Best Smash Burger Near Coral Springs FL: Why Benny’s is Worth the Short Drive
If you are searching for the best smash burger near Coral Springs, FL, the answer is just a few miles south in Plantation. Benny’s Smash Burgers, located at 1023 S. University Dr., Plantation, FL 33324, has become the go-to spot for Broward County burger lovers who refuse to settle for a frozen patty or a chain-restaurant experience. Whether you are driving in from Coral Springs, Tamarac, or Coconut Creek, Benny’s smash burgers are consistently worth the trip. Call ahead or just show up: (954) 999-5568.
What makes the drive worth it? Everything starts with the technique. A smash burger is not just a flattened burger. It is a specific method of pressing a ball of fresh, never-frozen beef against a screaming-hot flat-top griddle at the exact right moment to maximize the Maillard reaction — the chemical browning process that produces hundreds of new flavor compounds and creates those iconic crispy lace edges. No chain restaurant and no frozen patty can replicate that. Once you try a proper smash burger, regular burgers feel like a step backward.
Why Coral Springs Residents Keep Coming Back to Benny’s
Coral Springs is one of the most family-friendly cities in Broward County, with a reputation for quality local dining. But when it comes to smash burgers, the city’s options are limited. Most burger spots in the area either use pre-formed frozen patties or charge steakhouse prices for a gimmick. Benny’s fills that gap: a real smash burger, made fresh, priced fairly, with the kind of consistency that turns first-time visitors into regulars.
From most parts of Coral Springs, Benny’s is under 20 minutes via University Drive heading south — a straight shot that most regulars barely notice. The same is true for neighbors coming from Tamarac, Margate, and Coconut Creek. If you have been on the fence about whether the drive is worth it, the short answer is yes. The longer answer is below.
What Sets Benny’s Smash Burgers Apart
There are a handful of things that separate a great smash burger from a forgettable one. Benny’s gets all of them right.
Fresh, Never-Frozen Beef
This is non-negotiable for a proper smash burger. The smashing technique only works the way it is supposed to when the beef is fresh. Frozen meat loses moisture during the thawing process, which means you end up steaming the patty instead of searing it. Benny’s uses fresh beef every day, which is why the crust develops correctly and the interior stays juicy instead of dry.
The Smash at the Right Moment
Timing is everything. The beef ball hits the flat top and gets pressed hard in the first few seconds while the surface is still soft enough to spread. That wide surface area is what creates maximum contact with the hot griddle and maximum crust. If you wait too long to smash, the crust forms too early and you lose the effect. Benny’s team has the timing dialed in — you can hear the sizzle from across the restaurant.
The Crispy Lace Edges
The lacy, caramelized edges are the signature of a well-executed smash burger. They are delicate, crispy, and slightly charred — full of concentrated beef flavor. If you order a smash burger and the edges are not there, something went wrong. At Benny’s, the lace edges are consistent and generous. They are part of what makes every bite different from the last.
Bun and Build Quality
A great patty can be undone by a bad bun. The bun needs to be soft enough to not overpower the patty but sturdy enough to hold everything together through to the last bite. Benny’s uses a toasted brioche-style bun that hits that balance, and every burger is built with toppings that complement rather than bury the beef. The cheese gets melted properly, the sauce is applied with intention, and nothing is piled on just for show.
If you want to understand what makes the smash technique so different from a traditional patty, check out the detailed breakdown at Smash Burger vs. Regular Burger: What Makes a Smash Burger Better — it covers the science behind the crust, the fat rendering, and why thin beats thick every time for flavor.
Benny’s on the Broward County Burger Map
Benny’s has built a reputation that extends well beyond Plantation. The restaurant has been featured in roundups of the best burgers in Broward County, which covers some of the most competitive burger territory in South Florida. Consistently landing on those lists alongside well-funded chains and established independents says something about the quality and consistency coming out of that Plantation kitchen.
The reach goes further too. Visitors from Fort Lauderdale make the drive regularly — Benny’s has been called out among the best burgers in Fort Lauderdale comparisons even though it is technically in Plantation. The same logic applies for Coral Springs residents: the city line is just a number when the burger is this good.
For folks driving in from further east or south, Benny’s also shows up in conversations about the best burgers near Hollywood, FL — demonstrating that the drive radius for a Benny’s burger keeps expanding as word gets out.
How to Order at Benny’s: First-Timer Tips
If this is your first visit from Coral Springs, here is how to make the most of it.
- Go double. The single smash patty is thin by design — that is the point. A double gives you double the crust, double the lace edges, and a more satisfying build without going overboard on size.
- Get the cheese melted right. American cheese is the traditional choice for smash burgers because it melts smoothly and evenly across the thin patty. Do not sleep on it even if you typically avoid American cheese.
- Order fresh fries. Ask when the next batch is dropping if you have a minute to spare. Fresh fries out of the fryer alongside a hot smash burger is the full experience.
- Skip the drink add-ons if you are in a hurry. Benny’s can get busy, especially at lunch and dinner peaks. Keeping your order focused means faster turnaround.
- Check hours before you go. Call (954) 999-5568 or check bennyssmashburgers.com for current hours, especially on weekends and holidays.
Getting to Benny’s from Coral Springs
The most direct route from Coral Springs to Benny’s Smash Burgers is south on University Drive (State Road 817). University Drive runs continuously from Coral Springs through Tamarac and into Plantation. From the intersection of University Drive and Sample Road in Coral Springs, Benny’s is approximately 14 miles south — under 20 minutes in normal traffic.
Benny’s is located at 1023 S. University Dr., Plantation, FL 33324, on the west side of the road in a commercial strip with easy parking. No tolls, no complicated turns. Just head south on University and look for the sign.
If you are coming from the Coral Springs Drive / Wiles Road corridor, take Coral Springs Drive south to University Drive and continue south from there. From the Coconut Creek area, head south on Lyons Road or State Road 7 and cut west on Commercial Boulevard to University Drive.
Smash Burgers and the South Florida Food Scene
South Florida has always been a tough market for independent restaurants. Chain restaurants dominate the landscape, real estate costs are high, and customers have endless options. The fact that Benny’s has carved out a loyal following in Plantation — drawing customers from across Broward County — is a genuine achievement in that environment.
Part of what makes the smash burger format well-suited for this market is the speed. A properly smashed patty cooks in under two minutes on a hot flat top. That means fresher food, faster service, and shorter waits — something South Florida diners, accustomed to long waits at popular spots, genuinely appreciate. You can have a quality meal at Benny’s in the time it takes a full-service restaurant to take your drink order.
For a deeper look at how Benny’s fits into the broader South Florida burger conversation, read the guide to best smash burgers near you in South Florida — a comprehensive breakdown of what the region’s independent burger scene looks like and why Benny’s consistently comes out ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benny’s Smash Burgers close to Coral Springs FL?
Yes. Benny’s Smash Burgers is located at 1023 S. University Dr., Plantation, FL 33324 — approximately 14 miles south of central Coral Springs via University Drive. The drive takes under 20 minutes in typical traffic and requires no tolls.
Does Benny’s Smash Burgers use fresh beef?
Yes. Benny’s uses fresh, never-frozen beef for all of its smash burgers. Fresh beef is essential to the smash technique because it allows the patty to spread correctly on the hot flat top and develop the signature crispy crust and lace edges.
What are the best items to order at Benny’s Smash Burgers?
First-time visitors are recommended to start with a double smash burger with American cheese. The double patty maximizes the crispy lace edge experience that defines a proper smash burger. Pair it with fresh-cut fries for the complete Benny’s experience.
How do I contact Benny’s Smash Burgers?
You can reach Benny’s Smash Burgers by phone at (954) 999-5568 or visit the website at bennyssmashburgers.com for current hours, menu, and ordering options.
Does Benny’s Smash Burgers offer delivery?
Benny’s Smash Burgers offers delivery through major third-party platforms including DoorDash and Uber Eats. For the freshest experience, in-person pickup or dine-in is recommended, but delivery is available for Coral Springs and surrounding areas depending on platform coverage zones.
What makes a smash burger different from a regular burger?
A smash burger is made by pressing a ball of fresh beef hard against a very hot flat-top griddle immediately after it hits the surface. This maximizes the Maillard reaction, producing a deeply caramelized crust, crispy lace edges, and concentrated beef flavor that a thicker, conventionally-cooked patty cannot replicate. For a full explanation, visit Smash Burger vs. Regular Burger.
The Bottom Line for Coral Springs Burger Fans
If you live in Coral Springs and you have not made the drive down University Drive to Benny’s Smash Burgers, you are overdue. The burger scene in Broward County has genuinely good options, but for smash burgers specifically — real ones, made fresh, cooked correctly — Benny’s is the standard. It is the kind of place that replaces your rotation once you try it.
The address is 1023 S. University Dr., Plantation, FL 33324. The number is (954) 999-5568. The burger is worth the 20-minute drive. See you there.
