Welcome to Smash Jibarito
Smash Jibarito offers a vibrant twist on traditional comfort food, serving smash burgers with a unique flair. Located at 2534 W Division St in Chicago's bustling Humboldt Park, this restaurant stands out with its innovative use of plantain and pan sobao buns. The Aye El Amor burger is a crowd favorite, featuring house-pickled peppers and rich cheese sauce. With options for vegans and vegetarians, Smash Jibarito caters to diverse tastes, ensuring everyone finds something to enjoy. The laid-back atmosphere invites visitors to grab a bite outside or take their meal to go. Whether you're in the mood for late-night food or a family outing, this spot meets all the comfort food cravings.
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About
Smash Jibarito sits at the heart of Humboldt Park, an area known for its vibrant culture and rich culinary scene. The restaurant is housed on the lively Division Street, a hub for both locals and visitors in search of authentic Chicago flavors. This corner of the city boasts a plethora of dining options, but Smash Jibarito carves out its niche with its unique approach to the jibarito, a beloved Puerto Rican dish.
The location is convenient for all, with ample outdoor seating for those who enjoy the fresh Chicago air. The welcoming ambiance and friendly staff make this place perfect for families and community gatherings. With a price range between $10 to $20, Smash Jibarito remains accessible to anyone looking for a delicious meal. It’s a place where friends can relax, families can taste new flavors, and everyone can bond over their shared love of good food. Plus, the late-night hours make it an excellent choice when hunger strikes after dark. The neighborhood vibe, paired with innovative dishes, makes Smash Jibarito a must-visit destination.
Working Hours
- SundayOpen
- MondayOpen
- TuesdayOpen
- WednesdayOpen
- ThursdayOpen
- FridayOpen
- SaturdayOpen
What People Say
Most Liked
Many patrons rave about the smash burgers at Smash Jibarito, particularly the Aye El Amor and its delicious plantain bun. The combination of fresh ingredients creates a mouthwatering experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
The loaded papitas are another highlight. Topped with cheese sauce and other flavorful ingredients, they offer a perfect side dish or snack.
Visitors appreciate the friendly service and welcoming atmosphere, sharing stories about the engaging staff that elevate the dining experience.
Vegan and vegetarian options ensure that no one leaves disappointed, making it a great spot for diverse groups looking to enjoy solid comfort food together.
Most Disliked
Some diners mention that while the plantain bun is extraordinary, the pan sobao bun does not compare as well, leaving them wishing for more options within the homemade bread category.
Parking can be tricky around the busy area, particularly during peak hours, which can be frustrating for diners who want to enjoy a full experience at the restaurant.
A few customers note that they would have loved more variety in the menu, expressing a desire for additional sauces and side dishes to complement their meals.
Though the ambiance is generally praised, there are occasional comments about noise levels during busy times that might detract from the experience for some patrons.
Reviews
Eva T.
I was able to try all three smash burger styles and both the plantain and pan sobao “buns” with my family. We all agreed that the Aye El Amor with the plantain bun was the best burger by far. The Aye El Amor comes with their house pickled peppers and cheese sauce which are both truly so delicious (I usually don’t even like peppers). The plantain bun beat out the pan sobao bun by a long shot. Not that the pan was bad by any means, but it’s hard to compare the two when the tostones were so flavorful. Safe to say you should absolutely try Smash Jibarito at their new Humbolt Park location!
Sean S.
Delicious burgers! The plantain "buns" work so much better than I would have expected. Loaded chips are fantastic, too. Smash Jibarito is legit and totally lives up to the hype!
Andy H.
This burger just slaps! Perfect balance of sweet/savory with rich fresh beef flavor. Everything is quality and fresh. Great friendly staff who love what they do. I need to go back and try the pica puff!
Moe G.
Just stopped by Smash Jibaritos in Humboldt Park and it was amazing! My first time trying a smash jibarito and the flavor was legit — so good. Pro tip: grab the cheese sauce with your chips, you won’t regret it. The team was super friendly and welcoming, and the whole vibe was great. Shoutout to Josean and his crew for the awesome food and experience — I’ll definitely be back!
lara j.
Please run don’t walk to this place. EVERYTHING I MEAN EVERYTHING was amazing from customer service, to the ambience and of course the food. My husband and I needed to try everything on the menu and we did just that and WOW!!!!! The smashed plantain is a game changer in the smash burger world. Their take on the pizza puff that they call a pica puff was delicious. So like I said before run don’t walk to this place.
Peter S.
I heard great things about Smash Jibarito and decided to go with my wife for our "date night." Let me say, I'm very glad we checked it out! Friendly staff, terrific atmosphere of a neighborhood joint, and the food.. DELICIOUS! We both ordered the Puerto Rican Smash Burger...man, it was tasty! I licked my fingers AND my wife's! And the price is great, too! We're going back soon with friends! If you're looking for something different AND great-tasting with a fun, relaxing atmosphere AND easy on the wallet, get over to Smash Jibarito. Muy Bueno!
Jason E.
On my first visit, Smash Jibarito moved to the very top of my list to take guests from out of town. Its now my go to burger place until the producers of The Bear find it and make it impossible to get in. As "the vegetarian" I get labeled the worst out of this group of very picky eaters. Between all of us we had everything on the menu. Everyone was thrilled and vowed to be back soon, especially me. (I would have been back the next day but left town the following morning.) I have no love for Beyond/Impossible meat alternatives, but this place did it right. If you're not a burger lover, I'd still go and have the Aye el Amor without a patty. The rest of the jibarito can definitely stand alone without the patty or try the loaded chips. Everything was so perfectly cooked and thought out, you can definitely tell the entire team is passionate about everything on the menu, and that passion is definitely infectious. A special shout out to the chips. As a rule, I hate places that have house chips instead of fries. There is always an exception to every rule, and I humbly and enthusiastically can say I will be back just for the chips.