The smash burger, a culinary delight born from the hurried kitchens of diners and lunch counters, boasts a history as rich as its flavor. Decades ago, cooks, with cigarettes dangling, pressed hamburger patties onto scorching griddles, the forceful smash of the spatula creating a flatter, deeply seared patty. This technique, born of necessity to expedite cooking, inadvertently unlocked a depth of flavor, transforming often mundane ground beef into something extraordinary.
In recent years, the smash burger has experienced a vibrant resurgence in popularity. This revival might be seen as a counter-movement to the towering, juicy half-pound burgers that dominated bistro and bar menus. It’s also undeniably linked to the global success of Shake Shack, a chain that propelled the smash burger technique onto the international stage.
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Eater NY has meticulously tracked the evolution of smash burgers across New York City’s dynamic burger scene, observing its transformation from a niche style to a full-blown phenomenon. Even chains like Smashburger and 7th Street Burger have not only survived but expanded, signaling the enduring appeal of this burger style. Furthermore, in an era of rising ingredient costs, the affordability of burgers makes them an increasingly attractive option, appearing on menus from casual eateries to upscale establishments like Crown Shy. Intrigued by the smash burger’s staying power, I decided to revisit some key players in the NYC burger landscape to see if they are still delivering on their initial promise.
Smashed: A Salty Disappointment in the West Village
My first stop was Smashed, a Lower East Side original that has since opened a West Village outpost. Opting for the single burger, priced at a reasonable $8, I anticipated a classic smash burger experience with onions, pickles, and American cheese. However, in a city brimming with hyped-up smash burgers, Smashed felt like a misstep. While the initial price point is appealing, the menu quickly escalates with options boasting multiple patties and a barrage of extra toppings, including a truffle-infused burger reaching a hefty $28. It’s clear the basic burger isn’t their focus.
The patty itself was alarmingly thin, almost devoid of any unseared meat – essentially a salty meat crisp. The overwhelming saltiness suggested an aggressive griddle seasoning, drawing out every last bit of moisture and amplifying the sear to an extreme. Even copious amounts of water failed to quell the salt assault. While the fries were commendable, the burger experience left much to be desired. If this is the direction of the smash burger trend, I’m not on board. Located at 516 Hudson Street, between 10th and Christopher streets, West Village.
Petey’s Burger: A Queens Gem Worth Discovering
Seeking redemption, I ventured to Long Island City and stumbled upon Petey’s Burger, one of Queens’ beloved homegrown burger joints. Established in 2008, Petey’s was smashing patties long before it became a trend. Their cheeseburger, similarly configured to Smashed, includes lettuce and tomato alongside the standard onions, pickles, and a mayo-based sauce, resulting in a far more balanced and satisfying burger.
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Priced at a mere $6.25 for the stripped-down burger, Petey’s delivered a near-perfect fast-food burger experience. The patty, while smashed and seared, retained a substantial meatiness and a delicate crust. It was, dare I say, my platonic ideal of a fast-food burger. Two of these would constitute a truly magnificent meal. Find them at 46-46 Vernon Boulevard, at 46th Street, Long Island City.
7th Street Burger: Maintaining Smash Burger Excellence Across NYC
My final destination was 7th Street Burger. When 7th Street Burger first emerged two summers ago in the East Village, replacing a small arepa spot, it ignited a sensation. Its minimalist menu – cheeseburgers, fries, and Mexican Coke – evoked classic hamburger stands of a bygone era. Crucially, the burgers surpassed those of Shake Shack, boasting a sloppier, greasier, and more intensely flavorful profile. The intentionally mangled bun added to its unique charm. Since then, 7th Street Burger has expanded, opening a second location on MacDougal Street and, more recently, nine additional locations. This rapid expansion naturally raised concerns about maintaining quality.
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Stepping out of the subway at 23rd and 7th, my worries dissipated as the familiar aroma of 7th Street Burger filled the air. The Chelsea location mirrored the other branches: a simple counter, a bustling, seemingly chaotic kitchen, and the same concise menu, save for a handwritten addition – fries loaded with burger toppings. The burger ($6.50) tasted exactly as I remembered, perhaps even greasier, and the Impossible vegetarian version remarkably similar, albeit slightly more crumbly. (Indeed, the secret to making Impossible meat taste like meat might just be to treat it roughly.)
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Classic bottled Coke remains the beverage of choice. Outside, a group, seemingly part of the 7th Street Burger management, discussed plans for a new location near the Seaport and debated milkshake machine specifics. Milkshakes? That’s menu expansion, but if their shakes match the consistent burger quality, I’m all for it. Perhaps malts will follow? Find this 7th Street Burger location at 171 West 23rd Street, near 7th Avenue, Chelsea.
The Verdict: 7th Street Burger Still Reigns Supreme
While Smashed left me wanting and Petey’s Burger impressed as a Queens hidden gem, 7th Street Burger continues to hold its crown as a top NYC smash burger destination. Despite expansion, they have successfully maintained the quality and character that made them a sensation. For a consistently delicious, no-frills smash burger in NYC, 7th Street Burger remains the champion.
7th Street Burger Locations:
- 91 East 7th Street, Manhattan, NY 10009
- 171 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10011
- Various other locations across Manhattan – check their website for the latest.
Petey’s Burger Locations:
- 46-46 Vernon Boulevard, Queens, NY 11101
- 30-01 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11102
SMASHED Location:
- 167 Orchard Street, Manhattan, NY 10002
- 516 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
