The Station - Smashburgers

I got a double smash burger with a side of fries and the fries were probably the most perfect fries I’ve had. The smash burger was also great and definitely up there as well. When i did order it probably took five minutes before i got my food. Didn’t feel too greasy, tasted fresh, and have no complaints whatsoever. The spot is also very cozy and a homey feel. If i were to sum up the vibe, think a group of patagonia-puffer-with-chinos-with-a-toque-on corporate group Sunday brunch or somewhere i wish i went with my parents when i was maybe 7-8 years old (in a good way). I paid maybe 20 for my order+tip but i wouldn’t say the price was too crazy considering the quality of the food. I would come back again. Food: 8.8/10 (phenomenal) Atmosphere: 7/10 (cozy) Service: 7/10 (nothing crazy but was quick) Price: 5/10 (neither cheap nor too expensive) Overall (8/10)

4.5 stars technically but Google Reviews doesn’t allow you to do a half star. Service is very friendly at the counter. The establishment is also very clean and well maintained. Knocked off a half star as the fries were a little over salted for my taste and the “grilled onions” were more like cooked onions since there wasn’t much caramelization to them. The quality of the ingredients for their burger is excellent. The choice of bun, meat, cheese were all very high quality that you could taste. I also loved their house sauce, to me it tasted like a red pepper sauce, it’s not a spicy pepper, it’s a sweet pepper. The parking situation is not the greatest. Their lot itself is very small, and the residential/ business area is mostly full. Since we knew about the hype of this place we went shortly after it opened, around 11:30am and were able to find parking nearby. Definitely worth the trip out to Berkeley for a really solid burger and fries. If you hate driving around to find parking go early.

Tried this spot for dinner and the smash burgers were seriously so bomb. Easily the highlight of the meal. Super flavorful, and definitely the kind of burger that makes you want to come back. I’ll absolutely be back for another and already have my eye on the Saigon burger for next time. The shakes, though, were a letdown. They looked good but were pretty lacking in flavor and too watery. The fries were just okay..Nothing bad, but nothing memorable. My biggest issue was watching the employee pack the fries into the boats with his bare hands. It felt pretty unsettling and honestly unsanitary, especially handling hot, greasy fries that way. Just throw on some gloves or use tongs. Overall, the burgers alone are worth coming back for, which is why I’m giving 4 stars. I just hope they tighten up the food handling practices a bit.

New ownership has made great changes! The fries are 10/10 and i love the soft serve. UPDATE the vegetarian impossible has improved since the first month - they’re giving it the same smashed crispy edges as the real burger. And the hippie bowl is sooo good, the veggies are all perfectly seasoned. I get that more than the burger most visits. My only real complaint is that this place seems to be frequented by the type of bougie neighbors who don’t discipline their kids :)

If you’re in the Bay and like bánh mì, you’ll absolutely LOVE The Station Saigon Smash. The vibe was super cute with fire pits, heaters, and of course the food was well worth the visit Léo did his big one with this genius fusion burger. The fries were also delicious tastes like a McDonald’s fries but 10 times better. We also tried the traditional Smashburger definitely one of the best we’ve had in the Bay Area. We had the pleasure of meeting Léo who was is so kind, passionate and hospitable. We will absolutely be back!