Since the beginning of reviews and the entire star system, I've struggled with what precisely each star means. One is obvious, as is 5. At what point does a restaurant go between 2 and 4?
2 may be overly harsh, but I *have* experienced better than Smashburger. 4 is right out. I can't imagine ever wanting to go back. 3 being "A-OK" felt right, but until I ate at Smashburger I didn't know precisely what that meant.
It meant the food was ok. I wouldn't crave it or think of it ever again. It didn't offend me.
The service was ok. It's self-service, not remarkable.
The restaurant was ok. It's decorated in a way that says "We want to be fun" but also "We don't want to work too hard".
The pricing is ok. Any higher and I would complain. Any lower and it would be more fitting, thus making me think it's better value.
The value is ok. I got enough food, it seemed a bit on the pricey side but not enough to make me question my sanity.
Smashburger: The very embodiment of a 3-star experience. I can't imagine going back, but not because it's bad, it's just not good.