Helmed by chef Joel Bautista, a Culinary Institute of Barcelona graduate with experience in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe and New York, Smash and Stack sought to blend fine-dining precision with fast-casual comfort. The menu centered around crispy-edged smashburgers, waffle fries, and playful desserts like “Cosmic Ice,” wrapped in a space-themed aesthetic that stood out among Garnet Avenue’s many eateries.
Despite its creative approach, the restaurant faced steep competition in an already saturated burger market. Only weeks after Smash and Stack opened, Los Angeles favorite For The Win launched nearly across the street at 1037 Garnet Avenue, quickly developing a steady following. Pacific Beach already hosts numerous burger options, including Irv’s Burger, Haole Shack, and several bars and restaurants serving similar fare within just a few blocks. Smash and Stack's closure reportedly occurred in late September 2025, marking a brief run for the concept, which debuted in June at 956 Garnet Avenue.
A handwritten note on the door now indicates that the property is available for lease, and the restaurant’s social media pages have been removed, leaving no public point of contact for the business. The closure adds to a growing list of short-lived ventures on the competitive Garnet Avenue corridor, where strong foot traffic doesn’t always translate into staying power.
Despite its creative approach, the restaurant faced steep competition in an already saturated burger market. Only weeks after Smash and Stack opened, Los Angeles favorite For The Win launched nearly across the street at 1037 Garnet Avenue, quickly developing a steady following. Pacific Beach already hosts numerous burger options, including Irv’s Burger, Haole Shack, and several bars and restaurants serving similar fare within just a few blocks. Smash and Stack's closure reportedly occurred in late September 2025, marking a brief run for the concept, which debuted in June at 956 Garnet Avenue.
A handwritten note on the door now indicates that the property is available for lease, and the restaurant’s social media pages have been removed, leaving no public point of contact for the business. The closure adds to a growing list of short-lived ventures on the competitive Garnet Avenue corridor, where strong foot traffic doesn’t always translate into staying power.
Originally published on October 11, 2025.
