On the Richmond Burger Trail: The Point's Johnny Boi Smash Burger makes its case

Johnny Boi Smash Burger doesn’t hide what it is. The somewhat new spot in Point Richmond is designed for maximum effect: a clean, mural-bright interior with a neon “Pick Up” sign, polished wood tables plastered with stickers, and TVs tuned to football. Modern heartland country hums in the background while the griddle sizzles.

Johnny Boi burgers and fries with its lacy-edged smash patty, caramelized onions, pickles, smash sauce, and a swipe of bacon jam served to go in a cake box. Inside Johnny Boi Smash Burger, sticker-covered tables, neon glow, football on TV, and modern country twang on the speakers.

The food arrives wrapped in tidy brown paper bags that feel thought out. The burgers and chicken sandwiches are tucked together like they’re keeping each other warm. It’s an Instagram-ready operation, but not everyone was sold on the smash burger phenomenon.

The namesake Johnny Boi burger is a single smashed patty with American cheese, “smash sauce” (a tangy Thousand Island-type dressing), caramelized onions, pickles, and a dollop of bacon jam for a touch of sweetness.

The edges of the beef get those lacy, crispy bits smashburgers are known for. Some tasters in our group weren’t sure if they loved this style. It’s thinner and crispier than the plumper patties of yore. The ground beef ends up almost fried in its own fat until it reaches a dark, rich color, but what we missed was the not-so-cooked juiciness of an un-smashed burger.

The bacon jam divides opinion: a nice sweet-savory layer for some, a substitute for actual bacon strips others would swap out.

Johnny Boi’s “Fat Boi” double cheeseburger

The “Fat Boi” doubles the decadence with two patties; one diner joked about needing a long walk after. It’s definitely a two-hand, extra-napkin situation.

Johnny Boi’s sleeper hit might be the spicy chicken sandwich. A thick, craggy breading carries real heat. One bite had someone “breathing fire.” Dressed in smash sauce, lettuce, pickles, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, the chicken sandwich holds its own in the ongoing chicken sandwich wars and could even outshine the burger.

Fries are standard and mop up the extra sauce just fine. Overall, Johnny Boi Smash Burger isn’t aiming for white-tablecloth dining; it’s casual, loud, a little messy, and clearly put together with care. Everything from the packaging to the playlist feels intentional.

Johnny Boi Smash Burger is located at 201 Tewksbury Avenue in Point Richmond. Three sandwiches and fries cost $47.57.

Would we eat it again? Yes. However, Frosty King, which we visited last week, still reigns supreme on the Richmond Burger Trail.

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