Smash hit NYC burger joint named one of the 10 best gas station restaurants in the US

New York Post

2 days ago

While gas stations are few and far between in New York City, amazing food is not.
New York has always been known as one of the food capitals of the world — bagels, pizza, pastrami, halal — you name it. But now, we've got another title to brag about: having one of the best gas station restaurants in the entire United States, that's right here in the heart of Manhattan.
Smacking Burger was listed as No. 7 on Yelp's list of top 10 gas station eateries across the country.
6 Smacking Burger was listed as No. 7 on Yelp's list.
Stephen Yang
The viral smash burger is tucked inside a Mobil station on Eighth Avenue and Horatio, right in the heart of Greenwich Village — one of the last remaining gas stations below 14th Street.
According to Yelp, the Big Smack is the most popular menu item cooked on the flat top.
The $10.99 — which is reasonably prices for an NYC burger — sandwich is served with two crispy-edged smashed patties, caramelized onions, American cheese, house-made Butter Crunch pickles, shredded lettuce and a 'top-secret' Smack Sauce — a riff on a pink burger sauce, elevated with dill — on a Martin's sesame potato roll, according to Time Out.
There's also 'The Truff,' a single smashed patty topped with grilled mushrooms, Swiss cheese and truffle-infused mayonnaise for $9.99 and 'The World Famous Fries,' loaded with a smashed patty, American cheese, caramelized onions, chopped pickles, hot chimichurri and more 'Smack Sauce' for $9.49.
Talk about a steal!
6 The viral smash burger is tucked inside a Mobil station on Eighth Avenue and Horatio, right in the heart of Greenwich Village — one of the last remaining gas stations below 14th Street.
Stephen Yang
The small spot even offers vegetarian and pet-friendly servings.
And if that wasn't enough, they recently added milkshakes to their menu, making it the perfect fuel stop to set out from Manhattan.
The options have 'plenty of flavor,' with 'the perfect combo between classic and unique,' according to fans on Yelp.
6 According to Yelp, the Big Smack burger is the most popular menu item cooked on the flat top.
Stephen Yang
The grill was opened by native Brooklynite Tommy Hondros and his girlfriend, Elizabeth Torres, just last year.
The four-pump station has a small wedge of a convenience mart and a flat top grill in a tight triangle.
6 The options have 'plenty of flavor,' with 'the perfect combo between classic and unique,' according to fans on Yelp.
Stephen Yang
Hondros grew up in the gas station game — he's been pumping gas since he was nine years old, following in his father's footsteps. Now he owns several stations in Brooklyn.
He fondly recalls how fuel stops used to house unique burger joints and wanted to recreate that experience.
'I wanted to get that old-school feeling. There's nothing but Burger King now,' Hondros previously told The Post.
6 The grill was opened by native Brooklynite Tommy Hondros and his girlfriend, Elizabeth Torres, just last year.
Stephen Yang
But it was Torres, a second-generation restaurateur, who had the vision for Smacking Burger.
'She's very passionate about food,' Hondros told Yelp. 'She created the whole menu.'
When the shop launched in spring 2024, it went viral on social media. But unlike other viral food trends that fizzle out, Smacking Burger has stayed fired up.
Yelp's national recognition just seals the deal. Smacking Burger now shares the spotlight with places serving lobster taquitos in Yosemite and Hawaiian loco moco in Washington.
It's the only New York establishment on the list — not to be confused with No. 8 Brooklyn New York Pizza & Wings in Mesa, Arizona.
6 When the shop launched in spring 2024, it went viral on social media. But unlike other viral food trends that fizzle out, Smacking Burger has stayed fired up.
Stephen Yang
Top 10 best gas station restaurants of 2025
1. Tioga Gas Mart & Whoa Nellie Deli, Lee Vining, California
2. Hillbilly Hideout, Ozark, Arkansas
3. Unko's Kitchen, Silverdale, Washington
4. El Carajo International Tapas & Wines, Miami, Florida
5. 3 Bay BBQ & Bakery, Chesterfield, Missouri
6. Caffé REL, Franklin, North Carolina
7. Smacking Burger, New York, New York
8. Brooklyn New York Pizza & Wings, Mesa, Arizona
9. Taco Bar El Guero, Gaithersburg, Maryland
10. Bing's Burger Station, Cottonwood, Arizona