Ok Smash

Originally opened as a burger pop-up, Ok Smash was born of chef Aaron Turner’s need for a delivery-friendly eatery while his fire-powered fine diner Igni was sidelined during the pandemic. But the people of Geelong spoke, and now Turner’s burgers are here to stay.

The venue’s name nods to the legendary ‘Oklahoma Smash’ burger, invented by El Reno’s Hamburger Inn, Oklahoma, in 1926 during the Great Depression. By smashing onions into a beef patty with an iron press on a flat grill, the burger became a novel (and delicious) way to ration meat at a time when produce was scarce.

Turner’s updated take on the genre is the signature here, paired with cheese, pickles, mustard, and ketchup. But you can also get a classic cheeseburger, and a Slugburger; another regional burg' from Mississippi where the patties come deep-fried rather than grilled. All burgers come with a side of fries dusted in Old Bay seasoning. Double patties are standard, but you can go triple for an extra $6.

Aside from burgers, there are more southern classics: hotdogs, fried chicken and fish sandwiches, and sides such as slaw, potato salad and blooming onions. Grab a chunky slice of berry or apple pie for dessert.

While the food delivers in spades, the venue has serious appeal as a place to grab a drink too, with Americana cocktails (think Lynchburg Lemonade), and tap beers including Guinness and Pabst Blue Ribbon as mainstays. Punchy branding is visible from the street, and inside lies a faithful homage to a Southern American dive bar.