I got a double smash burger (and fries) as a midnight snack after I ate a home-cooked dinner…because…I can??

this wasn’t my first time at 7th street but it’s maybe my third…or fourth? you could say I’m biased because I LOVE and prefer smash burgers. side note, I would love to argue with anyone about why smash burgers are better. I actually found myself in said argument earlier this week and it prompted me to share. my frequent food debates lead me to believe that I should have an advice column or video series where I engage in heated discussions about controversial food / dining topics. AKA to split or not to split the group birthday bill. I have these kinda discussions in real life with friends and I love getting everyone’s take. maybe we make that a thing? wach’all think?

anyway, back to the burger. smashed done well, though honestly not the crispiest edged smash burger, but still a nice thin yet juicy patty. the burger is GREASY. hence why it’s specifically my go to late night burger. I don’t always want to see and feel so much grease in my burger on a regular day but when I go to 7th st that is exactly what my heart desires (sorry to my actual heart bc I know it’s not good for it). if you don’t like smash burgers and you would complain about the wrapper being soaked in grease, then this is not the burger for you.

7th st knows exactly who their target audience is. they must live by the motto of “keep it simple, stupid”…something I try to remind myself every time I’m problem solving these days. the way the burger comes happens to be my personal preference: just cheese, grilled onions, house sauce and pickles. nothing else necessary. no lettuce and thank GOD no tomatoes. now idk if they have these toppings available upon request, because I wouldn’t request such a thing. I love how this plays into the experience. if you’re a restaurant and your menu is this limited, you better do it well. so now as a guest I’m excited and my expectations are through the roof. also its convenient for the times when I don’t want to think so hard and be enticed by some new obnoxious flavor that I will regret ordering or just having a zillion toppings to choose from. when I pull up minutes before the clock strikes midngiht, just gimme my damn burger thanks :)

that said, as much as I appreciate the simplicity, when I first went I was like “UGHHHH I need a milkshake.” like please can they put a milkshake on the menu. but the people I was with during that first visit made the argument that that would tip the scale of doing too much. 7th st knows they do burgers well and thats all they need to be worried about. touché.

…so last time I visited I went to wawa down the street to get a milkshake to go with it. I respect the intention but when your girl wants a milkshake with her burger at midnight she is going to get it one way or another

I usually share and just eat a couple for a nice texture element in between burger bites. but when I go to 7th st it’s def a “I don’t usually do this, but uh” type time, and I want my own order! they’re always SO HOT. arguably, temperature is probably the most important component of an enjoyable fry. they’re also incredibly crispy. not thin shoestring crispy. but thick enough they they still have that soft, fluffy bite to them in the middle while incredibly crispy on the outside and perfectly salted. I always pray for extra fries at the bottom of the bag when I order.

and you can’t say that about most places. 7th st burger is exactly who they thinks they are and doesn’t have to do too much. my go to when I’m craving a burger at near-midnight hours. which, I say with no shame, is pretty often.

so tell me, have yall been? they also have locations in NYC, DC and here in baltimore.

what’s your burger preference? your fry preference? would yall wanna read or watch an advice column series? lemme know anything that peaked your interest with this one!