Former pop-up Smish Smash spent five years perfecting its smashbugers and has now found a permanent space inside Saluhall to continue its flattened beef crusade. The steamrolled patties are among the greatest in the city—they’re so thin and wide it looks like they’re trying to outrun the buns in all directions. The lacy edges are potato-chip crunchy, and even the parts that are untouched by cheese and sauce are perfectly savory.

The menu is tight with only six variations, and the Cheeseboiga and the OG are the best. They’re well-balanced and aren’t overpowered by the sauces like the slightly too-sweet Signature and WOW. Whichever you order, we suggest getting double patties as a single patty feels like it’s getting smothered between the pillowy potato buns. A basket of their seasoned curly fries (a rarity in SF) should always accompany your burger. Getting a seat is easy, but be prepared for a line and a sizable wait during prime lunch and dinnertime. 

Food Rundown

video credit: Taylor Gomez

Cheeseboiga

Our favorite thing on the menu. The caramelized onions are cooked just enough where they aren’t too soft and still have their natural flavor intact. And they go well with the heavy drizzle of the tangy Vic Mac sauce that tastes like a certain special sauce from a certain fast food chain.

photo credit: Taylor Gomez

OG

Our default if we’re not getting the Cheeseboiga. The s1 sauce—a mix of mayo and ketchup—leans sweet, but it’s balanced by the pickles, tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. You may just need a fork and knife (or a lot of napkins) to eat it.

photo credit: Patrick Wong

WOW

This thing is rich. It’s slathered in a mayo-y s2 sauce and blanketed in white american cheese. It’s good but one-note, and it will weigh you down a lot more than the others.

photo credit: Patrick Wong

Signature

Similar to the OG, but with less toppings. Without the lettuce and tomatoes, though, the sweetness of the s1 sauce is a bit too much.

photo credit: Patrick Wong

Fries

Solid. They won’t stand out against other fries in the city, but we appreciate the rare offering of seasoned curly fries.

video credit: Taylor Gomez

Banana Pudding

What we want out of any banana pudding. Soft Nilla wafers and super highways of cream with huge chunks of banana.