4.5 out of 5.0 stars
A new entry into the ever expanding Tampa Bay Area Smashburger field, should be getting some well deserved attention. Their goal is to offer affordable Smashburgers, and fresh, more healthy ingredients.
After coming to Florida a few years ago and then co-owning a Mediterranean Lebanese restaurant in Boston, owner, Mario, wanted to do something a little different. He’s back in Florida and realized Smashburgers cater to a much larger food audience than his previous adventure, and he wants to offer them at a better price point, but still use fresh, premium and healthier ingredients.
Mario only preps enough fresh product for each day. When he sells out, he closes for the day. He’s been able to forecast pretty well, how much he needs daily. I’m thinking very soon he’s going to need to Up that forecast by a lot. His Smashburgers are fantastic!
These burgers are classic Oklahoma style onion Smashburgers. Very thin sliced onions smashed into a ball of beef. They use prime angus 80/20 beef and it gets that great sear you look for in a Smashburger. You need to know that these patties are coming in at 2.2 oz. They are smashed very thin, but not paper thin, so you do have some juicy beef. You can add patties. Add them! I would start out at a minimum of a double. I’m going triple next visit. They are seasoned well. American cheese is always a great choice. Thin sliced pickles on top. The classic comes with ketchup & mustard, but I opted for the Big Smashyo sauce. This delicious sauce has a tangy taste. It contains relish, mustard & vinegar. The other sauce available is called Smashyo Special sauce. It has a smoky flavor, containing Worcestershire & smoked paprika. It’s delicious as well. The buns are brioche from Cusano’s Baking Company. It’s a very soft bun and toasted lightly. Great bun.
It’s been fun meeting and chatting with Mario. He and Dylan will make you a wonderful Smashburger.
The Smashyo Special adds fresh lettuce and tomatoes and comes with Smashyo Special Sauce.
Mario is very proud of his Fresh-cut Fries. They are soaked overnight to release all of the starch, keeping the inside creamy and the outer layer crunchy.
Keep an eye on Mario. He’s working on another food concept, that just might come to reality very soon.
