Orlando Spotlight: Papi Smash’d Burger

Papi Smash’d Burger is a highly regarded restaurant in Orlando, Florida, known for its gourmet, Latin-inspired smash burgers.¹

What Makes It Unique:

• Latin-Inspired Flavors: The restaurant stands out by infusing its smash burgers with Puerto Rican and Cuban influences.² This is evident in menu items featuring ingredients like mojo pulled pork, sweet plantains, guava reduction, mojo aioli, and Spanish chorizo.³

   

• Smashburger Technique: Chef and mastermind Chris Hernandez uses a specific technique involving American wagyu beef tallow from Snake River Farms and mustard squeezed into the liquefied fat on the flattop.⁴ A ball of seasoned Florida beef is then smashed into the mustard-fat before being flipped and topped with American cheese, which is noted for giving the patty a “tangy, crispy edge.”⁵ The beef itself is a secret proprietary blend of seasoned Florida beef.⁶

   

• Chef’s Background: Owner Chris Hernandez is an experienced chef who previously worked at Citricos and with Michelin-starred chef Pascal Sanchez, applying that knowledge to his burger creations.⁷

   

• Atmosphere: The downtown location is adorned with neon lighting and vivid, Florida-esque decor.⁸

   

History:

• Origin: The concept comes from Orlando’s own Chris Hernandez, who was also the creator behind the popular Latin-influenced food truck, Papi’s Livin Comida Loca.⁹

   

• Brick-and-Mortar Opening: Papi Smash Burger opened its new brick-and-mortar location in downtown Orlando in a soft open in March 2023, following previous permitting delays.¹⁰ The spot is perched on the corner of East Pine Street and South Magnolia Avenue.

   

Customer Feedback and Highlights:

• The food has been praised as a “near-perfect burger experience” and is seen as flattening the competition in the smashburger trend.¹¹

   

• The prices are considered reasonable, with a single “Papi OG Burger” at one point costing $9.50, a double at $12, and a triple at $14.

Highlight Menu Items (Double-pattied unless noted):

• Papi OG Burger: Features Florida beef, smashed onion, American cheese, “sweet heat” pickles, and “papi sauce” (a Duke’s mayo–based condiment) on a Martin’s potato bun.¹²

   

• Papi Chulo: Includes bacon, caramelized onion, caramelized banana, Argentinian chimichurri, and white American cheese.¹³

   

• Noche en Miami: An over-the-top burger with mojo pulled pork, sweet plantain, white American cheese, pickles, guava reduction, mojo aioli, and plantain chips.¹⁴

   

• Uuuumami Papi: Includes bacon, crispy onion, raspberry jam, pickles, and a sauce fashioned from shiitake and baby bellas on a sesame seed bun.¹⁵

   

• Cuban Frita: Features imported Spanish chorizo blended into the beef, with Spanish romesco aioli, plantain crisps, American cheese, and pickles.¹⁶

   

• Papi’s Side Chick: A 24-hour spice-brined crispy chicken sandwich with hot spice dust, cabbage, apple slaw, sweet heat pickles, and roasted red pepper aioli.¹⁷

   

• Sides & Shakes: Crinkle fries and yuca fries are available, with the option to be enjoyed “chulo style” (with crispy chorizo, caramelized onion, Manchego cheese, and chorizo aioli).¹⁸ Milkshakes, such as the mango and cream, can also be made boozy with rum.

   

Significant Events:

• Grand Opening Success: On its opening weekend in March 2023, Papi Smash Burger reportedly SOLD OUT 2000 burgers.¹⁹

   

• Mastercard Foodies and Fairways Grand Prize: The restaurant was crowned the Grand Prize Winner of the prestigious 2024 Mastercard Foodies and Fairways contest.²⁰ This award included coveted concession space at the 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament (March 6 – March 10, 2024) and a $10,000 grant, which the chef saw as a “vote of confidence as we look to expand.”

   

• Inter&Co Stadium Partnership: Papi Smash’d Burger has also joined the “Orlando Made” food and beverage program at Inter&Co Stadium (home of Orlando City SC), serving its Latin-inspired smash burgers from the Heineken Market and a rotating cart program.

Contact Information & Location: