Smashburger Finally Makes it to Miami UPDATED

The Classic Smash & fries

​Billed as "the nation's fastest growing 'better burger' restaurant", Smashburger is unveiling its first Miami location (14730 Biscayne Blvd.) on Saturday, December 31 (a last-minute switch from next Wednesday, December 21). The popular chain has well over 100 venues across the country, including Florida branches in Coral Springs and Neptune Beach (and one coming to Kendall soon). And North Miami Mayor Andre D. Pierre will  perform the first ceremonial "smash" at a VIP reception -- but the date for this has likewise been changed to some time in January. 

As for that smash: Smashburger's "secret" is smushing a "never frozen, Certified Angus Beef" burger on a 400-degree grill "to sear in the juicy flavor" (motto: smash. sizzle. savor). A butter-toasted "artisan" egg bun (quote marks in this case reflecting skepticism) embraces the patty -- or you can opt for a whole grain bun or Cuban roll. The Smashburger "Classic" comes with American cheese, lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, pickles and "smash sauce" ($4.99, or a dollar more for a "big smash"). If you create your own burger, prices respectively dip to $4.29 and $5.29 -- plus extra for whatever add-ons you choose.

"In every Smashburger market," explains founder and chief concept offericer Tom Ryan, "we explore what consumers enjoy eating and then bring those tastes and flavors to our menu in an innovative way."

Our signature sandwiches will be the "A1A Burger" topped with grilled Spanish chorizo, frita potatoes, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and spicy chipotle sauce on Cuban roll. Vegetarians who find themselves stuck in a burger joint can opt for a "Spicy Baja Black Bean Burger" with pepper jack cheese, guacamole, fresh jalapeños and spicy chipotle mayo and chipotle bun.

This local lean is further gleaned via a la carte garnishes such as mango and papaya salsa, guacamole, and Spanish chorizo; you can top the burger with a fried egg, too. Nine different sauces are also available for buffing the beef. Shakes and malts are made with Haagen-Dazs.

Do we need another burger joint -- or even another "better burger joint"? Hell no, not with DBR, DGB, CG Burgers, Shake Shake, Five Guys, 5 Napkin and the rest -- not to mention the McD's, Burger Kings, and Wendy's (which together stack up to about 30,000 U.S. locations). On the other hand, when Miami summer comes, the idea of never having to walk more than a few blocks for a thick, cold milk shake is not necessarily a bad thing.

Plus maybe Smashburger really will be a better burger.

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