Cozy Royale
Cozy Royale’s Smashburger
Price: $22
Meat: Two Smashed Dry-Aged Patties 2.5oz each
Bun: Hamburger Potato Roll (square-shaped) - The Native Bread and Pastry
Cheese: Raclette
Extras: N/A
Sides: Fries
Sauce: Calabrian Aioli (Rouille)
Another smashburger makes the list. This time, I was in good company—and, for once, grateful that someone else made the reservation. I’ve long maintained that burgers should be accessible and not require advance planning, yet that philosophy can be tested when only a limited number are available each day. That brings us to Cozy Royale and their ten daily dry-aged smashburgers.
True to their schedule, the doors open precisely at 5:00 p.m.—not a minute earlier, regardless of weather. There’s something admirable about that consistency. The interior lives up to its name: intimate and warmly designed, with rounded edges along surfaces and windows that soften the space. The front area features high-top seating, a bar, and booths, while the back opens into a larger dining area. We were seated in a booth near the bar—ideal positioning, in my view.
As soon as our server approached, I made it clear we intended to order three of the ten smashburgers. With the room quickly filling, I wasn’t willing to risk missing out. A fortunate turn of events followed: one of my friends opted for the regular cheeseburger, while the other and I ordered the dry-aged smashburgers with the intention of sharing. (The standard cheeseburger will be covered separately; the focus here is the dry-aged version.)
To start, we ordered drinks and the bone marrow, served with cherry nduja jam, herb salad, and griddled sourdough. It was a strong opener—rich, savory, and balanced—though the generous amount of jam could have benefited from additional bread. It served its purpose well as a prelude to the main event.
The dry-aged smashburger arrived on an oval plate, encircled by fries with a ramekin of ketchup on the side. The first detail that stood out was the bun: lightly toasted, subtly squared—reminiscent of a larger White Castle-style bun—and impressively structured despite its softness. Credit is due to The Native Bread and Pastry for producing a potato bun capable of holding in the burger’s juices without collapsing.
Beneath the top bun sits a layer of bacon jam—rendered lardons combined with caramelized onions deglazed in vinegar and cooked down to concentrate their flavor. The result is a subtle sweetness balanced with a welcome acidity. Raclette, a Swiss-style cheese, pairs naturally with the dry-aged beef, adding richness without overwhelming it. A Calabrian rouille introduces measured heat, while arugula contributes peppery bitterness and brightness. Each component feels intentional.
The first bite reads as a well-executed smashburger; the second reveals the full harmony of its elements. It’s an elevated interpretation of a style typically celebrated for simplicity and accessibility. Given that the meat is sourced from The Meat Hook, owned by Brett Young, the quality of the dry-aged beef is unsurprising. That said, one wonders whether the dry-aged preparation might shine even more as a traditional patty rather than a smash format. Elevating a smashburger is an intriguing concept, though part of its charm lies in its straightforward nature. Of course, chefs should always have the freedom to execute their vision.
Overall, the burger is worth trying—if you can secure one of the ten available. At $22, it sits slightly above what I typically expect for a smashburger, even with fries included (and before tip). However, when you account for dry-aged beef, house-made bacon jam, raclette, and the evident labor behind each element, the pricing becomes more understandable. While it didn’t leave me as full as some others, the quality is undeniable.
Does it pass the quality-to-value ratio? Yes. The flavors are cohesive, the fries are included, and the craftsmanship is evident. The aroma of dry-aged beef greets you before the first bite, creating a sense of comfort in a space designed to feel cozy. Whether enjoyed alone or in good company, it’s a thoughtfully prepared burger that earns its place on the list.