What’s on offer?
Inspired by burger guru George Motz, Barry Wallace opened Dash Burger on Kevin Street in 2020, combining the LA smash burger with the 1940s Oklahoma onion burger. Meat selection – the cuts used and meat-to-fat ratio – was an important consideration, so he checked out what New York butcher Pat LaFrieda was doing, and consulted Dublin butcher Pat McLoughlin to create the perfect blend.
He developed his own heavy-duty smasher, which is used to flatten the balls of minced beef topped with finely sliced onions on a searing chrome-top griddle. This maximises the surface contact with the heat, the onions meld into the meat and the Maillard reaction does its thing, bringing out the savoury flavours as the patty sears and browns. The potato buns are light and pillowy.
The menu offers double-smash and triple-smash burgers, featuring specials on a regular basis, as well as loaded fries and chicken nuggs. This is not a place for vegetarians. There are two branches, Kevin Street and Capel Street, and delivery is available.
What did we order?
A Clonakilty black pudding smash, a triple smash with extra jalapeno, and chipotle cheese fries.
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How was the service?
We ordered in the original Kevin Street branch rather than online. Service was pleasant, and the burgers were ready in about 10 minutes.
Was the food nice?
These are spectacularly good burgers. The thin, cheesed patties with frazzled bits of meat and caramelised onion are absolutely delicious. The Clonakilty black pudding is smashed between two burgers so you get a taste in every bite, and the smoked onion mayo enhances the flavour. A triple smash may sound like too much, but we managed to eat it all, the lacy, crispy bits, gooey cheese, and sweet, caramelised onions, topped off with very spicy jalapeno sauce. The skin-on fries, smothered in chipotle cheesy sauce, were also devoured.
What about the packaging?
Paper bags, cardboard boxes and wooden cutlery is used, which are recyclable when clean. There is a recycling bin on the premises and compostable bins are planned for the redesign coming next year.
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What did it cost?
€28.50 for dinner for two people: Clonakilty black pudding smash, €11.50; triple smash with extra jalapeno, €11.50; and chipotle cheese fries, €5.50.
Where does it deliver?
Delivery available on Deliveroo daily, 12pm-9pm, within a 5km radius.
Would I order it again?
Most definitely – these are drool-worthy burgers.
