Smashburger: Bites Nearby

It’s spring, and cravings for burgers abound. Although grilling attempts may be thwarted by Mother Nature, there’s still a way you can get your burger fix without getting soaked in the rain.

There’s a new in town (and ). 

You haven’t heard, you say? Perhaps you haven’t noticed the great coverage on Patch or haven’t had your curiosity peaked by the promise of other locations in Chicago.

At any rate, if you haven’t been to the new Bolingbrook location, now’s the time to see what all the hype’s about. 

Here are some of the eye-catching (and mouth-watering) items that aren’t the norm for many burger joints: pretzel buns, fried eggs, fried pickles, veggie frites, avocado, Chicago-style hot dogs, Green River floats and Chi-Town Polish sausages. 

There are also treats you’d expect: a large variety of custom burgers and chicken sandwiches, six types of salads, shakes, beer and a host of sides. 

The most expensive sandwich is $6.99 for the larg, ½ lb. Certified Angus Big  Smashburger. You can build on that with a slew of add-ons. 

The Darien location will open on May 25 at 2425 W. 75th Street, in the same strip mall as Panda Express.

Sean Pelkey, general manager for Smashburger in Darien, has been getting his feet wet and learning the ropes at the Bolingbrook location.

Pelkey commented on the steady stream of new customers visiting Smashburger to check it out for themselves. 

“We always ask if this is the customer’s first time here, and about 90 percent say yes,” said Pelkey, “so we’re really pleased with the grand opening here.” 

Pelkey said that the burgers, of course, are the most popular items, and in particular, the Windy City Burger, as well as the Make-Your-Own Burgers, fly off the grill. A regional burger (in this area, the Windy City) is always the third burger listed on the menu in all of the locations nationwide.

Pelkey said he’s looking forward to opening in Darien and meeting its residents.