Smashburger

San Diego, United States

4.1

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 619-255-2110
Website:
www.smashburger.com
Address:
3975 5th Ave Ste 100, San Diego, CA, 92103
b/t University Ave & Washington St
Hillcrest
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
1.2 miFashion Valley Transit Center
1.4 miHazard Center
1.4 miMiddletown
Categories:
QR code
Download QR Image Download vCard

Map

Streetview

Activate map

Bussiness info

Takes Reservations
No
Delivery
No
Take-out
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Good For
Lunch
Parking
Garage, Street
Good for Kids
Yes
Good for Groups
Yes
Attire
Casual
Ambience
Hipster, Casual
Noise Level
Average
Alcohol
Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Has TV
No
Waiter Service
No
Drive-Thru
No
Caters
Yes

Today

Today –
Local time (San Diego) 7:33 AM Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Smashburger is fast becoming every city’s favorite place for burgers. It is perfect for eating in or having a better burger to go, a quick workday lunch, the weekend burger and beer, date night, a family dinner, or with your friends before a night of dancing the night away. Smash. sizzle. savor means a dedication to creating the best-​tasting «smashed-​to-​order» burger. We start with 100% Angus Beef, smashed, seared and seasoned on the grill, placed on a butter-​toasted artisan bun and topped with the highest-​quality cheeses, freshest produce and condiments. A place where you can get a meal for every taste and appetite, where you can select one of our great recipes or you can create your own. A place that is close to home, affordable, and fabulous! Where the energy is comfortable and relaxed. Along with our great-​tasting burgers we offer smashfries — smashchicken sandwiches and signature salads, veggie frites and haystack onions, Häagen-​Dazs shakes and bottled beer and wine.

Related places

You might also consider:
490
ft
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
670 University Ave (Hillcrest)
570
ft
Burger Lounge
406 University Ave (Hillcrest)
660
ft
Joes Burgers
615-629 Washington St (Hillcrest)
870
ft
Jack In the Box
804 University Ave (Hillcrest)
1
mi
Cali “O” Burgers
1290 University Ave (Hillcrest)
1
mi
McDonald’s
1414 University Ave (Hillcrest)

Vicinity

Browse nearby places:
1
ft
Bressler Daniel J, MD
501 Washington St
1
ft
Kathy Trolinger
New American Mortgage 3965 5th Ave, Ste 230
1
ft
Kona Coffee Company
3995 5th Ave
1
ft
Mittendorff William, MD
501 Washington St
1
ft
Kaenel E Preston DDS
501 Washington St
1
ft
Landmark Theaters San Diego
3965 5th Ave

20 reviews of Smashburger

No registration required
Place rating: 4
Escondido, CA
I came into this joint just after the Pride Parade ended. There were a couple of other people there too, but plenty of staff to help on our order.
I ordered fried pickles and they were awesome! I also ordered the Baja Cobb salad, which was excellent and pretty spicy. Plus, they have a very good beer selection and even serve wine, which was totally unexpected!
A couple of gripes — the staff seemed a little confused on who to serve, despite numbers at our table. Another issue was that very few tables were clean when we went in there. I know that there was a massive event, but they seemed well-​staffed and there were not a ton of people in the restaurant at the time we were there. Someone could’ve wiped down the table and benches.
But the food is fantastic, so that will bring me back in at some point!
Place rating: 2
Baltimore, MD
This one is closed now :(
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Smashburger is an American chain of fast food casual burger restaurants that originated in Denver, Colorado. The name comes in the method utilized in cooking their hamburgers, which entails smashing a ball of ground beef on a grill to sear the outside and keep the meat still juicy inside. Smashburger’s menu focuses mostly on burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and salads, using a wide number of toppings and customization possibilities. Smashburger also provides various sides, like sweet potato fries, fried onions, fried mild green chilies, fried pickles, and chili. Desserts consist of shakes, malts, and floats created with Hagen-​Dazs ice cream. I great place to try something new.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
For a fast burger joint, this place has my heart! Even their «smaller» burger is a great size and super juicy!!! They’re so tender that they melt away in your mouth. Some of my friends have said that they’re too salty, but I like salt, so I’m not a good judge on that comment. Their fries are also outstanding and best if you get them extra crispy. That goes for the sweet potato fries too.
I’ve been to two of their locations (Mission Valley and Hillcrest) and each time I’ve had a pleasant experience with the staff.
Great, now I want one!
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
Sorry to say but this location has been closed.
Place rating: 4
Oceanside, CA
Not only do they serve burgers but also really good chicken and salad. I had their mushroom swiss chicken sandwich breaded and it was tasty. Also had their blue cheese buffalo and their and spinach salAd, all really good too.
Place rating: 4
Aiea, HI
While looking for a healthy place to eat dinner for the beginning of the new year, I came across this burger joint. It smelled of greasy gut bombs and i just couldn’t resist. All thoughts of low fat dieting and carb cutting vanished as I aproached the «Smashburger Burger Smasher» to place my order. I ordered the BBQ, Bacon and Chedder big burger with a side of fries. It was in my hands with in 5 minutes and I was on my way.
Eating the burger was easy… Judging where this burger fits among the local burger joints was hard. I had to ask myself a few questions. Was it as good as Slater’s 50⁄50??? No. Was it better than Hoodad’s??? Yes. Was it as good as Five Guys??? Well… It wasn’t any better or any worse… equal in my opinion. Considering the wait time to get your food and if you were going to eat at the restaurant, Smashburgers wins. Five Guys give you way more fries and free peanuts…
All in all, I would eat here again and maybe next time try out one of their chicken smash burgers.
Place rating: 3
San Diego, CA
I am teetering between 3 and 4 stars.
I gotta admit, their burgers are pretty damn tasty. However, I’m not a fan of the meat-​bigger-​than-​the-​bun thing, although I understand that is the whole concept of the «smash». It’s just messy. I end up using like 20 napkins because sauce and grease get all over my hands and face.
But darn it all, it’s good, though. Last time I got the spicy baja burger (I think that’s what it’s called).
However, I got the sweet potato smash fries and noticed a HUGE POOL of olive oil at the bottom of the fry basket. I’m talking, literally, swimming in oil (see my photo) So we ended up not eating half the fries.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Came here for lunch for a quick bite. I have to admit, the San Diego Chicken sandwich is really tasty. I ordered it with a side of Fried Pickles. AMAZING! I definitely was impressed with both items.
The service is very polite and the place looks like it’s very well cleaned. At the counter the employees were very attentive and pleasant. Definitely a great first impression when you walk in.
I would highly suggest anyone to eat here. They can cater very well to your dietary needs. You can also tell that all of the food they serve is very fresh!
Will definitely go back.
Place rating: 3
Ottawa, Canada
Meh. This was just ok to me. The concept/​design of the restaurant is very well done and the people were very friendly. I wanted to love it, but there was just something missing. My husband and I both left unsatisfied. I think there is too much emphasis on the fancy toppings, and not enough regard for the burger itself. It is also overpriced for a quick food joint.
Plus one star for easy, validated parking in Hillcrest!
Place rating: 4
Redwood City, CA
Its just EVIL to have this burger joint next door to my gym! I get my workout on then decide I’ve earned a cheat meal and BLAMMO I go to Smashburger.
They validate parking too!
I’m a big fan of building my own burger, and I normally get a burger on a wheat bun, no cheese, with garlic mushrooms. I try to skip the Smashfries but those tasty potato morsels fried to perfection and tossed with olive oil, salt, and rosemary are hard to refuse!
The staff is super friendly and they don’t seem to mind my coming in all sweaty. Maybe that’s because I never sit down on anything, so there’s no cleanup? (Aisle 2)
I am going back tonight! YUM
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Just went for the 3rd time today.
Smash Burger is hands down the freshest and best burger I have ever had. I can’t believe this is a chain when you taste the food you will understand.
Place rating: 3
San Diego, CA
The service was friendly and fast. That’s the only good thing I can say.
The burgers are very flat but oversized & are much larger than the buns. They were very messy to eat with condiments falling out and with pieces of the burger breaking off. They are served in a too narrow wire basket with a paper liner. Result: condiments oozing onto the table and then onto shirt sleeves. We must have used 20 napkins each to clean up our messy hands. Unfortunately, there’s no place on the premises to wash your hands.
The burgers also seemed over-​salted. A lot of hype about the add-​ons to their burgers, but in my mind it’s the actual burger that counts. Not worth the price. For about a dollar more you can get a really tasty burger elsewhere. Sorry, Smashburger.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Best burger I’ve, ever, had.
Really!
And I love McDonalds!
Place rating: 5
Peoria, AZ
This was the 2nd Smashburger we’ve been to, and both locations were great. The restaurant is clean, and the burgers cannot be beat. What was my most favorite about this location was the staff. The guy behind the counter was great with us, but it’s something I observed that meant even more. There was a disabled woman in there, and he was over polite to her from the moment she walked in. What caught me the most is that when she was leaving, she asked him to help her zip up her jacket, and he did, with no hesitation whatsoever! Now to the best of my knowledge he didn’t now this woman, but by his actions you would not have been able to tell that. She even apologized for needing the extra personal help, and twice he told her, «no don’t apologize, I don’t mind.»
I loved that, and it’s great to see there’s people out there that still care about others.
It’s a great chain restaurant, and a five in my book!
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
I like this Smashburger. It seems the same as the other ones except it was less crowded than the La Jolla one (we came on a Saturday night around 8pm). The man at the register was really patient and helpful as we decided, and everything came out quickly and was just like how we wanted it! Burgers are good and cooked well. The bun is really good! Fries are nice and crispy, and they have all kinds of sauces to choose from by the drink dispenser, including these really cool ketchup packets.
Since it’s Hillcrest, parking can be really bad, but people probably wouldn’t come just for Smashburger, or if you do, once you find parking (maybe a couple blocks away, just as a warning, and if it’s the day, be sure to bring change for the meters), you might as well enjoy the area and take a walk around.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
The service was amazing and thorough! I was helped by the general manager, Leo. He was great! Very friendly and welcoming.
Treat yo’ self to a burger and shake. You deserve it!
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
Went here for the first time today with my bf to try their burgers.
(Also, for the convenience, we live very close)
Verdict: Pleasantly surprised by the juiciness and flavor of the burger. We got the All American burger with sharp cheddar cheese on a multi-​grain bun. It was absolutely delicious. Not too big and not too small. We also tried some of their fried pickles with ranch sauce and my bf loved them. He said it reminded him of his youth in the south. haha… Anyways, I recommend this burger joint for their tasty burgers. Lastly, they have excellent, excellent, excellent customer service!!! Carlos was amazingly courteous and friendly. Awesome service!
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
I first tried Smashburger in Las Vegas, the location there was huge. This one by far is smaller. Their menu consist of only a few burger styles, however, create your own burger is highly encouraged. I’ve never tried the chicken sandwiches, I don’t believe on chicken sandwiches in a burger place. just not right.
I’ve tried spicy baja and the classic from the menu. The spicy baja has a kick to it so be warned. If you get a jalapeño with a vendetta, you will loose. The meat has always been juicy and flavorful. The burger size is just right, I dislike burgers way to large, size doesn’t mean better. The fries, rosemary garlic, were lacking flavor and way too greasy, sub par. Upgrade to sweet potato fries! I come here strictly for the burgers and usually create my own trying on different condiments and mixing the flavors. Beer selection is slim but sufficient, prices are fair.
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
I was surprised at how much I actually liked this place. The burger was juicy (ok maybe a little of that was grease, but whatever!) and flavorful. The mushrooms were so garlicky, and I dug the smash sauce (mustard, mayo… can’t seem to place what the hell else is in it)
The smash fries = blah. Didn’t really get the garlic flavor, just a hint of rosemary.
Bbq ranch chicken sandwich was tasty, but needed more sauce, and the chicken was pounded out pretty thin, so there were more toppings/​bread than chicken
I felt sorry for the employees. They were all super friendly, but almost overly so. One poor guy seemed so nervous, and was almost scrambling to accommodate anything we asked for, as if he wasn’t doing a good enough job. Seems like they really drill some crazy service standards into these kids. A little extreme…
All in all, I’d come back