Yesterday, I attended the Smashburger / Arlington "Preview Day." The following is my honest, after-first-bite-thought:
"That is one good hamburger."
It is juicy and served hot. The two top requirements of a good hamburger, in my opinion. I also liked the hearty, not-greasy bun, and the real dill pickles. I would put it up there with
M&O Station Grill hamburger -- and that is saying something.
It's hard
not to like a juicy, all Angus beef burger. But add good french fries, thin-sliced, and very crispy, and a real ice-cream, chocolate milk-shake, and you get a very good lunch.
Smashburger started in Denver and by the looks of their "locations" map has moved northward and southward kind of along the Interstate 35 corridor. They have one location in Addison, several in Houston, the one I visited in Arlington. They are moving into the Fort Worth area now. Look for one near TCU soon.
Smashburger is one of the companies that is satisfying the current demand for a quality hamburger in a stylish, counter-service setting.
Smashburger's menu also has a few salads, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and assorted side items like fried pickles (yes, I liked them, too).
Is
Smashburger the place to take the kids everyday for a cheap meal? No. But, for an as-good-as-you-can-get hamburger, the price is fair. Under $10 for a 1/3 pound burger, a big order of fries and a drink.
My thanks to the Smashburger folks. I wish you well.
http://www.smashburger.com
Today, I had a chance to visit. I spoke to Karl Spahr, who owns the shop along with his wife Carolyn, and was happy to learn that they share a passion for good coffee, and that most of their coffee is locally roasted. 
