Smash Burgers Are Having a Moment—And Everyone’s Digging In
Forget towering gourmet burgers with five sauces and a mile of toppings. In 2025, it’s all about the smash burger—crispy, thin, and bursting with flavor. These little guys are popping up everywhere—from street carts to high-end diners—and folks can’t get enough.
Why the sudden craze? Let’s dig in.
So… What Is a Smash Burger?
Smash burgers aren’t new. They go back to the 1960s when a cook in Kentucky decided to press a ball of beef onto a hot griddle. That simple move? It changed everything. Smashing the patty creates a crusty edge thanks to something called the Maillard reaction—basically, the meat gets a delicious sear.
The best part? It’s fast, it’s flavorful, and it feels like the burger version of comfort food.
Smash Burgers Taking Over the World
Here are just a few signs that this trend isn’t slowing down:
- SouthCoast Smash Bash (New Bedford, MA – June 21, 2025)
Picture this: six restaurants battling it out in a seaside burger contest. The big winner? SmashedNB with their Caribbean twist—double patty, roasted pork, mayo-ketchup, and fried plantains instead of buns. Even local celebs showed up to judge. People loved it. The event blew up on X. - Smash Guys Launch in Bengaluru (June 4, 2025)
The folks behind The Pizza Bakery jumped into the burger game with Smash Guys. It’s already a hit. Think classic double-patty burgers or wild ones like “The Flintstone,” topped with torched bone marrow. They even cater to vegetarians with burgers like Korean Fried Paneer. India’s loving it. - Win~Dow Burgers Expands to Santa Barbara (June 5, 2025)
Born in Venice, now thriving in SB. Their burgers have a Jersey-style edge—simple, juicy, and topped with melted cheese and grilled onions. Locals are lining up for a bite. - Patty Palace at Lincoln Center (June 2025)
Chef Kwame Onwuachi rolled up in a food truck with curried chicken patties and smash burgers. After a test run at Citi Field, this summer’s Lincoln Center pop-up is gaining serious buzz. It’s comfort food with chef-level flair.
People Are Googling It. A Lot.
Look up “smash burger” on Google Trends and you’ll see a steady rise. Every time there’s a big event—like SouthCoast Smash Bash or a new restaurant launch—the search spikes. Folks aren’t just eating them; they’re cooking them, too.
Trending searches?
- “Smash burger near me”
- “Smash burger recipe”
- “How to make smash burgers at home”
Yup. It’s everywhere.
Why Everyone’s Obsessed
A few reasons why smash burgers are on fire right now:
- They’re Crispy, Juicy, and Simple.
That crust? Chef Alvin Cailan swears by it. All you need is a super hot griddle and good beef. The result? A rich, seared flavor that hits different. - They Work Everywhere.
Whether it’s plantains in New Bedford or vegetarian mac-and-cheese patties in India, the base stays the same—but the toppings go local. That’s what makes them fun. - They Look Great on Social Media.
Burgers stacked high. Cheese melting down the sides. People love posting their creations. One popular post from 2023 even showed a burger with cured egg yolk and BBQ sauce. It went viral. - Pop-Ups Bring the Hype.
Ever heard of a “Naughty Pass”? It’s a free-year burger card handed out at a Vegas pop-up by Naughty Patty. These kinds of stunts keep people talking—and coming back. - They Feel Nostalgic.
No truffle oil. No foie gras. Just good ol’ cheese, onions, and crispy beef. Ree Drummond (aka The Pioneer Woman) called them the “best you’ll ever taste”—and her recipe is everywhere now.
Want In? Here’s How to Join the Craze
Eat out:
Try these places if you’re lucky enough to live nearby:
- Smash Guys – Bengaluru
- Win~Dow – Santa Barbara
- Mighty Fine – Tampa (don’t skip the Deluxe Boi with fry sauce)
Cook at home:
You’ll need:
- A thick stainless steel griddle
- A heavy-duty spatula (like Lamson Turner)
- 80/20 ground beef
Smash your patty thin on high heat. Cook 2 minutes per side. That’s it.
Stay in the loop:
Follow burger fans and chefs on X. They’re always sharing new recipes, pop-ups, and reviews.
What’s Next?
This isn’t just a food trend—it’s a movement. More pop-ups, more restaurants, more flavor mashups. Naughty Patty’s getting a permanent home in Vegas. Chefs are mixing global flavors into classic patties. One spot’s even serving deep-fried Oreos as a side.
And yes, people are joking about “smashing” patties like they’re in Super Smash Bros. Welcome to 2025. Where burgers and memes collide.