I consider myself to be a burger expert, y’all. So, when I say I’m looking for the best smash burger in Ohio, this is what I’m looking for: paper-thin patties smashed onto a ripping-hot griddle until the edges turn into crispy little beef lace, American cheese melted into every crack and crevice, and a soft bun sturdy enough to hold everything together without stealing the spotlight. After doing probably way too much deep-dive research on the topic, I think I’ve found the perfect example of a, uh, perfect smash burger in the state of Ohio at a hidden gem called Smash Buddies.
Yes, I want to be their newest buddy… mostly because I want to eat all their burgers. Let me tell you why.
This Tiny Spot Is Serving the Best Smash Burger in Ohio
Some restaurants try to be everything. Smash Buddies has chosen a different path, and I respect that. The veteran-owned restaurant started as a food truck cruising around Columbus before opening its first brick-and-mortar location at 460 South Front Street in the Brewery District. Two friends moved from the Pacific Northwest to Ohio in 2022, started cooking burgers for neighbors, and eventually decided the only sensible thing to do was quit their day jobs and bet on smash burgers (and I’m glad they did).
After just over a year, they won the 2024 Best Burger in Columbus during a local Trimark competition. That’s impressive, especially in a city where people have opinions about burgers. Strong opinions. The kind that can start friendly debates over bun selection.
The Brewery District feels like a perfect home for a place like this. It’s just south of Downtown Columbus, only minutes from German Village with its brick streets, historic homes, and The Book Loft. The Scioto Mile is nearby if you need a walk after lunch, and COSI is less than ten minutes away if you’re making a day of exploring Ohio’s capital.
What Makes Their Smash Burger So Special
The menu is short, and that’s always a good sign. A focused menu tells me somebody cares more about getting one thing right than doing twenty things halfway.
The Original is exactly what I want from a smash burger: fresh beef, melted American cheese, and their signature Yacht Sauce. Nothing extra fighting for attention. Order a single, double, or triple depending on how ambitious you’re feeling…