anything else you needed. The delivery of the burger was a bit on the slow side, but they were busy so I can't really dock them for that. It was delivered fresh and hot and that's what matters. It's much quicker than a sit down restaurant. They made it to me before I had a melt down from not eating. I'd go back due to I loved the fries and the burger was really good. Just in case if you were wondering they don't have a private lot. You just park on the street. There was a valet for the restaurant next door. I bet if you were desperate you could pay them to park your car.
(5)vincent c.
Never had smashburger before. Had the classic big version, it was BOMB. Randomly crave it now. Smashchicken is very good too. Not a fan of their smash fries. No full stars because the booths/floor weren't clean, and the place feels very tightly packed.
(4)Deyanna C.
Came here yesterday me and the bf were hungry after walking a few miles. We only had 40 bucks and didnt want to go somewhere expensive nor fancy so we yelped this place. It was nice and fresh in here, kinda confusing where to start, ordered a big classic and big san diego along with 2 regular size fries and one drink came out to be 22 bucks which isn't bad same price id pay if i drove to jack in the box. Food was made fresh it was actually really good, burger was huge i couldn't finish mine. Good spot to grab a quick decent price.
(5)siobhan y.
This place had a funky smell walking in . The food was so bad I took one bite and spit the burger out! My daughter right now has a stomach ache from the food. I took my burger back and at first the manager tried to not refund me. He also said he can only take off half the price? I told him I'm good I do not want anything else . A worker later asked how we were doing. I told her the manager never refunded me. She thought that was very odd and had him give my money back for at least my burger that I never ate. Stick to the Habit or Burger lounge ! There is a Burger Lounge around the corner in La Jolla from this nasty place.
(1)Ed L.
Good legit Merican style cheesburger. Beef was well cooked and juicy. The lettuce, tomatoes and onions were fresh. Fries are thin cut, crispy and good. There's nothing really innovative or fancy about this place. Just good solid burgers.
(3)Joe R.
I still have not figured out the SoCal Burger craze. Everyone says they have the best burger, and sadly, none of them are right. This includes Smashburger. I have given this place several tries and have never left thinking, "Wow, that was great!" The burgers are burgers. They are good, but they are not great. They have plenty of options, so there is a choice for everyone. I personally prefer the chicken. The strong point on the menu is the fries and shakes. Both are delicious...separately or together. I have to agree with other posts that cleanliness drags this place down a star. If the dining area was kept up a little more, this would be a four star place. I have yet to go in (5 times) and not see dirty tables, full trash cans and messy soda bar. Staff is always very friendly and helpful. Will provide recommendations if you are having issues choosing.
(3)Chris L.
Good for a quick and easy meal. The tables were not clean and the guy working did not clean it even after we asked so we cleaned it ourselves. There was only one person delivering the food and cleaning. They need more people here. The burger was good. I liked how it was not uniform and the chipotle mayo was tasty. They serve honest tea here as an alternative to soda.
(3)Jerry W.
I love Smashburger. I go there quite often on the weekend to grab a milk shake. They make them oh so good. The line moves pretty quickly and the staff have always been quite friendly. It is in the heart of La Jolla so a really cool location.
(5)Lisa B.
I will start by saying this was a pretty good burger and I will probably go back. It is not as good as In N Out, but certainly a good alternative. The service, however, was definitely lacking. There were multiple empty-but-dirty tables that we ultimately had to clear ourselves so we could be seated. The staff was young and way more interested in being and looking cool than providing good service. The line was long and not very efficient. The overall experience was a bit frustrating, but not enough to keep me away for good.
(3)James T.
**Biased opinion due to being in Starvation Mode, at least 30 min - 1 hour prior to arrival. Walking into Smashburger and seeing the huge banner above "$7.99 for Classic Smashburger, Fries, and a Drink!" - AND being the Asian I was, I immediately knew I was getting. Boom, baby. The original Smashburger is essentially: American cheese, ketchup, leaf lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and their signature smash sauce on a bun. When you're starving, this is the best thing since sliced bread. Wow. Juicy, and full of flavor from the burst of pickles and onions - this was gone in under 15 seconds. No joke. I requested the Smash Fries, instead of regular french fries, which is an interesting blend of fries that are tossed with rosemary, olive oil and garlic. Wow. And if you request chipotle sauce, it brings the flavor come to that much more "UMPF!" No but seriously, get some of these Smash Fries. They'll make you feel 'healthy' while you're downing your meal, especially if you go fat boy/girl mode with a shake to boot. ;)
(4)Jocelyn M.
Okay, let's be honest ... it was kind of gross walking into this joint. Granted, I get that it's steps from the beach, but I've been to a bunch of other beach spots and they're much cleaner than this establishment. Upon entering the restaurant, the floors were murky with dirt. In fact, there was a pile of trash swept up right at the entrance!! The trash is located right next to the soda fountain and it looks like they hadn't taken out the trash the entire day. Basically, I tip-toed (okay, a little dramatic but you know I straight up pulled my sweat pant legs up so they wouldn't drag on the nasty floor) my way to the counter and my husband and I ordered our food. I'm sure you guessed by this time, we opted to sit outside. Although our food came out in a timely manner, my fries or should I say my olive oil and rosemary with a side of fries came out room temperature and my so-called toasted bun was also not warm. At. All. The only thing that was hot was the chicken, mushroom and cheese. Crazy thing is, it wasn't busy at all so you'd think it would be a lot cleaner. I don't know if it was because it was two hours before closing or whatever, but I don't think I'll ever return to this location ever again. I mean, McDonald's is way cleaner than this place! If you're looking for a beach experience with a clean place to eat, check out Kono's in Pacific Beach. Although their menu may be a little more simple, at least you won't feel grossed out and your food will always be hot.
(2)Janice C.
The food was standard, its what you expect from a "higher" burger place. I came in with my family and the food didn't take long to arrive but I did have orders ordering, I feel like they were understaffed, there was only one guy working the cashier, takeouts and doing the busing. The only issue I had with my food was that my bottom bun wasn't really toasted and it got soggy fast... Other than that, it wasn't bad. It was good but nothing spectacular. Its what is expected
(3)Arlene P.
Quick and easy. Everything you would expect from a Smashburger which is: * a juicy patty with crisp, smashed edges * your choice of an array of free toppings and cheeses or one of their specialty burgers - you can get regular or large sized patty :) The layout is weird... you have to go down a long aisle to get to the counter to order, but I guess that's cool, in case there is a long line. Thankfully, I just walked right in and ordered and it was ready quickly.
(4)Leah J.
NEVER a bad trip at Smash. Food is consistently good, if not better. Burgers taste so fresh and their smash fries are so good and addicting.
(5)Tito B.
On Sunday evening, my girlfriend and I went to have dinner and ended up at this fun place. I was craving bacon and bleu cheese and they made it happen. They had the crumbly bleu cheese, not the melted bleu cheese (good!). I really liked putting chululuh on my ketchup and making the perfect dip for the skinny miniature fries. The serving size was great. My beef burger was super tasty, the bread wasn't too thick, and the bacon was so crunchy and crisp. We were served by Robert. He was a cool guy and really funny! He even said a few jokes and made us an awesome strawberry shake. The shift lead that night (I forgot the name) helped us out a lot too. Great food and great service!
(5)Shar M.
First off let me confess to you... I have a huge addiction to fried pickles. Smashburger enables me. I also just tried their blue cheese chicken sandwich which was amazing. It had loads of buffalo sauce and was slathered with blue cheese and lettuce and tomato on top of a Cibatta type bun. Every time I get sucked in here I know I am going to blow my diet but it's so worth it! Only because I don't have the willpower to order their fresh grilled chicken salad instead which is equally amazing!
(5)Bob B.
Smashburger certainly solves your burger jonesin' with fast, tasty sandwiches. I don't know what they put in their meat (salt?) but I'm somewhat addicted to it. The fries are a different story. I generally enjoy them as I like thin-style fries but they almost always come out cold. I've had to send them back a couple of times. I mean, if you're going to carb-out with fries, they'd better be hot and as good as can be. This location, in the heart of La Jolla, is always dirty. There's food detritus on the floor. Everything has a greasy feel. The tables often have not been wiped clean. The bathrooms are always a mess - with no paper towels or soap. One time there was a flood right out front of the registers and people were walking through water for like 30 minutes before the staff bothered to clean it up. Every time I'm in there I want to channel my inner manager and start yelling at the kids working there to "Clean this place up!" So, maybe get your burgers to go.
(3)Shelly M.
Love the create your own option. Bacon cheeseburger with guacamole? Yes, please! Sweet fries are better than most I've had.
(5)Vannica K.
I love that I can customize my own burgers here ! I have tried both the chicken & patty an i personally enjoy the chicken more. Minus one star for the filthy restroom...
(4)Esther K.
I came here for dinner with Gardenia H. last year on our way back from San Diego. I had heard a lot of good things about Smashburger so I wanted to try it out. It was a little challenging finding street parking, but we managed to. Once you're inside, you order from the counter and get a number. Once your order is ready, someone will bring it to your table. The restaurant is a decent size, with indoor and outdoor seating, and nice booths. It seemed like it took forever to get our food, but that was probably because we were starving and had a skewed sense of time. I got the San Diego Smashburger: fresh avocado, fresh cilantro and onions, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and spicy chipotle mayo on a torta roll, served with a wedge of lime. I got mine "protein-style" so there was no torta roll. Even without the bread, the burger tasted really good. I liked all the ingredients and they meshed very well. I would have loved to try their sides, perhaps the Smashfries or their Sweet Potato Fries, but I was on a diet when I stopped by and therefore couldn't. I would definitely come back to Smashburger if they open a location closer to me.
(4)Ming Yee T.
Second time visit, I love the burger and fries here, the grill chicken burger with mushroom is so good and juicy. Staffs are friendly too. Definitely will come by soon:)
(5)Eileen V.
Spicy Baja and BBQ Bacon cheddar was excellent! As well as the onion stack and chili cheese fries!!
(5)Lorraine P.
All I do is eat good burgers After a week of the getting the runs from eating in Santa Barbara, I don't want No Mediocre burger. Bad-ass burgers only. Ain't no mediocre. Don't want no mediocre. I won't hit no mediocre Baja burger. You a bad burger stuntin on the mediocre. With my In-N-Out, so far from mediocre. Right hand in the air, I solemnly swear, I never mess with fried pickles if they're cold. Me coming over, if you ain't a five, I ain't coming back. Thicker Burger, Nice Taste, if you don't have well I think I'll pass. And if you ain't talking yummy, what you saying to me? Credit: T.I-No Mediocre.
(2)Amy I.
Love this place, the employees are great, especially Christian, Christian is awesome. #notwrittenbychristian
(5)Andrea B.
Voted best burger 2014?? Hmm.... The hamburger meat itself is actually pretty good, but the bacon on my burger was soggy and salty. There was a good amount of avocado on my burger, yeah!!! The haystack onions tasted like someone poured an entire salt shaker on them, I couldn't eat them, crazy salty. Awesome butterfinger milkshake, there were huge pieces of butterfinger in my super thick milkshake, just how i like it. Prices are reasonable, parking is really tough, service was friendly but slow.
(3)Jack M.
There is something to be said about smashing a patty on a hot griddle and creating an irresistible crust on all beef Angus patty. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/smas… ) Did you see that? Pretty amazing stuff. I ordered the Avocado Club Big Smash Burger with a side of Smash Fries: love that rosemary. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/smas… ) The burger was terrific and the fresh avocado slices were perfectly creamy and ripe. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/smas… ) Like I mentioned earlier, the patty had an amazing crust that held all the beef's natural juices and flavor. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/smas… ) The bacon was crispy and tasty. The only downfall about the burger, was that I asked for it medium, but it arrived well done. Thankfully the meat was not dry and the burger was still great. One minute less on that griddle and the burger would of been a perfect 5 stars. The fries were very good as well. The rosemary herb flavor was aromatic and flavorful. They were thin, crispy, and very well seasoned. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/smas… ) I like the customer service at this location. The server who took my order was very hip and polite. Smash that patty!
(4)Jack S.
Not a great outing at smash burger. Very very dirty. We got charged for bacon when they didn't have bacon. That's a crime. Food was cold when it came out. Not coming back. Poor service.
(1)Emily C.
Great food and great service! Perfect for a date day or even a friendly get together! Their San Diego is AMAZING. Get it, and you won't be disappointed!
(5)Ramy E.
Food are delicious .. People who working there are so friendly . Love that Place . I recommend this place to everyone need to eat delicious food
(5)Leah D.
Me and my friend came here on a Monday afternoon for lunch and had the best customer service ever. Our host Seddy was very accommodating to our orders and made sure we were satisfied with what we were ordering. While we were waiting for our food I filled out the customer service survey for free fries and Sedraah came to our table to take our order. He was very funny and made my experience at Smashburger even better. Would definitely recommend anyone to come here for not only their food but excellent customer service.
(5)David Ethan S.
Ah this place is fantastic -- I wish there were many more in San Diego! Highly recommended and delicious and a great addition to Prospect in LJ
(4)Wendy M.
I had a Swiss cheese and mushroom burger and a beer which was just what I was craving! Burger was one of the best fast food burgers I have had and the staff seemed happy enough as well! I'm glad I was only living beside you a few days and that I found you on the last day:)
(5)Mel J.
2.5 or 3 stars. I ordered the San Diego burger with beef, but the avocado wasn't ripe. The lime wedge was too dry, so I couldn't squeeze enough juice out of it. The beef patty was too fatty and salty for my taste. The fries were tasty. Somehow, this Smashburger wasn't as good for me as the one in Hazard center in Mission valley area, where I had enjoyed a tasty grilled chicken burger, and the avocado and toppings were just right. The Smashburger in La Jolla also seems to have a ventilation problem or something, as the air didn't smell too pleasant. When we eat, our sense of smell works together with our taste buds to create our dining experience. My yelper lunch buddy agreed that it smelled odd in there. If they improve the ventilation, and keep the tables and floor extra clean, that should help the place to smell appetizing. I might give this smashburger another try some time, but I'd sit outside for fresh air, and I'd order the grilled chicken burger next time. I'd also ask for ripe avocado! The friendly young woman who took our order was pleasant. I think the problem is that there are a TON of places to get my burger fix now, so it can't just be good enough...it has to be sensational nowadays to compete. All the little details matter. The avocado should be ripe, the lime wedge should be fresh and juicy, and hopefully there is a way to order that burger patty with less salt? STUDENTS: With student ID, you can get a classic smashburger, fries and a drink for $7.99.
(2)Michael B.
Expected alot more for the money. Walked in hearing so much about these burgers. We're from yorba linda. Just approx 1 1/2 hrs away. They have them down there too. Anyway ordered large bbq cheeseburger with bacon. I asked what else comes on it. He responded onion straws. I said can I add mayo or smash sauce. I asked what is smash sauce he replied like thousand island. NOT. It's mustard sauce stuff icky. Burger comes out. Looked decent sized patty better be for over $7. Open up cheese bacon burger and smash sauce. I ask guy appeared to be lead guy that's it? No onion straws no bbq sauce no avocado no tomato no lettuce pickles. Plain for the most part. I asked he brought me onion straws and a few slices avocado. Apparently burger didn't come with avocado but he brought me some anyway. No tomatoes lettuce pickles no bbq sauce. Heck it's called bbq bacon cheddar. Then these so called garlic olive oil rosemary fries. Meh. No where as good as in and out then add some salty flavored seasoning. Call it garlic fries. Spent $23 was hungry walking out. Not money well spent. Costco at Christmas time had gift cards almost half price wish I bought them cuz this was straight up scandalous to charge this much for fast food. Honestly patty tasted great. Nice texture. Could have been cooked a little less well done.
(2)Jeremy G.
No. I dont get it. You squish out all the yumminess~!! Why? WHY?! Ugh... grab the fries if youre gonna go...its the only saving grace.
(1)Michelle R.
Great place for a quick, casual meal. Clean, lots of seating and the SMASHBURGER fries are delicious!
(4)Brandon K.
My favorite burger joint of all! Beats In-n-Out any day because of their great selection of burgers! It was a surprise for me to find this location in La Jolla. But I was glad, the last time I had Smashburger when I was in Vegas. I'd suggest the Swiss mushroom burger, cheers! Egg bun and Swiss cheese with shrooms are the mix for foodgasmic pleasure.
(5)Rho L.
I really, really wanted to love this place, especially since we went on my recommendation, but I just wasn't all that impressed. Wasn't to keen on the service, overcharged but hey who's nickel and diming. Located in the amazing shopping/grubbing district of La Jolla where parking is a fight to the death, there sits Smashburger, red and white signs ablazin. We were already planning in having mexican food after this meal so no one wanted to eat too much. I got myself the Avocado Club burger plus a fried egg with sweet potato fries. We also got an All American with bacon, hotdog and regular fries. The burger itself is tasty, but lacking the POW i expected based on the stellar reviews. My fried egg unfortunately was overdone also. Overall though, notably good cheeseburger with fresh ingredients and at $5-$7 a sammy, you'll surely get some bang for your buck. s BTW their sweet potato fries were done extremely well and delicious to the last fry.
(3)Tammy N.
I am a big fan of Smashburger in compared to the other burger joints like Burger Lounge {not In-n-Out though... nothing beats INO}. I love their variety and sweet potato fries. What really won my heart here is the KEY LIME SHAKE! It is not on their menu so you have to ask for it and only some places offer it but it is AAAAAA-MAZING. I wish they had it regularly so I don't have to hunt it down. Their cinnamon shake is pretty good too and I love their burgers. Service has always been ok for me and the pricey is nice on the wallet!
(4)Christopher C.
I came here with a friend of mine who recently moved to downtown La Jolla so we just walked around. I had always passed by but never tried it until now. Oh and parking is really annoying in downtown La Jolla. You might want to park in a residential area and just walk. Just walk people it's good for you! You don't HAVE to have the closest spot to everything... Ambiance: It's a really long and more narrow space. It's pretty chill and seems like it would get loud. We came on a Saturday at like 4:00pm and a good amount of people came in after us. The booths are nice and tall so you kind of feel like you have more privacy. Service: Don't know if this really counts 'cause you do have to go up to the counter and order yourself, but you do have people come give the food to your table and pick up after you which is nice :) Food: I got the big San Diego Burger. A Big is a 1/2 lb and a Regular is a 1/3 lb of beef. I also found out why they're called "Smash"burger 'cause they flatten the patties which was a bit of a bummer to me. I really like big patties that are thick and cooked medium rare, to keep it nice and moist. It was kind of weird to eat 'cause the patty has more surface area than the buns and it sticks out haha. And it does feel like "less" meat 'cause it's flatter. The flavors were nice though. I love avocado on my burger and the sour cream is a nice touch. You can also get some veggies and sauces added on for free which is nice, so I got some jalapenos 'cause I like my burgers spicy. I also got an order of Smashfries. The flavor was nice with the rosemary but haha once again the fries are really thin. I don't mind too much but it would be nice if it was a bit thicker. I mean not a bad experience or anything for my first time here, but I've definitely had better burgers. Everything was just kind of okay.
(3)Kristin B.
My first Smashburger experience happened spontaneously in Newark Airport's Terminal C last month. I'd been blown away by how good these just-a-step-above-fast-food burgers are, and to boot Smashburger sells, among other sides, some pretty delicious sweet potato fries. Needless to say I was pumped when recently I noticed that MsMargo M. posted a thread detailing how one could receive a printable buy-1-burger-get-1-free coupon buy visiting the Smashburger website and playing a 30-second game. Cool, I thought, now I can hit up the Smashburger on Prospect Street on a discount. Boyfriend and I did just that earlier this week. Really nice service, and while we ordered at the register my guy was happy to learn that a few bottled beers are available. I have to say, the burgers we had here were definitely overcooked--a little dry, a little too blackened--compared to the burgers in Newark. Still, they were very tasty. The delicious Mushroom Swiss Burgers I ordered at both Smashburger locations were easily among the best seasoned burgers I've ever had. Also, the rosemary on the sweet potato fries is a nice touch. Can't really recall the last time I mentioned a business' bathroom in one of my Yelp reviews, but Smashburger's 2-stall ladies restroom needs a mention. It was filthy. Last night the handicapped stall was completely backed up, the toilet bowl half full of toilet paper and seat covers and other things that are typically found in toilets. Judging by the toilet situation and the particularly dirty floor, I'd say it'd been some time since the bathroom had been inspected by an employee. Quite a contrast to the clean and minimalistic appearance of the dining area. Bathroom aside, I like Smashburger a lot, and service at this particular location seems great.
(4)Ruth T.
I love Smashburger! I've gotta say, it's one of the better burger place I've been to (I mean, besides In-n-Out, but this place has ~toppings~). I have had the San Diego burger, the Avocado Club, the Spicy Baja burger, and a custom burger in the various times I have visited. Every time, I have been bowled over by the perfect bread, juicy patties, and deliciously complimentary toppings. The only one I have a qualm with is the Spicy Baja, but just because the fresh jalapenos were so spicy that it was tear inducing. I wasn't expecting that, but serves me right. My favorite would have to be the custom burger I made, but since I purchased it, they have changed the Create Your Own menu, to my dismay. Previously, I ordered a burger with goat cheese, which created a flavorgasm so great I had been craving it since. How dejected I was when, the next time I visited, it had been taken off the menu entirely and you now had to *gasp* pay for cheese. Don't forget the fries! Smashfries are completely worth it. Cut thinly and seasoned to perfection with herbs and garlic. Only problem I have with this place is the space - it is very narrow and if you come during peak lunch hours, this place is PACKED. Oftentimes you can find yourself stuck awkwardly standing in the corner hovering around for a booth to open up...and you better be quick, because there are a few other parties roaming around with the same purpose. If you find yourself in this situation, I suggest you grab it to go, and escape to the nearby La Jolla Cove and eat by the beach. Much more relaxing. Protip: If you frequent this place like I do, save your receipts and do the survey at the bottom. Free fries (or choice of side) every time, no joke.
(4)Meg D.
this place was pretty good
(5)JN B.
Smashburger is a growing chain of restaurants, but so far there are still small and they are still serving up great tasting grub! We've also been to the one of off Aero Dr. near the 15 Freeway and to the one in San Marcos. So far they have been all good, and this place doesn't disappoint. It's located smack dab in the middle of the bustling, downtown La Jolla Cove area. We first tried this place back on Fourth of July. We were camped out on a curb on Girard Ave. waiting for the Fireworks show to start, and this place made a convenient location to get some great tasting burgers. This time around we were just picnicking at nearby Scripps Park, and this location again made a convenient go-to place. Tip: If you are coming from the beach or Scripps Park area, in between some of the buildings along Coast Blvd. and Coast Blvd. South, there are these walkways that will take you up to Prospect St. In fact, there is one right next to Smashburger.
(5)Jarod P.
Sucks, they closed half hour early after we drove quite a distance to eat there. The guy inside laughed at us when he closed early. YOU SUCK, SMASHBURGER!!
(1)Denise M.
I've been to Smashburger a handful of times since my initial review a few years ago, and I have since become a fan. I usually go to the Black Mountain Road location, since it's only a few minutes from my house. I went a couple weeks ago and had a chicken burger (avocado club) and it seriously, hands down, was the best chicken burger I've ever had in my life. Ever. You have the option of getting the chicken fried or grilled, and I chose fried (heck, I just came from a long hike up Potato Chip, so I was starving. Don't judge me). The chicken...oh the chicken....it was so delicious, perfectly moist and flavored. I normally hate ordering chicken, as I feel that it can easily be served too dry, but man oh man. I think from now on at Smashburger I'm always going to go for the chicken- it was that good. I also love that they have veggie frites on the menu- and their malts? Sinfully delicious. Smashburger has earned my stamp of approval!
(4)Heike N.
What happened? I love or used to love them! The Hillcrest branch unfortunately closed. They had the best burgers and the friendlies people. Went today to the La Jolla branch. The place was (and stayed) dirty, apparently they clean their tables (and floor) only once a day and we had to wait over 50 minutes for our order. On a Sunday afternoon at 2 in a not crowded place??? When I complained all I got was a repeated and I quote ' don't ask me, I don't know where your order is or when you get it. Do you want your money back?' The burgers were dry and the fries cold... This branch needs a serious over haul in personnel and attitude.
(1)Eric F.
So far the best burger I've had in La Jolla. Maybe even the San Diego area. When my friends and I were driving around, we found this place and we decided to give it a try. My burger was juicy and tasty, and had an amazing BBQ sauce on it. The fries were freshly made, and the whole place seemed to click together. From someone outside the area, I suggest going here!
(5)Karin P.
Awful just had a horrible experience here! I went in with friends thinking ok something healthy YAY. I tried to order the spinach cucumber with goat cheese, the man behind the counter said, "we're out." Then I tried to order the black bean. . Again! "We're out," he said. So I was like ok the club. . . Then I handed him a $20 they didn't have change??? (Seriously) then he tried to give me 4 bucks in DIMES!! O yes, they we're serious. I said I'd wait for change an they were rude about it! That was just BAD business. He also forgot to ring up my drink. The burger or what ever it was was great! I noticed was a little pink on the inside though. An the fries were cooked in olive oil an seasoned with garlic. Very good till an hour later I got sick yay. An while sitting there I felt bad for a kid that wanted a grilled cheese but couldn't because again, THEY WERE OUT. Then he said chicken strips an nope nothing. . I'm glad I wasn't the only one disappointed!
(1)Michelle C.
Was in la Jolla vacationing with family and we stopped here to eat. The burgers were pretty good but the smash fries were not my thing, but fortunately my mother loved them. The servers/cashiers were mediocre and it was pretty good overall.
(3)Andy P.
HULLKKK SMASHHHHHHH is seriously the first thing that comes to mind. Makes me really wonder what inspired the owner to call it smashburger. It's not like they really do smash their...burgers...hmm. I'm not getting anywhere with this. But that Avengers Loki and Hulk scene was priceless...not smashburger. I really wish I can say positive things about this place but I think the price and sweet potato fries threw everything off. - San Diego Burger (5.99): It was a pretty juicy burger and I have to admit, with the texture of the bun, it was not bad. But for one who have tasted Hodads, this is definitely lacking in vibrant tastes and perfect texture. But not a bad choice if you like the ingredients. MmMm. I would want to try something else if I ever come back. - Sweet Potato Fries ($2.29): Tossed with rosemary, olive oil and garlic, yes they were, which put a slight kick to the taste. But they give you a dinky amount - which I was really disappointed in. They were thin and were not piled too high. Disappointed. And the taste wasn't anything out of the ordinary too, so, dont expect something super amazing. MEHHHH I shouldn't expect anything more from a chain restaurant. You can come here if you'd like, but don't expect to be wow'd too much. I'd rather spend this money at Red Robin and get unlimited fries - I practically paid almost the equivalent anyway. Ambiance: 3/5 Food: 3/5 Mediocre Price: 3/5 Overall: 3/5. Would rather spend my money elsewhere. You know, I may just be lacking good burger-tasting genes, because I'm tempted to never give high ratings for burgers, nor feel like they are ever worth my money...
(3)Kenneth M.
Awesome truffle burgers and strawberry shakes and quite affordable considering its located in La Jolla
(4)Michael P.
The location 3 stars and the location of the place another star for 4 total stars. The caramel shake was out of this world, the burgers good, and the fries great. My wife and I ordered the original Smashburger, and it was seasoned okay...a little more salt would have made it awesome. But we were pleased with our food and the walk over to the beach made it wonderful. If you are in La Jolla and want food for a picnic, this would be your place.
(4)Viet N.
If you happen to be in downtown La Jolla and NOT wanting to dine at an expensive restaurant, go to Smashburger. I ordered a Spicy Baja burger with Haystack Onions on the side, and I loved it! The meat tasted very tender and was well cooked. There wasn't too much sauce slabbed into the burger itself, and everything was pretty much in proportion. And for all you spicy-fearing people, it's really not that spicy. At least, not to me, and I consider myself to have a really low tolerance for it. As for the onions, it left much to be desired...I don't know, maybe it's because I'm comparing them to onion rings, although the two are not the same in any way other than that they're both derived from onions...Anyway, the Haystack Onions were pretty delicately fried, and they fell apart pretty easily. It's pretty messy to consume, especially if you're eating it at the park overlooking the ocean nearby (which is where I'd recommend to eat a lunch if the weather's nice! It's well within walking distance from the place too!). Great customer service, and I'd definitely come back here again if I'm ever in the area!
(5)Cristina A.
The food is very good. The staff is friendly, they always receive you with a smile, and the food always comes fast. I love this place. :)
(5)Gina C.
We love coming here for great food and service! I was surprised to see the tip line removed when paying with a credit card, and then the tip jar gone a few weeks later... Why? In the service industry it's customary to leave a tip for good service. Why not allow your employees to receive this? Definitely NOT a good decision! Additionally, they've done away with the student meal deal and punch card; that card was one of my favorite things about coming here! The one star is due to all these negative changes recently. Bring back the stuff important to your customers (AND employees), and I'll gladly change it to five stars.
(1)Joaquin L.
One of my favorite chain burger fast food shops. Burgers are made fresh to order here. You can customize it to your liking with their "create your own burger" option. The smashing of the patty helps the burger brown more giving it a delicious Maillard reaction. I love that they offer grilled onions which caramelize and provide the umami taste no raw onion can. I get my burgers on a spicy chipotle bun (yes Virginia, you can customize the bun!). My favorite thing in the restaurant are the smashfries - crispy thin cut fries tossed with finely chopped rosemary, garlic, and olive oil. They're absolutely addictive and I normally don't care much for fries at most burger joints. This location has a clean modern feel to it. My only complaint: in the past their burger toppings list was more extensive and you could add lots of veggies like cucumbers, spinach, etc for free. They've simplified the menu and cut back on the veggie toppings much to my dismay. :-(
(5)T.J. V.
Totally enjoyed our lunch! The service we received was excellent. We'll eat here the next time we're in LA Jolla.
(5)Natasha I.
These burgers are absolutely delicious! I just came here for the first time today and I loved what I ordered! I tried their BBQ bacon cheeseburger and an order of french fries; both delicious and fresh. I am definitely a foodie and I know what good, quality food tastes like. The price was not bad, either, I paid about $12. The establishment was also very clean and spacious. Food arrived promptly.
(5)Jack S.
We stopped into Smashburger as a quick way to get a bite to eat before the fireworks Thursday night, and in spite of the wait, I would still say it was about the quickest thing going considering the crowds. It was about an hour and a half before the fireworks started, and we waited about 5 - 10 minutes in line to order. After we ordered it was about 30 minutes to get our food. We were thankful that we gave ourselves plenty of time to get food and still find viewing spots before it was too dark to navigate. This was my wife's first time at any Smashburger, and I had only been to the Redondo Beach location before this weekend. I went for the "San Diego" which included avocado, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle cream sauce on a torta roll. She got the classic smash with bacon. Both burgers were juicy and delicious; the torta roll was nice and soft, and went perfectly with the burger, which had a good kick to it and was spicier than I expected it to be. I love their shoestring cut on the fries, and they were delicious! In all, it was a good experience, considering the crowd, and we enjoyed our burgers with the Fourth of July festivities!
(4)Andrew D.
This place is good for the food but because of the proximity to the beach the price is high. We spent 17.00+ for a big burger and and reg burger with one order of fries. The service is not good too. Things kept coming to the wrong tables. Seems like they front have very good communication skills.
(3)Reba B.
Both my mom and my meals tasted like someone dumped a salt shaker into our food. Waaaaaaay too salty. This is the only time we've eaten here so I can't say it's constantly bad but it was way way way salty.
(2)Glam T.
Great burgers! Ordered the San Diego burger and it was DELISH! Had cilantro in it which gave it a way different flavor, but the service was eh.... The cashier wasn't all that happy to be working there, not one smile came out of her. And they messed up our order slightly, other than that I love Smash Burger!
(4)Ray S.
The place practically empty and there was horrible customer service. I was greeted by two employees and someone from the kitchen staff. All three of them said "Someone will be with you soon". The two employees were too occupied by tending to the trash instead of tending to customers. One of the employees appeared to be of Filipino/Asian ethnic background. I waited by the registers for about 10 minutes and walked out when I didn't get service. I ended up going to the nearby Living Room instead.
(1)Eva I.
I got the San Diego burger and sweet potato fries. The meat patties were salty! I can taste the salt on the meat patty, and it wasn't too pleasant. Other than the salty patty, I do like the rest of the burger- the spicy chipotle sauce, sour cream, pepper jack cheese, cilantro, avocado, lettuce, and tomato. The San Diego burger is served with a wedge of lime. I ate the last 1/4 of my burger with some lime, and the saltiness from the patty was much more bearable. The citrus distracted the saltiness a bit. The sweet potato fries were decent. Really prominent rosemary smell and taste. However, it still doesn't match up to the sweet potato fries I had at crazee burger! They have undoubtedly the world's best sweet potato fries. Haha =) I don't think I will be coming back. There are many more options for burgers in the area.
(2)Charles M.
This is the first time I came here and my 1st impression about this place was it's kind of small. But knowing that it's around the beach area so it is compromisable. Food was great I ordered the barbecue bacon cheddar burger it was kind of small for its price but it was awesome, overall Pricewise i put this place between In N Out burgers and Eureka.
(5)Tommy F.
Had the Big Classic Smash... It was good, the meat was tasty but the tomatoes were tough. It's s cool spot, but I don't think I'll be getting "that craving" for Smash Burgers anytime soon. Almost has a "corporate flavor"... Almost.
(3)Bre E.
I went into Smashburger for the first time on a Saturday night. (I was secretly hoping it was really the "Smashclub" and I might see Uncle Jesse.) Upon arriving, I saw the San Diego chicken burger on the menu. OMG, everything a San Diegan should love; lime & avacado flavors mmmm!! My mouth was watering as I ordered that and some rosemary seasoned fries. I also ordered a nutter butter milkshake- why not? I placed the order to go and sat down and waited for my meal. I waited and waited and waited and waited...30 minutes went by until I heard my name. "This burger better be good!" I thought angry and hungry. When I got back to my hotel, I feasted on the best friggin chicken burger I have ever tasted! The chicken was kind of like a big thin pork chop, in the best way to say that as possible, cooked absolutely perfect. The avocado was bananas and the lettuce and tomatoes were nice and fresh. The bun was soft and buttery and the lime taste was just amazing. I was NOT disappointed. I would've happily waited 30 MORE minutes to taste this burger again. The fries were addictingly delicious and even though I hated myself for drinking the shake, IT WAS AMAZING. Sooo good. I don't even like burger joints and I would go back! My boyfriend ate a real burger, I don't know which one, but he loved it. We'd go back! Nom nom nom
(4)Jenise N.
Jalapeño truffle burger, the bomb. Don't forget the smash fries and the sweet potato fries. SmashBurger will always be among the top 5 on my fast burger list.
(5)Bishoy T.
Really nice service, I was alone and went to the toilet after I received my order and when I came back they thought that I left so they threw the food away. However when I asked about my order they apologized a lot and gave me a new order. The people here are really friendly.
(5)Nancy T.
Friendly!!! Great staff!!! Food is always good and fresh made to order. Makes it nice that they come around asking how was everything. Even though I didn't need to tip I still did! I always love great service
(4)Gabriel C.
Big size San Diego smashburger ($8) was overall quiet mediocre. My friend described it perfectly - an over-glorified fast food style burger joint. Burgers come in two sizes - regular and big. The big size brings the burger from a small-sized burger to a slightly larger than average fast food burger. The San Diego is your average burger topped with two slices of avocado and chipotle sauce. Patty was cooked medium-rare, but looked like it had been squashed in the cooking process. Torta bun was definitely a nice twist compared to the traditional seasame seed bun.
(3)Dean P.
It was an amazing day outside. I was with good company and I was showing them the finer parts of San Diego. While in La Jolla we happened across Smashburger. I was told about this place awhile ago and was excited to try it. I noticed how clean the place was and yet it was kind of dark inside. The menu was pretty standard for this nouveau style of burger joint. I decided on the San Diego and added bacon and went with the smash fries. My friend ordered the mushroom swiss. Our order came and I took a bite of the fries and was in heaven. There was a perfect mix of garlic, olive oil and rosemary... Now the burger was not bad, it was fresh and juicy, yet the flavors were an odd combination for a burger. The cilantro and lime threw the meaty taste off. It was not bad, but I would not order it again. My friends burger, he said, was juicy also and he liked it but also said that next time he will build his own burger. With all the options Smashburger gives you it should be a great experience. BTW, Nice Picture add Greg!!! Thanks for the company!
(3)Michael L.
If you're looking to upgrade from the major chains, do yourself a favor and head to Slaters or Hodads. If you're looking for a snack while you hang at the cove, this location will fill the need. Garlic fries are a must.
(3)Kathy A.
Delicious chicken sandwich with mushrooms and truffle mayo! Kid reported that classic burger was amazing. Looked good. Smashfries were thin and tasty, just a bit oily for my taste. Great rolls for the sandwiches. Would return!
(4)Mike M.
The burger was good, a little pricey for $13, since it was fast food, but definitely better than McDonald's or Burger King. The only downside was that the meat was over cooked, but none the less tasty. Major bonus for being so close to the beach.....
(3)Andrew H.
4 stars for the burger which was juicy and tasty. 5 stars for the smash fries which were fantastic, crisp, not too oily, and the seasoning was phenomenal, flavorful but not overpowering.
(4)Michelle P.
Came down to La Jolla with a friend to get the view of the coves and take some pictures. Of course you gotta grab something to eat. So we looked around to see what sounded good and not too expensive. We saw Smashburger and figured might as well give it a shot. Nice burger joint, my friend said its like a chic McDonald's. It's quiet, laid back, and classy for a burger joint. And the prices are very reasonable too! I got the San Diego smashburger, which includes fresh avocado, fresh cilantro and onions, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and spicy chipotle on a torta roll. (yes, I drew that straight from the menu,) they also have a lime wedge on the side which gives it that perfect kick. I also got their smash fries which are just fries tossed with rosemary, olive oil, and garlic. Very nice blend of the flavors.
(5)Peijean T.
I know you're probably just going to order a burger here, given that it's called Smashburger, but I'll tell you, DO NOT OVERLOOK THE SMASHCHICKEN. Like it's beef buddy, the smashchicken has also been smashed flat so that it's really tender and the fibers are "loose" when you bite into it. We got the BBQ Ranch Smashchicken with a crispy (fried) patty, so it was a smashed chicken filet that has been breaded then fried. The breading was thick, crunchy and bursting with flavor. The chicken was very much like the kind of chicken sandwich you would get at a FRIED CHICKEN JOINT NOT a burger place that just happens to serve chicken for those who aren't hungry for beef. The chicken in the BBQ Ranch Smashchicken was so amazing that we didn't immediately notice that the BACON that was supposed to be included in the sandwich HAD INADVERTENTLY BEEN LEFT OUT. The chicken was SO tasty and crunchy and wonderful that when we did notice the absence of the bacon, we DIDN'T EVEN CARE. Show the Smashchicken some love!
(4)Alan D.
Yesterday evening the "B" team must have been working. This first time at this location did not live up to experiences at other locations. They didn't know about the off-menu item known as "fido style." According to the website this means a plain hamburger patty to feed to your dog. I needed one. No big deal, she entered a plain patty. And we placed our other orders. The ice machine did not make ice. I informed the staff who ignored me waiting at the ice machine until one happened to come by. She could not fix it, saying it had been acting up for a while. No ice. Someone delivered two of our items, saying the third burger was coming. One bigger was for my son but it had fries that he did not order. My burger had two patties when I ordered a single. I quickly surmised that the extra patty was for my dogs. Whatever. I separated the patty out for the dogs and we waited for the third platter. And waited. And waited. As others came and went with their orders. I went inside and asked where the third platter was. They had to fish the paper receipt from the used stack to see that one had been missed. I guess my middle-ages face is not trustworthy. They had to make it fresh. When they brought it to my wife it had no fries, though she had ordered some. I guess they gave the fries to my son earlier. The food? Buns were a little tough. My son refused to eat his top bun. Burgers were crumbly, at least mine was. The shakes were good, though! Overall, not the good experience I was expecting from a Smash Burger joint.
(2)Amir A.
I guess its been a while since I've been back. Walked in just before closing to get a burger that I wasn't even particularly craving. I noticed they changed up their menu (or maybe I wasn't paying attention) to include some preset burgers. I got the San Diego version and also tried the Spicy Baja with a side order of Smash Fries. 15 minutes later, I bit into a very neatly presented burger and was floored. Despite the fact it was 15 minutes to closing the ingredients were all so fresh and the burger cooked perfectly. The fries were crispy and flavorful. The added avocado and sauces dripping as I furiously bit into the burger made me licking my finger and wishing I had ordered the 1/2lber. Not too expensive (around $8 for the fries and burger) and worth it because of how amazing it tasted. I take back any comparison I did with In-N-Out, this place is better by far.
(4)Angelina M.
The food for the price seemed cheap 2 burger one hotdog and 2 drink for 25 I could get that at in and out for 15 and they would have come with fries! Disppointed
(1)Albert W.
In the battle of sit down burger joints in La Jolla, we have a winner. Prior to Smashburger's entry on the La Jolla scene, the San Diego homegrown Burger Lounge chain had pretty much a monopoly on the "burger restaurant" niche in the neighborhood. Burger Lounge was to La Jolla what Hodad's is to Ocean Beach. In our burger-chomping hero's mind, Smashburger has upped the ante on the burger biz in the upscale neighborhood and trumped the incumbent leader with more interesting sides and a much better burger. Burger Lounge's mantra of "pure, simple, delicious" versus Smashburger's "smash, sizzle, savor" motto shows the contrast between the two. On the one hand, BL is purely just a burger without much imagination, it's a bit too simple, and their meat actually tastes too lean. Smashburger's technique of "smashing" their seared round globs of beef on the grill to make a patty seem to have the desired effect of trapping the moisture in to produce a thoroughly cooked, yet juicy patty our hero actually savored. This newcomer to the West coast is a welcome addition to La Jolla and is smashing the status quo of burgers. If this is the future of fast food in America, this country must be doing something right (other than excelling at obesity). PROS: - The long, deep layout of this location makes it easy to manage customer queues and the seating still feels spacious. - Servers are quite friendly and follow up with you after they bring out your order to see how you're doing. - The menu of this chain is customized to the locals to include a "San Diego Smashburger" with avocado in it, which tasted great. - Many creative sides available, including fried pickles and fried vegetables. CONS: - The plastic numbered signs given to customers makes it feel a bit cheap like Carl's Jr... is it a coincidence that this place serves "six dollar burgers"? - Pretty damn unhealthy at 1,010 calories and more than your daily recommended dose of sodium for a 1/3 lb Smashburger alone. Then again, this ain't no puny Whopper or Big Mac. You better have a defibrillator on standby for the 1/2 lb BBQ bacon cheeseburger.
(4)Shelby L.
I don't see the hype in this place. I got the Bacon Cheese Burger and the bacon was SUPER salty. I mean SUPER salty. The sweet potato fries were "eh", service was "eh". It's overpriced for what I tasted, then only thing I enjoyed was the bun. The burger itself wasn't really mouth watering juicy and didn't have any flavor. Wasn't impressed at all. I would rather cook burgers at home then spend 8 bucks on a burger a la carte here. But this is just my opinion.
(2)Cara C.
The burgers are a little bit more than at McDonald's, yes, but they are actually very good. But it's not the flavorful burgers that entice me the most, it's their sweet potato fries and milkshakes. OH MY. Where have these been?! How come nobody makes sweet potato fries?! At Smashburger they season them with rosemary, too. My mouth is watering as I type this. The milkshakes are all made right there with Haagen-Dazs ice cream. Scooped, blended, and served in a traditional metal cup and tall 50s-style glass. So yummy. This location is very clean and the workers are pretty cool. You get a number and sit down at a table, and they accommodate you like waiters. Love it.
(3)Melanio F.
Clarification - My review is based on my experience receiving a free burger, side and drink. I never let this influence me nor the events leading to picking up my freebie. First - After I received the invitation to try their burger, side and drink, I followed up and got notice that I was chosen for responding in an appropriate time. Looking forward to try it and was happy that this was a chance. I have to drive a short distance from work @ UTC area to La Jolla dowtown but I thought it was worth it. Second - Never drive towards a familiar area when you are in a time crunch using a new way, Exiting on Gilman of the South 5 cost me time to go to Smashburger because I got caught in the UCSD"bermuda triangle" How you can drive around there at night is a miracle. Disclaimer, I had a rental car which did not have GPS which would have directed me to the exit out of the campus easily. Third - Arriving at my destination, finding suitable parking within a block of the place, I go in and fall in line behind some young foreign students (Spanish) who probably just got out of class etc. Each of them had to order separately and this added another 15 minute wait to get to the Smashburger! Fourth - Picking the right burger and sides. As I waited to order, I perused the menu and settled on the Classic Smashburger (w/o onions or you can have it with grilled style onions) and Classic SmashFries to evaluate if this burger is worth the travel and recommendation. I had a Diet Coke for my drink (you are given a cup and you go to the fountain) - sugar is my enemy not calories as some Yelpers could attest to. Fifth - Service was quick, I mentioned I was with Yelp, I got checked off the list (only 25 Yelpers were given this chance for a try) and waited for my order. The order came quick, I barely texted anything and had my drink when my name was called. Sixth - Food Evaluation. With all the running I did to get to the place, I was hungry but too busy to eat the burger. I had the SmashFries and to me, when warm (reheated it in the toaster oven), it was good, thin, crunchy hint of the herb (prefer more of the rosemary etc.) and delicious. Seventh - SmashBurger - since I didn't eat for lunch the day I got it, I had to reheat the burger the next day and it still tasted pretty good. I often reheat stuff so I knew to remove the buns and reheat seperately again in the T.O. The burger tasted great, not bloody rare, just right for me. I like mine mostly welldone but this was done right. Eight - I would like to try out the rest of the menu another time when I am not rushing or getting it free. Nine - Location is fine, opening up in Mission Valley and Del Mar in July (hopefully with a drive-thru). The space in La Jolla I think is fine for tourists passing through the area or for To Go orders. One of my Yelper friends said the space is fine but I disagree. it was a little tight going in and out and falling in line to order. Ten - The tenth reason or topic on this review is the difference, is this more In n Out or more Burger Lounge (they offer beer too)? I think it has an advantage over In n Out for the availability of alcohol, the choices (Make your own SmashBurger and choose the toppings) over Burger Lounge without being the Fuddrucker experience (a tad bit cost more). Burgers start at 4.99 and build up from there. Although my food was free, my review is based on how the food tasted, location and of course pricing. 4 stars for this initial visit and I will update when the next visit occurs which could be soon as they open Mission Valley location.
(4)Minda w.
I've heard many good things about this place but the San Diego burger is so not worth my $6. Take out is quick. Eat in takes forever. Where's the nearest In N Out?
(3)Danny W.
Wohoo! I got smashed for the first time the other day, and no hangover! These burgs are quickly sweeping the nation, and have recently decided to set up shop in La Holla. Before trying them I assumed they were fast food style like In N Out. Well even though they have a similar cult-like following, they're pretty different. It's more like the Chipotle of burger places. They have quality food quickly, but also supply a clean atmosphere to dine in and enjoy a beer with your food. Similar to Chipotle as well, it's service with a genuine smile that you totally won't get at most drive through chains. What's different about Smashburger is the variety to their menu. While their bread and butter is obviously ground chuck between a bun they've got salads and other options worthy of a trip towards the cove. The veggie frites are an awesome addition to the side options if you want to switch up the classic burger-fry combo. Is it my favorite burger? No, but if I were the star of ABC's newest burger/dating show "The Burgelor" and got to test out a whole bunch of different ones choosing my favs round after round, they'd definitely get a couple of roses. Or perhaps it'd be napkins in this spinoff. I'm going to conclude this review with some peer pressure. If you haven't gotten smashed yet, what are you waiting for? Come on...everyone's doin it!
(4)Olga V.
Convinient location. The place is clean, great service and food. Been there couple of times and liked it.
(4)Calista M.
NOM! We picked up an order to-go (to enjoy down at Cuvier Park on the cliffs). This place is much bigger than it appears from the street, and the decor is pretty cool. I noticed that every person who entered while we waited for our food, had a kid... so that was nice to know how kid-friendly it was. My 3-yr old daughter had 2 other girls to mingle with while we waited. The cashier who took our order was awesome (forgot her name, was working on Aug. 22nd around 6:30pm) - great knowledge & recommendations of the menu. I got the Avo-Club burger - DElish...savored every bite. Husband got the S.D. Chicken sandwich...which was a surprise to me...it was okay, but he said he'd rather had mine! teehee... Once I said I wanted a side of the sweet potato fries, the girl helping us also suggested the sp smashed fries (which are tossed with rosemary, olive oil and garlic - ummm...YUM!). Those did NOT disappoint...so...freakin...good! Dipped in honey mustard - OMG. These are a must-try for sure. The 'haystack onions' were better IN my burger, than eating/dipping them on the side - IMO. Husband thought the same. They're verrrry thin, not too much batter, so a bit hard to manage by hand.
(4)Jake Y.
I heard the food was good and better than five guys. So I gave it a try. It was good, sure. Just not the greatest. Also. You're paying alot for small amounts. Not really worth it.
(2)Tommy P.
Great for individual orders. Really horrible for big orders. Every time i've eaten there by myself, it's great. order's always perfect (except the fries can have a giant pool of oil in the bottom) I literally just had an order of about 10 burgers for our office a few minutes ago. Part of the order was a Buffalo Chicken & A Baja Smash Burger. Instead, we got back a regular chicken and a baja chicken burger. I appreciate the quality, but please take an extra minute to check that what you've ordered is what they actually made.
(2)Tiffany N.
mMmm mmMm! A burger joint that is moderately priced, has a wide selection of burger toppings, sauces, and buns, and fresh ingredients that altogether taste super delicious? This is probably the best combination anyone (especially a broke college kid) could ask for! Smashburger is definitely solid all around. The restaurant is casual and laid out so you order from the cashier and then find a seat. The staff here are always very friendly and will even check up on you at your table to bring you anything you need. During both of my visits, me and my dining partner both ordered the San Diego burger and the Spicy Baja burger, both similar in ingredients yet still slightly different. The San Diego burger has: avocado, cilantro & onions, pepperjack cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, spicy chipotle mayo on a torta while the Spicy Baja burger has: pepperjack cheese, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, onion, spicy chipotle mayo, jalapenos on a chipotle bun I also noticed the hamburger patty seemed freshly "smashed" -- no pre-formed patties here! :P We also ordered smashfries the first time, which are their crispy fries tossed in rosemary, olive oil, and garlic. These were delicious but very fragrant and herbal -- my friend thought it was too much paired with her spicy baja but I thought they were still tasty. The second time around we ordered haystack onions as a side to try something different. They're the thin onion strings that I prefer as a topping on the burger rather than as a side, so stick to the fries :P We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and ate everything down to the last bite. Especially the second time around when I received a bogo coupon for a burger it made it taste that much better :) Sign up for their email list and they will automatically email you a coupon! *SCORE* They also have build your own burgers (with a huge variety of choices), chicken sandwiches (grilled or crispy), hot dogs, salads, etc for anyone in the mood for something other than a burger. I saw an order of chili cheese fries that someone had ordered and it looked delicious, definitely gonna try that next! The best part about this place is that with the quality you're receiving, it won't break the bank like other gourmet burger places would. and with the only locations nearby being SD and Vegas, it makes living in SD a lot easier :P
(4)Vince S.
I was skeptical about going here; usually I make my burgers my way. When I go out and eat burgers, they are generally too bland, too greasy....in general, I end up regretting it. I ordered the spicy baja burger, and it was delicious. It had just the right amount of spiciness, sauce, guacamole.....it was perfect. In the end, this is one of the only hamburger restaurants which I would actually enthusiastically return to. So why 4 stars? It is a bit pricy, even though it is also one of the least expensive places to eat in the area.
(4)Robert B.
I always get the Spicy Baja. It's tasty. Very friendly staff. My favorite place to get a burger after Five Guys.
(4)Sarah G.
Since I only eat red meat two times a month, I want to go to a place that is awesome. Especially when it comes to burgers. I hail from the southeast where burgers and BBQ are taken very seriously, and fortunately San Diego has provided me with a plethora of options. This place definitely meets my high burger bar. First off, the bread was DELISH. Definitely had to have been baked at the restaurant. The patty was the perfect size and the condiments were supa-tasty. Now here comes the fries. The smashfries were only so-so, but they made up for it with the sweet potato fries and the haystack fries. I am a sucker for sweet potato (and...they're healthy, right? ugh!) and they fried those bad boys to perfection. Now, the haystack fries were probably the most incredible onion rings I've ever had. They were sliced extremely thin and battered in something buttery and bad for you, but it was melt-in-your-mouth good. To cap it all off, the service was awesome. Usually La Jolla can be a little persnickety, but this place had some of the friendliest staff in all the land. When I didn't get a drink they offered me a water cup regardless. Also, our food came out to us rather quickly. But just a heads up: there will be a line unless you go at 3 p.m. on a Tuesday.
(5)Jacky C.
Came here a couple days ago for a Buy One Get One Free burger deal online. This deal is definitely a steal so go now before it is over! My party ordered the San Diego burger (because we are in San Diego and the name of the burger is particular to the local city where Smashburger is in) and Spicy Baja burger. I enjoyed the San Diego burger a lot: the burger is filled with avocado, spicy chipotle and a nice fresh beef patty on a onion bun. However I do not enjoy the spicy baja burger since it was not a juicy as the San Diego burger. The baja burger bun was definitely not as good as the bun on the San Diego burger. The reason I gave it a 4/5 because the burger is just decent and not worth the price of 7 dollars. I felt that with that price you can get a bigger and juicier burger at Five Guys or In n Out.
(4)Ryan S.
Service was great, they gave us two extra sauces when we asked and even warned us that one might overpower the burgers flavors! Burgers were delicious, the seasoned and smashed meat is just right. The sides were a bit greasy but I guess that's what I should expect from a fast food joint. It smelled a bit funny inside, possibly the trash needed to be taken out more often, and the interior was a bit small for a cold rainy day. Overall it was a gold experience and I would come back if I had a craving for a burger.
(3)Sharon L.
I ordered the San Diego burger with a veggie patty. The veggie patty consisted of hearty black bean, which reminded me of the Neighborhood black bean burger. Good but the toppings were sparse. The sweet potato fries were infused with lots of rosemary goodness. I was even burping up rosemary the next day! If only there were more fries...
(3)Amy E.
Yummm. Spicy Baja burger is delicious-- juicy and flavorful. Smash fries (rosemary and garlic) area always a treat. Didn't need to dress anything up with ketchup. One of my go-to place when I'm craving a burger! Not a fan of the sweet potato fries. Fried onions are good, but I can't have too many of them in one sitting.
(4)Tiffany L.
I don't know. I was really, really excited to try Smashburger. I think I just ordered the wrong things. Firstly, I love the interior, there's plenty of places to sit and lots of big comfortable booths, although it is pretty dark in there. You order at a counter, and someone brings your order to your table. Everyone was very friendly, always asking how everything was, and if we needed anything else. I ordered the Smashchicken in attempt to order something healthier than a burger. I got grilled onions instead of red onion. My boyfriend ordered the BBQ Bacon Smashburger. We also ordered Smash Fries, fried pickles and veggie frites to share. With an iced tea and a Coke, our total was $28. The prices are really not that bad. I was so disappointed with my Smashchicken. It was dripping in grease, and when I say that, I mean it literally. It was probably the greasiest thing I've ever eaten, and I ordered this as a healthier alternative! It was so greasy that it completely turned the bottom bum into a mush that made it completely unmanageable to eat. When my boyfriend had asked one of the workers about it, he said it was a common complaint apparently. His explanation was that the burgers and chicken get bathed in butter before grilling, and while the beef soaks up the grease and caramelizes, the chicken doesn't absorb all the grease and it makes the chicken extremely greasy. If it's a common complaint, you'd think they'd use less butter and grease if that's the case? Sigh. Disappointing... I should have ordered a burger, my boyfriend loved his and when I tried it, it was very good. The BBQ sauce was amazing, and it was juicy and not even a quarter as greasy as mine was. My favorite thing without a doubt was the Smash Fries, french fries with rosemary and olive oil. So tasty, and I loved the addition of rosemary. The other sides were so disappointing. The Veggie Frites are greasy and drenched with salt. They had so much salt on them, that I must have gotten a weeks worth of salt intake. The Fried Pickles were good, but also extremely salty. I assume most people would order the Veggie Frites as an alternative to french fries in attempt to be healthier, but I honestly don't think they're healthier than french fries. They were fried and much, much saltier than the fries. They have iced Tazo tea which is delicious, and they also offer beer and wine. They have a deal that's 4 beers for $9.99 which is a good deal, considering one beer is almost $4. I doubt I would return but if I did, I would try a burger.
(3)Fallan F.
LOVED it! Reasonable prices and the food is great. Parking is horrible though.
(5)John D.
If I could give them no stars I would. Food here sux. Fries are frozen and they fry in LARD I asked. Will never go here again.
(1)Jeremy M.
Smash burger was great. The sweet potato smash fries would be worth going back for by themselves. Bottom line: The staff was courteous, the beer was varied and cold, and the food was tasty.
(5)Jessica D.
I was not impressed. The service was good, the timely manner in which it came was good. Even the fries were good. But the burger was tastless!! We ordered the Avocado Club and Mushroom Swiss. The Avocado was better because the bacon carried most of the flavor for the meat. If all you specialize in is burgers...I expect the meat to be top notch! But sadly it was not. Without the avocado, cheese, tomatoes, or fixins to spice it up, you have a very tasteless sad burger. Very disappointed....
(2)Lyn P.
San Diego is becoming a town full of great burger choices and Smashburger is another great option for you burger lovers. The vibe is a little more fast food but the results are definitely more gourmet. My burger-partner-in-crime ordered what is typical of our burger adventures - the classic for him and a bbq bacon cheeseburger for me. We also ordered the smashfries and the onion strings. My friend also ordered a chocolate shake as he had a sample shake while we were in line and thought it was really good. Our burgers came up pretty quickly and were brought to us. They looked amazing and it didn't take us long to assemble and dig right in. My burger was juicy and the bbq sauce did not overwhelm - it just brought out the meaty goodness of the angus beef. The cheese had melted onto the burger and the bacon and onions added crisp and extra layers of goodness. I really loved it - my fave fast food burger has always been the Carl's Jr. western bacon and this version was like it's kicked up equivalent. It was less greasy than a fast food burger and the ingredients were definitely a higher quality. The sides also lived up to our expectations - I loved the smashfries which are seasoned with olive oil and rosemary. The flavor of the olive oil and rosemary really make the fries special. And the onion strings were the thinly sliced and slightly breaded version that I love. My burger partner in crime gave the thumbs up to his burger and the shake - made with Haagen Daz after all - how could that be bad? Best of all, the prices were totally reasonable - less than $25 for the two of us (he ordered the 1/2 lb. burger which is a little pricier than the 1/3 lb. that I order.) So how do I compare to my other burger joints in town? Not as good as the Counter, but better than Burger Lounge. We'll be placing Smashburger on the burger rotation for sure.
(4)Sarah C.
This a a good place to check out if you want an inexpensive good eat. I ordered a meal for 2 for less than $20, which I thought that would be impossible to do in downtown La Jolla. I am a fan of their crispy, skinny, rosemary olive oil fries. I ordered the burger with avocado and bacon. And washed it down with a Coke. You can't really go wrong with a combination like that. Give it a shot!
(4)Tim G.
I'm really torn on whether Smash Burger should get 4 stars or 3 stars. It's not either of them but 3.5 stars. I ordered the Spicy Baja and it was PRETTY GOOD. It had some different elements like avocado and decent flavor, BUT IT LACKED THE "WOW!" FACTOR that I was looking for. Would I come back here on a regular basis? Doubt it--maybe if it's the last option or if In-N-Out closes down. To be less critical, prices weren't bad. Good location. Friendly staff.
(3)Angelo F.
I honestly didn't know what to expect since this place is so new and after having Hodad's, it's gonna be tough to measure up to that. Let me just say, this place is right up there in my #2 spot! Bread options were great, I got the multi-grain. The patty I chose was the half pound and the toppings included grilled onions, sharp cheese, mayo, bacon and a fried egg. Ohh my goodness, the meat was perfectly seasoned and cooked! I love my meat rare to medium rare and they did it just right. I also ordered sweet potato fries and those too were seasoned just right as well. Definatley making this place part of my monthly rotations! Highly recommend. By the way, prices are reasonable for a gourmet burger. I spent $14 for everything (Plus a drink).
(5)Lori N.
As far as quick casual burger restaurants go, I'd say this place is a step above In & Out and a step below The Burger Lounge (I'm a fan of the grass-fed cows there, what can I say?). Smashburger is pretty simple, like the rest of 'em, pretty basic selection of made to order burgers ranging from $5-$8 pending topping & size of patty (you can chose from 3 different sized patties). I do like the fact that they have chicken burgers & entree salad options for those who don't like hamburgers. But then again, why would you come to a place called smashBURGER if you weren't coming for a burger? Also, their sides suck. Depressingly thin onion rings, super soggy skinny fries, sweet & regular, I can't say I'm a big fan, I'm all about the crisp! I'd rather have a single good burger all by itself than mediocre burger + fries.
(3)Michelle H.
I'm not much of a burger person, but Smashburger was pretty good! I ordered the Baja Smashburger (with Jalapenos) and Smash Fries. I love how the fries are garlic-sprinkled? Yummy. Not a burger fan, but I will definitely eat here again next time I am craving a burger!
(4)Vanessa R.
I'm a fan of a good burger and Smashburger executed well with fresh ingredients. I paired my Spicy Baja burger with a decadent Nutter Butter shake and sweet potato fries. If you like Nutter Butter cookies, this shake is for you. I dined in and their employees were very attentive and friendly. If and when I return, I will order something other than the Spicy Baja burger.
(3)Greg E.
Stopped through here to finally try this burger chain. The restaurant was very clean but dimly lit compared to other restaurants. Most of the food here were standard stuff you could get at other burger joints. After weighing heavily on my options, I finally settled for the Mushroom Swiss and fries. The burger was good. Perfect sized patty; not real thick but not thin neither. Now the smash fries I had were excellent. I could see myself coming back just for the fries alone. They do give you the option of customizing your own burger into something else. I may do that the next time I come back to a Smash burger location. Parking sucks as it is only street parking so you may have to drive around the block a few times until you are lucky enough to snag one. 3.5 stars really, but rounding it would make it 4 stars.
(4)David P.
I'm going to be quick and concise here because a place like this needs no more further high remarks, which is similar to this sentence not needing to be any longer than it already is going to be and that is precisely why I am going to end it. Now. Got the spicy baja without jalapenos. Burger was well proportioned without being messy and sloppy. Beef patty was very well cooked, delicious, and tender. Sauce was finger licking good. Felt like Jesus. I became a mortal again when I felt the food coma.
(5)Gretchen B.
Mmmm, mmmm, good. Went to this location with a two friends while visiting S. California. I had the Harvest Salad with grilled chicken, sunflower seeds, and blue cheese and balsamic dressing - fantastic, especially for fast food. My friends had the burgers and fries which looked juicy and plentiful. I've since found a Smashburger at the Newark NJ airport terminal food court since my visit to this location in San Diego. It is now my favorite airport lunch, too.
(4)Adele F.
WARNING: Do not try to SMASH your burger together. I'll explain later. || B A C K G R O U N D || Came to this location because it had the best rating out of all the Smashburgers in the area. Also, who doesn't lover a burger by the beach? Mmm. The layout was interesting: you pass multiple booths on your way to the back of the store, which is where the line for placing your order is. You can grab a menu at the entrance and at the beginning of the line and ponder over your order while waiting before dropping the menu off at the cashier. They have a few outdoor tables, which you can sit at to watch life pass by, along with stop-and-go traffic. Today was strange because they were low on meat--and yes, I too wondered how that was possible. Perhaps it was because it was President's Day, and eating a burger is the best way to celebrate the birthing of our Presidents, but they made an announcement that they only had 15 quarter pounders (their Smash burgers) and 9 third pounders (their Big Smash burgers) left. Luckily, my boyfriend and I were second in line, so we had our meal secured. I also thought it was courteous of them to announce this so that people at the very end of the line could find another location to dine. We ordered two Big Smash burgers with a side of haystack onions and were given a placecard. You can upgrade to a Double Smashburger: $2 for a Smash upgrade, and $3 for a Big Smash upgrade. Their menu also has one veggie burger, a few chicken burgers, some salads, hot dogs, and milkshakes. There are kids meals too! After 8 minutes or so, our orders were delivered to us hot and fresh. || F O O D || SAN DIEGO BURGER: fresh avocado, fresh cilantro and onions, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and spicy chipotle mayo on a torta roll. Served with a wedge of lime [Smash for $5.99 | Big Smash for $7.29] - When my order arrived, the burger was arranged with my veggies and sauce on the top half of the bun, and my meat and melted cheese on the bottom half of the bun. After I sprinkled on some Haystack Onions, I thought it would be cool to truly "smash burger." I then proceeded to grab the veggied bun and quickly smash it onto the meat-n-cheese bun. Needless to say, sauce and bits of cilantro and avocado sprayed on the table (and on me) within a 2 inch radius, and my boyfriend got a good laugh. So please, learn from my mistake and DO NOT smash your burger. @___@ - The meat is well-cooked and juicy! - The bun was warm and soft c: - The avocado was overshadowed, pooh. - I totally didn't notice they gave me a lime wedge. Haha :x SPICY BAJA BURGER: pepper jack cheese, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, onion, spicy chipotle mayo and fresh jalapenos on a spicy chipotle bun [Smash for $5.99 | Big Smash for $7.29] - I didn't really taste the difference in his spicy chipotle bun versus my torta bun...I guess it's more yellow? - I liked his guac more than my avocado :c HAYSTACK ONIONS: finely shredded onions, deep-fried, served with dipping sauce [$1.99] - My boyfriend had the brilliant idea of putting the haystack onions IN the burger, which was GENIUS. I thought the crunch of the onions complemented the juicy bite of the burger. - He also mistakenly poured the dipping sauce on his burger (he thought it was the sauce for his burger), which tasted tangy and slightly mustardy to me. I wasn't a huge fan of the dipping-turned-burger sauce. || C L O S U R E || A great place for a tasty burger! However, my boyfriend and I both agreed that for the size and quality, we would pay $5 max for our burgers. What can I say, In-N-Out makes us appreciate cheap AND flavorful burgers. :P
(4)Denise K.
I went with a group of friends and everyone was pleased with their meals. I shared the San Diego burger and the Spicy Baja burger. The San Diego burger was nothing special. The Spicy Baja was good, but they don't warn you that they leave thick, large chucks of jalepeno in the burger - it's high heat. I like spicy stuff, I just think they should have cut the jalapeno's into smaller or thinner slices. No one wants to bite into a burger and unknowingly get a mouthful of jalapeno! I did love the sweet 'tato fries - the rosemary adds such great flavor. But for $2+, it's a teeny tiny portion. I'd say, if you're going to spend money on a burger, go to Neighborhood, Hodads, even In n Out.
(3)Michelle Y.
Thanks to SlickDeals, I got a BOGO coupon for this place in their celebration of opening 100 stores! Upon entering, it felt like an upscale version of In-N-Out, but their menu variety is much better that I had a really difficult time deciding which burgers/chicken sandwiches to get! In the end, I chose the San Diego SmashBurger (as it'd be unique to only their San Diego locations) and the Avocado Club SmashChicken (grilled; option for crispy also available), with a side of sweet potato fries. I liked how the burger had a sprinkle of cilantro on it that added an interesting twist on the flavor and the sweet potato fries weren't bad; it was a little tangy/spicy from the pepper or whatever seasoning they had on it, but sat in a little pool of oil at the end of it... D: In total, with the coupon, I paid $8.68 - quite the deal for what I got out of it, but if it was just a burger and fries for that much I'm not sure if I'd shell out that much given the smaller size of their portions. Now I know that it's probably what's best for patrons at burger places these days, but I've been horribly trained to think to get my money's worth! D: Nonetheless, the ingredients are fresh and tasted great. I saved my chicken sandwich for lunch the next day and after reheating it in the toaster oven, it was still delicious! Between the two, I think my preference is definitely the chicken! :D I don't anticipate on making another visit here without that great coupon but it's still a place I'd suggest to my friends to try out.
(3)Chrystal Z.
I'm not sure where you will find dinner for $6 in La Jolla where your mouth will involuntarily open and utter "uhMMmmmMMMMMMMMMMMmmmm" with every bite. Literally, with EVERY bite I took, right from the beginning, I couldn't help but close my eyes and indulge myself in an explosive mix of jalapeno, spicy guacamole, freshly smashed beef (pun intended..), and cheese. I added the garlic mushrooms and replaced the onion with grilled onion, and next time I'm adding an egg! That did put my bill up to about $9, but it was definitely worth it. Sweet potato fries in olive oil and rosemary (rosemary with fries. INGENIOUS, I'M TELLING YOU... that made my night, soaking my already fatty fries back into the olive oil/rosemary concoction and not caring about how much badassness was being put into my arteries). I got a second order to go as we left... wanted so badly to finish them at home but my stomach had literally no capacity left to ingest them.
(5)J R.
Oh SMASH! Smash Burger rocks! Even at 10am I relished my Swiss mushroom burger with veggie frites. How did I end up eating a burger so early? On our way to the airport looking for something to fill our belly's we saw Smash and at the plea of our daughter decided to try it. My first impression upon walking in...this place is clean! Sparkling clean! We headed to the back and ordered our fare. Chicken tenders for our daughter and a bacon avocado for my husband. We all loved our meal. I love the fact that the burger wasn't 2"' thick and crammed with fixings but instead was a quality piece of meat "smashed" and lightly topped with mushrooms and Swiss. Delicious and completely satisfying. The veggie frites were carrots and green beans and the fries are thin, crispy little taters of perfection. Thank you dear Smash Burger inventor! Might I suggest Danville, CA for your next location?
(5)Therese B.
Love it. Surprisingly good. Family friendly. Cheap eat.
(4)Denise T.
Every time I have friends visiting me in La Jolla, first thing that comes to mind: "I have to take 'em to Smashburger!" I don't eat red meat so I always feel like a burden when my friends and I are deciding on where to eat and it seems like everyone wants to go to in-n-out or some other burger joint that seems to only have red meat options. But lo and behold, Smashburger made my dreams come true the moment I walked in and realized that they serve chicken burgers as a substitute!!! Any regular burger they serve, they can transform into a "smashchicken"(grilled or crispy) sandwich upon request. Loves it! They also have a separate just chicken menu as well that needs no substitution. I definitely recommend their Mushroom Swiss (caramalized mushrooms, melted swiss, and mayo) or their "create your own smashchicken" option for $5.99. For sides, I always order their haystack onions (fried thinly sliced onions) which comes with a cool ranch dipping sauce. I ordered their fries once but once I tasted their haystack onions I never looked back. Smashburger is a cool place to eat and mingle with friends in a really casual setting (kind of reminiscent of a diner where high schools would go to chill after school). Parking can be hard to find, especially on weekends. It's street parking only so keep your eyes peeled for empty slots. It's worth the trip!
(5)Linda Z.
The small size burger was the perfect portion for my little girly tummy! I had the Mushroom and Swiss which was incredible. Personally, I love mushroom flavor but hate the chewy texture. I'm glad I took a chance with this burger though because somehow, I'm guessing with the way they sautéed it (with garlic!), the flavor just outshone everything else. The Chai Tea Shake was pretty good. I'm not a huge fan of herbal flavors, but if you are, and you like shakes (who doesn't?!), you will absolutely love this!
(4)Chrissy N.
I came here with Jenn T. on our outing to downtown LJ. I was excited to try Smashburger since I've passed it several times while strolling the area. Unfortunately, my experience was disappointing. We ordered our food. That was the easy part. Our cashier was helpful, prompt and friendly. Now, the wait for our food was ridiculous. I think we waited for nearly 45 minutes for our food. 45 Minutes! WTF?! For a burger?! Lames. My tummy was punching at my insides because it was angry that I wasn't feeding it. My tummy can be a jerk. Anyways, our food FINALLY comes and I would think that at this point, ANYTHING would taste amazing since I was so hungry, but nope. The burger was...okay, nothing special. I could have made the same thing on my george foreman. Meh. For the price, I didn't see the quality. The bun was whatever and the veggies, while fresh where also just kind of sitting there. I was pretty disappointed in my experience and I dont think that I'll be coming back. Go to Burger Lounge instead, I hear their onion rings are the ish.
(2)Dave H.
When we need a quick bite around town, we hit Smashburger. I am surprised that there is never a wait and the burgers are just the right size, flavorful and well seasoned. I have has the regular burger, one with truffles (barely tasted truffles) and others and have never had a bad burger. The fries are good, as are the sweet potato fries. I never miss when I go to Smashburger
(5)Cat M.
I love this place! I've tried out their San Diego Burger, Avocado Club, Caesar Salad, Smashfries, & Sweet Potato Smashfries! The burgers generally come in small sizes if you order the regular smash, but the big smash is equivalent to a regular burger. The angus beef patty was delicious! I like how it's crispy and juicy. The patty was well done for me, but I like my beef well done. The salad is a lot for the price you pay for as well. It was enough to fill up 2 people! My favorite were the french fries. They were both really oily, but completely worth it! I love the Rosemary seasoning on it. It makes it extra flavorful. I recommend eating the french fries before they go cold because they taste really bad when they're cold. Other than that! I recommend both the Smashfries & Sweet Potato Smashfries! Overall, I really enjoyed this place. I love how you can choose to build your own burger as well. The ingredients seem fresh, and the beef patty is extremely tasty and juicy. I recommend this place to anyone who wants a quick lunch or snack after spending a day at the beach, which is just down the street!
(5)Joseph H.
Good location when you need a good quick burger in La Jolla. Burgers always come out hot and full of flavor, staff is helpful and friendly. I like all Smashburgers, but this one is better than others. Good people watching in busy part of La Jolla from the stools by the front windows. I recommend the regular fries vs the smash fires, but thats just me.
(4)Oz T.
I visited Smash Burger today at 1 Pm on a Sunday.. Store was rather empty line was maybe 8 people deep.. SLOWEST SERVICE ever.. The cashier took phone orders and made clients in front of him wait.. The server tried to Joke about the food being quicker than the wait.. I got my order to go and the fries were so cold there is no possible way they were cooked when ordered.. The burger was tasty .. But French Fries are not hard to cook.. If you like cold over priced food from un-trained staff.. visit SMASH Burger.. I recommend going next door food is way better at Living Room and service is better
(2)Sarah J.
I got the San Diego burger with chicken and It was probably the best burger I've ever had! My fiance got the bbq bacon cheeseburger and said it was really juicy and very flavorful. We'll be back to this location every time we come to San Diego but will make sure to visit ones closer to home too :)
(5)Shannon S.
Yummy burgers. I wish they had more patty selections. A garden burger option, portabella burger, salmon burger, ostrish, bison, etc. I had the burger with BBQ sauce and haystack onion rings. The haystack onion rings were right on point! Crispy, delicious salty and a wee bit sweet. I wanted more of these beautiful things piled high on my burger. Gave the smash fries a whirl. Good, but not amazing. Can't make any modifications to these fries (ie light on the garlic was a no can do). And then there were - deep fried pickles. Super salty, strangely addictive. This place was way better than burger lounge!
(4)Katherine S.
So I really want to give this place 3.5 stars, but since thats not possible, I have to give 3. This place is pretty good, but not the best. They have chicken, beef, or black bean burgers, and I went with chicken. I made my own w. cilantro, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and grilled onions. The chicken patty itself was good and fresh. I like that they have such a large variety on their menu, so thats awesome. However, I ordered grilled onions, and about 1/2 of them were still raw, which I wasn't happy about. I have a thing about raw onions. Also, the oder of fries that my finace got were tiny, but they were sweet potato, and tossed with rosemary, so they were DELICIOUS! I'll probably go back to try something else, but I wasn't overwhelmed enough to rush back.
(3)Rora B.
I was watching The Food Network Channel and came upon this place. It is a far drive from me, but I was like we must try it. and I have to say I dont regret trying this place. I LOVE IT! This place is amazing. Their San Diego Burger is my ultimate favorite! The chipotle mayo with pepper jack cheese and they give you a lime to squeeze on it ( if you would like). The flavors in my mouth, oh man, just writing about it makes my mouth water. Its something about the burger patty. It has a crispy crust on it and as soon as you bite into the burger, it is juciy. The difference in textures is amazing! Their milkshakes are GREAT! I get the Oreo one and it is delicious! The fries are great as well. The rosemary and garlic are a great combination! I go to this place for my birthday and I talk about it all the time! I take people here to try it and they all have fallen in love with it just as I have! The staff is always friendly and always have a smile. The enviorment is great and the people are so friendly. I love this place, its almost like a food obsession haha. Now that it is a little bit closer to me, I try and go as often as I can. and If you feel full from all this deliciousness, you can walk along the beach. :)
(5)Mark L.
Really excellent burger. Fast & great value. I love Smash Burger and in LaJolla Village, I'd rate SmashBurger as the #2 Burger in the village. 1. Burger Lounge 2. Smash Burger
(4)Brian K.
I'm glad I tried it. My burger was decent but not worth writing home to mama about even though it would cost me just 44 cents and an envelope. The patty was good but again, nothing worth writing home to mama about. It had a consistency of a smashed burger. Wait, that's why it's called, Smashburger? No shit, Sherlock! Sure, the patty is different but why do they have to smash it? Doesn't make sense to me and I love burgers. The fries were good but again, nothing special. In n Out fries = special. Hamilton's fries = special. JRDN truffle fries = special. Smashburger fries = NOT THAT SPECIAL. The Diet Coke was, well, it's Diet Coke. With downtown La Jolla's infamous parking, or rather, the lack thereof, there are much better burger joints to frequent. Bottom line: If you work in the area or live within walking distance, sure, worth a visit. Again, save that Liberty Stamp and don't write home to mama (about Smashburger).
(3)Joe G.
I know I should have yelp'ed this back when I was in SD, but it slipped my mind. This is actually one of the best burger places I have been to. The patio seating is a little small, but you aren't paying for that. The location is pretty crappy because you literally see everyone walk-by and they see you eating. BUT the burgers are great. Service is fast here because you literally order at the counter. I suggest you decide what you want before you reach the cashier, just so you don't have the people behind you waiting while you decide... DO NOT miss the rosemary garlic fries. overall a good experience. Will definitely come back again.
(4)Cat A.
Fall apart meat and juices running down your mouth would typically be a sign of good eats, but.... The patty and the bun that was just served within minutes was falling apart as I bit into it. I found it to be really messy. The juice that was dripping off the side of my mouth, felt and tasted more like grease, which contributed to the fall apart bun and made it soggy. And lastly, for someone who likes things pretty seasoned up, it was extremely salty. It was like I sprinkled table salt all over it and instead, the top fell off and a quarter of the bottle got on my burger. The fries are good, that I can't complain about. The place reminds me of a Ruby's diner for some reason. And the staff seemed happy ( they must pay well and have good benefits). A good spot for the La Jollan businessman/woman who is looking to quickly chow down on a burger before heading back to the office. Otherwise, it's just not a burger to get excited about and not worth going out of the way for.
(3)Bruce F.
Of all your hamburger options in La Jolla, Smashburger is by far your best bet. Burger Lounge, a couple blocks away is not nearly the burger Smashburger is. The beef is the star of this burger, unlike say, In-and-Out, where the meat is only an afterthought, and the fresh onion, lettuce, and tomato play the leading role. Truly great fries at Smashburger as well and unlike most Smashburgers, there are some tables out front to enjoy on a nice day. Shakes are awesome, too!
(4)Ed K.
Great burger fast food...prices were fair. I will only go to smash burger if I'm in going to have burger.
(5)Angie J.
DARE I SAY IT?? DARE I SAY IT?? ... BETTER THAN IN-N-OUT??? ...YEAH it is!! If in-n-out is the middle-class, Smash Burger is definitely UPPER CLASS. The bun..oh man, the texture was amazing. Not like regular buns where they get soggy super quickly and are flimsly. But they're firm, so you can grab your huge burger, but at the same time soft and delicious. The meat is amazing...sorry can't explain it well, but trust me, it tastes bomb. What's inside the burger is great also: onions, GUAC, lettuce, tomatoes, some cilatro thingy with a kick, melted cheese.... IT'S GREAT. I don't like to eat burgers often bc they're greasy and unhealthy, but i would definitely eat Smash Burger all dayy err dayy!...but there's none near where i live. How very unfortunate... Smash Burger..i will return to you!
(5)Sean L.
For this trip, I tried the San Diego Smashburger for a little something different. Topped with fresh cilantro, avocado, purple onions and a chipotle mayo, you can tell how this burger got its namesake. But this is why I dropped my rating from last time- The sides are cheaper if you pair them with a burger. But, if you want to pair more than one side, you have to pay full price. Since I chose chili and sweet potato fries, I ended up paying a full $2.99 for a very small order of fries (you can check out the picture, looks like someone picked at them before they came out to me). They were good- but $3 good? Not sure about that.
(3)James L.
So being out of towners, we have never heard of Smash Burger. However, we saw lots of different people carrying these Smash Burger to go bags that had a logo reminiscent of Game Stop. When it came around time to eat, all of those subliminal messages worked and we stumbled upon Smash Burger. You guessed it right, their premise are smashed burgers. I was a bit skeptical of this at first because anytime I think of smashing meat, I think of all the flavor in the juices seeping out of the meat. Well, not in this case. My burger (which came with other toppings) came out nice and juicy. For 5 bucks, it wasn't a bad deal for fast food burger fare. I was sorely disappointed in their sweet potato fries. I think I should really stick to Father's Office or Boiling Crab's fries. The frickles (fried pickles) weren't that bad, but again, something only a pickle fan would probably enjoy. All in all, a cheap meal but better than fast food restaurant quality. There was one glaring thing... standing in line to order seemed to take an eternity!
(3)Tiffany L.
Located in one of the busiest areas in San Diego. Luckily, it was a Tuesday afternoon and we were able to find street parking nearby. Type of food: American- hamburger, salad, shakes Ambiance: Right when you walk in, there's a long hall way before you reach the registers to order your food. Half way through the hall way, I wanted to leave because the walk was way too far. There were plenty of tables and booths for customers. The restaurant is more spacious that I thought it would be. Smashburger is right on the busy street of Prospect in La Jolla, most of the crowd would be young adults and tourists. Service: The service was very friendly. The lady at the register gave us suggestions on some of her favorite hamburgers. Since we were basically the only customers there at 2 pm, the food came out in less than 10 minutes. Taste: The portion was enough for one person. I had the Spicy Baja burger. I wasn't sure how spicy it would be, so luckily I asked for the spicy mayo and jalapenos on the side. My burger was made with spicy chipotle bun, how interesting right? I liked the guacamole and pepper jack cheese. I felt the burger to be a little greasy, but the greasier the juicier right? Overall, the Spicy Baja Burger was pretty good. The flavor wasn't super feisty, but the burger was unique. Nan had the San Diego burger which she really enjoyed. We also shared some sweet potato fries which were greasy but super flavorful and crunchy. They were topped with some seasoning which made it extra tasty. I think it's rosemary- super delicious. Price: The price was a little high for a hamburger. My Spicy Baja burger came out to be $6.45. I think I prefer In N Out any day. But it was a great place to check out. Overall: Smashburger is in a great area- near the beach and shopping boutiques. It seems like a fun place to have a quick bite. I guess, compared to the neighboring restaurants, Smashburger is the most affordable. I'll come if I'm ever craving a burger at La Jolla Cove.
(3)Cassie R.
AMAZING! The food is well prepared and always delicious! I recommend the sweet potatoe fries! It is a great place to grab lunch when in La Jolla and around Main Beach. These places are popping up everywhere. I am looking forward to the Orange County location. Great Son-Father operation!
(5)Jereld W.
There is a grilling mantra..."Never flatten the burger while cooking!" Smashburger decides to break the rules and smashes the patty while cooking. The literature provided by them claims that smashing the burger sears the meat on the outside and seals in the juices. Well...I'll stick to tradition on this one. The menu kind of reminded me of the burgers at Red Robin. I ordered the spicy baja burger and unfortunately the burger was dry. I did try my friend's burger and his wasn't as dry though. Maybe it's just luck of the draw. Bonus points for CAB burgers though. One thing I can highly recommend are the Smashfries. Both sweet and regular Smashfries. Both are tossed with rosemary, olive oil, garlic, and awesomeness. Pro-tip: Don't like your burgers smashed? There's a burger lounge a few blocks away that has comparable food and prices.
(3)deanna d.
Quick and easy ordering with a decent menu selection. You can get chicken sandwiches also! When I went, I tried the original smashburger, jalapeno and bacon and cheese burger subbed with chicken, a side salad and a chocolate milkshake. Milkshake was bland and too icey, but everything else was very good. Not the best burger I've had, but definitely satisfied my burger craving. I would probably go back again for sure.
(4)erika d.
Love this smash burger! Good food, always comes out fast and they never got my order wrong even when its a saturday in the summer. Really clean too except sometimes the bathrooms could use a little work. No parking nearby but thats like anywhere you go in la jolla. Big proportions too, i usually have to get a kids meal or it goes to waste!
(4)Andre D.
A solid 4-star burger joint. I ordered San Diego burger, Smash sweet potato fries, and chocolate milkshake, and I really like them all. I like the concept of smashing the patty to make the surface area of the burger more charred than the regular patty. Also love that they throw in avocado in the burger. The patty is also well-seasoned or at least doesn't taste bland like some other burgers. The toppings also look fresh, giving an excellent overall visual on the burger. The fries is also as impressive. I really like the seasoning, and it really goes well with the burger without having to dip it in ketchup. Also the chocolate milkshake is excellent, which is made with Haggen-Dazs ice cream. Not too sweet and I'm pretty sure no whip cream added in my milkshake. Atmosphere feels very laid-back with family/friends- oriented setting. The reason that I do not give a 5-star rating is because I think Hodad's or Slater's 50/50 still have the edge as far as the burger concerns, but I will definitely coma back here again in the future
(4)Melissa N.
Came here on a whim with a couple of friends on a Monday evening, and ugh, I don't think I'll be coming back. 1. The place was really stuffy and hot. 2. They have a 'meatless' burger that's not vegetarian... what's the point? 3. The cashier takes forever. 4. I only got the garlic fries and they don't taste like garlic fries. 5. We waited about 15 mins for our food, and all I ordered was fries... even though there was only three other people in the whole restaurant. I gave them two stars because they serve cheap beer (I think it was 3 dollars a bottle?).
(2)Stephani S.
I have to say that my hero let me down :( I had hit up the worldly Albert W's burger list to figure out where I should go to find a most delicious burger near my work that would satisfy my burger urge. When I found two equally rated burgers in the vicinity I then texted him for a final decision. He chose Smashburger. Having been there once before I was a bit skeptical. My first eating experience there left me wanting for more. Given the advice of my hero and the fact that I ate there when they were only a few weeks old, I decided to give them another shot. I hopped in the car with a coworker who will further be referred to as dude that worships the ground that I walk on (DTWTGIWO). We made the trek from Sorrento Valley down into La Jolla Village. DTWTGIWO: Woah, I didn't realize we were going so far for a burger. Me: I will go anywhere, no matter how far, to get my mouth around some deliciousness. DTWTGIWO: Well OK. When we got in there every family on the planet had decided to descend into the La Jolla beach area for just out of school summer time fun and a Smashburger. Amazingly they managed to move that line fairly quickly and we ordered and had a seat in about 15 minutes. Cool! I got a burger and he got a chicken sandwich thingy. We shared sweet potato fries. Here is the breakdown: Burger: thin, slightly overcooked meat Bun: amazing Veggies: fresh but they forgot to add the pickles and tomatoes that I requested Fries: So good! i love the olive oil and garlic on them. These are single serving size though so don't plan on sharing. Unfortunately we did :( DTWTGIWO"s review of his sandwich: That was really good! I would totally go back! The price kind of sucked though. Did I mention that he bought lunch? Heh heh
(3)Trang L.
Many people are saying that you're either a burger lounge person or a smash burger. Today I had a smash burger for the first time and.. *drum roll*... I am a burger lounge person. I had ordered the classic smash burger and the hay onions. To my surprise the onion rings were not your normal day onion rings.. but it is the type of onion rings you typically would put in a burger. It was good.. but too greasy for my liking. And I had to eat it with a fork. The burger seemed like a regular burger. There was nothing special about it. And again, it was way too greasy for my liking. I had just ran the La Jolla half marathon and went here after.. maybe it was my fault because maybe my metabolism was shooting up the roof.. but this burger gave me one hell of a stomach ache.
(3)Eduardo G.
I trired the BBQ, Bacon and Cheeseburger along with some smash fries. The fries were delicious, I'd say comparable to the fries at o'brothers -although these had a slight edge. The burger itself was absolutely delicious. The meat had a seasoning to it that I have not tasted a burger before and it was quite tasty. Prices are pretty good - about the same as hodad's. Highly recommened.
(5)Ryan D.
3 star for A-ok...we eat here a lot frankly cuz there is not a lot to choose from. It's good but for me its just missing something.
(3)Rose W.
I love Smashburger! I came here with my friends and it was definitely a great experience. THE FOOD was awesome. I love the San Diego and the sweet potato fries. THE SERVICE was great. There was a cute boy to take my order, and the burgers came pretty quickly. Overall, I'm very much in love with this burger joint. So long, In N Out!
(5)Eric R.
Excellent! Had the SD burger and smashfries. This is a SD chain with Haagen-daz malts. Good value, especially for La Jolla.
(4)Alison F.
DEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-Lish! I was a little hesitant to eat here because of all of the tourists flocking this location but we wanted to try something new. These burgers are SOOOO good and don't miss out on the sweet potato fries. Everything is fresh and you CAN taste the freshness.A great place to grab a good burger by the beach in La jolla. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Amy X.
A friend referred us to this place and I'm so glad he did because the burgers are bomb! And it's only 10 minutes away. Located in the middle of downtown la jolla and it's not expensive at all compared to all the other restaurants around. So you order it at the counter and then they give you a number and you can find your own table. Then they serve you within the next 10 minutes. I ordered the San Diego Smashburger and added mushrooms and sweet potato fries. The total was about $8-9. The sweet potato fries were BOMB. They add rosemary to it and I think cilantro (not sure) and it had the perfect crisp to it. The burger was DELISH. It had avocado, cilantro, sour cream, pepperjack cheese, onion, lettuce, tomatoes, and chipotle mayo. Yums.
(4)Valerie L.
I'm addicted to this place! It's located on Prospect right next to The Living Room. Parking is always a problem because it's close to the beach, so I wouldn't recommend coming here on the weekends. It's located surprising close to Burger Lounge. I prefer Smashburger!! I don't know why but I'm always calling Smashburger.... "Smooshburger". "Snooki, smoosh smoosh!!" (South Park & Jersey Shore reference.) LOL. I love the concept of creating your own burger. The place was clean, and there was a lot of seating inside. Recommendations: San Diego Smashburger- (avocado, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, cilantro, sour cream, chipotle sauce.) I'm a sucker for burgers with avocado. I never had cilantro with my burger but it was surprising good. Mushroom Swiss- (garlic sauteed mushrooms, swiss cheese and mayo on an egg bun) The EGG BUN was really amazing! I thought the sauce was too CREAMY. I'm planning to add on bacon next time, maybe it will lessen the creaminess. Mint Oreo Milkshake- this is NEW, and isn't on the menu yet. But ORDER IT! Damnnn this stuff is good!
(5)Kirk C.
The burgers at this place are very good, meat is freshly cooked, not microwaved. Yes it's expensive but what else can you expect in the La Jolla district. I thought the fries were very good, and not oily like so many other places. The staff shows excellent courtesy at this restaurant, highly expected for the price of these tasty burgers.
(4)Annette C.
Love my smashburger and the sunset salad. Burger is fresh and tasty. This is my primary eating joint when I am in La Jolla. The only reason I can't give it a five is the slow service to order and the reality that people can't make up their minds when faced with a plethora of good options.
(4)April L.
My friends were raving about Smashburger for a couple days so we had to check it out a couple days later. I must say, Smashburger did not disappiont! I ordered the 1/3 Barbecue, Bacon, and Cheese burger ($5.99) which was DELICIOUS! It had like shoestring onion rings in it, and I'm not a fan of onions but did not mind these in my burger. I ordered the Sweet Potato SmashFries ($1.99 with a burger) which were also very good and tried my friend's SmashFries which also pleased my taste buds. Instead of just any ol' drink ($1.79 i believe) I ordered a Vanilla milkshake ($3.99). Sooo yummy. My bill ended up being around $13 dollars which is more than I would like to spend on a burger, fries, and a shake, but would certainly do it all over again, just not often. Expect to spend a little bit of time finding parking because it can be a little hard. If you're lucky you can park close to the beach and Smashburger!
(4)Doris K.
Not bad for my first San Diego burger experience. I find it unfortunate that my mushroom Swiss burger has to be cooked to medium well but it still tasted juicy. My Swiss cheese was also a little crispy on the sides which was an interesting surprise. Looks like someone might have forgotten about my burger. I did find everything a little greasier then I would expect. My fries were swimming in a pool of olive oil, and it seemed like the mushrooms on my burger were soaked in butter. Overall, I'd still go back for an artery clogging good time on a weekday or weeknight when parking is not too difficult.
(3)Iz I.
They make burgers, Fries and Shakes. AND they do it so very well! Nothing fancy, no gourmet. Just good All-American burgers. Best in San Diego as of 6/28/11 Good Price. Real Malts too.
(5)S R.
Smash burger is my favorite "fast food" restaurant in San Diego! I am obsessed with their Spicy Baja Chicken Sandwich on a spicy chipotle bun and avocado instead of guacamole. It is so good! I would skip the fries though...they are good but not fantastic. Also, for some reason their sodas are really good...very fizzy!
(4)Jane C.
I got the Spicy Baja burger, which has guac, pepper jack, chipotle mayo, jalapenos, lettuce/tomato/onion. It was SO GOOD. SO. GOOD. I also got the Smashfries (fries with olive oil, rosemary, and garlic). They were also super delicious. My friend got the Classic Smashburger. Normal cheeseburger with the regular stuff, but it was also really good. It just melts in your mouth. She also got fried pickles. They literally taste just like pickles that have been fried. They're served with ranch, and they're pretty good. My third friend was crazy hungover, so all she could handle was a strawberry milkshake. Since she couldn't eat anything else, the polite thing for me to do would have been to enjoy my burger quietly, but I couldn't contain myself. I may or may not have had random outbursts of "OMG! SO! GOOD!" every 5 minutes or so. Try this place! But not when you're hungover and can't eat anything because you'll sit there and be sad while your friends are eating the BEST BURGER EVER.
(5)Lisa H.
Pow...Kaboom....the same sounds in the comic book Batman and Robin! Wowzers, the burgers are SOOOO good. I was a little hesitant about all the new trendy burger places but have come to embrace them. Now this place definitely beats Burger Lounge in regards to price. I ordered a 1/3 lb classic smashburger, regular french fries and small drink for $9.10 as opposed to $15 as Burger Lounge. All the ingredients were fresh quality including a "busting out" piece of fine lettuce, ripe tomatoes, crisp onion and some kind of special sauce that they add to the burger. The burger is also served on a very soft egg bun. The meat patty was super juicy that your teeth sink right into the burger. Heavenly experience! Your burger and fries are served in a rectangular shaped metal basket and the fries come in a small circular metal basket. The condiments such as ketchup, mustard and hot sauces are at the table. Don't worry there are plenty of napkins at the table as well. They offer a variety of items such as chicken sandwiches, salads, burgers, fried pickles, sweet potato fries and Haagen Daz Ice cream shakes and a classic frosted mug of root beer float!!!!!!!!!! The burger and fries were so delish that I had to try one of their shakes to go. I had a strawberry shake and was not disappointed. It was great to see a place also priding themselves in customer service. I had at least 3 staff ask me how my burger and food was. You could tell that they also believed in what they were serving. The staff was really into keeping tables clean and bussing the tables. Ambience: On the darker side, but there are lots of booths to sit at including some outside patio seating. Everything is simple with big letterings on the wall of SIZZLE. Definitely RED IS THE CHOICE OF COLOR. Its like something that you would see in Europe or even in Asia. As I sat there eating my burger everyone who was coming in would automatically glare down at my burger to see if it lived up to their standard in regards to looks. A lot of times I just yelled out to the newbies, "It's awesome". Bathrooms were clean as well with a big sign regarding customer service. I've already been here two days in a row. Will most likely go back sometime next week to try their root beer float and possibly a salad. So glad that something affordable, trendy and fun is in the village. Angus certified beef by the way.
(5)George H.
smashburger or burger lounge? I am going with burger lounge based on taste alone. Price is another issue since u will pay a premium for burger lounge's grass fed beef. I ordered the classic smashburger w/ a side of smash fries. The smash fries were tossed in some olive oil, rosemary and basil which was very good. Now back to the burger, 100% angus beef so it was a very juicy burger but I felt it was a little too greasy. The bun was ok but not great for an artisan bun, fyi burger lounge has an amazing bun. I will have to go back again and try the rest of their menu.
(3)Victoria L.
Omg delicious!! I had the San Diego burger with their sweet potato fries. Wow, these were the best sweet potato fries I've ever had. They were seasoned with rosemary, olive oil, and just the right amount of salt. They were wonderfully crispy on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside. I seriously wish I had some to eat right now as I'm writing this review. The burger didn't disappoint either. The beef patty was well seasoned and juicy. I never knew cilantro could compliment a burger so well but it sure did. Their avocado was rich, creamy and fresh. That's rare. My friend described this place as a burger version of Panera. lol. I seriously wish that there was a Smashburger where I live!
(5)Cynthia Y.
Smashburger is delicious!! We were trying to decide on what to eat when we arrived at La Jolla Cove. Thanks to yelp we decided to come try Smashburger! The menu is pretty simple. There's burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, or salad. Me and the boyfriend shared a spicy baja burger w/ sweet potato fried. The burger was delicious!! The meat falls apart in your mouth, very tender and very well seasoned. Yummmm..... probably one of the best burgers I've had. I still love in-n-out the most =P The sweet potato fried were pretty good too! Probably the best sweet potato fried I've had. I already tried the regular fries, which IMO werent as great as the sweet potato, the fries had too much of a herb taste. I also tried the onion rings which were alright, a little too thinly cut and a little too oily for fried food =x Overall not a bad place, decent price for yummy hamburgers =)
(4)Bradley N.
I've been a big fan of smashburger for a while now. Their smashfries and BBQ bacon cheese is my go to when I want a good burger at a reasonable cost. But the other night I was straight blown away at the quality of my food. Me and my roommate at here at about 9:40pm on 11/12/14. We were the last customers so the chef must have been bored or maybe they just take pride in their work. Our food was beyond perfect. Fries were perfectly golden and crispy with just the right amount of garlic and rosemary (usually it's not enough). Burger was absolutely delicious too. I just want to say thanks to the chef and staff that night. I haven't been that satisfied from a meal is while.
(5)Dora C.
I only had their sweet potato fries, so I'm not sure how the burgers are, but the fries were alright!
(3)Jessamine A.
Ate here on 7/25/12... Fresh and delicious!!! My hubby's new burger place, it has replaced Burger Lounge. :) We split a Big Classic and sweet potato fries. Of course when you go during a weeknight it's not busy...PERFECT!
(5)Eric B.
Where's the Beef? I'd rather eat a pink slime burger than the the extremely thin representation of a burger with an oddly maroonish brown hue on the exterior that I got at Smashburger. I guess I should have known better. First they call it "smash" burger, hence the very thin piece "100% angus" beef that resembles something less palatable than Alabama roadkill. But it was my fault. I took the advice to come her 90 pound vietnamese woman with a British accent that said they had a "proper" burger. Finally the onion stack. Well, it was more of an onion soggy pile than a stack. I haven't eaten at McDonalds in over 20 years, but it probably would have been better.
(1)Kestrel D.
How sad for me that this place has not yet made it to Boston. Enjoyed the Avocado Club Smashchicken and sweet potato fries. Tasty tasty, especially the avo and fries. I like the concept, I like the food, and contrary to what others have said, I thought the price was very reasonable for the amount and quality of food.
(4)James F.
Smashburger lured me with a free Yelp lunch, so I came with a friend. I was hoping that they would have a variety of burger patty substitutes, like turkey or veggie, but nope, it's a 1/3 or 1/2 lb Angus patty or a chicken breast. So I got a "San Diego Smashchicken" and a side of Veggie Frites. My friend got a 1/2 lb Classic Smashburger, with their Smashfries (rosemary, olive oil, and garlic). This review will now use the word "Smurf" instead of "Smash". yelp.com/biz_photos/ePcs… My smurfchicken was quite tasty - and i really enjoyed getting it served on torta bread. However, I didn't quite comprehend the "Smurf" in Smurfchicken until i picked it up and looked at the profile. My chicken breast was smurfed flat. really flat. unlike my friend's smurfburger which had a think patty. my chicken was wafer thin. I felt a little robbed. yelp.com/biz_photos/ePcs… My veggie frites - fried asparagus, carrots and green beans. They were good, although by the end, i struggled to finish them, and there weren't a huge portion. They just were kinda oily at the end. The asparagus comes out best though. My friend was thoroughly pleased with her Classic Smurfburger, but after eating most of it, realized that 1/2 lb of meat was a lot, and so led to a discussion of how much meat is in other restaurants' hamburgers. Ultimately, she didn't finish it, because she was full. The smurffries were pretty tasty with their rosemary and garlic. They stayed good even to the end. yelp.com/biz_photos/ePcs… The dining area is nice, with booths, and tables and some outdoor space out front, with the counter all the way in the back (very linear restaurant - we got there when there was a line, which pushed back into the booths. Friendly staff. Parking is downtown La Jolla: figure it out on your own. Moral of the story: get the beef or go elsewhere. While the fixin's on my San Diego smurfburger (a chunk of avocado, pepper jack, cilantro, LT, etc.) were good, my chicken was a mere topping and not a base food to the sandwich. Since I don't do the beef, I'll probably go elsewhere until they get turkey or veggie patties.
(4)Une F.
Very kid- friendly and good quality meat and food for the very affordable prices. I like the spicy jalapeno burger and the rosemary fries. They have good shakes too. I prefer the Del Mar Plaza location though for the better ambiance.
(5)Beatrice P.
The burger was pretty good, but the smasfries were delicious. It's a little on the pricey side, but if you text a number and sign up for their smash club, they send you a BOGO for a free burger on your next visit. I enjoyed it, and when i have some extra $$ to spend on burgers, I might just come back here.
(4)Sarah M.
This place has great service, yummy burgers, and great shakes. I first tried Smashburger in Las Vegas and always ordered the Sin City Burger. Obviously, this location does not have that burger. This makes me very sad. I love the veggie frites, dill pickle chips, chocolate shakes, onion strings, and burgers. I'm not crazy about the greasy fries (not a fan of adding more oil after they're fried), and I really don't like the Tazo iced tea (so I'm usually stuck drinking water when I'm not drinking a shake).
(4)Kristen J.
I hate La Jolla, so it took a free lunch offer for first-responding Elites and the promise of other locations opening to bring me to Smashburger. As always, there was not a single space to park even at 11:20, so I paid $3 in a lot after nearly losing my mind driving around. I liked the decor of the place -- kind of mod. The name reminds me of Smashmouth, which I hate almost as much as La Jolla. But the food may make me change my prejudice against the smash-words. The staff was very friendly. My food arrived pretty quickly, but was very fresh and hot (It was not very busy). I ordered the San Diego burger and the fried pickles as a side. Odd combination, perhaps. My sister (who lives in Mississippi) raves about fried pickles and I had never tried them. Burger: Extremely tasty. Even though this is a very bold burger topping-wise, I could still taste the burger itself and it was divine. Juicy, flavorful. I also loved the toppings that came with the San Diego burger. The sauce was the perfect amount of spicy for me and the cilantro just really made the whole thing pop. I was a little irked by the glob of avocado that was on it, and wish it would have been cut into slices so I could have eaten the burger more easily. The person who took my order warned me that the burger was spicy and very big, but it wasn't that spicy and I also finished the entire thing (oink!) Fried Pickles: OMG. I love pickles. I used to make pickle slushies out of leftover brine as a kid. Why I am not dead, I will never know. One may also easily die eating these fried pickles -- they were delicious, even if the sodium and fat are bad for you. Not soggy. Breading was very crisp and done perfectly. I could have eaten a pound of them. I love fries and wish I could have tried those, too. However, I am super happy I chose the pickles. I will definitely go back once they are located somewhere other than La Jolla.
(4)Boyd K.
First time at Smashburger on a recent trip to La Jolla. Great burgers with nice variety and a fun place to eat. Not quite Zombie burger, but a great burger place in La Jolla.
(4)Tiffany A.
Every time I go here I'm always happy with our service and meal. I don't usually crave burgers, so a burger joint has to be really good for me to actually want to go out of my way to come back. My favorites are the jalapeno hot dog and the baja burger, both awesome! Their sides aren't that large, but while they might be small in size they are oh so good, my favs are the specialty fries and the shoestring onions.
(5)Tony L.
Great burgers here!!! As with every other burger joint lately, this place servers up Sweet Potato SMASHFRIES as well which aren't bad at all. We had the regular SMASHFRIES as well with the rosemary/garlic/olive oil flavorings but I think the Sweet Potato version was better. I got the San Diego SMASHburger as did some of my friends and it was damnnn goood. However, I was supposed to get a slice of lime with my SD smashburger but i didn't get and didn't realize til i was nearly done with my burger. my friends on the other hand got their wedge of lime with their SD SMASHburger.
(4)Laura U.
Amazing avocado club burger! Clean, great staff! Yum!!
(5)Chaffee Y.
I stopped by Samshburger in La Jolla for a quick bite before I made a delivery to my client. I ordered all American burger and smashfries. While I rate the burger as very good with exception on way too many mustard on the bun, the fries is a big disappointment - It is cold and not crispy at all. I agree with many other comments here - I probably go to In N Out next time. Note: the service is good on the other hand.
(2)Nolan G.
I was very unimpressed. In fact, after eating there I feel rather ill. After ten bucks for a burger and fries, I got a cheap burger that wasn't particularly tasty. The fries were the only upside. Eat elsewhere.
(2)Darren S.
Smashburger gave me a decent burger experience but it wasn't something stood out to me over similar burger joints. I had a 1/3 pound bbq bacon burger, smashfries and a chocolate shake. According to their literature, they smash the beef on a a super hot grill in order to sear in the juices. If anything, maybe the mashing concept overworks the meat. The texture was denser and not as juicy as say, the Counter Burger. The patty taste was nice, the sauce was sharp but didn't dominate and the egg bun was my favorite aspect aside from the patty. The burger overall did remind me of a less greasy and buttoned-up Carls Jr. Western Bacon. To me, that just means I will probably eat it again. The seasoned fries are on the thinner side, stayed crisp and stayed warm for a long while. Hooray for freshly cooked food. Lastly the shake was pretty darn good. This one has taken the prize for my favorite chocolate shake in SD. For the price, Smashburger has really competitive prices ($5.99 for burger, $1.99 for fries). For about the same price a burger and bottomless steak cut fries can be had at Red Robin. A Red Robin burger may look more impressive but they're more about adding sauces and accoutrement that mask and overpower the flavor of the patty. If you look the menu they're much less inventive than Counter but more so than Burger Lounge. In the crowded group of non fast food sit down SD burger joints, choosing one always depends on the situation. I definitely wouldn't trek across the county for Smashburger but if I was in La Jolla and wanted an affordable, fresh and simple burger with a beer or tasty shake, I'd choose Smashburger.
(3)Daniel C.
I come to get here probably about once a week. I can't help it! Just wanted to finally take the time to give a shout out to the awesome and friendly employees-especially Liz. She greets me and welcomes me back each time I come and will make small talk and make sure I have everything I need. Truly excellent service, thank you!
(4)Dominique N.
This place is definitely a great place to grab some burgers for cheap and not sacrifice any quality! The food here is really well made, and I recommend getting the special San Diego Burger! Its really fresh, tasty, and delicious. I would consider it just below In-N-Out by just a small step.
(4)Sandy D.
After snorkeling at the cove this afternoon, we walked right up the hill to get some Yelp raving burgers. Clearly corporate but so's In-N-Out and they rock.... Crazy busy with screaming kids, they may have outnumbered the adults. Incredibly friendly and helpful employees. The prices seem right for what you get. Clean restaurant with a modern decor. I finally got to try Fried Pickles, but it turns out I'm not a fan. The smash sauce seems to be mustard based instead of the normal ketchup based. These burgers are the messy but yummy kind. Great buns, perfectly toasted.
(4)Cherlyn B.
Bacon took over my eyes & i didn't even realize that i accidently ordered a "bbq" bacon burger! Oh no.. I don't like savory food drenched in sweet sauces! I asked the lady if it was too late to have sauce on the side. She said that they already made it, but was nice enough to tell me that if I didn't like it, they can make me a new one. Good thing I accidently ordered it, because the juicy angus beef burger was so delicious topped with the right amount of sauce, bacon, cheese, & haystack fried onions. Smash fries are an ultimate must! They're french fries seasoned with garlic, rosemary, & other spices. Soo good with ranch! The service was excellent with extremely nice & helpful employees. The dining area was cool with red lights hanging from the ceiling & the name Smashburger across the walls. The bathrooms: Clean as a whistle! They're menu includes: Classic Burger, All American Burger, BBQ Bacon burger, San Diego guacamole burger, Spicy Baja Burger, & Mushroom Swiss. Don't like those options? Good news.. There's a build your own burger option with your choice of bun, meat, veggies, & other toppings. The beef patties are Juicy & perfectly seasoned in between two soft buns. Not a beef lover? They also have chicken! Toppings: thinly sliced onion rings, guacamole, sauteed mushrooms, chili, bacon, fried egg, etc.. Sides: smash fries, classic fries, sweet potato fries, fried veggies, fried haystack onions, chili, & fried pickles. Smashburger also offers hot dogs & milkshakes!
(4)Faye L.
The good news is that my search for 'THE' burger in SD is still on... I'd like to say this place has a nice 'concept'. But come on now - I feel like it's the trend right now - this 'build your own burger' type of deal. The location is awesome. Right next to the Living Room coffee shop, up the hill from the beautiful beach, great patio for people watching (and they also allow pets in their patio!). We ordered: - San Diego Smashburger: Avo, fresh cilantro and onions, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, chipotle mayo served on a torta roll. We ordered the 1/2lb ($6.99): I added a fried egg for .99c. The burger was ok. It wasn't cooked 'pink' or medium rare like i'd hoped. It was made 'well done' but still remained juicy. Torta roll was a bit dry and the chipotle mayo was blech. - Pacific Coast SmashWedge salad $6.99: my friend ordered this. She didn't seem to dig it all that much. Nice portion. - Sweet Potato smashfries $1.99 : now THIS was good. Each sweet potato was crispy and seasoned just right. Tiny portion - Veggie Frites $3.59: flash fried asparagus, carrot sticks and green beans. This dish was a COMPLETE let down. They flash fry the veggies (no batter) for 45-50 seconds. The veggies are wilted, tiny, and depressing. And again, tiny portion. The service was ok. You order up front first and then they give you # card to place on your table (Carls Jr style - ha!). My friend's salad was made wrong and they forgot a few things on my burger as well. Instead of waiting for the guy to come back to our table, it was just easier for me to walk to the front and get the forgotten stuff. No biggie. Total price tag was about $27 (not incl tip). I guess it's not bad for a meal in downtown La Jolla right !? Cheers...
(3)Joe Q.
After a day of laying out at the nearby beach, I felt like going to Hodads. But somehow I ended up driving to Prospect Street because I wanted gelato for dessert but still wanted some real food, so I walked around in search for a burger. I didn't want to go to some fancy sit-down spot and order a $12 burger, so after looking around my fiance and I spot this red and white logo that's pretty eye catching. Nice work in marketing guys! So we go into Smashburger and order 2 burgers with some sides of smashfries and onion strings. Wow, I really wasn't expecting a quality burger! I think the meat makes the burger, and for some place that looks like a run of the mill chain, it actually has a very fresh and juicy patty to serve on its hamburgers. I am quite impressed. Better quality meat than In-N-Out in my opinion. Maybe that's why it's about $5 a burger. The lettuce used appeared to be fresh greens, but I was eating too fast to notice. The sides were special in itself. Smashfries include olive oil and garlic and you can never get too much garlic. I had to chomp down most of those before Rachel got to them. The onion strings were good too, but of nothing special. I'd recommend this place. It also has chicken and hot dogs for those who are not into eating cow. It even has bigger burgers (1/2 lb instead of 1/3 lb) for those with big appetites. I'd go here again definitely.
(5)C. J. W.
Wanted a nice lunch while in La Jolla but didn't want to spend La Jolla prices for it so I spotted this place. So glad I did.......prices were fair and the food quality was amazing. With their upscale offerings of sweet potato smash fries & Haagen Daaz Shakes their menu is more unique. They have a large and comfortable dining room and sidewalk patio area with tables! I was surprised how fast the service was as they really do prepare your order at the time you order it (unlike so many other places.) A definite revisit.
(5)Rachel Q.
I like to guilt my fiance into thinking he never takes me anywhere in San Diego.. I figure that since I'm going to be living there in a few months (God willing!) he needs to show me all the things I need to look forward to.. Sooo.. he takes me around here.. Let's preface this by saying that he and I don't really do much.. I've learned in the few years we have been together that our dates usually consist of walking around and eating.. in that order.. So.. this was our idea of him "taking me places..." We found this nice burger place because the bbq place we wanted to go to was EMPTY.. it was opened.. but NO ONE was eating there.. The menu is simple.. pick a burger.. you can either have it with a 1/3lb, 1/2lb or chicken.. and then there are sides.. Joe got the San Diego burger with onion strings.. and I got the Swiss Mushroom burger with their Smash fries.. We cut the burgers in half and gave each other a piece.. we are soooo smart! I liked my burger better.. I'm not a fan of having all these veggies in my burger.. The burger meat was good.. fresh.. and not too seasoned.. the burgers were a good size too.. The onion strings were good as were the dip that it came with.. the smash fries were a little too greasy and tasted more like parmesean than rosemary and garlic.. maybe my mouth was playing tricks on me.. next time I'll stick to regular fries.. We'd definitely have to come back again.. try some other things they have to offer.. I wonder where else I can guilt Joe into taking me...
(4)Joey D.
Perfect I first discovered the amazingness of Smashburger on a trip to Denver last December and have been craving it ever since. When I found out they were opening one in La Jolla, I became, admittedly, more excited than one should for a cheeseburger restaurant. My experience with Smashburger in La Jolla was consistent with my experience in Denver: Perfect. I won't launch in to the burger wars here since it is all preference based anyways, but for me Smashburger is hands down my favorite. Best tasting burger, toppings, and fries (try the smash fries tossed in olive oil). The malts are fantastic and the service is extremely friendly. I thought friendly service in La Jolla was impossible, but it's not! Smashburger sets the standard for friendly and helpful service. I'm really big on old fashioned friendly service, people who actually make you feel welcome for stopping by and extend the businesses thanks for coming in, and Smashburger in La Jolla didn't disappoint. If you're heading down South on the 5 and are passing by La Jolla, pull off and stop at Smashburger- it's 100% worth it!
(5)Wah A.
Nice fresh burger and comfortable seat.
(4)Bailey Z.
Burgers are the new cupcake. Remember when Sprinkles popped up? That was followed by Kara's Cupcakes and a whole bunch of other copycat gourmet cupcake fad shoppes. I think the same thing is happening to burgers now. Everyone copied the In-N-Out Burger model of burgers, using fresh ingredients to construct a made-to-order burger. Now, Burger Lounge is going to get some competition in downtown La Jolla with the newly opened Smashburger. It utilizes pretty much the same concept, but with an expanded menu, which includes more flavor combinations and also a chicken burger. The modern burger follows the same blueprint in constructing a burger by using quality beef, artisan buns and fresh vegetables. I think the quality between Burger Lounge and Smashburger is about the same. I like the use of egg buns at Smashburger, but I think the beef patty at Burger Lounge is juicier (but also messier). I suppose the smashing of the patties is also what makes the burgers here flatter and easier to eat here. For the time being, I will give these two places a split decision. Only time will tell who will best the other in the burger wars. A few notes about the service at this place. I know this place is new, but the food came out extremely slow. A classic burger took over 20 minutes to arrive. It was also dumb how the cashier took your order, THEN asked you if it was okay for you to wait 20-25 minutes for your burger. Of course, having already ordered, your default answer is to wait. That didn't really make much sense. On a more positive note, I do like their rosemary and olive oil tossed fries. They are wildly addictive and go well with the posh culture of downtown La Jolla.
(4)Ty M.
The San Diego burger was great!! Loved the cilantro in it made it taste ohhh sooo fresh. I'm a pretty big into fast service.. And for downtown La Jolla this place delivered!
(4)Krystal A.
Crunchy Fries, Delicious Chicken Sandwich, and Strawberry Shake. I'm a burger fan so typically I do get excited to try new burger joints, except for some reason..I go here and order a chicken sandwich. O_O And I think I did that because it had avocado AND bacon. WIN! I also just ordered regular fries because my boyfriend ordered sweet potato fries and I figured..I could just pick from him. Maybe I was just really hungry, but I seriously inhaled the food in front of me. Yes, it was that good! & I'd go back. We went on a Sunday night and it wasn't crowded (thankfully), I hate waiting for food. The place was clean and so was their bathroom. Then again...it is La Jolla and wouldn't expect anything less. :)
(5)Michael P.
Really good burger. The meat is the best you'll find at a chain restaurant. Compares well to Shake Shack on the east coast. Their smash sauce is great and the smash fries with rosemary are pretty good too. Nice booth seating or a fast food place. I've always been and still am a in-n-out fan, but I might just prefer smashburger.
(4)David J.
Spicy burger is great.
(4)Carol S.
California Burger ALL the way!! I love this place! Their french fries are great, the service is ALWAYS amazing, and I just can't get enough of the burgers. They might be a little pricey for some people, but I'll pay for a good burger!
(5)Christine N.
Coworker - "UGH, I forgot my lean cuisine" Me - "SMASHBURGER!" Coworker - "OK!!" *high fives* JK about the high five, but yes, this place is bomb diggity. 99.9% of the time I order the kids meal smashburger for a whopping 3.99 - it comes w/fries and a refillable soda!! Delicious! The burger is almost the size of a regular adult size burger and the beef tastes a lot healthier than a lot of other fast food places. It's just the right size for someone thats hungry but not starving. When I feel like being a baller, I order the 6.99 cobb salad. It comes w/bacon bits, eggs, chicken, blue cheese, and ranch dressing. *Drools* I might just have to hide my coworkers Lean Cuisine tomorrow... :P
(4)Steve N.
Great manager, they lost or order but she made it right. Could have been a bad review but all ended well. Great burger and fries. This was the first time I tried the olive oil tossed fries and I loved them.
(4)Jennifer M.
Not a Huge fan of fast food, But since I believe in balance and my last review was about whole foods I am writing a review about a fast food place I visited today! Love the sweet potato fries and there is only so much you can do to a hamburger to make it taste better "probably a step up from boiling an egg". Unlike my favorite Reviewer Danny, I did not get smashed by there burger, but it tasted pretty good. Well worth the money spent.
(4)Karma S.
3.5 stars. Decided to give this place a try after passing it up several times. A nice experience overall. You'll get a good bang for your buck. The quality is certainly much better than a typical fast food place. I had their mushroom swiss burger and rosemary&sea salt seasoned fries. Tasty and no complaints here. The location of this particular Smashburger is great & you'll get a chance to do some people watching if you get a seat in their outside patio area.
(3)Alan B.
I'm so pissed about this review...I want to give it one star due to the service, cleanliness, and overall management but the burgers, fries, and onion rings were so good. The family and I went there on a lazy Saturday evening and we completed the order at 6:30pm. So we look for a table, and all of them were dirty and weren't bussed. Eventually I take the trash and clear my own table for my family as they washed their hands. As soon as my daughters get back they quickly complain about the disgusting ladies bathroom. After noticing that no one around us were getting their food I noticed that it had been almost 25 minutes already. I go to the counter and there was not a manager in sight and it just seemed that the staff was overwhelmed. I express my concern and get reassured that it'll be soon. Soon to them meant twenty more minutes and just as I was going to get my money back the food finally arrived. My smashburger was dope and the smashfries were the business! It took alot for me to forget how long the wait was but the meal was prettty good. So overall I'm torn but the wait and service is not worth it, I'd rather go to five guys or in and out.
(2)Brian B.
Not a bad burger. It has a lot of flavour. I'd pick Burger Lounge (just a block away) over it, but this place makes for a tasty meal as well (though I got a massive stomach ache a couple hours after consuming it). One thing I thought was odd was that they offer chili cheese dogs, as well as french fries, but chili cheese fries was apparently too difficult. The guy at the counter said there was some way he could type it into the register, but I didn't care to wait for him to figure it out. Shakes are good. Staff is friendly, especially the Aussie.
(4)Shaun S.
I was happy to find SmashBurger on Yelp as I am always up for a new burger joint. I stopped by Tuesday afternoon with my niece and nephew on our way to Balboa Park. As other yelper's have stated, parking is quite limited on the street only. I was fortunate to find a spot quickly and near the restaurant. Walking to the joint, my nephew thought is looked pretty fancy on the outside. After you enter you notice the restaurant style booths which is nice for a casual burger joint. The menu is nicely laid out near the counter and also kid friendly with hot dogs, cheeseburger, chicken strips and grilled cheese. My niece would have liked Mac and Cheese to the kids menu. I ordered the 1/2lb smash burger and my niece/nephew both ordered smashdog kids meals. The straws were a bit too big for the kids drinks, they should get some smaller straws for those. The booth's were nicely designed and comfortable with silver squishy seats. Finally the food came and we dug in. I started with the standard french fries and have to say they were pretty marginal. Standard shoestring, no real seasoning. Salt and Pepper helped quite a bit. I must say the burger was really good. Hot, juicy, melt in your mouth type good. Up to par with my other fave joints such as Burger Lounge and Fudds (haven't made it to Hodad's yet). As for my niece and nephew, they enjoyed the hot dog, nice and juicy, but agreed with me on the fries. My 4 star rating is much more for my love of the burger which outweighs my comment on the fries. If you're a huge burger fan and can withstand parking problems I recommend stopping by here! Del Mar & San Diego locations should be opening soon. Edit: I wanted to add that I only tried the original fries, I am hoping to try the haystack onion and smashfries soon.
(4)Monika C.
I'm not a red meat/burger lover, but checked out Smashburger in La Jolla with some friends, and had a chicken sandwich. Yes! Location: Great Food: Average Ambiance: Casual Price: Moderate I met some friends for an open water swim in the Cove, and afterwards we went for dinner at Smashburger. I ordered the Build Your Own Chicken Smashburger and got the veggie frites on the side. I was eyeing the sweet potato fries but thought I'd try something new with the veggie frites. My sandwich was okay, I'd say about average. Chicken on a bun with veggies (lettuce, onions, pickles.) I give the majori points though for letting me choose the bun, chicken preparation (grilled, breaded), and toppings. Being a cheese hater I passed on the choice of cheese of course. The veggie frites were interesting. They were flash fried and the carrots looked like sweet potato fries and tasted pretty good. The asparagus or green beans (can't remember which now) were okay .. but I ended up scarfing the whole basket down! My friends ordered burgers, sweet potato fries, and fried pickles. I looooved the sweet potato fries. I have had fried pickles in the past and they're okay, but in this situation the rush of salty liquid into my mouth as I bit into the pickle was an unwanted reminder of all of the saltwater going into my mouth during the open water swim. Maybe on another night they'd be okay. My favorite part of this place is the 'create your own' option. Definitely worth checking out!
(4)Kelly O.
My boyfriend declared this his favorite burger in San Diego. I know some of you are thinking that is crazy, since "best burger" is so hotly contested in this city, but that's his opinion... compared to Rocky's, Hodads, Burger Lounge, O'Brothers, Bareback grill, The Pearl, etc. The burger I tried was a "Spicy Baja", which had jalapenos, pepperjack, guac, tomato, onion, chipotle mayo. It was delicious but very messy - mainly because the patty was too big for the bun. The Smashfries with rosemary were very good. I'm looking forward to going again. I heard these burgers are like 1000 calories each so...might have to limite my intake. :)
(5)Greg H.
In a mood for a burger? Forget going to a restaurant. Don't settle for Mcdonald's. This place is THEE boss at making burgers. This burger joint easily sits at number 1 on the best burger places I know. The burgers are big, juicy, and delicious. The place can be easy to miss and parking might be a little difficult in downtown SD but it's all well worth it! Everyone who has never tried this place NEEDS TO DO SO IMMEDIATELY!!
(5)Garlic E.
Okay, so I've been going here since it opened. The burgers remain great. Here are a few complaints: 1. The french fries simply drip with grease. It's not the kind of napkin-spotting grease that usually occurs. This is actual drips coming off the food. Can that be changed with a new batch of fry oil? 2. The floors are slippery and dirty. If you make the mistake of looking down to see why you almost fell, you'll feel a small gag reflex when you see how dirty the place is on the floor and against the floorboards. I grew up in a family of all boys, and even by that underwhelming standard, the place is dirty. On the bright side, service is wonderful. I will go back, but can you guys take some well-intentioned suggestions to make the place as nice as it was when it opened?
(2)Kelly C.
Only been open 3 weeks, so I'm sure that they are getting everything together and I always take that into consideration when reviewing brand new places. FOOD: Great varied menu with your choice of 1/3 or 1/4 lb burgers, chicken, hot dogs and salad. I started with the San Diego Burger since it has avocados. After looking at the pictures again, I saw that I didn't get the lime. I suppose they are still working on the details. I agree w/ previous reviews that the "ice cream scoop" avocado was not appetizing -- I spread it out with a fork. Also there was a crazy amount of cilantro that I took about 2/3 of it off. The torta roll was nice and fluffy without being too dense. Many choices of fries -- all are on the side & sold separately (but cheaper w/ a burger). I got the veggie frites and they were okay, not great -- a smaller portion than I expected. Next time I want to try the Haystack onions since they looked really good. The sweet potato fries look good too! My BF got the BBQ bacon & cheese burger and it was great. He's picky about his BBQ sauce and really liked theirs. The egg bun was really good. The smashfries were a bit over-seasoned for our tastes -- the ones at the bottom were really soaked in oil and had too much of the rosemary and garlic. I like that they have wine & beer on the menu and we will probably order it in the future. Overall a GREAT PRICE for what you are getting! The restaurant is fairly small (long & narrow) with mostly booths and a few tables. It's similar to newer places (Panera, Corner Bakery, Pat & Oscars, etc.) where you order first in line, take a number for your table and then they bring you the food (which means less tipping for the wait staff). It's not the best ambiance and not really a "date" place, but great for when you want to have a quick meal and be able to sit down and relax. Not crowded at all on this particular Friday night at 8:30pm. Easy to find this place since it's right next to The Living Room and has good signage. Parking is all on the street, but there's a good amount down by the Cove and you can walk up and down the hill to get some exercise! More locations will be opening this year in Del Mar and San Diego!
(4)Dao L.
The first time I was here I really liked it. I decided to come back with my bf two weeks later. We ordered 2 smash fries but the guy took the wrong order and gave us sweet potato fries instead. I only came for the fries so I talked to the guy and asked for a replacement. We waited 20 minutes for the fries to come out but they never did. We finished eating and left. Would never come back here again!
(1)Steph C.
After a long, hard day of finding parking, gawking at the seals, being as surreptitious as possible in front of the boardwalk artists, and being basically ignored on sight at the art galleries at La Jolla Cove, we really worked up an appetite. But since the art curators are right and we don't have any money to our name, and we weren't here for prom dinner, Smashburger fits. First heard about these chain when I spent my last summer in Colorado. They're in between fast food and Johnny Rocket's - and they have about six different types of burgers on egg bread. They're the perfect size for sharing if you're there for a snack and modest for a meal. The patty has just the right give, their special sauces don't overpower and their leafed lettuce is so green it hurts to look at. Of real note is their smashfries - fried to a slender crisp and tossed with rosemary and olive oil... I could barely make myself share like a civilized adult. Good place in the area to stop by and tide yourself over without breaking the bank!
(4)Melvin J.
Came here for lunch after catching rays. Wanted a good burger and this place gave it to me. The smash fries, tossed in olive oil, rosemary and garlic, were drenched in olive oil. Good service and friendly staff.
(3)Steve H.
I wasn't overly impressed with the Smashburger. I had a San Diego burger with fries, everything very average. My buddy ordered the crispy chicken sandwich and he didn't like it. Service was nice, food came out quickly. Place is on par with a lot of other average burger joints popping up.
(3)James C.
Despite missing things in my order such as onion hash and getting a 1/3 pounder rather than 1/2 lbs it was probably the best burger I've ever had. The angus was crispy at the edges and the inside was juicy. The sweet potato fries had a great crispy texture and were seasoned. Would like the 3/8" fries but the flavor made up for it. Spicy Baja rocks w/ guacamole, pepper jack and serranos. Burgers are good although on the greasy side. Sweet potato and smash fries are seasoned and taste just right! Highly recommend this burger joint! Don't forget to save that receipt for the free fries survey cuz you'll most likely be coming back here for more.
(5)Melody Y.
The husband would never pay more than a few bucks for a burger. So I rarely eat "gourmet" burgers. Coming here was a special trip for me as I've heard many good things about smashburger. I got to take some engagement photos for 2 of my good friends (woohoo!), and they treated me to smashburger. I gotta say, it lived up to its hypes. Burgers were tasty, juicy, and full of flavors, lots of fun addons. But the best part is definitely their sweet potato fries. YUMMO. They bring your food to you, so it adds more of a "diner" feel than a "fast food burger joint" feel. The place is not all that spacious, but the quality of the food is superb. sweet potato fries ftwww. I think I'll be back just for that...
(3)Jacques S.
This was a tough one. I had really high hopes going into this meal, having heard some minor buzz... and don't get me wrong, the food was "A-Ok", 3.5 stars if I could give it, but here is why I rounded down. Reason 1: It is blocks away from Burger Lounge which in my opinion just makes a better burger. Reason 2: Too many options with no way to organize. It was cool that I could customize my burger but I had to remember what bun I wanted, cheese, toppings, spread.. it was a little overwhelming. It was kind of a Five Guys wanna be. Reason 3: I had to wait 10 minutes for the guy to take the 3 girl's orders ahead of me because he was too busy flirting. Not really the end of the world, but I have to say that I have never experienced anything like that before. If you are in La Jolla, I would go to Burger Lounge. If you are CRAVING sweet potato fries, go to Smashburger. 1. Burger Lounge 2. In-n-out 3. Hodads 4. Blazin Grill (PB) 5. Five Guys 6. Smashburger
(3)Rebecca L.
I went to Smashburger again yesterday! Still love it! I had a wedge salad this time with a yummy spicy dressing it was really good. and of course I also picked up my favorite the Sweet Potato smash-fries! I absolutely love those things!! They are sweet, Salty, with a hint of rosemary and garlic. The only thing I disliked was.... I get an hour for lunch and so we were in a rush. Everything happened to be in our favour! we made green lights and even snagged the 30 parking out front... line wasn't too long... But there were a lot of orders so it wasn't fast. I only wish they were set up for phone orders but apparently not. which is kinda a bummer... Our office wont be able to head down there to pick up lunches to go. But there is still dinner and weekends.
(5)Jhal33 G.
You can't go wrong with this place because they have the BEST Burgers in San Diego. I love the area because it's close to everything and the only complain i have is it's too hard to find a sidestret parking. Food - EXCELLENT Customer Service - GREAT Location - Small and Clean Would i recommend this place? ABSOLUTELY!!
(5)Anna S.
Great burger and salad at a pricey location. We created out own burger and ended up with a great meal. We asked the waiter about the wine and he suggested again it which shows true service in my opinion. Great place!
(4)HR Muffinstuff M.
Great Burgers! Great Town!
(4)