SMASHVILLE Hot Chicken & Burgers — Restaurant in New Brunswick

(tl;dr at the end of my review) In all my years of eating out at restaurants, I have been able to explore many different cuisines. However, as much as I love Thai or Desi or Caribbean food, just to name a few, nothing beats a hearty burger or a chicken sandwich. Much to my most welcome surprise, Smashville now has my most favorite hot chicken sandwich AND my most favorite burger. The Smashville interior is designed really well, with a cool sign and eye-grabbing wall art that can only enhance any social media photo op you take. The staff is very friendly, and the menu is simple and not overwhelming at all. I walked into the establishment thinking, "there's no way they can be doing both a sandwich and a burger that well, they should just pick one and stick to it and refine it as much as they can." Well, I'm extremely glad I'm not running the place.

Let me begin with the hot chicken sandwich. First impression, it looked amazing, with a very sizeable piece of chicken sitting in a bed of chipotle house sauce and pickles, all inside a nice warm buttered brioche bun. When I took my first bite, I realized that it tasted even better than it looked. The breading was crunchy, the spice had a kick that lingered (I ordered a medium) but did not overpower the taste, the chicken was tender inside, the pickles were not too sweet, and the bun was warm but not soggy.

I then moved on to the beef smash burger (I ordered the double patty). The process to make the burger was simple (grill is in open view): take a beef patty (two for the double), smash it on the grill, add seasoning, add cheese, add sauteed onions, and throw it in a bun. Very simple, and in this case, simply excellent. After my first bite, I literally could not stop smiling and at a certain point, I even laughed. My taste buds were thanking me and my heart was happy. I thought the hot chicken sandwich was amazing, I didn't even have the words to describe this burger. I hate to say this because both items are phenomenal and they're both praiseworthy, but if you absolutely HAVE to choose between both the sandwich and the burger, get the burger. But again, you need to try both (this is like picking a favorite child).

The other menu items they have available are things like fries, hot fries, and smash fries. I tried the smash fries too which is essentially the smash beef burger layered on top of a bed of fries with their chipotle house sauce. Just like the burger and the sandwich, this did not disappoint.

tl;dr new halal spot with a hot chicken sandwich that is done extremely well and a beef smash burger better than anywhere else I've tried, customer service is impeccable, seating is spacious, and a cool design with Instagram-worthy ops inside, everything tastes excellent, this place is definitely worth a try because I guarantee you'll come back for more. 9.5/10 because they can definitely use more options on the menu, but they're also a new restaurant so mastering their menu before expanding is...

When you imagine if a perfect hot chicken sandwich exists, what do you think of? Is it that first warm bite of toasted bun, enhanced by flavors of refreshing coleslaw, zesty pickles, and creamy sauce smothered on a perfectly crispy on the outside, sensationally seasoned juicy piece of chicken? Well, I’m here to tell you that the perfect hot chicken sandwich exists and it can only be found at Smashville. I think of myself as a self proclaimed foodie who has traveled to Nashville itself to find that hot chicken sandwich by trying the most famous locations known in the United States and trying to decide which was best. I have to say, Smashville blows them out of the water, right here in NJ. The absolute euphoria I felt when I took my first bite of this delectable creation was palpable. As far as spice levels go, the “hot” was hot and the “med” was med, exactly as you’d expect, but in my opinion worth getting one of each. However, if you find yourself inside this gem of a foodie’s paradise, don’t stop at the hot chicken. The true hidden jewel of this place is its smashburger. A pure example of a gooey, cheesy, flavorful combination of sauce and onions delicately coating a grilled to precision beef patty that exemplifies the magic of simplicity in a burger. The combination of ingredients and seasoning used to create this masterpiece will make your taste buds dance with joy. Honestly, I don’t know how they do it but even as you make your way through the burger or sandwich, nothing falls apart or even gets soggy. The entire experience was so fulfilling. Once you add a side of the smashburger or chicken waffle fries that are drizzled in sauce and fried at the perfect temperature and texture, forget it. The ultimate paradise has been reached and you will have attained Nirvana. Did I even mention, it’s all Halal? This is a dream come true. If I could give this place 10 stars, I would. For the past hour, I’ve just been thinking about when I can go back and continue the feeling of bliss. Definitely check this place out if you’re looking for the best hot chicken and burgers NJ...

I had the pleasure of dining at Smashville during my multiple visits to New Jersey, and let me tell you, it blew my expectations out of the water! As a Dallas native, I can confidently say that Smashville sets a new standard for excellence that surpasses anything I've experienced back home.

Food: From the burgers to the chicken sandwiches, milkshakes, and fries, every item on the menu deserves a solid 5/5 rating. The flavors are bold, the ingredients are fresh, and the execution is flawless. NJ residents are truly lucky to have access to such exceptional cuisine.

Service: The staff and owners at Smashville are a cut above the rest. Their warmth, kindness, and dedication to providing top-notch service are unparalleled. It's clear that they genuinely care about their customers' experience, making every visit memorable and enjoyable.

Halal: It's worth noting that Smashville is halal, catering to diverse dietary preferences with the same level of quality and taste that defines their menu. This inclusivity is commendable and adds to the restaurant's appeal.

Overall: Smashville is a true culinary gem that elevates the dining scene in New Jersey to new heights. NJ residents are fortunate to have such an outstanding establishment in their midst. If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and indulge in the magic of Smashville—you won't be...