Are the Smash Burger Tacos at Disney Springs any good? We visited City Works to find out. Read our food blogger’s take on the trend.

Smash Burger Tacos
Photo by Jon Self

City Works Eatery and Pour House at Disney Springs unveiled many new menu items, such as a Tex-Mex Bowl and a Southern Burger. Of course, we needed to visit to try one of these new menu items. We decided to try the Smash Burger Tacos.

When Did Smash Burger Tacos Become a Thing?

Smash burger tacos are a viral culinary sensation that fuses the bold flavors of American burgers with the handheld convenience of tacos. This inventive dish gained popularity on TikTok, captivating food enthusiasts with its simplicity and deliciousness. However, the smash burger taco is not a new thing. It is part of a regional culture. Nevertheless, for many people, the smash burger taco craze started recently.

The preparation involves pressing seasoned ground beef directly onto a flour tortilla, then cooking it meat-side down on a hot skillet. This technique creates a crispy, caramelized crust on the beef while infusing the tortilla with rich, savory flavors. After flipping, a slice of cheese is added, allowing it to melt over the meat. Once cooked, the taco is topped with classic burger accompaniments like shredded lettuce, pickles, onions, and a special sauce, then folded and served warm. ​

Variations

The versatility of smash burger tacos has led to numerous creative variations. Some versions incorporate Tex-Mex elements by adding chorizo to the beef and topping with guacamole, pico de gallo, and queso. Others take inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine, using ground turkey seasoned with dill and garlic, and garnishing with yogurt feta sauce, pickled onions, and roasted red peppers. Even the classic Philly cheesesteak has been reimagined in taco form, featuring sautéed onions and peppers, provolone cheese, and a drizzle of garlic aioli.

Smash Burger Tacos
Image Created with ChatGPT

Beyond their taste, smash burger tacos also offer a lower-carb alternative to traditional burgers by replacing buns with tortillas. This reduces carbohydrate intake and adds a delightful crispiness to each bite. Smash burger tacos combine the best of both burgers and tacos.​

However, the preparation of smash burger tacos makes all the difference. We were curious if the City Works Eatery & Pour House Version could hold up to all the viral hype.

Smash Burger Tacos at City Works Eatery & Pour House at Disney Springs

City Works
Smash Burger Tacos Photo Credit: City Works

The City Works Smash Burger Tacos cost $20.95. Walt Disney World annual pass discounts do apply. The menu description reads, “Smashed beef patty, yellow cheddar, shredded iceberg, vine-ripened tomato, red onion, dill pickle, burger sauce, flour tortillas.”

We visited during the weekday lunch hours. The Disney Springs location tends to be slow during that time of day unless a significant sporting event is happening.

Smash Burger Tacos
Photo by Jon Self

The City Works Eatery & Pour House promotional photos for the Smash Burger tacos indicated that fries were the standard side. However, our server told us that chips and salsa were the standard side with these tacos. Guests can order fries as the side for no additional charge, but we choose to stay with the chips and salsa.

City Works Eatery & Pour House Disney Springs Service

Smash Burger Tacos
Photo by Jon Self

The service, as usual, at this location was wonderful. In fairness, we tend to visit during slower times of the day, making good service easier to do.

The chips at City Works are thick and hearty. This place offers several nachos and dips on its appetizer or shareable menu section, so having thicker chips makes sense. The salsa, which we have enjoyed many times, will be fine for most guests unless they are very vulnerable to these types of spices.

Two Smash Burger Tacos at City Works Eatery & Pour House Disney Springs

Guests receive two tacos. The tortilla texture with these tacos worked very well during our visit. We were surprised how well they held up and added flavor, too. In addition, the tortillas did not take away from the burger getting time to shine with these tacos. The standard burger topping also enhanced the entree.

City Works Disney Springs
Photo by Jon Self

These Smash Burger Tacos will disappoint burger fans who like a powerful cheese flavor. Still, most people will not likely find that to be an issue. However, the Smash Burger Tacos fulfill the assignment of being a merging of a taco and a burger. The sauce pulls it all together to create a pleasant experience for diners. These tacos will not charge your life. However, they make a solid addition to City Works’s menu and should not worsen your life!

Smash Burger Tacos
Photo by Jon Self

Guests looking for a lighter meal but still getting the taste of a burger will find it with this new menu item. We visited on a day that involved trying new cookies and doughnuts. A lighter meal worked perfectly for us. Overall, guests will find these enjoyable. They also make a good addition to the City Works & Eatery Pour House menu at the Disney Springs location.

For more theme park dining reviews, visit MSM News every weekday at noon Florida time. As always, eat like you mean it!

Mei-Travel

Expertise. Ease. Value.

Ready for your bucket list trip? Our trusted partner, MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. 

Contact for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today.


Jon Self

Jon Self is an avid theme park fan. You can follow him at @pastorjonself on X/ Twitter or Jon.Self.37 at Instagram. He has been writing and editing in the theme park media world for over a decade. He also writes for several "foodie" sites as well as in the faith-based world.