Summer is officially here, which means it’s time for burger season!
There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly crafted burger during long, warm days of summer. Whether grabbing lunch between meetings or settling in for dinner after exploring a new city, a great burger is the perfect treat.
On National Burger Day (May 28th), Sonesta turned up the heat with an exciting new menu that enhances the travel dining experience. Sonesta introduced regionally inspired smash burger across its full-service hotels nationwide, bringing local flavors and the irresistible nostalgic comfort we all crave.
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What Makes a Smash Burger So Special?
Before we explore our delicious menu additions, let’s talk about what makes a smash burger unique. The technique may seem straightforward, but there is real science behind why these burgers taste so amazing.
The story starts in the mid-20th century at Dairy Cheer, located in Ashland, Kentucky. The owner, Bill Culvertson discovered a magical technique. He found pressing beef patties onto a hot griddle with a bean can produce superior flavors. This method created thin patties with perfectly crispy, caramelized edges and juicy interior centers, far surpassing the quality of regular burgers cooked to specific temperatures. This “smashing” technique enhances what food scientists call the Maillard reaction — the process behind the delicious flavor development in cooked foods.
Although this method existed for decades, it attained mainstream popularity in the early 2000s when restaurants began incorporating it into their burgers.
A Taste of Place: Our Regional Smash Burger Collection
Sonesta’s commitment to celebrating the distinctive flavors of each region where our hotels call home is what sets us apart. We’ve developed eleven unique smash burger recipes across our portfolio, each designed to capture authentic regional flavors.
The Wicked Smashah
The Low-Country Smash
The Tri-State Smash
The Great Lakes Smash
The Frita Smash
The Baja Smash
The South By Southwest
The Luau Smash
The Cornbelt Smash
The Diablo
The Farmer's Market Smash
New England: The Wicked Smashah
Featuring Vermont cheddar cheese and applewood bacon, capturing the quintessential comfort of New England food. After a long day of exploring Boston’s historic sites, it’s the perfect way to refuel. Available at The Royal Sonesta Boston.
Southeast: The Low-Country Smash
Pimento cheese and fried green tomatoes bring a taste of Southern hospitality to your plate. This indulgent and satisfying comfort food is the ideal reward after strolling Charleston’s cobblestone streets. Available at Sonesta Charlotte Lower South End, Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, Sonesta Atlanta Airport North, Sonesta Atlanta Airport South, Sonesta Atlanta Northwest Marietta.
New York, Philadelphia and Washington, DC: The Tristate Smash
This bold combination exemplifies metropolitan dining. Mumbo sauce, peppers, and onions blended into the patty, complemented by seared pastrami for a delicious deli-inspired flavor. Available at Sonesta White Plains Downtown.
Midwest: The Great Lakes Smash
Sweet corn, Wisconsin cheddar and beer-braised onions capture the Midwest summer vibes. It’s the perfect addition to any picnic. Available at Sonesta Columbus Downtown.
Florida: The Frita Smash
This brings Cuban-inspired flavors with chorizo mayo and guava marmalade. Sweet and savory, it captures Miami’s vibrant energy in every bite. Available at Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach, Sonesta Miami Airport, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Southern California: The Baja Smash
Oaxaca cheese, poblano guacamole, and lime– cilantro mayo all brings bright flavorful colors to a plate, ideal for sunny California days.
Available at Sonesta Irvine John Wayne Airport, Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina, Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX, Sonesta Anaheim Resort Area
Southwest: The South-by-Southwest Smash
A simple yet delightful guacamole paired with pickled red onion that tastes bold and makes sense in the desert. Available at Sonesta Denver Downtown, Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch.
St. Louis: The Cornbelt Smash
BBQ aioli infused with rich, smoky flavors, awakens the spirit of the South. Alongside it are bread-and-butter jalapeños that bring just enough heat to remind you of Missouri. Available at The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis.
Hawaii: The Luau Smash
Pineapple, Monterey Jack, and spicy mango aioli bring tropical flavors. This combination serves as the perfect dish for inviting everyone to share the taste of paradise. Available at The Royal Sonesta Kaua’i Resort Lihue.
Texas and New Orleans: The Diablo Smash
A fiery creation that combines pickled jalapeños and smoked diablo sauce. It’s exciting for those who enjoy their food with a kick and seek an exciting culinary experience. Available at The Royal Sonesta New Orleans, The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria, The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel.
Northern California and Pacific Northwest: The Farmer’s Market Smash
Oyster mushrooms and the creamy sharpness of Tillamook County cheddar come together in this dish, harmoniously bringing fresh ingredients together in a vibrant and savory way. Available at The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco, The Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel Seattle, The Royal Sonesta Portland Downtown, The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown.
Why This Matters to Travelers
When you’re traveling, comfort is not always a guarantee. But with this approach, these regional recipes tell the story of the places you’re visiting through the dishes. Each dish is infused with its own flavors and a bit of local culture, inviting you to not only savor the flavor but also embrace the importance of everywhere you travel, even if you never leave the hotel.
As David Morgan, Sonesta’s VP of Food & Beverage Programming and Execution, explains it: “Recognizing diners’ craving for comforting and nostalgic dishes, we decided to revamp our hotels’ burgers for the summer with a menu of regionally-inspired smash burgers. Smash burgers evoke those cherished memories of childhood road trips, late-night bites and carefree summers. Through this initiative, we aimed to reimagine this American classic, developing bespoke recipes that embody Sonesta’s commitment to bringing a sense of place to every hotel”.
When you bite into The Wicked Smashah at The Royal Sonesta Boston, you get a taste of New England. The Luau Smash in Hawaii brings the island tropical abundance right to your table at The Royal Sonesta Kaua’i. It’s a dining experience with a sense of place that makes each experience more authentic.
Insider Tip: For Sonesta Travel Pass members, these new menu items offer another thrilling reason to choose Sonesta properties. Members can earn points on dining purchases while appreciating these unique regional flavors, making every meal count towards future experiences.
Spot Our Smash Burgers in Action
Are you ready to experience these delicious regional smash burgers for yourself? Connect with us on social media to see how we’re bringing flavors to life across our hotels. Follow @SonestaHotels and @TheRoyalSonesta for the latest updates, food and exclusive glimpses of our smash burger creations!
Disclaimer: The suggested itinerary and points of interest are provided for informational and planning purposes only. Guests are encouraged to independently verify opening hours, availability, travel times, and any potential changes prior to visiting. The inclusion of any businesses, attractions, or destinations does not imply affiliation with or endorsement by Sonesta or its affiliates. Sonesta makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided and assumes no responsibility for any inconvenience or loss arising from the use of this information.
