It was my first time visiting a Smashburger restaurant. I love a good burger and fries, it’s all American food that comforts you, makes family meals easy, and sometimes can make you go, “YUM!” My girlfriend and I jumped in the car and made our way to San Francisco’s newest Smashburger location on 16th Street last week for a burger tasting and we left there so full, but also full of information from the founder of the chain, Tom Ryan!

Located in Potrero Center, we parked in the adjoining free parking garage and walked up to the restaurant.  Inside Smashburgers’ 235th location,  you’ll find the decor pays homage to the area with photos that include the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and of course cable cars.  Plenty of seating in the narrow yet spacious area, we found our spot and discovered our tasting menu of burgers and chicken.  But first, out came the sides.  Smashfries tossed in olive oil, garlic, and rosemary were a delicious twist on tradition.  I don’t normally enjoy rosemary in my food, but this was a gentle flavor that seemed to work.  Haystack onions were thin and crisp and seasoned just right, my hand went back to these automatically all afternoon.  Veggie frites, carrots, asparagus, and green beans never tasted better flash fried and lightly seasoned, something I’ve never seen as a side in a hamburger joint.  I was pleasantly surprised for the healthier options.  Fried pickles and sweet potato fries were also added to our tasting list, the pickles were too tart for my taste.

Now on to the burgers.  Oh the burgers. 4 certified Angus Beef, one veggie, and two chicken delicacies were on our tasting menu.  The first was the Classic Smash, all the basics (American cheese, ketchup, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions) but with their amazing Smash Sauce that’s hit with a touch of lemon juice…oh you can just put the burger on the bun with that sauce and I’d be good!  I think they should really bottle that sauce, I’d buy a case in a heartbeat!We tasted the BBQ, Bacon, & Cheddar next that included more of those yummy haystack onions.  I fell in love with the 1/4 burger sample we tried, so much flavor!  But, one thing my friend and I both noticed, the burger is kind of lost in the bite.  I also could only eat about a quarter of the sandwich, a blessing and a curse of the flavor is that it leaves a slight oil slick on my tongue.  Two burgers include baby portabella mushrooms, the Truffle Mushroom Swiss and the Bay Burger.  Coincidentally, they both include truffle mayo which is an acquired taste that I still haven’t acquired.  The Bay Burger also has arugula that I’m not a fan of.

For those non-meat eaters, you MUST try the Spicy Veggie Black Bean burger!  Jalepenos, guacamole, pepper jack, chipotle mayo on a spicy chipotle bun had me craving a side of salsa for dipping!  Each bite is like you’re eating Mexican food and that is my favorite kind, so yeah I’ll be ordering that again!

Lastly, we tried to Smashchicken selections, the Classic and the Avocado Club.  The Classic was light and really tasty if a bit salty.  The Avocado Club had the added applewood-smoked bacon that gave tons of extra flavor!  Definitely two choices I’d buy again.  To top it all off we sampled their Haagen-Dazs shakes that were thick, creamy, and amazing.

Founder, Tom Ryan flew in for our event and chatted with us while we ate, his passion for amazing food evident.  With a Ph.D in Flavor and Fragrance Chemistry and a Masters in Lipid Toxicology, the man knows his food and it shows!  Not to mention he’s known for creating some of the world’s most popular restaurant items like Pizza Hut’s Stuffed Crust Pizza, McGriddles, the Dollar Menu, Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits at McDonald’s, and Quiznos’ Steakhouse Beef Dip, Prime Rib and Sammies.

Taking us back to the kitchen, Tom donned an apron and showed exactly how the Smashburger is made and why it’s SO delicious!  Watch below:

I had to roll myself out of the restaurant, but boy was it all so good.  I can’t wait to hit a restaurant again and if you want to check out the menu at Smashburger and find a location near you, visit http://smashburger.com/.

Event was hosted, no compensation was received.  All opinions, 100% my own.