Smash or Pass? Why Smash Burgers Are Better

Do you like burgers with crispy edges, or are you a psychopath? If you answered yes, you've got good taste. If you answered no, seek help. Smash burgers are crisp, savory, and juicy. They're literally the best invention since the lightbulb.

If you're curious about where smash burgers come from and why they're so good, you've come to the right place.

Read on for more info on the glorious smash burger and where you can taste the best one.

What Are Smash Burgers?

This burger has a thin patty that's flattened onto the hot griddle, which is why it's called a smash burger. The edges are smoothed out and pressed onto the grill for an ungodly level of crispy, umami flavor. This cooking method gives smash burgers their classic lacy edges and a satisfying crunch. Onions are usually added to the bottom of the smash burger, melting together to create the meatiest, savory-est flavor known to humankind.

Smash burger patties are usually stacked for the ultimate umami bomb that explodes in your mouth with the juicy, greasy flavor of caramelized meat and onions.

Smash Burgers vs. Traditional Burgers

OK, before we start a war, let's acknowledge that both smash burgers and traditional burgers are really good.

But what makes them different? In other words, what makes smash burgers superior to regular burgers in every way — we never said we'd be peaceful.

Smash burgers are just better. It's not fair, but we don't make the rules. When you bite into a good smash burger, every memory of any other burger you've tasted is obliterated in seconds. That's just the power they hold.

Here are two of the main differences.

Different Levels of Thick

A regular burger is made with a thicker patty. It still gets that good char, but the middle stays juicy. It's sometimes cooked medium to medium-rare because, unlike a smash burger, it isn't pressed down on the grill.

Smash burgers prove that size really doesn't matter. They're cooked for maximum char and pressed down, making them thinner than regular burgers. The only person who can make a rare smash burger is Merlin the Wizard, which is ironic because the one thing smash burgers don't lack is magic. The crunchy, almost burned, charred bits blanketed by pillow-soft buns are textural heaven.

Different Bite Experience

Another difference most people don't realize is that regular burgers and smash burgers react differently to the typical burger condiments. It's one of the key reasons why smash burgers are so popular.

Regular burgers are soft and juicy, but they don't provide much of a textural experience. With good quality meat and the right seasoning, traditional burgers can be quite tasty, but sauces don't sink into the patty as much. If you prefer a blend of textures that mold together into a satisfying bite, then smash burgers are for you.

A crispy yet juicy smash burger sandwiched between a soft bun just can't be beat. It's really no wonder that the citizens of Chewsandswallow went nuts for those burgers that fell from the sky in "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs." The contrasting textures met with the caramelized flavor give you the satisfying light crunch from the charred edges and the melty, meaty patty that bursts in your mouth. While a smash burger isn't dry, it does act like a sponge for burger condiments. It sucks up any sauces, and the flavor penetrates through the patty, creating a level of flavor that should be illegal.

Where Are Smash Burgers From?

The smash burger is often believed to have originated from the nationwide chain Smashburger. However, its creation happened several decades earlier when restaurant owner Bill Culvertson's employee  smashed a patty with a can of beans . This experiment resulted in the happy accident that is the smash burger — a crispier, better-tasting patty oozing with greasy deliciousness.

The goal was to create a new category of burger, one that featured pure Angus beef hand-rolled and flattened into a perfect patty. Smashing the patties created unmatched savory deliciousness, but it was also a remarkably quick method for cooking them, which came in handy for busy diners. This cooking technique is why smash burgers taste better.

Diner culture shaped the evolution of smash burgers. Now, smash burgers are one of the most delectable ways to enjoy a burger. They're often paired with unique combinations and covered in melted cheese.

Smash Burger Myths

As a celebrity among burger styles, it's no surprise that there are smash burger haters spreading myths. Here are some of the most common ones you might hear and why they're not true:

- "Smash burgers are dry": Nope. Smash burgers are one of the biggest wonders of the world because they somehow manage to be crisp and juicy at the same time. Smash burgers are so good because the edges get a crisp lace, but the juices are still there.

- "Smash burgers cook fast, so they're not flavorful": Boo! The high heat forms a crust and locks in the flavor — think juicy steak with a nice charred crust. Since smash burgers cook quickly, they hold onto more of their juiciness.

- "Smash burgers need a lot of toppings to taste good": Smash burgers actually don't need as many toppings because their caramelized edges add flavor and texture to each bite. Smash burger ingredients are simple, but when they char together with the meat, onions, and cheese, they create a remarkable flavor.

- "Smash burgers are easy to cook": To the untrained eye, it may seem like there's not much to cooking a smash burger — simply flatten it onto the grill, right? Wrong. There's a science behind it. You've got to get the timing right to flip it at the perfect level of crisp. Flatten it too early, and it'll fall apart. Wait too long, and it'll burn.

- "Smash burgers from Bar 209 are mid": Okay, buddy. Whatever you're on, keep it far away from us.

Smash Burgers at Bar 209 Are More Than the Best Burgers in Bemidji

Do you want to taste a God-level smash burger that's so good even Thor is leaving his hammer and smashing down these burgers instead?

At Bar 209, our smash burgers are the final boss of umami. We promise you a juices-running-down-your-face type of smash burger with perfect crispy, charred edges. Our smash burgers are the most flavorful in MN and probably the whole country. They're so good that they'll make Gordon Ramsey forget about the lamb sauce.

 Our scratch-made menu  caters to people of all tastes. Don't like smash burgers? We've also got regular-style burgers with unique topping combinations like PB&J. Or, you can order mac and cheese, tacos, wings, desserts, and so much more. Stop by for a  Magnum-sized beer , or pop in for one of our events, like Taco Tuesday or  Happy Hour. 

Stop by tonight to taste the best smash burgers in Minnesota!