Best Of CLE: Smash Burger

Chef Michael Schoen brings back his popular Tinman burger at his pop-up restaurant LouieQ at Bottlehouse Brewery's Cleveland Heights location.

Good things come to those who wait.

Fans of chef Michael Schoen were dismayed when his Tinman restaurant closed inside the short-lived Ohio City Galley last year. While Schoen was figuring out his next steps, the popular Tinman burger ($11), inspired by the juicy, handheld Big Boy burgers, wasn’t far from his customers’ minds.

“People kept messaging us on social media asking for the burger,” Schoen laughs, “and I’m not going to deny people the simple pleasures.”

So, when he partnered with BottleHouse Brewery to open pop-up concepts LouieQ at its Cleveland Heights spot and the forthcoming Eugene at its Lakewood location, he knew he had to add the smash burger to both menus.

Those who remember the original won’t be disappointed (only if you wait to nab one as they often sell out). You’ll find two thin, all-beef patties, a couple slices of gooey American cheese and a zingy, mayo-based sauce (“It’s on par with Big Boy,” Schoen promises), all served on a soft challah bun from On the Rise Artisan Breads and speared through the top with a toothpick’s worth of sweet, crinkle-cut pickles.

“Clevelanders are meat-and-potatoes people, through and through,” he says. “There’s a lot of nostalgia behind a good, diner-style burger.” 2050 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-401-9473, louieq.com

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