If you are a burger lover – congratulations! You are a certified American. For a country that consumes 50 billion burgers a year and has declared a specific day as “National Burger Day”, the U.S. is definitely a burger-loving nation.
While there’s a McDonald’s, a Wendy’s, and a Burger King that’s battling it out in the fast-food burger scene, there is another war waging in the Gourmet Burger battlefield.
Who will it be? Smashburger, Mooyah, or In-n-Out Burger?
All three are basically selling the same things; obviously but, it’s not only about the burgers. It’s about the whole burger experience. So let’s have a run-through of what happened when I visited each one.
In this article
The Mooyah Experience: Burger-Shake Combo
Mooyah is a casual burger restaurant that started in Plano, TX in 2007. Their main menu consists of burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Today, Mooyah has over 72 store locations throughout the United States.
First of all “Mooyah” is so nice to say. When somebody says “Mooyah” to you, it looks as though that person is blowing you a kiss. It’s so close to Mwah! The place felt a bit like those cool scenes from the “Back to the Future” movies, the ones with Michael J. Fox.
Taste and Flavor
I ordered the Mooyah Cheeseburger. It had Angus Beef, American Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, and Mooyah Sauce, all packed between their Signature Potato Bun. As for the burgers, the first thing I noticed was how nice the buns smelled. They bake them fresh every single day.
As I took my first bite, I could taste the juicy Angus Beef and the gooey American Cheese. The meat was so thin! The Lettuce and Tomato added a fresh crunch, and the special MOOYAH Sauce gave it a unique flavor. The Signature Potato Bun held everything together just right.
Overall, it was like a tasty blend of flavors that worked really well together. But here’s the thing: because you can pile on so many veggies and sauces, sometimes the beefy taste can get a bit lost.
Now, they’ve got this special sauce you can try. Some people like it, and some don’t. When it comes to burgers, I think places like Smash and In-n-Out might have a little upper hand. But you know what Mooyah does really well? Milkshakes! Their milkshakes are so thick, sweet, and creamy. Trust me, if you don’t go for the burger-milkshake combo at Mooyah, you’re missing out on the whole “Mooyah Experience.”
The Smashburger Experience: Juicy Tender Beef
Smashburger is a gourmet burger restaurant that started in Denver, CO in 2007. Their menu focuses on burgers with your choice of toppings along with chicken sandwiches and salads. Smashburger customizes its burger presentation according to regional preferences. Along with their main menu, they also serve a variety of sides and desserts. As of this date, Smashburger already has more than 300 locations in 32 states and 5 countries.
Taste and Flavor
I decided to go with the classic Smashburger. It came with a juicy beef patty made from fresh Angus beef. As I took my first bite, I could immediately tell how tender and flavorful the beef was. The Angus beef really stood out, even among the various sauces and veggies piled on top.
One thing that caught my attention was the use of butter in cooking the patties instead of oil. This added an extra layer of juiciness and flavor to the burger. It’s like a little secret that makes a big difference. And let’s talk about the cooking technique – Smashburger’s unique method of smashing or pinning the patty to the grill ensures that every part gets the right amount of heat, resulting in an evenly cooked burger.
Unlike some other burgers where you might find semi-cooked parts in the middle, Smashburger’s patties are cooked all the way through. It’s a small detail that makes a huge impact on the overall taste and experience. And what’s cool is that they tailor the burger’s taste to suit different regions. So, whether you’re on a cross-country journey or staying local, you’re in for a deliciously unique Smashburger every time.
The In-n-Out Burger Experience: Huge is Awesome!
In-n-Out Burger is the veteran among the three gourmet burger joints that started in Baldwin Park, CA in 1948; serving burgers, fries, and milkshakes along with a secret menu of triple patty-triple cheese and quadruple patty-quadruple cheeseburgers. In-n-Out Burger is now headquartered in Irvine with 302 locations primarily in the American Southwest.
Taste and Flavor
I decided to try In-N-Out’s famous Double-Double burger, curious about what makes it so popular. The moment I took a bite, I understood why. The patties were incredibly tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of juiciness. What surprised me was the cheese-to-patty ratio – it was perfect. The cheese added a creamy and savory element that enhanced the overall taste. And the juicy and crunchy taste of tomato and lettuce added a delightful taste.
For me, this burger truly stands out. Its larger size and well-balanced flavors make it a winner in my book. For those who love a satisfying and mouthwatering burger experience, In-N-Out’s Burgers are definitely worth trying.
What’s the Verdict?
So, here’s the verdict – these gourmet burger places have something unique to offer. Mooyah gives you the joy of a cheeseburger-milkshake combo, a real treat. Smashburger shines with its juicy Angus beef, perfect for meat lovers. On the other hand, In-N-Out Burger ensures you leave with a full stomach.
Considering that the average American indulges in 4.6 burgers per month, you could easily rotate these three gourmet burger joints for a weekly burger fix. Each has its unique charm and offerings, catering to different burger preferences.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on these three options. Feel free to share your opinions in the comments section below!
This group of words here was a waste of a read! How do you put “vs” and “verdict” when you don’t give an actual verdict? Change the title. This is just fear of stepping on any ones toes. Like a participation trophy. No one wants meaningless crap, Give them some actual substance, real opinion…At the very least a verdict under the header that says,”and the verdict is.”
What’s the verdict????? Indeed…what was the verdict? All you did was give a brief marketing pitch, on behalf of all 3 of the burger joints, highlighting supposed positives for each restaurant.
As a public service to those who read the “comparison” and are still wondering what the verdict is, I’ll fill you in.
I have eaten at all three places. I lived in California where I’ve eaten my fair share of Double Doubles…and I now live in Colorado where I’ve had both Smashburger and Mooyah and the verdict is easy…IN-N-OUT BURGER going away! It’s no contest!!!! Smashburger has good burgers that allow you to make your own, but last time I went there with my wife and two kids, I spent almost $40 for Burgers and fries that were sub par compared to a Double Double at in-N-Out. Mooyah has good shakes and that’s it. I pray for the day that In-N-Out opens up a location in Colorado. Until then, I’ll just go to Freddie’s.