Smash Mouth - SmashBurger - yes.

Joint: SmashBurger

Up/down: way up - highly recommended

There is no relation between the the band and burger chain except they're both mighty good (and are two of the few English words/phrases beginning with "Smash"). I like retro sounding bands, but with a modern edge (think of the Jam with Pete Townshend-style guitar thrashing). Thus, I like Smash Mouth.

And I like SmashBurger - the latest hot burger chain to be invading the Twin Cities. Five Guys is great, but I prefer SmashBurger. The first SmashBurger opened in St. Anthony, MN in 2009 and now there are 4 (including Roseville, St. Anthony and Golden Valley - Eagan and Woodbury soon). Here's a link for location info.

SmashBurgers are just that - 100% Angus beef "smashed," grilled and seasoned on a hot griddle - placed on a butter-toasted bun (this is essential). The burgers come in 1/3 and 1/2 lb. size and there are several custom varieties as well as make your own. These are of the so-called thin burger variety - though in 1/2 lb. form, it's hard to call them thin. Typically served on a tasty egg bun (except the Twin Cities Smashburger served on an onion bun - see below).

I have gone twice, getting the 1/3 lb. each time - which is really the perfect size. On the first visit, I got a Classic SmashBurger ($4.99), which comes with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, onion, pickle and smash sauce (mayo, ketchup, pickles, lemon juice). A relatively classic combination of burger and toppings. All contents, especially the beef, were flavorful and extremely fresh. Their cooking technique must make a difference - the patty was slightly crispy on the edges but juicy on the inside.

On the second visit, with friend, Jesse Stremcha, I got the Twin Cities Smashburger ($5.99; see pic above). Also very tasty, with melted cheddar, Swiss cheese, garlic grilled onions, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise. This sounds like a lot on a bun, but was not. As opposed to some of the poor patties I have encountered that are overwhelmed by their toppings, the SmashBurger patty was still the dominant flavor and texture.

Fries are: above average. All are of thin and crispy variety, but get the SmashFries, which are tossed with rosemary, olive oil and garlic (and salt!). Not a massive pile and not undersized either - just the right portion.

Both visits were to the St. Anthony location (in a nice strip mall). I appreciate visual design and in contrast to the almost over-dressed visual style of Burger Jones, Smashburger has a clean, modern, but interesting appearance. Reasonable prices. And the restaurant itself was clean. This is not a dive and it's not like a typical fast food place - more like if Chipotle served hamburgers (and SmashBurger does serve beer).

Here's a link to the official Smashburger site.

Burger on.