Gate A3 is your main shot at a real burger in A
Smashburger sits post-security at Gate A3 in Concourse A, and it’s basically the only made-to-order burger spot on this side of IAD. United and international connectors treat it as the last real meal before long flights out of A, especially on evenings when options shrink to grab-and-go coolers. Expect a standard airport fast-casual setup: counter ordering, limited seats, and trays heading out toward nearby gates.
Pricing runs in the $$ range, with burgers typically several dollars higher than what you’d see at an off-airport Smashburger. Portions skew large enough that some reviewers mention splitting a burger and fries to keep the tab under control. If you just need a snack before a 90-minute hop, the fried pickles show up often in reviews as better value than a full combo.
Food quality rates around 3.5 stars overall, with most comments calling the burgers “fine” to “solid” rather than destination-worthy. This is cooked-to-order, not heat-lamp fast food, so plan like it’s a casual sit-down stop, not a 5-minute dash. One Google reviewer clocked a 25-minute wait at dinner, and multiple people mention 15–30 minutes during heavier departure banks.
What regulars do: Reddit flyers say they hit Smashburger in mid-afternoon instead of right before the late-day Europe bank, when the A concourse crowds spike. Some frequent flyers order at the counter, grab a number, then sit at nearby gate seating around A3–A5 instead of fighting for one of the few in-store tables.
Watch out for the evening push from roughly 4:00–7:00 p.m., when cooked-to-order times plus a long line can eat a 45-minute layover. If your connection through A is tight, place your order first, then check your gate on the screen by A3 while you wait.
Tip: If two people are hungry, split one burger, one fries, and an order of fried pickles to keep both cost and food waste in check before a long-haul out of A.