There's no doubt. Smash burgers have officially replaced their plumper bistro-style cousins on the gourmet scene. But while it's easy to throw a ball of meat on a screaming-hot griddle, getting the perfect balance of crispy on the outside, tender and juicy within takes more skill. Luckily, San Antonio has no shortage of food trucks, pop-ups, and restaurants serving flavors that are anything but flat. These delicious bites might make you rethink your dinner plans.

Big Smash Burgers
Found along Main Street in Schertz, Big Smash Burgers is a no-apologies burger joint slinging some of the crispiest patties in the area. This spot doesn't mess with gimmicks. The burgers only spotlight golden-edged beef, melty cheese, and soft toasted buns. The menu is tight, the execution is sharp, and the portions leave you full but tempted to order one more round.

Chris Madrid's
Chris Madrid's has been flipping San Antonio's most beloved burgers since 1977, when UTSA grad Chris Madrid opened a laid-back joint in Beacon Hill serving up nachos, burgers, and beer. What started as a neighborhood hangout quickly became a citywide favorite thanks to classics like the Cheddar Cheezy and the now-iconic Tostada Burger — a Tex-Mex mashup stacked with refried beans, Fritos, onions, and cheddar.

Church Burger
Holy moly! This food truck on the Palomino bar's back patio is quickly making a name for its mad-scientist approach. The PB&J burger — two lacy patties with crispy onions and a peanut butter and jelly sauce — is a mad idea that is greater than all of its parts. Pair it with a pickle wing crusted in potato chips and rejoice in junk food perfection.

  Diana's Burgers aren't pretty, but they won't be on the plate long.  Diana's Burgers/ Facebook  

Diana's Burgers
Opened by Diana Madrid, sister of the late Chris Madrid, this Westside staple serves up hearty, Texas-style burgers with a loyal following. Signature picks like the Cheddar burger and jalapeño Cheddar burger come stacked with juicy, seasoned patties and melted cheese, nestled into a toasted bun. The friendly service and cozy, lived-in vibe make it feel more like a family cookout than a restaurant.

Last Place Burger
Last Place Burger may be slinging patties out of a modest food truck at Roadmap Brewing, but what it delivers is anything but ordinary. This downtown favorite turns out expertly crafted burgers built on double Wagyu patties from Peeler Farms, melty American cheese, housemade pickles, and soft local buns.

Mighty Mo's
Located inside Lombrano Food Hall, Mighty Mo's serves up smash burgers with a punch. Each patty is flattened to a crisp edge, locking in flavor and sear. Their menu is short and effective, offering burgers, poutine, cheesesteaks, and the late-night hours make it a favorite for insomniacs in search of something better than fast food. Add in regular BOGO deals, and it's an easy win.

  Slam Daddy Baddies pops up at places like Black Laboratory Brewing and the Ranch Motel. Black Laboratory Brewing/ Facebook

Pumpers
This pop-up turned brick-and-mortar is a bit of a fever dream, combining fine dining chef Stefan Bowers' skills with an aesthetic that leans gloriously trashy. Last Exit to Pumpers, a towering sandwich with all the fixings, proves that smash burgers don't have to be thin. An order of Nutella fries and a frozen Bushwacker cocktail makes it even better.

Slam Daddy Baddies
If you are lucky enough to catch this side project from Chi Chi Bird's Hot Chicken owner Caleb Lott, run, don't walk. The chef brings the same level of flavor to his smash burgers as he does to his chicken sandwiches. Follow along on Instagram to find out where the concept will pop up next.

Smash'd
This Grayson Street favorite is putting a bold spin on the smash burger trend with Texas Wagyu beef, hormone-free chicken, and creative builds like spam-topped Hawaiian stacks and egg-laced breakfast burgers. The massive patio (formerly Summer Camp) is home to live music, trivia, and a self-serve beer wall, making it as much of a scene as a burger stop.