Smashburger Opens in Orland Park

***I did receive complimentary food samples for the purpose of a review. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.

Yesterday a new chain opened in Orland Park and I got to try it out on opening day. It is the fifth location in Illinois of Smashburgers with two more planned to open after the new year. This was my first time trying out this fast casual spot that offers its signature burgers that are smashed down during cooking, served with fresh toppings and presented alongside their SmashFries® and other options. 

I had the opportunity to try out a few menu items - the Classic Smash® Burger, the Bacon Smash® Burger, the Smoked Bacon Brisket Burger, a Cobb Salad and the new Chorizo Cheeseburger, which was created through a partnership with celebrity chef Rick Bayless (my favorite!) The Chorizo Burger had great flavor and a bit of heat. My favorite of the items I tried was definiely the Smoked Bacon Brisket Burger. Everything got a thumbs up. When the firefighter sitting at the table next to us who was trying his first Smash Smash® took a bite and exclaimed “This IS a tasty burger!” we wholeheartedly agreed and repeated the line in our best Samual L. Jackson voice.

I also samples a pretty magnificent Cobb Salad with a fried chicken filet. One unique feature was that rather than chopped boiled eggs, it had strips of fried egg.

For sides, you can choose from several. Their SmashFries® are tossed in rosemary, garlic and olive oil and really, really hard to stop eating. I also tried the Haystack Onions (skinny onion rings) and Crispy Brussels Sprouts. They also serve  Smash® tots with rosemary, garlic and olive oil, regular fries, regular tots, sweet potato fries and a side salad.

I also tried their current seasonal shakes - the Peppermint Hot Choclate Shake made with Ghirardelli hot cocoa peppermint mix and Haagendazs ice cream and the Gingerbread shake. Both were such a yummy representation of the season and I indulged in way more than I should have.

Smashburger uses only 100% fresh (never frozen) Certified Angus Beef for its burgers, which are smashed on a hot seasoned grill in an open kitchen. The menu also features grilled and crispy chicken sandwiches, turkey and black bean burgers and fresh salads, with signature sides like Crispy Brussels Sprouts and SmashFries®. They're also open for breakfast. Their eye-openers include the Breakfast Smash® Burger, topped with an egg, bacon and aged cheddar on toasted brioche.



For their grand opening celebration, you can get a Single Classic Smash® Burger with fries for $5 all day on Saturday, December 18 and a Single Bacon Smash® Burger for $5 all day on Sunday, December 19. 

You’ll also find locations in Chicago, Oak Lawn and be on the lookout for openings in Naperville and Oak Brook. For more information, visit Smashburger.com.