Smashburger has come to town. The chain started in Denver just three years ago, and there are now close to 60 locations around the country. I went to a sneak peek prior to its opening and sampled a substantial amount of food.

The menu is all about burgers of course, although a chicken breast can be substituted on any sandwich. There are several signature burgers, or you can choose to build your own. I tried the Kansas City Smashburger, made specially for this area, with swiss cheese, mushrooms, grilled onions, haystack onion straws and A-1 sauce. The Baja sandwich has guacamole, jalapeno, pepperjack cheese, tomato, lettuce and chipotle mayo. Other choices include the Classic Smashburger with cheese, lettuce, pickle, onion, tomato and Smash sauce, which had a mild mustard base.

There are fries with rosemary and garlic, sweet potato fries, haystack onions, regular fries, and even veggie fries and fried pickles. Shakes and salads round out the menu.

The concept is great-order at the counter and a server brings your meal, quickly and with a smile. Outdoor dining is a welcome option.

Prices are very reasonable–$4.99 for a 1/3 pounder, $5.99 for a 1/2 pounder. I place it somewhere between Winstead’s and Blanc Burger, both in terms of quality and price. The beef is okay, but doesn’t compare to a Blanc burger (nor is it trying to). Though it’s been a while since I’ve eaten at a Five Guys, it’s probably closest to that ilk. The basic fries reminded me of McDonald’s (not a compliment), but the haystack onions were quite tasty. I didn’t care for the rosemary on the Smash fries, but I can understand the appeal. Shakes are made with Haagen-Daz ice cream, can’t go wrong there.

This new chain has been very successful around the country–I suspect it will be a hit in Kansas City, too.