Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside: 8 spots in Prague for the best smash burgers
Burger Service
If you're looking for the definition of a classic smash burger without the frills, head to Revoluční Street. Burger Service basically functions as a drive-through window with a few seats, which adds to the authentic street food experience. Their menu is concise and clear, relying on a soft, buttery bun, substantial beef and perfectly melted cheese. They press their meat patties to perfection, with a beautiful "lace" on the edges, just like a smash should be. The whole thing is finished with their fine-tuned smash sauce and pickles that add just the right kick.
Those who don't like to experiment can rely on the Double cheese, while the adventurous will be delighted by the Double spice bacon or the special, which changes every month. Enjoy with fries, coleslaw or baked potatoes.
Tip: We recommend following their instagram, it's an experience in itself.
Bufet
Karlín's Bufet has long been known for more than just its grilled chicken. You can also get smash burgers here, normally served Wednesday through Friday. Expect two slices of ground beef neck smashed on the grill, both topped with cheddar cheese, served, of course, in a bun with pickles, iceberg lettuce, a little onion and sauce. Add a few sides, and you'll have the world's best guilty pleasure. Keep an eye on the specials board, the smash burger appears there on occasion too. And that means only one thing: you can indulge in it every day for a whole month.
To drink, order the Bufet 11° - a lager brewed by the neighbouring Dva kohouti brewery, and enjoy the lively atmosphere in teh shared courtyard. There's often a queue all the way outside - and not just in summer. People know what's good.
FATFUCK smash burgers
The name says it all - you won't leave hungry. Fatfuck is a paradise for burger lovers - their smash burgers are thick, fatty and very intense in flavour. Ideally accompanied by fries, which you can choose from ten sauces or a more subtle coleslaw.
The Břevnov branch is smaller and cosier, while the one in Vinohrady can handle a bigger load of hungry mouths. It's just the place to go when you've had a tough day and need to fix your mood with something sinfully good.
Guilty Pleasure Diner
The closest thing you'll find to an American diner in Dejvice, the interior is stylish and colourful and there's authentic food on the plates. The smash burger offering includes a classic version of the cheeseburger, but you can also try specialties like the El Gringo with jalapeños and chipotle mayo. The brioche is light, and the meat has a perfect crust.
They often have interesting specials on the menu, so it's worth keeping an eye out. It's a great place for a date or dinner with a group. And if you're not in the mood for a burger, try the delicious ribs or wings.
Hoxton Burger
At Hoxton, you can indulge in a double treat: a smash burger topped with with cheese sauce. Their smash style is precise, relying on quality aged meat and simple combinations of ingredients that work well together. The service is fast, the environment relaxed and friendly.
Taste the local chilli-cheese fries, or the unusual truffle mushroom smash. And there's good news for vegans - you'll find something on the menu too.
Burgerman
Burgerman is a household name among Prague's "burgerholics". They started out with classic, thicker burgers, but switching to the smash technique (or rather, adding it to their repertoire) was a smart move. At the bakery around the corner, they bake fresh buns daily according to their own fine-tuned recipe, and the meat literally melts on the tongue.
The burger here is compact, flavourful to the last detail and served in paper, so it can be eaten comfortably standing out front - it's always packed inside anyway. Wash down with a lemonade or their own Burgerman lager.
Dish
Dish is already a bit of a legend, having taught the people of Prague to eat premium burgers, and they couldn't stay behind in the smash trend either. Choose from three options, or indulge in a menu deal crab fries with cheese sauce.
The meat is succulent, accompanied by the iconic brioche from the family-run Vrbský bakery. Dish ketchup or Dish boss sauce go perfectly with the fries. The ambience is more elegant than most of the aforementioned places, so it's perfect for a business lunch or a quieter dinner. Of course, cocktails are on the menu, as well as a good lager.
Mr. HotDog
Although the name suggests that hot dogs are the name of the game, locals know that their sliders (the little brother of the smash burger) are one of one of the best in town. With their smaller size, you can get a burger, a basket of fries, and if there's room left over, there's still the option to order that hot dog.
The meat here is always optimally cooked with crispy edges, and they've got vegetarians in mind too with their meatless patty. In summer, the atmosphere, garden and the inspiring selection of drinks make Mr. HotDog the perfect hangout spot.
