Smashburger is smashing good!
If you’re in the mood for a quick bite that is a step up than your average fast food chain, then you have to try the new Smashburger restaurant at The Shops at Riverside mall. Smashburger made its debut in August at its new Bergen County location.
If you’re in the mood for a quick bite that is a step up than your average fast food chain, then you have to try the new Smashburger restaurant at The Shops at Riverside mall. Smashburger made its debut in August at its new Bergen County location.
Along with a clean, diner-like atmosphere is an impressive wait staff. A greeter welcomed our party at the door and explained how to get food: you get into line to order your food at the counter. Once you’ve ordered, the server will give you a plastic number for you to bring to your table. Instead of standing around waiting for them to call your meal, the staff brings the food over to you in “seven minutes or less.” (Another plus: instead of a communal condiment section like in regular fast food chain restaurants, there is a basket of all your favorite goodies at each table.)
I had two bags and a laptop with me at the time, so I gave my companions my order and snagged a booth. Within the next few minutes a humorous waiter slipped into the seat across from me and asked me if I needed any assistance. He left with a smile once I assured him that my companions were ordering food and they would join me shortly.
The food is a creative step up from what you expect from regular fast-food chains. The gimmick is the “smashed” burger (hence the name of the restaurant). They pound the 100% beef into thin patties and load the sandwiches up with whatever your heart desires. The greeter recommended the burger with avocado mayo or one with a fried egg atop the burger. Yum.
Personally, I like my burgers thick, so I ordered the iceberg wedge salad. The lettuce was generous and crisp, and I was fully pleased with the heaping pile of bacon on top (they do not skimp on anything!). The blue cheese dressing was not as chunky as I like, but it was fresh and creamy nonetheless. My companions were all equally impressed with their cheeseburgers and chicken sandwiches. The meat might be pounded thin, but they still give you the proper quantity and execute a delicious sandwich.
Best of all, however, were their creamy chocolate, vanilla, and chocolate-and-vanilla milkshakes. I suggest you try one for yourself.
You will get your chance to sample one at Bergenfest on September 30th. Smashburger will be there, handing out milkshakes and running contests all night long. Buy your tickets now and sample Bergen’s Best!
