Adam J Hamersky
Google
Traveling through Denver International Airport can be hectic, but my recent stop at Smashburger at DIA was an absolute highlight of my trip. Not because of the location or the convenience (although those are great), but because of Carlos – hands down the best server and bartender I have ever had the pleasure of being helped by.
From the moment I sat down, Carlos radiated the kind of energy you don’t often find at an airport restaurant. He welcomed every single guest with a genuine smile, sharp attentiveness, and a professional confidence that made the entire atmosphere better. Airports are usually places where people are rushed, stressed, and exhausted, yet Carlos has this uncanny ability to turn that around. He greets you like a friend, remembers small details, and provides the kind of service that makes you feel like you’re in a high-end restaurant instead of just grabbing food between flights.
What impressed me most was how well he managed the balance of being quick and efficient while never making anyone feel rushed. He had the bar packed with travelers ordering food and drinks, and yet every single person seemed to get the same level of attention and care. That’s a rare gift. His multitasking was on another level – mixing drinks, handling food orders, chatting with guests, and still somehow making each of us feel like we were his top priority.
On top of that, the food was fantastic. Smashburger’s signature burgers were cooked perfectly, hot and fresh even during the busy lunch rush. The fries were crispy, the portions generous, and the drinks well-crafted. But honestly, the food could have been average, and I’d still be giving this place five stars because of Carlos. He elevated the whole experience. When a server takes pride in their work and genuinely enjoys connecting with people, it changes everything.
I’ve traveled through dozens of airports and eaten at countless restaurants and bars along the way, but I can honestly say that Carlos is the best server/bartender I’ve ever witnessed. He embodies hospitality. You can tell he loves what he does, and he makes people feel welcome during what is often the most stressful part of travel. That kind of energy is contagious – you see it ripple out across the bar, with strangers striking up conversations and the whole vibe shifting to something positive and enjoyable.
If DIA management ever wonders why people keep coming back to Smashburger instead of the dozens of other food options in the terminal, the answer is simple: it’s Carlos. Employees like him are priceless. He is the definition of going above and beyond, and he turned what could have been a forgettable airport meal into one of the most memorable parts of my trip.
Next time I’m flying through Denver, I won’t even look at the other dining options – I’ll head straight to Smashburger to see if Carlos is working. If you’re lucky enough to get him as your server or bartender, you’re in for an amazing experience.
Five stars all the way – for the food, the atmosphere, and especially for Carlos.