Gourmet Burgers · Menu Review
The Smoke & Pepper Burger at Red Robin: What It Tastes Like, What It Costs, and Whether It's Worth Ordering
Black pepper bacon, melted cheddar, and a smoky ketchup that ties the whole thing together. Here is everything to know before your next visit, plus a copycat recipe you can make at home.
Read the Full Menu for Red Robin
Some burgers on the Red Robin menu play it safe. The Smoke & Pepper Burger does not. It is built around two flavors that do a lot of heavy lifting: real black pepper and a slow-smoked taste that shows up in both the bacon and the sauce. If you have scrolled past it a dozen times and wondered whether it is actually good, this review answers that, along with the calories, the price, and a home recipe that comes close to the real thing.
What Makes the Smoke & Pepper Burger Different
Red Robin runs a long list of gourmet burgers, and most of them lean on one big flavor, like a sweet BBQ sauce or a spicy jalapeño kick. The Smoke & Pepper Burger takes a different path. Instead of one loud flavor, it stacks two quieter ones that build on each other: cracked black pepper and real wood smoke. The pepper shows up in the bacon and the seasoning on the patty. The smoke shows up in the sauce, a ketchup blend made with a smoky, slightly sweet edge instead of a plain tomato taste.
The burger sits on Red Robin's brioche bun, which the chain switched to as part of a wider push to make every burger thicker and juicier. That bun matters here more than you would think. Brioche has a light sweetness that softens the pepper's heat just enough so the burger stays balanced instead of one-note spicy.
What's Inside: Ingredients & Burger Extras
Here is exactly what comes stacked on the Smoke & Pepper Burger, based on Red Robin's standard build as of September 2026:
- Beef patty — a fresh, never-frozen beef patty, seared on Red Robin's grill.
- Black pepper bacon — smoky bacon strips coated in coarsely cracked black pepper for extra bite.
- Cheddar cheese — a full slice of sharp cheddar, melted directly on the hot patty.
- Smoke & Pepper sauce — the signature smoky ketchup that gives the burger its name.
- Lettuce and pickles — crisp lettuce and dill pickle chips for crunch and acidity.
- Brioche bun — toasted, buttery, and soft enough to hold everything together.
- Side of your choice — every gourmet burger comes with a side, and most guests stick with Bottomless Steak Fries.
Want to build it out further? Red Robin lets you add extras like avocado, a fried egg, extra bacon, or a second patty for a few dollars more. If you are ordering for a group, it is worth grabbing a starter from the appetizer menu while you wait, since kitchen times can run 12 to 15 minutes during busy hours.
Taste Review: What Does It Actually Taste Like?
On the first bite, the pepper hits before anything else. It is not a burning spice, more of a warm, savory heat that sits at the back of the tongue. The bacon carries most of that pepper, and Red Robin cracks it on heavy enough that you can see the flecks before you even bite in.
The sauce comes in right after. It tastes closer to a smoky barbecue sauce than plain ketchup, with a light sweetness that keeps the pepper from taking over. The cheddar melts into the space between the patty and the bun, so every bite gets a bit of that sharp, salty cheese pull.
This is one of the few burgers on the menu where the extras are not an afterthought. The bacon and sauce are doing real work, not just sitting on top for looks. — Red Robin Menu USA, after ordering it three separate visits
Texture-wise, the bun softens fast once the sauce soaks in, so this is a burger best eaten within the first few minutes while it is hot. If you usually order something milder, like the tavern burger lineup, this one runs noticeably bolder and a bit richer, mostly thanks to the double hit of pepper and smoke.
Calories & Nutrition Facts
The Smoke & Pepper Burger is not a light option, and Red Robin does not market it as one. Here is the nutrition breakdown for one standard burger, based on Red Robin's published nutrition data. Numbers can shift slightly if you swap cheese, remove bacon, or change the side.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 810 | 41% |
| Total Fat | 45 g | 58% |
| Saturated Fat | 19 g | 95% |
| Trans Fat | 2 g | — |
| Cholesterol | 145 mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 2,140 mg | 93% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 55 g | 20% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g | 11% |
| Sugars | 16 g | — |
| Protein | 46 g | — |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
At 810 calories and over 2,100 mg of sodium before you even add the side, this burger takes up close to half of a full day's recommended sodium in one meal. If you are watching sodium or saturated fat, pair it with a side salad instead of fries, or plan to make this your one heavier meal of the day.
Price: What You'll Pay
Red Robin prices this burger around $17 on its own, with $17.29 being the most commonly reported price across U.S. locations as of this update. That price includes your choice of side. Menu prices at Red Robin are set by each location, so you may see it a dollar or two higher or lower depending on your city and whether you order in-house, for pickup, or through delivery apps.
If you are trying to stretch your visit further, check the happy hour menu for the time window, since some locations run discounts on burgers, sides, and drinks during slower hours.
Is the Smoke & Pepper Burger Worth Ordering?
Short answer: yes, if bold, savory flavors are what you are after. It is not the burger to order if you want something mild or classic.
Order it if...
- You like real black pepper heat, not just spice for the sake of spice.
- You want a burger that tastes different from a standard bacon cheeseburger.
- You are fine with a heavier, higher-sodium meal once in a while.
Skip it if...
- You are sensitive to black pepper or spicy-adjacent flavors.
- You are watching sodium or saturated fat closely today.
- You prefer a simpler, more classic cheeseburger taste.
For most people who already enjoy Red Robin's smokier burgers, this one earns a repeat order. It is not trying to be the biggest or messiest burger on the menu. It is trying to taste bold in a way that actually holds up bite after bite, and it does.
Copycat Smoke & Pepper Burger Recipe (Make It at Home)
Cannot get to a Red Robin tonight? This copycat version gets you close, using the same building blocks: peppered bacon, sharp cheddar, and a smoky-sweet sauce standing in for the signature ketchup.
For the smoky pepper sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- Pinch of salt
For the burgers
- 1.5 lbs ground beef, 80/20 blend
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper, plus 1/2 teaspoon more for the bacon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 brioche buns
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 4 leaves lettuce
- 8 dill pickle chips
Steps
- Make the sauce. Whisk the ketchup, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Cover and chill while you prep everything else.
- Cook the bacon. Lay the bacon in a cold skillet, sprinkle with the extra black pepper, and cook over medium heat until crisp, about 6 to 8 minutes. Move it to a paper-towel-lined plate.
- Form the patties. Divide the beef into 4 equal balls, about 6 ounces each. Press into patties slightly wider than your buns, then season both sides with the remaining pepper and salt.
- Sear the patties. Using the same skillet, cook the patties over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium doneness. In the last minute, lay a cheese slice on each patty and let it melt.
- Toast the buns. Butter the cut sides of the buns and toast them face-down in a dry pan until golden, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Build the burger. Spread sauce on both cut sides of the bun. Layer lettuce, the cheesy patty, two half-strips of bacon, and pickles. Close with the top bun.
- Serve right away. Serve hot with steak fries or a simple side salad while the bacon is still crisp and the cheese is still melted.
Tip: If you don't keep liquid smoke on hand, a dash of smoked paprika alone gets you close, though the flavor will be a bit milder.
Pair It With
The pepper and smoke in this burger pair well with something cool and sweet to balance it out.
A milkshake
A classic vanilla or salted caramel shake from the milkshakes menu cools down the pepper heat between bites.
A cold drink
Something crisp from the drinks menu works well if you want to keep it non-alcoholic.
A lighter side
Swap fries for a side pick from the salad menu to balance out the sodium and richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in the Red Robin Smoke & Pepper Burger?
The Smoke & Pepper Burger has about 810 calories for the burger alone, not counting the side. That number can change based on your choice of side and any customizations.
How much does the Smoke & Pepper Burger cost?
It's priced around $17.29 in most U.S. locations as of this update, though exact pricing varies by restaurant and delivery platform.
Is the Smoke & Pepper Burger spicy?
It leans savory and peppery more than truly spicy. The heat comes from cracked black pepper rather than chili peppers, so it's warm rather than burning.
What comes on the Smoke & Pepper Burger?
It comes with a beef patty, black pepper bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, pickles, and Red Robin's smoky signature ketchup sauce, served on a brioche bun with your choice of side.
Can I make a copycat version of this burger at home?
Yes. Mix ketchup with liquid smoke, smoked paprika, and a little brown sugar for the sauce, then build the burger with peppered bacon and sharp cheddar. The full step-by-step recipe is above.
Does the Smoke & Pepper Burger contain allergens?
It contains dairy from the cheddar cheese and gluten from the brioche bun. Since kitchens handle multiple ingredients in shared spaces, always confirm current allergen details with your local Red Robin before ordering if you have a food allergy.
Explore More of the Red Robin Menu
Still deciding what to order? Here are a few more sections of the menu worth a look.
Menu items, prices, and availability vary by location and are subject to change. Confirm current details with your local Red Robin before ordering.