Smashburger at LIR sits past security near the main gates
Once you clear security at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, Smashburger is one of the few full food options in the small departures area. It’s a US-style burger chain, so expect familiar fast-casual setup with counter ordering and a buzzer for pickup. Seating runs along the concourse with a direct view of the single gate area, so you can watch boarding lines form while you eat.
Menu basics track closely to US Smashburger locations: beef burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, and soft drinks, plus beer by the bottle or can. You’ll usually see classic cheeseburgers, a BBQ-style build, and a chicken option, with combo meals landing in the roughly $12–$18 USD range once you convert from colones. Portions are decent by airport standards and one burger plus fries is usually enough for a full meal before a 4–5 hour flight back to the US or Canada.
Service runs on airport time: it’s not slow, but this isn’t a 5‑minute McDonald’s stop either. At busy morning and early afternoon departure banks, burgers can take 10–20 minutes from order to tray. If your boarding pass shows a boarding time within 30 minutes, order something simple like a classic Smashburger and fries rather than customizing heavily. Staff will call your name, not your seat or gate, so keep your receipt handy.
Most flights at LIR depart from the same compact hall, and Smashburger is close enough that you can see when your specific flight number starts lining up. There’s no separate power bar at every table, but you’ll usually find at least one working outlet strip along the wall seating. Last call for food often tracks the final US departures of the day, so don’t count on getting a hot burger after about 7:30–8:00 p.m.
Tip: order, then grab a seat facing the departure screens so you can watch for gate changes and boarding groups without hovering near the podium.