SmashEm's Burger Bar in Tower Grove is a genuine treat for a night out
Cool bartenders, tasty burgers, great wings, and a cozy atmosphere add up to this new St. Louis restaurant, which is open until 1 a.m.
What do a great smashed burger, a wise bartender, and a seat at the bar without chaos have in common? The promise of a great night out, something a new bar/restaurant in Tower Grove offers in spades.
SmashEm’s Burger Bar, located a door down from Amsterdam Tavern on Morgan Ford Road, throws in the tastiest wings I’ve had since my time at Johnnie’s in Soulard. They aren’t the tiny, pitiful, and overall mood-deflating chicken wings that you find in a place that just wants to have it on their menu.
This is the kind of place that double fries their wings and coats them in a batter that doesn’t overpower the wing or meat. Whether you get Korean BBQ or the Hot and Smoky blend that Rachel and I ordered, the flavor will be there. The heat factor isn’t a “my mouth is literally on fire” kind of anxious adrenaline rush, but a combination of ingredients that provides a unique spice. Think of the heat on these wings like the heat of a jalapeno slice without the seeds. You’ll feel it, but not feel like a human blowtorch. (I’m bald, so nothing is up top to hide the steam.)
Most importantly, the burgers deliver. The single, double, triple, and *you better stretch* quad options are there, but there are specialties that will perk your interest. A take on the Royale (adding a cooked egg to the burger) included perfectly made bacon on its two patties. The white American cheese added just the right amount of sweetness, and the broken yolk didn’t ruin the strong bread.
Here’s the level of importance when it comes to burger ingredients: the meat, the bread, the cheese, and the rest. In this particular specialty burger (which starts with Au but the rest eludes me), the egg and bacon enliven an already great product. The patties aren’t as greasy as Shake Shack and Five Guys and not as overpowering as Hi Pointe can be. They live in the lovely burger zip code of Jovick’s, Mac’s Local Eats, and Carl’s Drive-In. A sweet place to live for an STL burger.
Did I mention they also know how to make a spicy margharita? Check that box, my adulting friends. The wife and I each had two of these bourbon glass cocktails. The aforementioned jalapeno slices add just the right amount of heat to the alcoholic bite of the liquor, providing an easygoing highway for the food to travel on.
Most places, you don’t get all of these things in one spot. SmashEm’s Burger Bar even has great bartenders who offer unforced conversation and interesting choices. If you want a good bartender, some judgement will follow. Thankfully, the wife passed a test when selecting blue cheese over ranch for the wings. By the end of the night, we were showing each other pictures of our dogs. That’s how the bolt gets turned between previous strangers.
The atmosphere was more dive bar than loud party bar. Televisions carried local sports, the walls had color and history without blasting the eyes, and the spaciousness of the bar was inviting. There’s another dinner area and room that we didn’t see, but will be investigating further during our next visit.
I’ve given you zero reasons to say no to this place if you live or come into St. Louis. It’s near the central heart of the city, away from the aggressive urban nature of our town but close enough to feel the energy from the lively Grove. You’re a short drive from the Botanical Gardens after walking out the front door of SmashEm’s Burger Bar, a surefire spot for City SC fans.
Do local restaurants a favor in 2025 by populating them more often. Unite under the tasty light of locally made food and beverage. A ton of places closed in the second half of 2024, so everyone needs a bump right now. Crown Candy Kitchen, Steve’s Hot Dogs, the aforementioned Mac’s and Hi-Pointe, Grace Meat + Three, and J.J. Twigs just to name a few.
Just don’t forget about SmashEm’s Burger Bar, which opened earlier this year. They give you the best of both worlds. A meal out and the talent and ability to back up the promise of the experience. Oh, and they’re open until 1 a.m. for those late night workers who want something better than fast food near midnight. This former Uber driver abides.
