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What food is representative of American cuisine?
- There are few other foods so representative of American cuisine than the hamburger.
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Does Washington, D.C. have good burgers?
- Just as one would expect, the nation's capital offers its share of world-class burgers.
- These range from traditional diner fare to inventive and creative takes on the classic.
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Where can you find gourmet burgers in D.C.?
- Whether you are looking for a fast-food cheeseburger or a fancy gourmet version, D.C. has something for everyone.
- Gourmet burgers can be found at places like 2941 Restaurant and Le Diplomate.
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Are there healthy burger options in D.C.?
- Some restaurants even serve delicious but healthy chicken, turkey, or veggie patties.
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1. 2941 Restaurant, Falls Church
2941 Restaurant, Falls Church is one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the D.C. area. The restaurant is worth the trip to Virginia, if even just for the environment. The dining room features a lake view and the restaurant is located amidst koi ponds, waterfalls, and beautiful natural landscaping. The restaurant specializes in American food that has French and Mediterranean influences and its signature burger is called The All American.
It is a beef patty with cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomato, served on an olive oil brioche bun. In addition to the traditional burger, the restaurant offers a unique take on the poultry burger with a sandwich called The Daffy, which is duck meat mixed with foie gras that is then topped with slices of foie gras and a delicious onion agrodolce. Whether you want to keep it traditional or go out on a limb and try The Daffy, the burgers at 2941 are sure to satisfy your burger cravings.
2941 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042, Phone: 703-270-1500
2. Duke's Grocery, Dupont Circle
Duke's Grocery, Dupont Circle is a British-inspired pub that serves a selection of decadent burgers that include two Creekstone Farm Angus beef patties. The star of the sandwich menu is the Proper Burger, which is a piled-high masterpiece topped with melted Gouda, dill pickles, charred red onions, Thai sweet chili sauce, rocket, and garlic aioli, served on a ciabatta bun.
The already massive sandwich can be topped off with a runny egg, avocado, applewood-smoked bacon, white truffle oil, or pâté. The burgers can only be ordered medium rare or well done. The menu changes daily, depending on market availability. The menu is written on a chalkboard and items are erased as they run out of certain dishes throughout the day.
1513 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, Phone: 202-733-5623
3. Founding Farmers DC, Downtown
Founding Farmers DC, Downtown is a co-op owned restaurant that serves market-fresh comfort food. The restaurant is owned by more than 40,000 farmers from the North Dakota Farmers Union and gets its supplies and ingredients from family farms all over the country.
They serve quality food that is made from scratch. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability extends to the interior as well: The restaurant is constructed and decorated with many recycled and refurbished materials and they recycle waste and compost wherever possible. The restaurant serves several farm-fresh beef, turkey, and veggie burgers. The burgers are topped with fresh ingredients and served with fries, Farmers chips, or something else from their side menu.
1924 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006, Phone: 202-822-8783
4. Z-Burger, Tenleytown
Z-Burger, Tenleytown is a much-loved chain and Washington D.C. landmark. The restaurant serves delicious, made-from-scratch burgers with a long list of toppings. Burgers can be paired with a side of fresh-cut fries and one of more than 75 varieties of hand-spun milkshakes.
Guests choose a beef, turkey, or veggie burger and can add cheese, bacon, and any of a long list of free toppings or premium toppings for an additional charge. Z-Burger has several locations in the D.C. area and the Z-Burger food truck can be seen at events around the city and can also be booked for private events.
4321 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016, Phone: 202-966-1999
5. Good Stuff Eatery, Capitol Hill
Good Stuff Eatery, Capitol Hill is a burger joint in the shadow of the US Capitol building. The restaurant serves excellent burgers that are made from the highest-quality ingredients. The head chef and owner is Spike Mendelsohn of Top Chef and Spike's Sunnyside is the highlight of the menu.
This burger includes fresh cheese, applewood bacon, and a freshly fried egg. It is served on a brioche bun and slathered with Good Stuff sauce. The menu also includes burgers named for President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. The Good Stuff Eatery has several locations around D.C., including the flagship location on Capitol Hill as well as a few other locations in the United States and internationally.
303 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003, Phone: 202-543-8222
6. Thunder Burger & Bar, Georgetown
Thunder Burger & Bar is a Georgetown restaurant serving a selection of signature burgers, appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts. The restaurant also features a stylish bar that serves a wide selection of craft beers and whiskey.
The Thunder Burger is a build-your-own burger option with a plethora of free toppings, such as grilled onions, poblano peppers, wasabi mayo, sautéed onions, and many more. There are additional premium toppings that can be added for an extra charge, such as a selection of cheeses, fried egg, barbecued pulled pork, applewood-smoked bacon, guacamole, and others. In addition to the Thunder Burger, the menu includes a selection of pre-fab burgers as well. The "Pig in a Cow Suit" is a local favorite.
3056 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, Phone: 202-333-2888
7. Central Michel Richard, Chinatown/Penn Quarter
Central Michel Richard, Chinatown/Penn Quarter is a restaurant in Chinatown that offers a New-American/French fusion menu and has won the James Beard Foundation Award for Best New Restaurant in the US. The restaurant is conveniently located near the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, downtown theaters, and other downtown attractions.
The restaurant offers a scrumptious burger that comes with four interesting protein choices. For a perfectly-executed classic burger, try a hamburger with cheese or bacon. For more of a unique experience, guests can opt for the ahi tuna burger, shrimp burger, or chicken and lemon burger. All of the burgers are served with a choice of salad or fries.
1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, Phone: 202-626-0015
8. Bourbon Steak, Georgetown
Bourbon Steak, Georgetown is an upscale restaurant and bar in the Four Seasons hotel. The menu features a selection of high-end cocktails as well as fresh-from-the-farm pub fare. The burgers are made with 8 ounces of blended dry-aged chuck and New York strip steak and have a beef to fat ratio of 75:25, guaranteeing a juicy burger every time.
They are topped with shallot-red wine jam and mustard butter and served on a grilled bun. The duck fat fries are the perfect indulgent accompaniment to Bourbon Steak Lounge's luxurious burger.
2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007, Phone: 202-342-0444
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