Smashburger, the Denver-based “better burger” concept, debuted its first Atlanta store in Buckhead in July. Since then, four more have sprouted up, including the newest on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs.
The signature Smashburger is made from hand-formed balls of fresh Certified Angus Beef, “smashed-to-order” and seared on a flattop grill, and served on a butter-toasted bun with an imaginative assortment of toppings and add-ons.
The look: Every Smashburger location is a little different, but all have a contemporary fast casual design, with bright colors and rows of cozy booths and tables. In Sandy Springs, the company logo, "smash, sizzle, savor," is displayed in big red letters on a wall near the front entrance.
The scene: One recent Friday afternoon, there was a long line leading to the order counter, and most of the seats in the dining room were taken by groups of businesspeople grabbing lunch. A crew of friendly food runners kept the orders coming and quickly cleared tables.
The menu: Choose from a list of specialty burgers, such as the Spicy Baja, with pepper jack cheese, guacamole and fresh jalapenos ($5.99), or create your own. Free sauces and toppings include the likes of Frank's RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce and grilled onions. Applewood-smoked bacon ($1.50), fried egg ($1) and avocado ($1) are among the premium add-ons. Besides burgers, there are chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and salads. Sides include shoestring fries ($1.89), fried pickles ($1.99) and veggie frites ($2.99).
The drinks: Beverages include milkshakes, malts and floats ($3.99), self-serve fountain soft drinks ($1.79), bottled IBC sodas ($1.99), bottled beer ($2.99) and wines by the glass ($3.99).
The extras: Atlanta Smashburger locations feature two Southern-flavored menu items: the Atlanta burger, with peach barbecue sauce, Wicked Pimina brand spicy pimento cheese, grilled jalapenos and Vidalia coleslaw; and the Atlanta Dog, an Angus beef hot dog with the same condiments.
Dining out
Smashburger, Sandy Springs
10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
Burgers, chicken sandwiches and hot dogs, $3.29-$9.99; salads and sides, $1.89-$4.99; drinks, $1.79-$3.99.
6080 Roswell Road, 404-257-1557, www.smashburger.com
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