One of the Lower East Side’s favorite new burger joints is getting ready to expand into a much larger location.
Smashed NYC is a new breed of burger restaurant that was established in the Lower East Side in 2021 by owner Mark Mendaros. The restaurant launched to quick success when New Yorker ciritc Hannah Goldfield penned a rave review, dubbing Smashed’s signature burger as “the best to eat in New York right now”. Praised for the restaurant’s signature secret sauce, the main dish of Smashed is modeled as an elevated competitor to the Big Mac, made exclusively with “smashed” patties that are designed to lock in the flavors and juices.
Since launching the restaurant in March 2021, Mendaros and partner Jamie Chester have been awed to see the quick growth of their new burger joint. Earlier in August, your handsome and humble reporter at What Now New York previously covered the team’s expansion to Gotham Market West, where Smashed was finally able to offer sit-down service and wine and beer options. For 2023 though, the Smashed team has big plans for expansion, and will soon be adding a massive improvement to their Lower East Side operation.
While the original Smashed NYC currently occupies a cozy 400 square feet space located at 177 Orchard Street, LES residents will soon be able to stretch their legs and enjoy their favorite new burger in a much larger location. According to a recent liquor license application submitted with Community Board 3, Mendaros and the Smashed team have just acquired the space at 167 Orchard Street, located less than a block away from the original location, right across Stanton Street.
167 Orchard Street previously housed Mother Duck, a popular Asian fusion restaurant that was especially beloved for its happy hour and cocktail options. Sadly, Mother Duck closed down for good earlier this year, and the team has not outlined any plans for a return, as their website has since gone offline. While we don’t know the exact dimensions of the space yet, the restaurant occupies the corner of Orchard Street and Stanton Street, and previously sat about 72 guests inside when Mother Duck occupied the space.
Mendaros is also looking to acquire a new liquor license for the space, which he was able to acquire for his Gotham Market expansion. While this story is still in development, you can follow along with Smashed NYC on Instagram for further updates.
