smashburger to open first louisville joint

"Together the smashburger corporate team and the smashburger franchisees will quickly make smashburger every city's favorite burger place" ... from the website.

I'm eager to go there and send some money to Denver.

Noticed that the SmashBurger sign was up on the old Tony Roma's today as I drove to Limestone for lunch. Also noticed an article in Business First announcing a Sept. 7 opening.

Smashburger is expected to open Wednesday, Sept. 7, in a 2,500-square-foot space at 9409 Shelbyville Road, and a second Louisville location is expected to open by the end of the year.

http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/print-edition/2011/08/12/smashburger-to-open-first-location-in.html

I would be amazed if it is better than Bluegrass Burgers. Those things are addictive and the toppings choice is great.

I would be amazed if it is better than Bluegrass Burgers. Those things are addictive and the toppings choice is great.

Amen.

Are we sure it's going to be in the old Tony Roma's? The article says the address is going to be 9409 Shelbyville Road in the Hurstboure corners plaza. I think that would make it in the same plaza with Walgreens, probably the old Sesame location?

Oh, Mark, you are so right. It will be in the place that I believe was "Sesame." I never went there; nor did I ever go to Tony Roma's. My apologies.

The construction has started for the Smashburger at 4th Street Live, along with Potbelly's.

We have a few of these smashburger restaurants in Lexington. I went once and probably won't be back. The fries were pretty good, and I think the shake might have been good (can't remember), but the burger was very dry--all the flavor/juices had been smashed out of it, as advertised.

i can't wait to try their burgers and give all my monies to denver. i guess louisville won't see a penny of my tab...
anyway, i love a good burger.

why?
just to be contrary?
there are SO many great locals that make great burgers every day
i dont understand. thats about as hurtful a statement as ive ever heard. choosing to spend on an outside chain based solely on spite rather than support someone that does great things everyday and live close to you

i can't wait to try their burgers and give all my monies to denver. i guess louisville won't see a penny of my tab...
anyway, i love a good burger.

why?
just to be contrary?
there are SO many great locals that make great burgers every day
i dont understand. thats about as hurtful a statement as ive ever heard. choosing to spend on an outside chain based solely on spite rather than support someone that does great things everyday and live close to you

Matt, I'm pretty sure Annemarie was being sarcastic and poking fun at the overhwelming local bias that exists here. That's how I took it, anyway. For myself, I don't bear any ill will toward local restaurants, and in fact I tend to prefer them. But I don't feel any obligation to eat local, either, and there are a number of national chains that I patronize happily.

thank you jeff, i couldn't have said it better myself.
matt yes i was being sarcastic!!! because of roger's anti chainism. (new word that i just made up)
sure will i try them, and yes their are a lot of good local places and i have tried them.
i'm an equal opportunity foodie. local or chain, i give everyone a try. new or established....

point, counterpoint
fair enough

Ate there last night, it was fairly crowded... took the wife.

We got the classic hamburger, the BBQ burger, an order of SmashFRIES and an order of fried banana peppers (and 2 drinks) total cost: $22.50 after $2 tip.

The classic burger was good, good vegetables, still pretty juicy even with the smash technique (all burgers are medium+)

The BBQ burger was fine, a little sweet with the BBQ sauce. The bar cheese (I think just a spreadable american cheese... not sure, tasted like the stuff that comes in those clear plastic jars with the blue lids) was a good addition to the burger.

I prefer my burgers to be on the rare side, so that was a problem, but the smash technique (and likely a high fat content) keep the burgers juicy enough that they weren't dry.

The fries were outstanding. Pretty standard small shoestring fries, but the rosemary and sea salt really made them delicious.

The banana pepper rings were good. I really enjoyed them and their sauce for the first handful, but the taste started to wear on me... I'd likely not order them again, unless I was with a big group that I could split them with.

There chicken sandwiches definitely looked good as well... I have to get my car from that area today anyways, so maybe I will stop in for a second look.

Edited to add:

Comparison to Five Guys
Burgers are better at five guys, they just seem more meaty/juicy.... although the bun is better at SmashBurger.
Toppings: Better at Smashburger... lots of options, and I feel like the vegetables were more fresh (although this was the first day they were open)... but you can add fried banana peppers to a burger and that has to count for something.
Sides: Smashburger wins here... I'm a fan of the Cajun fries at Five Guys, but the Smash Fries beat them hands down... I look forward to trying the Sweet Potato Fries.

I need to go back to Bluegrass Burger and give them another chance, I wasn't overwhelmed with the price/quality ratio, but after spending $22 at Smash, I feel like i should double check what I spent at the local comparison.

Had lunch at Smashburger today. I love burgers and was curious to find out how they stacked up to some of my favorite fast food/chain burger restaurants. What are my favs. In order: Reeeed Robin, Culvers, Steak-n-Shake, Hardees. Remember I said fast food burger joints.

Yes I've eaten at Five Guys and Stevie B's several times. They have good high quality burgers and condiments and I feel that I should like them more than I do. For some reason their service format and product just do not inspire me to come back.

So, here's what I think. The burger (spicy baja) was juicy in the middle yet smashed and crispy around the edges and covered with the perfect combination of crisp leaf lettuce, red onion, tomato, guacamole, and jalapenos. The haystack onions and smash fries were both great sides and I prefer them to the side options at most of the restaurants above. They also had BBC Pale Ale in the bottle. I also liked that after I'd ordered at the front and found a seat the food was brought to my table.

So, based on this single visit my favorite fast food/chain burger is still to be had at Reeeed Robin! I know it's not spelled that way but that's how I hear it in my head! Also Reeeed Robin also has a full bar with draft beer! But if I'm in a hurry and need my fast food....you know fast, Smashburger looks to be a great new option!