Sonoma has a new burger spot, and you won’t need a reservation to get in.
Chef Ari Weiswasser, the restaurateur behind Glen Ellen Star and Stella, has opened Smash, a fast-casual restaurant on Sonoma Plaza devoted to lacy-edged smashburgers, fried chicken sandwiches, fries, tater tots and milkshakes. The menu is intentionally spare — and that’s part of the appeal.
After years spent crafting polished farm-to-table cuisine, Weiswasser is leaning into something simpler, faster and a lot less fussy. Alongside the burgers is a vegetarian falafel burger, plus beer, wine, canned cocktails and boozy milkshakes for adults as well as kid-friendly ones. Extras like bacon marmalade and a Thousand Island-inspired Smash sauce give the standard pickle-lettuce-tomato formula a bit of Sonoma swagger. For maximum indulgence, pair the canned espresso martini with a float of vanilla milkshake. I’m open to a little Watmaugh strawberry shake, too.
Located in the former Taube Family Outpost space, Smash is bright and contemporary, with self-serve ordering, bar seating, communal tables and a small patio. The room hums with noise and energy — fitting for a family-friendly restaurant designed with approachable prices in mind. Diners seeking a quieter experience may want to take their burgers to go. Upstairs, the Beacon speakeasy offers a more polished setting, serving craft cocktails alongside the full Smash menu.
Open less than a week, the restaurant is already drawing weekend crowds and quickly establishing itself as a local gathering spot.
Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 497 First St. W., Sonoma, instagram.com/smashsonoma