Smash'd — Restaurant in San Antonio

★★★☆☆ Burger 3 Fries 5 Customer Service 4.5 Parking 4 Cost 2

On my burger-tasting journey, I rely on a classic order: a double cheeseburger (with lettuce and tomato when available) and fries. This lets the patty and bun be the stars, untainted by fancy toppings.

This time, I ventured into the world of "smashed burgers," known for their crispy edges and juicy centers. San Antonio's smashed burger scene is still young, so I compared it to experiences elsewhere.

The good news: the double cheeseburger boasted a satisfying patty-to-bun ratio and undeniably fresh beef. The bad news: flavor fell short. The crispy edges, a hallmark of great smashed burgers, were missing in action.

However, the fries were a revelation! Pictures don't do them justice. Seasoned to perfection, they were a delicious contrast to the burger's lackluster taste. Service was friendly and attentive (4.5 stars), parking was convenient (4 stars), but the cost was a sticking point (2 stars). Fries and a double cheeseburger will set you back around $25.

Final Verdict: 3 out of 5 stars

The fries are a clear winner, but the burger needs a flavor boost to compete with the top contenders. If you're nearby with a smashed burger craving, it's decent. However, it wouldn't be my first choice for a special...

I recently visited Smash’d, which opened just over a month ago, and had an exceptional experience. Arriving on a Thursday evening at 7 PM, I was warmly welcomed by Colt and August at the bar, who provided top-notch service throughout my visit.

I ordered the Wake and Bacon, and it exceeded all expectations, easily earning the title of the best smashed burger I've ever tasted. The menu boasts a variety of options, including creative burgers, chicken sandwiches, burritos, and even vegetarian choices with the Berton’s patty option, ensuring there's something for everyone.

The interior ambiance is cozy, with a bar seating around 10 people and a few indoor tables. However, what truly sets Smash’d apart is its expansive outdoor space, complete with live music during my visit, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

I'm particularly excited to return on a Friday or Saturday night for their late-night happy hour from 10 PM until 2 AM. With the kitchen open until 2 AM on these nights, Smash’d promises to be the perfect spot for late-night cravings.

Overall, my experience at Smash’d was nothing short of excellent, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for delicious food and a great atmosphere. I can't...

Bartender was very unfriendly and short, we wanted to try the pour it yourself taps and she did not give any directions, we tried to figure it out ourselves and and asked another worker for assistance and she literally huffed and made a face and said she didn’t know how to work it and would have someone come out, nobody ever did but we were able to figure it out. Food came out and was nice and hot. Overall atmosphere was nice, as they had fires and heat lamps with plenty of seating. We came on a Saturday night and it wasn’t busy at all. Food and drinks made up for customer service. This place has a lot of potential and would be great with the right staff.

Update: Gave it a 2nd chance and it was sooo much better than the first time. We came on a Monday night and they had $1 wings, and they were delicious! Hot, crispy and juicy! They have a few flavors to pick from. We got the Diablo lemon pepper and garlic parm, both tasty! Tried out the pour yard again as well, and was more enjoyable this time as we knew how to use it this time around. The young man who took our order was very nice! Music and ambiance was just as good as the first time. We will be returning...