Ohio has quietly become a great place to chase down a proper smash burger, and some of the best ones are hiding in small kitchens you might drive right past. A smash burger is simple: a loose ball of beef pressed hard onto a hot flat top so the edges turn crispy and lacy.
When it is done right, that thin crust makes all the difference. This list rounds up eight Ohio spots that regulars go out of their way for, from tiny counter joints to family-run kitchens.
Whether you are planning a food road trip or just looking for a better burger closer to home, these places are worth knowing about. Grab some napkins and let us take a look.
1. Thurman Cafe, Columbus, Ohio
German Village hides one of the most famous burger counters in the state, and it has been feeding hungry Columbus crowds for decades. Thurman Cafe has been around since 1942, which makes it one of the older family-run spots on this list…