What Smashburger is and how to order

Smashburger is a fast-casual burger chain where you order at a counter and food is brought to your table or you take it with you. The restaurant is known for thin, crispy-edged burgers made by pressing the meat flat on a hot griddle — that's where the "smash" comes from. You can order in person at the counter, through their mobile app, or online for pickup or delivery.

When you walk in, you'll see a menu board with burger options, sides, and drinks. You can customize any burger by choosing your toppings, cheese, and sauce. If you're ordering through the app or website, you select your location, build your burger, choose a pickup time or delivery option, and pay before you arrive. Delivery is handled through third-party services like DoorDash or Uber Eats depending on your location.

Smashburger locations vary in what they offer — some have full bars, some have limited seating, and some are designed mainly for pickup and delivery. Check the specific location's hours and services on their website or app before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • Smashburger burgers are made by smashing thin patties on a hot griddle to create crispy edges, and you can customize toppings and sauces on any burger.
  • You can order at the counter in person, through the Smashburger app, or on their website for pickup or delivery to your location.
  • Prices and menu items vary by location, so check the app or website for your nearest restaurant before ordering.
  • Delivery is handled through third-party apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, not directly by Smashburger, so delivery fees and times depend on the service you use.
  • Most locations have limited seating and are designed for quick service, though some locations have full dining areas and bars.

Understanding the menu and burger options

Smashburger's core menu includes signature burgers with set toppings and sauces, plus a build-your-own option where you start with a patty and add what you want. Signature burgers have names like the Smashburger Classic (with cheese, tomato, lettuce, onion, and pickles), the Steakhouse (with cheddar, crispy onions, and steak sauce), and regional or seasonal specials that change by location.

Sides include fries, onion rings, and salads. Drinks are soft drinks, milkshakes, beer (at locations with a bar), and sometimes coffee or juice. Prices for a burger typically range from around $6 to $12 depending on the burger and location, with sides and drinks priced separately. A combo meal (burger, fries, drink) usually costs a few dollars more than ordering items individually.

If you have dietary restrictions, Smashburger offers chicken sandwiches and veggie options at most locations, though availability varies. Check the menu at your specific location to see what's available, as some restaurants test new items or remove options based on local demand.

How to use the Smashburger app and website

The Smashburger app and website let you browse the menu, customize your order, and pay before you arrive. read the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or visit smashburger.com on your phone or computer. Create an account with your email or phone number, or log in if you already have one.

Select your nearest location from the map or search. The app will show you that location's menu, hours, and whether they're currently taking orders. Build your burger by choosing the patty size, toppings, cheese, sauce, and any sides. You can save favorite orders for faster checkout next time. Choose whether you want pickup or delivery — if you choose delivery, the app shows you which third-party services cover your address.

Review your order, enter any special instructions (like "no onions" or "extra sauce"), and pay with a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet. You'll get a confirmation with a pickup time or estimated delivery window. For pickup orders, you'll receive a notification when your food is ready, and you can go inside or use curbside pickup if available at that location.

Pickup versus delivery and timing

Pickup orders are usually ready in 15 to 25 minutes from the time you place them, depending on how busy the location is. When you order through the app, you choose your pickup time, and the restaurant prepares your food to be ready around that window. You can pick it up at the counter or, at some locations, use a curbside pickup option where you stay in your car and someone brings your order to you.

Delivery orders go through DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, or another service depending on your location and which apps partner with that Smashburger. Delivery typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, but can be longer during busy times or if you're far from the restaurant. Delivery fees, service fees, and tips are added to your order total and go to the delivery service, not to Smashburger. You can track your delivery in real time through the delivery app.

If you're ordering for a group or a large catering order, call the location directly instead of using the app — most Smashburger locations have a phone number on their website and can handle bulk orders with advance notice.

Customizing your burger and special requests

Every burger can be customized. When you order, you can add or remove toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, jalapeños, bacon, or fried egg. You can choose your cheese (cheddar, Swiss, American, pepper jack, or no cheese), and select from multiple sauces including mayo, ketchup, mustard, ranch, sriracha mayo, or house-made sauces that vary by location.

You can also choose your patty size — most locations offer single or double patties, and some have larger options. If you want to modify the cooking temperature, note that in the special instructions box when you order. For allergies or serious dietary needs, write them clearly in the special instructions so the kitchen sees them before preparing your food.

If you're ordering in person at the counter, you can ask the staff questions about ingredients or preparation. If you're ordering through the app, use the special instructions field to explain what you need. Keep in mind that some customizations may take longer to prepare, especially during busy hours.

Pricing, payment methods, and loyalty programs

Smashburger prices vary by location and region. A single burger typically costs $6 to $9, a double burger $8 to $12, and specialty burgers with premium toppings $10 to $14. Sides like fries or onion rings are usually $3 to $5, and drinks are $2 to $4. Combo meals bundle a burger, fries, and drink for a small discount compared to ordering separately.

You can pay with credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), or cash if you're ordering in person. When you order through the app or website, you must pay with a card or digital wallet before your order is confirmed. Delivery orders require payment upfront as well.

Smashburger has a rewards program called Smash Rewards that you can join through the app. Members earn points on purchases and can redeem them for free items or discounts. The program is free to join, and you accumulate points automatically when you use your account to order. Check the app for current promotions, which often include discounts on specific items or free sides with purchase.

What to know about locations and availability

Smashburger has locations across the United States, with restaurants in most major cities and many suburbs. Each location is independently operated or franchised, which means hours, menu items, and services can differ. Some locations have full dining rooms and bars; others are small counter-service only. Some offer delivery, others only pickup. A few locations are in grocery stores or food courts.

Use the location finder on smashburger.com or the app to see which restaurants are near you, their hours, and what services they offer. You can also call a location directly to ask about seating, whether they have a bar, or if they can handle a large group order. Hours vary widely — some locations open early for breakfast, while others open at lunch. Many are open late into the evening, but this depends on the individual restaurant.

If a location is temporarily closed or has limited hours, the app will show that when you try to order. If you can't find a Smashburger near you, check whether one is planned for your area by visiting their website's news or expansion page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a Smashburger without the app?

Yes. You can walk into any Smashburger location and order at the counter in person, or call ahead to place a phone order for pickup. You can also order through the website on a computer or phone browser if you prefer not to use the app. All three methods work the same way — you build your burger, pay, and pick it up or have it delivered.

What's the difference between Smashburger and other burger chains?

Smashburger's signature is the smash technique — pressing thin patties flat on a hot griddle to create crispy, browned edges while keeping the inside tender. Most other burger chains use thicker patties that are cooked without pressing. Smashburger also emphasizes customization and regional menu items, so the experience can vary by location.

Do they have options for vegetarians or people with allergies?

Most Smashburger locations offer veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads. For allergies, tell the staff or note it clearly in the special instructions when ordering online. The kitchen can prepare food separately to avoid cross-contact, but call ahead if you have a severe allergy to make sure the location can accommodate you safely.

Can I modify my order after I've placed it?

If you ordered through the app or website and haven't picked it up yet, call the location directly as soon as possible — they may be able to change it before they start cooking. If you ordered in person, ask the staff right away. Once food is being prepared or is ready, changes are usually not possible.

Is Smashburger more expensive than other fast food?

Smashburger is priced between traditional fast food chains and sit-down restaurants. A burger meal typically costs $12 to $18 total, which is more than a McDonald's or Burger King but less than a casual dining burger restaurant. Prices vary by location and what you order, so check your local menu to compare.