75Smash
Score
Score
Smash Score👍 Solid Smash
A Van Nuys smash burger counter with solid T1 editorial attention and an all-housemade sauce program. The Hot & Heavy is the burger to order.
Photos courtesy of Wanna Smash via Facebook.
Wanna Smash was born from a pivot the same kitchen at 6350 Van Nuys Blvd that had operated as Hibachi773 made a complete concept change and relaunched as a smash burger specialist in 2023. The Black-owned restaurant built its identity around a custom beef blend and a full lineup of housemade sauces, giving the Valley a neighborhood burger spot with genuine culinary intent behind it.
The Hot & Heavy is the flagship double smashed patties on a Martin's potato bun with American cheese, grilled onions, jalapenos, bacon, and housemade spicy yum yum sauce. Critics from both The Infatuation and Time Out LA zeroed in on the same thing: ultra-lacey edges with a juicy interior, the hallmark of proper smash technique executed well. The housemade sauce program, unusual for a small counter-service spot, is what sets the menu apart.
The meat maintains juiciness while still getting those crispy lacey edges. Their over-the-top housemade sauces set this spot apart from other Valley smash burger joints.
Ultra-lacey, thin patties that manage to stay juicy in the center. The Hot & Heavy, with jalapenos, bacon, and spicy yum yum sauce, is the burger to order.
The Hot and Heavy is a winner. The attention to detail in tools and temperature gives you those crispy edges with a lacy pattern in the meat.
Definitely worth checking out for those craving quality smash burgers the perfect spot for a burger and shake combo.