Smashburger — Restaurant in South Carolina

One late-night craving found me strolling into Smash Burger, the beacon of greasy bliss that never judged my choices. As I opened the door, I was hit with the intoxicating scent of sizzling meat and something that smelled suspiciously like bad decisions. The place was packed, and I was ready to dive into this culinary wonderland armed with modesty and an appetite like you wouldn’t believe.

The moment I approached the counter, I noticed the cute cashier, a bubbly blonde with a smile that could melt any patty. I decided to channel my inner Casanova. “Hey, I’d like the ‘Double Bacon Smash,’ but only if you promise it’s not going to be a bigger disappointment than my last relationship!” She laughed and quipped back, “Honey, the only thing that’ll disappoint you here is when you finally finish!”

Heartened by her banter, I ordered the infamous burger, and she winked as she took my money, sending butterflies fluttering around like they were having a rave. I took my number and headed to my table, shaking with anticipation—both for the meal and the playful flirtation.

Once I settled in, I noticed a group of friends at the next table competing for who could devour their burgers the fastest. Their laughter echoed like they were fighting over who could get the title of “Biggest Gastro-Glutton.” Getting into the spirit, I thought, “Why not join in?” After all, they say if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen—but I planned to stay right here and play with fire!

When my ‘Double Bacon Smash’ finally arrived, it came on a platter that seemed designed for a feast fit for a king—or someone with no dignity. It was so massive it felt like a metaphor for my love life: towering, messy, and destined to end with a flurry of napkins. I picked it up, feeling like I was about to engage in a highly competitive sport. “Time to smash and handle this!” I declared as I took my first bite.

Just then, the guy at the next table, who must have taken one too many shots of the ‘let’s embarrass ourselves’ juice, leaned over and shouted, “Whoa! Looks like you’re about to tackle a sausage bigger than your last date!” The whole restaurant roared with laughter, and I raised my burger like a trophy. “I promise this one won’t ghost me!”

Mid-bite, I accidentally dropped a glob of mayonnaise right on my shirt. I gasped in horror, realizing I was wearing a white tee—my personal “oops” magnet. The cashier strolled by, catching me in this moment of greasy despair. “Looks like you got yourself in a sticky situation!” she teased. “Don’t worry; I’ve heard good things come to those who get messy—but maybe keep your toppings to a minimum next time?”

With my dignity halfway to the floor, I blurted out, “Well, what can I say? I love a good deep dive!” And she shot back with, “Careful! Last time I took a deep dive, I ended up with a splashing experience!”

Just then, an awkward guy sitting across from me awkwardly chimed in, “I wish my dates would take me out for burgers instead of ice cream—those always end up ‘melting’ away!” I burst out laughing. “At least with burgers, there’s plenty to hold onto!” The whole place erupted in giggles as the tension turned to pure hilarity.

Finally, after a valiant struggle, I conquered the beast that was the ‘Double Bacon Smash.’ Wiping grease off my face, I looked around to find my trashy kingdom and promptly declared, “I’m the god of meat and chaos!” The cashier approached me, admitting, “That’s quite the title! Care to reign over a date next time?”

I couldn’t believe my luck! With my heart racing faster than my burger-eating contest, I grinned and said, “Absolutely! Just know I’m a messy lover!” She laughed and replied, “Perfect! I’ll bring the napkins!”

As I left Smash Burger, heart full and stomach heavier, I realized I might’ve entered simply for a late-night meal but had walked out with laughter, potential romance, and an epic story. Maybe they were right—sometimes love really does find you where you least expect it, like a wayward pickle finding a spot...

Just left the building. Ordered our food, paid, then looked at the receipt and realized we were charged for an extra burger that we did not order. Immediately told the cashier (Madison) who tried to do a refund, but didn't know how. Told some people behind the counter that she needed the manager, Penny. Were were told it would be a few minutes and we waited near the register for a while before our food came. Finally our food came out, we were told to have a seat and they would work on it while we ate. We told them repeatedly that we did not order, nor did we want the extra burger, but it was left at our table anyway. After I was finished eating I went back to the register to see if it had been figured out and was told they were still waiting for a manager. At this point about 20 minutes had passed. I finally told them that the manager needed to come out or I was going in the back to get her myself. At that point the lady right behind the counter was told she needed to come out, she had NO IDEA a customer was waiting. Cashier, Madison, explained that she accidentally added a burger that we did not order and that we needed a refund. Manager Penny asked where the burger was. I told her that, although I said we didn't order it, it was left on our table. She said that she needed it back. We brought the burger back. She also said that it was my fault for not checking the screen (not working) to verify my order. While walking out my husband said to the other guests waiting inline to make sure they weren't overcharged and manager, Penny, started yelling for us to leave. Some words were exchanged and we left. Not at all impressed with manager Penny. She should not be working in any sort of customer service profession, completely unprofessional. We were very cordial for 20 minutes and only when we became angry did she even acknowledge we were there. I don't know if her staff didn't tell her or if she simply didn't care, either way...

I've been here a few times and was never truly impressed with my overall experience but tonight it was so bad I will not return. First impression tonight was the unwelcome feeling I got when entering the restaurant, the dining room was dark and appeared unclean. I went straight to the restroom before ordering and the staff at the counter stared at me oddly as I walked past them to go to the men's room. The restrooms are right beside the area where employees bag your order. This is strange because there is no wall or patrician for privacy as the bathrooms literally open up into the employees space. The men's room looked like it needed to be deep cleaned, it was definitely not in the condition I would expect considering its proximity to the kitchen. The floor was wet near the toilet and the trash can had paper towels overflowing out the top. While paying for my order I noticed an automatic prompt for the option to leave a tip. This is ridiculous! Why would I tip and who gets the tip? I mean since when does a cashier get a tip? The audacity to ask for a tip and have me wait for almost 20 minutes for a hamburger and fries. Tips get paid after receiving good service. Not before!! One last thing, My burger was a greasy, sloppy, soggy mess and the fries container was half full. My order was to go so I didn't know this until I got home. Actually, my experience wasn't worth the time it took me to write this review but I had to share...