An argument as old as time itself. What’s the best burger in D.C.? We hashed it out with Washingtonian food editor Jessica Sidman. Surprisingly, some of the best are in the most unlikely restaurants.
Best of the Best
🏆 Winner: Melt Gourmet Cheeseburger, Leesburg
I know, it's a bit of a trek from D.C., but this place is … amazing. They make their own buns so they’re extra fluffy, then they stick in a thick patty with a plethora of toppings options. Sidman swears by the Paris Burger with brie cheese and confit garlic. “The burger I had there was one of the best things I've eaten all year,” she said.
🥈 Runner Up: Hill East Burger, Hill East
Hill East Burger is a Southeast staple. The burgers are delicious, (especially the Puebla 🤤) the sauces are gold, and the curly-ish fries are the stuff dreams are made of. Plus, they have a banging cocktail program, not a given for a burger joint. Our go-to is a frozen smoked cherry Dr. Pepper.
Lunch at Hill East Burger. (Annie Rees/City Cast DC)
Best Smashburger
🏆 Winner: Jon's Joint, Arlington
This no-frills joint knows that the best part of a good smash burger is its simplicity. The edges of the patties are crispy and hang well over the sides of a buttered potato roll. We’ve been known to inhale two or three.
🥈 Runner Up: Joia Burger, Mt. Pleasant/Glover Park
Reminiscent of an In-N-Out burger, Joia has become a fast favorite. You can get one, two, or three perfectly crispy smash patties topped with a slice of American cheese. The best part is the sauce which has all the toppings — pickle, onion, tomato, and lettuce — chopped and mixed up for the perfect bite every time.
Best Gourmet Burger
🏆 Winner: Aventino, Bethesda
The house burger at this classic Italian restaurant in Bethesda is a surprise hit. Premium beef is topped with smoked red onions in balsamic, black truffle oil aioli, and fontina cheese. It's definitely decadent but oh so succulent.
🥈 Runner Up: La Bonne Vache, Georgetown
Although it feels upscale, most burgers at La Bonne Vache come in at $15 or less. For a cozy treat get their boeuf bourguignonne burger with a single pattie topped with braised short rib, caramelized onion, and smoked bacon. And don’t forget the garlic shoestring fries.
The soy and quinoa tempeh burger at Elle in Washington, D.C (The Washington Post/Getty Images)
Best Vegetarian Burger
🏆 Winner: Ellē, Mt Pleasant
The veggie burger at Ellē isn’t imitating meat at all, and is better for it. It's made with smoked tempeh which is chewy, nutty, and flavorful all the way through. Fixings like cheddar cheese, mustard, and pickles make it interesting without overwhelming the palate. Ten more please!
🥈 Runner Up: Woodmont Grill, Bethesda
This veggie burger is made with rice, beans, and prunes — bear with us! With the melted jack cheese and sweet soy glaze it all comes together into a sweet, umami, cheesy burger that is totally unique (in a good way!). Plus, it comes with really good skinny fries.
Best Alternative Burger
🏆 Winner: Perry’s, Adams Morgan
The shrimp Katsu Burger at Perry’s is by no means traditional, but is one of our favorite items on the menu. A shatteringly crisp shrimp patty with togarashi tartar sauce, cheddar, and lemon cabbage slaw, all put between two slices of milk bread. “It's got a lot going on and you just have to trust me that it works. Try it and you'll understand,” says Sidman.
🥈Runner Up: Central Michel Richard, Penn Quarter
Do not sleep on the ahi tuna burger at Central. It’s been on the menu since the restaurant opened in 2007 for good reason. Rare tuna is layered with potato crisps, confit tomato, and ginger aioli. The only reason it didn’t win is because $30 for a burger seems criminal.
