Smashed

Editor's Note: This location of Smashed is closed, but they've reopened nearby at 167 Orchard St. and have another location in the West Village. Check their Instagram for details.

While we’ll always fondly remember the white cheddar-blanketed burger at Oola’s, that spot closed and made way for Smashed to open on Orchard Street in early 2020. And residents of the Lower East Side are lucky to have one amazing burger spot replace another. The meat on these smashed patties is perfectly seasoned, comes topped with cheese, oozing special sauce, raw onions, and has those thin crispy edges that really set smash burgers apart. Our order is a double with the works, but you can also get up to three patties, go for their version of a Big Mac, or sub in Impossible burgers. Plus, their covered outdoor area in front is a great place to people-watch. Last time we were here, the people at the table over were recounting their latest ayahuasca retreat and scheming plans to start a fast-casual chain that also sells vintage sneakers, all the while chowing down on burgers and beef fat fries.