A smash burger starts as a ball of beef and ends as a thin patty with crisp, browned edges. That is the whole idea behind PCG Burgers, and it fits in three words: Smash. Sear. Repeat. Every patty we serve is 100% Angus, smashed hot on the griddle, then stacked on a toasted bun with toppings built around a rock legend. Ever wondered why a smash burger tastes so different from a thick backyard patty? Here is the short version from the crew behind the griddle in Winter Garden and Winter Springs.
What Is a Smash Burger, Exactly?
A smash burger is cooked by pressing a portion of ground beef flat onto a very hot griddle instead of shaping a thick patty ahead of time. The press puts more of the meat in direct contact with the heat. The outside sears into a deep brown crust while the center stays juicy. You get a thinner burger with lacy, crunchy edges and a lot of flavor in every bite.
That browned crust is where most of the flavor lives. A thick patty spends much of its cook time warming through before it builds color. A smashed patty spends nearly all of it searing. Thin patties also cook quickly and evenly, which is why the style pairs so well with melted cheese and bold sauces.
Because each patty cooks fast, doubling up is part of the culture. Two thin patties with cheese melted between them is the classic move, and at PCG any burger on the menu can be ordered as a Double.
How We Build a Smash Burger at PCG
Our method is simple, and we keep it that way on purpose. We start with 100% Angus beef, smash it hot on the griddle and let the sear do the work. Then it goes on a toasted bun with toppings matched to the burger’s personality. Every burger carries the name of a legend, because good burgers and loud music belong together.
You can make it yours, too. Swap the beef for an Impossible patty on any burger, or skip the bread and order it on a lettuce bun. Turn any burger into a combo with fries and a drink. Browse the full lineup on our smash burger menu.
Smash Burger Styles on the PCG Menu
Three burgers wear the “Most ordered” badge. The Original Cheeseburger brings American cheese, herb mayo, pickled onions, lettuce and tomato. The Old School keeps it classic with pickles, red onions, ketchup and mustard. The Elvis stacks cheddar, crispy bacon, caramelized onions and bacon aioli. Prefer it stripped down? Our plain Cheeseburger and Hamburger let the seared Angus do all the talking.
From there the lineup gets louder. The King piles smoked BBQ brisket, crispy onions and pickles on top, our take on a BBQ brisket burger. The Waters adds hand-breaded fried Brie, garlic aioli and sautéed mushrooms for a rich Brie burger. Blue cheese fans can choose between the Mercury, with bacon jam and baby arugula, and the Jagger, with blue cheese sauce and caramelized onions. Both are a different kind of blue cheese burger. See every build and current pricing on the PCG menu.
Where to Get a PCG Smash Burger
Looking for a smash burger near me? We have restaurants in Florida, with more on the way. Find the PCG closest to you, with hours and directions, on our PCG locations page.
Skip the middleman and order from us. Use PCG online ordering for pickup or delivery, or order in the PCG app and earn points with PCG Rewards. However you get it, a smash burger is about a hot griddle, great beef and a crust you can hear. Come hungry and turn it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a smash burger different from a regular burger?
A smash burger is pressed flat on a very hot griddle as it cooks, so more of the beef touches the heat. That creates a browned, crispy crust and thin edges, while a regular burger is shaped into a thick patty first and cooks more slowly.
What kind of beef does PCG use for its smash burgers?
Every PCG patty is 100% Angus beef, smashed hot on the griddle and served on a toasted bun. Any burger on the PCG menu can also be ordered as a Double.
Can I order a smash burger without beef or without the bun?
Yes. You can swap in an Impossible patty on any burger, and any burger can be served on a lettuce bun. Our kitchen is shared, so check the PCG FAQ if you have an allergy question.
How much does a smash burger cost at PCG?
It depends on the burger you pick, whether you go Single or Double, and any add-ons or combo you choose. Prices may vary by location, so check the current price on the PCG online ordering page before you order.
