Smashing it: Nash & Smashed Review

by Phatom Foodie

Smash burgers are the speciality at Nash & Smashed. Photo by Phantom Foodie

I was cooking up a storm during the recent snow and ice, but after all that digging out, it was time to dig into something new. We have a full slate of reviews prepared for 2026, and first up this month is Nash & Smashed, a halal eatery in the Home Depot shopping center featuring Nashville-style chicken and smash burgers.

The space embraces a modern fast-casual aesthetic—clean, orderly, and welcoming—with a friendly staff and a touch-screen ordering kiosk. I ordered takeout, and my meal was ready on time and neatly packaged for pickup.

I sampled a variety of menu items, partly out of curiosity and partly to refuel after all that shoveling—and I happily shoveled more than a little food into my face.

Both the classic and mushroom smash burgers delivered the sought-after textural contrast: a crusty exterior with a juicy interior that no thick patty can match. Cheddar melted into every crevice, while the signature smash sauce added tangy sweetness without overwhelming the beef. Paired with a soft brioche bun, the crunch made for a satisfying meal. At around $10, the burger is fairly priced for the quality. (Note: the brioche bun can be substituted with a lettuce wrap.)

The Golden Crunch Chicken Sandwich was equally impressive—crispy on the outside and juicy inside. A meatless pea-protein burger is also available, though it feels more obligatory than inspired.

Chicken tenders, bites, wings, and thighs—oh my. The chicken is consistently crispy yet tender, complemented by an array of sauces ranging from creamy to tangy, with heat levels from classic to hot. The honey sriracha struck a perfect balance of sweet heat for my palate.

Kids’ meals are available with options like chicken or cheeseburgers, paired with various side combinations.

In an era of fast-casual dining dominated by overwrought menus and endless customization, this rapidly expanding chain offers a refreshing balance of quality, price, and convenience. Properly smashed. Properly delicious.

So if winter weather has you feeling blue, warm up with some Nashville hot chicken. Or, if you’re craving Southern comfort food while cheering on Team USA in Milan Cortina, grab a bucket of fried chicken, cornbread, and mac and cheese. Just don’t forget the napkins.

Nash & Smashed

1675 Reston Parkway in the Home Depot Shopping Center

703-988-4818

10am - 10pm (midnight on Friday and Saturday)

The Reston Letter and its staff do not receive solicitation, compensation, or special endorsement from any restaurant or culinary establishment. Our reviewer dines unannounced to make the experience genuine. Our mission is to provide our readers with an accurate representation of our reviewer's experience so they may make their own informed decisions. Taste, service, and culinary preferences vary.