At the helm is Chef Joel Bautista, a Culinary Institute of Barcelona graduate with an impressive résumé that spans Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe and New York. His journey from haute cuisine to smashburgers may seem unexpected, but it’s been a deliberate labor of love. Bautista’s mission is simple: take the techniques of fine dining and funnel them into something as accessible and satisfying as a perfectly executed burger.
The Pacific Beach menu includes several out-of-this-world options like the Single Spaceburger, made with a 4 ounce 80/20 beef patty, cheddar cheese, grilled onion, lettuce, tomato, and the brand’s signature "Out of This World" sauce. The Double Spaceburger doubles down on the patty, while the Tasting San Diego Cheeseburger turns up the heat with hot honey chipotle mayo and chopped jalapeño poppers.
Diners can opt for Space Meals with fries and a drink: the Single, Double, or Tasting San Diego version. Vegetarians can grab a Grilled Cheese, and even canine companions are covered with a Puppy Patty of unseasoned ground beef.
On the sides menu, there’s Space Fries - waffle fries topped with grilled onions and more of that addictive house sauce - along with Cheese Fries, Waffle Fries, Onion Rings, and Jalapeño Poppers. Add-ons include extra patties and a variety of free toppings like raw onions, pickles, grilled onions, and sauces. As for dessert, sweet options include Cosmic Ice in flavors of lemon or strawberry, brown butter ride crispy treat, and milk shakes. There is also a variety of soft drinks and canned mocktails.
Fans of the brand who first discovered it at 5202 Bonita Road can expect the same relaxed, fun-loving energy at the PB outpost. With expanded hours, a central location, and a broader audience, Smash and Stack is poised to become a major player in San Diego’s burger scene - one that doesn’t forget its roots even as it levels up.
Smash and Stack is now open daily from 12pm to 8pm at 956 Garnet Avenue in San Diego's Pacific Beach. For more information, visit smashandstack.space and check out the menu below.
On the sides menu, there’s Space Fries - waffle fries topped with grilled onions and more of that addictive house sauce - along with Cheese Fries, Waffle Fries, Onion Rings, and Jalapeño Poppers. Add-ons include extra patties and a variety of free toppings like raw onions, pickles, grilled onions, and sauces. As for dessert, sweet options include Cosmic Ice in flavors of lemon or strawberry, brown butter ride crispy treat, and milk shakes. There is also a variety of soft drinks and canned mocktails.
Fans of the brand who first discovered it at 5202 Bonita Road can expect the same relaxed, fun-loving energy at the PB outpost. With expanded hours, a central location, and a broader audience, Smash and Stack is poised to become a major player in San Diego’s burger scene - one that doesn’t forget its roots even as it levels up.
Smash and Stack is now open daily from 12pm to 8pm at 956 Garnet Avenue in San Diego's Pacific Beach. For more information, visit smashandstack.space and check out the menu below.
Originally published on June 30, 2025.
