Smashburger — Restaurant in Oak Brook

My family and I went in yesterday to this location for the first time at 11 am. After a few moments of waiting at the order station and seeing 7 employees working in the food prep area, a man approached, a manager I assume, to let us know they wouldn't be able to take our order for 30 minutes because they had a very large cater order they were preparing. This was frustrating because my husband had to go to work after this and waiting 30 minutes wouldn't have worked for our timing on that. I told him we drove quite a ways to have lunch there since they are the only location within 20 miles from us and that my husband had to be at work so we couldn't wait 30 minutes to order. He just apologized without even attempting to squeeze in making 3 measly meals. We decided to leave and drive my husband back home to get ready for work and my son and I went back over, which took about 40 minutes. We walked in and saw a few people seated without any food and when we went to the counter to order a girl that was in the kitchen told us that it would be about 30 before they could take our order because they had a large online order they were preparing. 😳 I told her we were just told that exact same thing at 11 am and came back 40 minutes later to have lunch and now it was gonna be ANOTHER 30 minutes before they could take our order? She just apologized. I asked her if they were planning on serving lunch to anyone today since it was technically lunchtime for many people that work locally and I saw about 4 other small groups of people waiting at tables for them to finish, and she didn't say anything. We were not interested in waiting ANOTHER 30 minutes for them to prioritize the people waiting in their store to eat so left and patronized another restaurant nearby. Very disappointed that they would use all 7 employees to focus on one pick up order and ignore the waiting...

This Smashburger was brand-spanking new. I think they've only been open for about a week and are getting it together. I was very impressed that they have both gluten- and dairy-free options (for unfortunate folks who can't tolerate either).

I had their double-bacon Smashburger on a gluten-free bun with no cheese. I also had a vegan chocolate milkshake.

Let's start with the burger - it was a huge burger (two burgers). They serve it with the typical condiments, and different than other chains, the burger comes on a gluten-free bun. I'm used to them serving buns in separate sealed plastic bags. (Note to those with Celiac disease - this probably wouldn't work for you since it was exposed to other items with gluten.) It was excellent.

I also had their regular Tater Tots. The Smash Tots didn't appeal to me since they drenched them in oil and spices. While I am sure they are delicious, I like my fries and tots crisp, so I chose not to try their fancy version.

The Vegan Chocolate Milkshake was good. It's been so long since I could have milk I don't remember exactly what a real milkshake tastes like. You might find it different than a milkshake and may or may not like it. I found it very good.

My only issue was they had plenty of open tables, and many had yet to be wiped down. I had to ask someone to wipe down a table so we could sit. Before he came back, we found one clean table. When the server saw us sit, he asked if we still needed a table wiped down. When we answered "no," he said good and walked off without cleaning them. That means another person is going to ask them for the same thing. I wonder why he didn't clean them for the next person.

That being said, it was a great experience and good food. We'll go back to Smashburger.

And I look forward to our...

My family and I went to this Smashburger location on a Saturday night. It wasn't particularly busy. We have never been to a Smashburger. We ordered 2 fountain drinks, buffalo wings, smash fries, smash tots, truffle mushroom single burger, and kids krispy tenders meal w/ fries and milk. We initially did not get our order of smash fries and smash tots. It took us twice to ask where the rest of our order was. Finally after the second time asking (30 minutes after ordering), we finally received the smash fries. After an hour of being at the restaurant, we never received the Smash tots. The manager gave us a refund on the Smash tots. I probably should have asked for a refund on the tip as well. Note to self, do not tip at fast casual restaurants when you order. Only tip afterwards (though I probalby shouldn't tip at fast casual restaurants).

Besides the bad service, the food was alright. The wings were just average. The burger was solid. Definitely better value and taste than 5 Guys. The Smash Fries were great. I highly recommend them! Overall the place was clean and the food solid. The service just sucked.

Would I go back to another Smashburger? Maybe. If I happened to be near another one. Just not...