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oChef » SMA5H – Seattle
SMA5H - Seattle
Photo from SMA5H
SMA5H at a glance
Seattle NewHolly
- 🍔 Hamburger-Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 122 of the guests
#263 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#7 Hamburger-Restaurant out of 24 in Seattle
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
532
Reviews
79.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality burgers
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- Cleanliness concerns
The restaurant SMA5H is a popular Hamburger Restaurant located in Seattle’s vibrant NewHolly neighborhood. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
This spot is known for its diverse offerings, including late-night food and organic dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re craving a classic burger or exploring halal options, SMA5H provides a welcoming dining experience.
Overview: Introducting SMA5H
SMA5H has carved out a reputation for its satisfying offerings, particularly its well-regarded main dishes. Many patrons appreciate the affordable prices and the generally positive atmosphere, often highlighting the convenience of parking.
However, some experiences suggest that aspects of the dining environment could be more consistent, with occasional lapses in overall upkeep. Despite these minor points, the establishment often receives praise for its attentive staff, contributing to a welcoming feel.
While the core experience is strong, a few areas, such as the consistency of certain food preparations, sometimes fall short of expectations, indicating room for refinement.
Good
7.9
out of 10
532
Reviews
79.7%
Satisfaction
96
negative
12
neutral
424
positive
SMA5H achieves a solid 7.9 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a good Customer Satisfaction rate of 79.7%.
These figures are drawn from 532 customer observations, comprising 424 positive and 96 negative remarks, providing a robust overview of diner sentiment. The restaurant’s primary strength lies in its Food (8.2), which receives the highest marks, followed closely by Service (7.9).
The Ambience (7.1) is also rated well, contributing to a pleasant visit, while Value (6.9) is considered average, offering a fair balance between cost and quality.
What people like
- Delicious smash burgers
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Affordable pricing
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Unclean dining area
- Soggy buns/Stale fries
For those seeking a straightforward, satisfying meal, SMA5H presents a compelling option. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.3, it’s clear that many diners leave feeling content with their choice.
The focus on quality main dishes and friendly service makes it a reliable spot for a casual outing. However, if a pristine dining environment or absolute consistency in every detail is paramount, you might find minor aspects to note.
Overall, SMA5H is worth considering for its core strengths, particularly if you prioritize good food and approachable service over a flawless experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on SMA5H
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
Alright, foodies, lets talk grub! The culinary creations here are clearly a hit, boasting a good score of 8.2 and a solid 83.6% customer satisfaction. With 276 positive opinions out of 330, guests rave about the juicy smash burgers, perfectly seasoned fries, and that amazing homemade sauce.
Plus, its a fantastic halal spot! However, not every bite is perfect. A smaller group of 47 opinions mentioned some areas for improvement.
Some found sandwiches a bit soggy, fries occasionally tasteless or oily, and a few noted the meat patties could be too thin. It seems consistency could be a minor challenge.
Food
330
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
47
negative
7
neutral
276
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing smash burgers
- Delicious seasoned fries
- Quality halal food
What people don't like
- Soggy buns occur
- Fries can be oily
- Meat sometimes thin
Often praised
- foodThe sauce is great, the burger is great, and the chopped cheese is a top 5 sandwich anywhere in America. This place deserves every bit of success they get; the food is amazing. Just be prepared to get a little messy – leave your nice clothes at home because you're going to be drippy.
- burgerEverything is dank. The sauce is great, the burger is great, and the chopped cheese is a top 5 sandwich anywhere in America. This place deserves every bit of success they get; the food is amazing.
- burgersMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional! They serve the best burgers and provide outstanding customer service. The atmosphere is truly wonderful, and they handle any issues with genuine care and kindness.
- friesEverything was perfect. I had the cheeseburger and fries, and the sauce for the fries was incredible! I can't say enough good things about this place and will be back again soon!
- smash burgerwell seasoned smash burger, this place is quick and the food is great
- sauceEverything is dank. The sauce is great, the burger is great, and the chopped cheese is a top 5 sandwich anywhere in America. This place deserves every bit of success they get; the food is amazing.
- FoodFood 10/10 as well
- smash burgersThe smash burgers have that homemade flavor with a beautiful crust from the flat top
- bunThe bun holds its own to the greasy(in a good way) burger
- chopped cheesethe chopped cheese is a top 5 sandwich anywhere in America
Frequently criticized
- friesthe $4 fries were very old and tasted like they had been refried
- burgerburger with no Mayo on it and its on there
- foodthe food was very mid
- Ranchand Ranch other than that
- Sma5h friesthe fries were swimming in sauce
- authenticityNow I don’t trust your authenticity
- breadyou guys don't toast your bread like yall used to
- bunThe bun will be soggy
- burger and friesWe found the food to be ehh, especially for the price. A simple burger and fries felt overly priced. The fries were stale, and to make matters worse, we discovered hair in a set of our fries 🤮.
- burger bunThe burger I received had only one tiny pickle, small enough to be eaten in one bite. Furthermore, the bottom of my burger bun was swimming in so much sauce and grease that it was incredibly soggy. Considering the price I paid for this food, I was incredibly disappointed.
If youre craving a delicious halal smash burger and crispy fries, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some experiences mention minor inconsistencies with sogginess or oiliness, but overall, its a strong contender for your next burger fix.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 7.9 and a customer satisfaction of 79.8%, both comfortably in the good range. Based on 83 positive remarks out of 104, many customers rave about the friendly staff, fast service, and excellent hospitality, often highlighting quick order delivery and welcoming teams who make the experience smooth. However, it's not always perfect, as 20 negative comments point to some areas for improvement.
Concerns like unprofessional behavior, customer service lacking, and slow service occasionally surface. Some experiences mention staff yelling, a lack of greeting, or a disorganized order system that could use some fine-tuning.
Service
104
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
20
negative
1
neutral
83
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Lacking customer service
- Slow service
- Unprofessional behavior
Often praised
- serviceThere's plenty of space to dine in, and I liked the simple menu. The service was pretty good, and the ample parking in the attached shopping plaza is a definite advantage over their Seattle location. My husband and I are looking forward to returning and making this our go-to for a late-night Sunday dinner, as there are limited options in the area.
- stafftheir staff is polite and friendly
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceAmazing customer service from Junaydy!!
- peopleThe people are a 100% love.
- hospitalityafter the service and food and hospitality
- teamMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic. The burgers tasted great, and we were warmly welcomed by the team. They guided us to order on the screen and were available for any questions.
- Owner and staffOwner and staff was friendly
- craftpassion in their craft
- everyone was niceat least everyone was nice
Frequently criticized
- customer servicethe costumer service definitely needs to be works on
- calling out namesThey call out everyone’s name just not mine
- cooksthe cooks get lazy and forget to toast the bread
- customersrather than checking on their customers
- dine-inOrdered dine in, but they packed it to go
- employees yellingthe two guys working were yelling at each other
- food accuracyat least get it right
- food waitingmy food was sitting and waiting
- forgot a whole burgerthey forgot a whole burger I ordered to-go
- greetingI get zero greeting
You can generally expect a good experience with the service here, especially if you value friendly and quick interactions. While there might be occasional hiccups, the positives strongly outweigh the negatives, making it a place worth trying for reliable and welcoming service.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to the ambience, this spot generally hits a good note, with a score of 7.1. Many guests appreciate the overall atmosphere and vibes, often describing it as a nice clean eating spot with plenty of parking. Its also a big plus for many that the place is open late, adding to its convenience.
Out of 65 comments, 43 were positive about the setting. However, the customer satisfaction of 66.2% suggests theres a bit of a mixed bag. Some experiences point to issues with place cleanliness, mentioning dirty tables and sticky floors.
There are also concerns about noise from staff and the general area feeling unsafe at night, along with a desire for more amenities like restrooms. These points came up in 19 negative comments.
Ambience
65
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
19
negative
3
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Ample, free parking
- Clean, inviting atmosphere
- Convenient late hours
What people don't like
- Inconsistent cleanliness
- Loud staff noise
- Unsafe surrounding area
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was blown away by the quality of the food, the family-owned atmosphere, and the affordable prices. This was my first visit, but I'll definitely be making this my regular go-to burger spot in Seattle.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- parkingThe sauce was rich and tasty. The halal smash burger itself was amazing, and the ample parking was a great convenience. The people were nice as well.
- cleanand it was very clean
- EmpireThe Empire is love.
- Plenty of parkingParking space:Plenty of parking
- art on the wallsArt on the walls is awesome
- designed the restaurantthey did a beautiful job with how they designed the restaurant
- establishmentfamily oriented establishment
- expanseThe expanse here is amazing
Frequently criticized
- areaThe area is the kind that makes you worried about the safety of your car
- AtmosphereAtmosphere was mediocre, tables were dirty
- amenitiesWish they had a few more amenities
- children presentthere are children back there
- door closer armdoor closer arm was missing so door kept slamming shut
- feet on chairlady who as soon as you come in has her feet on the chair
- fliesflies were flying around we had to swat them
- floorsFloors were super sticky
- girls arguingGirls always arguing behind the counter
- glassesWish they had a few more amenities like glasses
If you're looking for a convenient spot with good vibes and ample parking, especially late at night, this place could be a solid choice. Just be aware that some guests have noted occasional cleanliness issues and noise, so manage your expectations for a pristine, quiet experience.
Value (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has a somewhat positive vibe, with a score of 6.9 and customer satisfaction at 66.7%. Many customers (22 out of 33 opinions) found the good price point and affordable pricing to be a real win, often feeling it was worth the money and even a cheap price for the quality received. However, not everyone was thrilled, with 10 opinions noting concerns.
Some felt certain items were pricey or overpriced, specifically mentioning an overpriced milkshake and issues with an upcharge. While the food quality is often praised, the cost sometimes left a sour taste.
Value
33
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Affordable for quality
- Good price point
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Unexpected charges
- Combos feel pricey
Often praised
- priceFor a double burger (#3), a cheeseburger (#1), two orders of fries, a strawberry lemonade, and an Oreo milkshake, the total before tip was $37. We found this to be very affordable for the quality and quantity of food. The fries were perfectly seasoned and came in a generous portion – we could have easily shared one order.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was blown away by the quality of the food, the family-owned atmosphere, and the affordable prices. This was my first visit, but I'll definitely be making this my regular go-to burger spot in Seattle.
- PriceThis is hands down one of the BEST burgers I have ever had! Reasonably priced, and the kids behind the counter were awesome. I will be back anytime I'm in the neighborhood!
- Price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- affordable pricingHands down the best burger place in the Soufend. I had an amazing experience with quality ingredients, great service, and affordable pricing.
- cheap priceOverall, I'm satisfied with this place and plan to return. They live up to their promise of large portions at a cheap price, which is exactly what I look for in a restaurant, especially when the food tastes good.
- costGreat food for the cost
- good pricemust visit for good food and good price
- good price pointhit the spot at a good price point too
- moneyworth the money!
Frequently criticized
- priceWe found the food to be ehh, especially for the price. A simple burger and fries felt overly priced. The fries were stale, and to make matters worse, we discovered hair in a set of our fries 🤮.
- burger combosburger combos a bit on the pricey side
- burgersThese burgers should be $3 for cheeseburger!
- meal priceincreasing the price of the meal by nearly 2 bucks
- overpriced milkshakeover priced milk shake
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was great. While prices can be a bit much, especially post-Covid, the food is great. If you enjoy a well seasoned smash burger, this place is quick and delivers on taste.
- tipadding an unrequested $2.95 tip
This spot generally offers good value for tasty food, making it a solid choice for many. However, be mindful that some customers found certain items or charges to be a bit pricey. It's worth considering, but go in with open eyes regarding the final bill.
How are the prices at SMA5H?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 122 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Hamburger Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests (a whopping 84 out of 122!) find themselves right in that $11–$20 sweet spot, showing prices are pretty consistent around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 122 reviews.
How this Hamburger Restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Hamburger Restaurant, especially given how consistently prices cluster around the average. It suggests a predictable and good value experience for diners.
Customer Reviews: what people think about SMA5H
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Delicious Food, Distracting Noise
My experience at the restaurant was a mix of great food and a somewhat disruptive atmosphere. The burger was delicious, and the sweet potato fries tasted really good as well. The service was quick and to the point.
However, there was too much noise from the staff chatting with each other using unnecessary words and being unnecessarily loud, which was distracting during dinner with my partner. Additionally, the door closer arm was missing, causing the door to keep slamming shut, and there were no extra napkin stands found anywhere.
- burger9
- sweet potato fries8
- service8
- noise3
- door closer arm2
- napkins stand2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
BEST Burgers, Awesome Kids!
Don't be fooled by the basic appearance of the store. This is hands down one of the BEST burgers I have ever had! Reasonably priced, and the kids behind the counter were awesome.
I will be back anytime I'm in the neighborhood!
- burgers10
- kids behind the counter9
- Price8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
9
Surprisingly Tasty Late-Night Burger
My experience at this restaurant was a pleasant surprise. I went there randomly because they were open late and the reviews looked good. The food was extremely tasty, and it's hard to overstate how good it was for the price.
The plain fries came with a really tasty spice mix, and the smash burger was very well seasoned and cooked. For the price, the quality was exceptional.
- food10
- price9
- fries8
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
2
Oily Burgers and Soggy Fries
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The burger was excessively oily, and the fries were both tasteless and soggy. Honestly, I would rather go to McDonald's for fries and Dick's for a burger than eat here.
- burger2
- fries1
- oily2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Phenomenal Experience with Great Food!
My experience at the restaurant was phenomenal and amazing. We enjoyed purple jeans and a burger, and the overall experience was great.
- purple jeans9
- burger9
- Food10
What SMA5H offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Checks
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Organic dishes
- Halal food
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What unique offerings and dining experiences can you expect at SMA5H?
At SMA5H, you can expect delicious hamburgers, organic dishes, and halal food. They offer late-night food, quick bites, and small plates, alongside happy hour food and alcohol. Dining options include breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with counter service and catering available for your convenience.
Is SMA5H accessible and family-friendly, and what parking options are available?
SMA5H is highly accessible with wheelchair-friendly entrance, parking, seating, and restrooms. It’s also family-friendly, offering a kids’ menu and high chairs. Parking is convenient, with free street parking, a free lot, and paid options usually available.
What is the overall verdict for SMA5H?
SMA5H earns a solid 7.9 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 79.7%. Its strengths lie primarily in Food (8.2) and Service (7.9), while Ambience (7.1) and Value (6.9) are also rated well.
What kind of food can I expect at SMA5H?
Customers frequently praise SMA5H for its well-seasoned smash burgers, tasty fries, and unique sauce. The chopped cheese sandwich also receives high marks for its quality.
Are there any common issues to be aware of when visiting SMA5H?
Some visitors have noted occasional issues with service consistency, including forgotten orders or lack of greeting. There have also been comments about the dining area’s cleanliness and specific food items like soggy buns or stale fries.