was in the area so decided to check out Smashburger. I went in before the lunch rush so can't judge how the service was, the place was empty around 11am. Looked clean although there was some noise going on - an employee banging on something, have no idea what it was, a machine or icemaker or something. Who knows? Anyway, I chose the BBQ burger with bacon and cheese. Regular size. Also had a side of haystack onions. Order was done quickly and took it to go. Okay, here's my opinion on this burger. I liked the bun - a nice change from the typical fast food bun, so that was nice. The bacon had a nice flavor, and I thought the burger itself was well balanced in terms of BBQ, cheese and onions (maybe a bit low on onions but not too bad). Here's the bad part: my burger was pink in places. I was not asked how I wanted it cooked, and definitely would have had it well done as I do NOT eat hamburger meat with ANY pink in it whatsoever. (and yes, a burger can be cooked well done without drying out, if I can do it at home for myself, a professional cook ought to be able to). So, I was unhappy and grossed out by the pink areas. Various people have said the food is greasy. I didn't find that to be a problem. In fact, I like a burger with a bit of grease sheen, so that was a plus for me. I did find the haystack onions to be on the salty side. Not horribly so but a bit more saltiness than I would like (was rather thirsty after finishing the meal). The meat itself in the burger didn't taste all that wonderful. Just so so, a bit more quality than a typical fast food McD's type thing, but not soooo much that it knocked me out. There were bites that just didn't taste that wonderful. And every now and then the haystack onions had a bit "off" flavor also (like old oil). Would I go here again? Probably not. If they lowered everything on the menu by a dollar, maybe. I understand what they are aiming for, a somewhat higher quality burger than fast food, but until they can cook a burger without leaving pink in it, I would never eat here again. It's a shame because they are on the right track somewhat, but like so many places, they aren't quite there, and in this economy, leaving with a bill of over $8.00 for one person, for two items, is probably not going to bring back a lot of people. They seemed friendly from the way I was greeted, so no complaints there, but like I say, it was early in the day and no one else was there. I'd like them to succeed but at lower prices and fully COOKING the meat, then they might get a loyal customer :)

negative

Just an update. Went again on Friday night with one of my sons and my other son and his family. Total of six of us -- five adults and one child, my granddaughter. My GD ordered off the menu and only ate a couple of sushis and some pot stickers. But the rest of us did the AYCE thing for $20 per person. My DIL probably ate enough to make it worth her paying the AYCE price, but the rest of us, four guys, ate at least double what we paid, so this deal is pretty darn good for us. And the quality of the sushi and the fish is relatively good -- not super fresh or of the highest quality, but definitely passable. A lot of places now offer AYCE sushi, but this place includes a nice selection of appetizers and entrees in the AYCE price, along with the sushi. Yes, you read correctly -- for the AYCE price of $20, you can stuff your face with sushi, various appetizers, various salads, and various entrees. If you cannot get your money's worth into your face, your appetite is not conducive to AYCE eating. Now over the years, the entrees and appetizer quality and quantity has dropped a little, but still passable. I can understand this strategy -- they have to cut costs with all the sushi people like me eat. That is OK with me, just don't mess with the sushi varieties, quality, and freshness. And they still have the weekend promo of buy one beer at regular price but get the second beer for one cent. So we were drinking the large, 22 oz. Asahi beers but my DIL just wanted a small one. But they ran out of that size so they gave her a big one but charged her only the small one's price plus one cent. That was a good deal and I think very nice of them to compensate for them running out of stock. I am still a fan and will go back again, and again, and again ........

positive

I can appreciate a quick tip when I go in for an oil change about a couple things they'd noticed, however the gentleman that performed my smog check (I feel) crossed the line a bit. He popped my hood, and told me about a cracked motor mount- okay, thanks, but then he lays into me about how dangerous and careless I'm being about the wear on my brakes.. I was kind of offended. I knew that it was getting to be about to time to change the brake pads, but I know for a fact it wasn't metal on metal like he was saying, while shaking his index finger at me. He gestured for me to come see, and I declined, opting to pay for my smog and get out of that shark tank. PROS: Cheap smog with coupon in the mail ($9.99). CONS: Intrusive associates. Long wait. 30 minute smog check. Tip cup on the counter.. Really? I wouldn't come back, not even for the cheap smog checks. And especially not for any major repair work since they seem to over-emphasize repair work.

negative

This Popeyes USED to be one of my favorite places to grab a quick bite. The chicken was dry. I ordered red beans and rice and got mashed potatoes. My iced tea tasted old and oh, they didn't even bother to give me a spoon for the potatoes. The girl at the drive thru window was rude and practically tossed the bag to me. Never again. There are newer Popeyes in better areas that still serve the chicken, biscuits and red beans and rice I love!
negative