A smashburger, cheesesteak and wing concept called Smash Grub is moving into the Federal Hill/Riverside area, setting up shop at 210 E. Fort Ave. in the space formerly occupied by Mikie's, which closed last month. Renovations are already underway in the retail space, though an opening date has not yet been confirmed.
The new location was first reported by SouthBMore.com, which noted that Smash Grub already operates locations in Bel Air and Halethorpe. The outlet described the concept as centered on smashburgers, ribeye cheesesteaks and wings, with Smash Grub's own social media pegging the Fort Avenue spot as a move into the former Mikie's pizza location.
On its website, Smash Grub lays out what diners can expect once the doors open. The burgers, the company says, are made fresh to order with certified Angus beef, while the cheesesteaks are built from ribeye and can be dressed up with Cooper sharp cheese, grilled onions, mushrooms and peppers, according to smashgrub.com.
Wings, Bowls, and a Deep Flavor Lineup
Wings are a particular point of emphasis for the chain. The site states its wings are never frozen, marinated and breaded in house, and available in more than 25 flavors, whether customers want them naked or breaded. The menu also includes bowls, served over a choice of salad, rice or fries, per the same site.
The arrival adds another name to a stretch of South Baltimore that has seen its share of turnover. Mikie's shutting down in October left a vacancy right along Fort Avenue, and Smash Grub's move into that footprint continues a pattern of new concepts filling gaps left by recently closed restaurants and bars in the area.
Other South Baltimore Eateries in Flux
Just blocks away, the corner of Light Street and East Fort Avenue saw its own shakeup when Don't Know Tavern closed after 14 years in the neighborhood, according to Baltimore magazine. Social media posts cited by the magazine said Don't Know would reopen with a new bar and lounge inside Cross Street Market. The same report noted Taste 410 had planned an official grand opening at its Pigtown location, taking over a former corner barber shop on Washington Boulevard.
Smashburgers themselves have been having a moment across the city. In Canton, Melvin Daniels, co-owner of Federal Hill bar Mug Shots, opened a franchise of Wanna Smash in the former Shipyard Pub space, according to WBAL. That 1,200-square-foot spot at 3500 O'Donnell St. serves wagyu smashburgers alongside a vegan option and a children's cheeseburger, and it also pours milkshakes and runs a full bar, the station reported.
Back on Fort Avenue, Smash Grub has not announced a firm timeline for opening its doors. For now, Federal Hill and Riverside residents will have to watch the renovation progress and wait for the burger-and-wing concept to confirm when it's ready to serve.
