Smash Burger Bar — Restaurant in Griffin

I’ve been to Smash Burger Bar twice now, and my experiences have been pretty different each time.

The first visit was great—solid burgers, quick service, and everything seemed to be running smoothly. The atmosphere was lively, and while they don’t have their liquor license yet, they do allow you to grab a drink from Slices (three doors down) and bring it back. A little unusual, but it works.

My second visit, however, was not as enjoyable. It was a busy Friday, and it seemed like the boss wasn’t around at first. Ticket times were pushing 45 minutes, the kitchen staff was more focused on joking around than getting food out, and the overall energy felt chaotic. Then, as soon as the boss showed up, food started coming out at a normal pace—definitely makes you question how much they can trust their staff to run things smoothly without supervision.

On top of that, the tables were ridiculously sticky—bad enough that I didn’t even want to rest my arms on them. It’s little details like that that make a difference in the experience.

The burgers are still solid, and I might come back when I’m craving one, but I’ll probably just get it to-go next time. Hopefully, they work out their consistency issues because the...

Wife and I went for lunch the end of their "soft opening" week, or the beginning of their "hard opening", I'm not sure which. 11:30 or so and place was jam packed, which is a good sign. Food is ordered at the counter, there's an order number on your receipt, and they'll call out your order when it's ready bring it to you if they're able. A single smash burger was more than enough for each of us and while I can't speak to the amount of fries you get, the onion rings are plentiful and the tater tots were more than I could finish. Wife had the Grip Town burger sans grilled jalapenos and I had the Jacked Up Burger. The food was pretty much perfect. Chili on mine was spot on and the palmetto cheese on my wife's was amazing. Both sides were very good, though the tots could stand something like Lawry's on them. The "atmosphere" needs some work, seating is tight, and it strikes one as something of a cafeteria - needs a bit of funkiness to it. Not sure where they'll put their beer taps once their license comes through, but that should be interesting. Still, this is a 100% go and get...

What a fun place! They are still in their soft opening, do I'm looking forward for when they are running at full steam! Paulie (sorry about spelling!) was very friendly and welcoming. She let us know about all the developments with the restaurant and what was still coming. Our order came out pretty darn quick and we were able to eat inside but still with fresh air, as the front bar opens to the street overlooking West Solomon St with views of the old Post Office and some of the new shops. The atmosphere was cool with colorful artwork. The good was hot and fresh! The burger bun had that nice toast to it, flavorful burger, lots of good mushroom and cheese topping. I like the house sauce on it as well! The onion rings were battered, not breaded, very nice!! This will be a regular place for us to eat! Not many really good burger places around at all and at this price it's well worth it! See you...