Wanna Smash

The name of this Van Nuys smashburger operation makes me cringe, but if you can forgive the menu’s childish puns, Wanna Smash serves smashburgers made with ultra-lacey, thin patties that manage to stay juicy in the center. Plus, unlike other shops, you can opt for a sampler (“The Foursome”) that includes slider-sized versions of all four burger variants on their menu. Of the four I tried, my favorite is the Hot & Heavy, which adds bacon, sliced jalapeños and two kinds of sauce to a classic smash. Barbecue lovers will appreciate the Cowgirl (bacon, onion rings and housemade barbecue sauce), but even the classic option here will hit the spot the next time you’re driving through the deep San Fernando Valley and craving a smashburger.