It is a truth universally acknowledged, that the best way to nurse a hangover is a really great hamburger. I'll admit, on Thursday, I needed a great hamburger. So did Billy. I'd never heard of SmashBurger, but Billy had read a review in the Juice. I picked him up from Met Life at noon and headed towards SmashBurger in West Des Moines.

First sign of trouble: the parking lot was packed. It was West Des Moines and we had to walk around the building. I thought the point of being in a suburb was expansive parking. Billy spotted some ladies also headed towards the restaurant, so he made me hustle so we could beat them in line.

SmashBurger reminded me of the burger version of Red Rossa or Shane's Barbeque--fast food elevated for the office set. For all intents and purposes, it's fast food, greasy, inexpensive, and tasty, but there are tables and fresh herbs and chic decor. I ordered a Baja Burger. The gal at the counter told me it was a "good sandwich." Billy had the Iowa Smash Burger--with Maytag Blue Cheese.

We both ordered water. (It's important to hydrate on the days you need a cheese burger). I stalked some I.T. guys so we could find a table in the crowded restaurant. And then we sat, and sat, and sat. Every time a uniformed employee walked by with a tray of food, our little faces lit up. But, it was not for us. We waited nearly 35 minutes, sipping our water in sadness. Billy had to go back to work. So, we begged for a to-go order and then left.

How long is the average wait at a restaurant? I'll be looking into it.