Didn't think I'd have a chance to upgrade my review for this San Clemente location, but after Smashburger rolled out their new app, I finally got that opportunity!
Smashburger recently upgraded their app so that if you download the app, you can get a free Single Classic Smash on your next visit. I had already downloaded the app a few years ago, but it looks way different now than before. A better kind of different in that I find it more user-friendly and in line with other restaurant apps on my phone.
I signed into the new app, not knowing if I would have gotten the free Single Classic Smash for having already been a rewards member, but I at least wanted to see what the new app looked like. The old app wasn't very exciting or as easy to use, and there weren't any enticing deals that would make me want to be a regular there, especially since I'm trying to reduce my intake of red meat.
A day or two later, I was pleasantly surprised to have received an email from Smashburger indicating that I had indeed qualified for the reward. It's good for 14 days, but I wasn't sure if I'd have the time to redeem it at the Carson location, which is closest to me. I knew I was going to pass by San Clemente during that 14-day period, however, so I used the opportunity to pay a return visit.
When I arrived just past 8 PM, I didn't see anybody inside! I almost thought it was closed, but saw the front door ajar. Another customer came in immediately afterwards, and an employee in the kitchen (Pedro?) noticed us waiting at the front. He came out the back to assist me, and his female co-worker assisted the other customer.
I told Pedro I wanted to redeem the complimentary Single Classic Smash, but wasn't sure if I needed to do anything on my phone. All I had to do was tell him my phone number, and he found my reward in my account. He then asked me for my name, which I stated even though I thought it should have appeared on his screen after entering my phone number? He realized his oversight, but was cool about it.
Although the restaurant was empty, I ordered to go because I wanted a wrapper to hold the burger while I was eating. If you order for here, they don't give you a wrapper.
It took about five minutes before the female employee handed me my takeout bag. Inside my takeout bag were a couple packets of ketchup, but on the tables, they had both ketchup and mustard. I simply took out the burger, added both condiments inside the burger, and enjoyed it. And it tasted so much better than the first time I had it here that I'm willing to award an extra star. Still a little pricey with the normal price being $7.99, and the burger wasn't even that big too. I had a chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A right before this, and I wasn't full after eating the burger.
I also had some crispy brussels sprouts a few times from this location, and they provide some ranch dressing as well. Brussels sprouts are one of children's least favorite vegetables, but I feel their opinion will change with Smashburger's version. Granted, they're certainly not as healthy since they're lightly fried and seasoned with steak butter, but it's a great start to get your kiddos to eat their greens.
The San Clemente Smashburger is in Gateway Village Plaza, where there is an Albertsons, so after enjoying my complimentary burger, I browsed around the grocery store before heading out. One thing to note is that if you want to get back on the 5 freeway from Smashburger, you'll have to cross the parking lot and get off at Avenidia Presidio before turning left at Avenida Pico. Don't directly get back on Avenida Pico because it's a right turn only there. Luckily, you can re-enter the plaza and avoid having to find a turnaround point.
Like I said, I'm not a regular at Smashburger, even the Carson location, so I don't plan a return visit until I get a good deal, which I haven't seen much of anyways. However, I have more confidence that I'll enjoy my next burger from Smashburger. Just don't expect the best tasting burger ever in spite of how good their burgers look on their website lol. read more