At the Crafty Devil Cellar in Penarth, a 19-year-old chef, Tomos Hill, alongside his 18-year-old brother Sion, has been making waves with Tom’s Smashed Burgers. The burger joint has been generating buzz for its enticing menu filled with delicious mains, sides, and loaded fries. Located on Windsor Road in Penarth, the Crafty Devil Cellar offers a great spot to indulge in food and drinks, with convenient on-street parking. It’s advisable to avoid Thursdays as the pub quiz night tends to draw a crowd, potentially resulting in a struggle for a table. The restaurant boasts a calm yet lively atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a meal with friends, family, or a date.
The diverse menu at Tom’s Smashed Burgers includes vegetarian and vegan options alongside their signature smashed burgers, dirty fries, and cheesy sides. During a visit, we sampled the veggie burger, jalapeno burger, chicken dirty fries, jalapeno poppers, and mozzarella sticks. The veggie burger priced at £9 features a vegan coriander, chilli, lemon grass, and lime leaf patty with a crispy crumb topping, American cheese, burger sauce, and pickles. The burst of flavours from the patty and the crispy coating, complemented by the classic addition of pickles, made for a satisfying bite.
For those inclined towards a spicy kick, the jalapeno burger at £10 delivers with a smashed dry-aged beef patty, American cheese, jalapeno mayo, jalapenos, and crispy onions. The unique jalapeno mayo, generously slathered on the burger, adds a creamy texture with a mildly spicy flavour. The tender dry-aged beef combined with the heat from jalapenos creates a harmonious balance of tastes. Additionally, the jalapeno poppers and mozzarella sticks, both priced at £6, accompanied by sweet chilli sauce, provided crunchy exteriors with flavorful fillings, although they were not standout dishes.
However, the showstopper of the meal was the chicken dirty fries. Laden with southern fried chicken, spicy nacho cheese, crispy onions, sweet jalapenos, and chipotle sauce, these fries stood out as the favourite. The medley of textures and flavours from the crispy chicken, soft fries, and spicy toppings created a delightful gastronomic experience. The blend of ingredients, especially the spicy nacho sauce, elevated the dish, making it a must-try at Tom’s Smashed Burgers.
Overall, Tom’s Smashed Burgers offers a delightful dining experience with a standout dish in the form of the chicken dirty fries. The location at the Crafty Devil Cellar provides a relaxed yet vibrant setting to enjoy a range of food and drinks. If you find yourself in Penarth, be sure to give the dirty fries a try. The combinations of flavours and textures are sure to leave you craving more.