The burgers are served ‘smashed’ at this Ocean Springs eatery

Most people know that if they are looking for a good, freshly baked bagel, the Lil Market in Ocean Springs is one of the best places to go. They do make a few other sandwiches and goods things to eat, but this place on Bellande Avenue was known primarily as a bagel shop. If you have ever had one of their jalapeno bagels, topped with cream cheese, then you know what I am talking about.

But times have changed.

Recently a friend came to me, telling me about this wonderful place in Ocean Springs that was serving amazing smash burgers.

Any time someone tells me of a great burger place, my ears pick up, as you might know, I am a burger fanatic. But just what the heck is a smash burger? I did a little research, and it seems that a smash burger is only a burger that starts its brief life as a ball of ground beef, and then is smashed very flat on the grill. It didn’t sound like such a big idea to me, just another burger, right?

No so fast, my friend. Its seems that smash burger aficionados claim that this process creates extra browning on the outside, while the inside of the burger stays juicy, intensifying the flavors. Next, I found out that it was the Lil Market that introduced it to Ocean Springs. Smash burgers and bagels?

Don’t bother to look at the Lil Market online menu for the burger selection, its not there. But I did find one photo of a Lil Market’s smash burger, and when I read the description, I was sold. “2 patties of our in-house fresh ground all beef burger blend, two pieces of American cheese, a hash brown patty, an egg cooked however you’d like, thick cut apple wood bacon, all smothered in our scratch made sausage gravy.” Double wow!

I headed out the door and made my way post haste to Ocean Springs. The smash burger menu is small, the six or so burgers all variations of meat, cheese, mayo and a few other toppings. But I also found out that the Lil Marker also serves an authentic Philly Cheese steak (as a special for now). The smash burger was fantastic and the Philly the best I ever had.

Next time you are in Ocean Springs give this place a try. You are going to be for some serious eats.

If you go Lil Market

Address: 720 Bellande Ave., Ocean Springs

Phone: (228) 300-4545

Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, Sunday 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Closed Monday