Quick Summary:

  • There are few other foods so representative of American cuisine than the hamburger.
  • Just as one would expect, the nation's capital offers its share of world-class burgers, which range from traditional diner fare to inventive and creative takes on the classic.
  • Whether you are looking for a fast-food cheeseburger or a fancy gourmet version like those served at 2941 Restaurant and Le Diplomate, there is something for everyone on this list of D.C.'s top burger places.
  • Some restaurants even serve delicious but healthy chicken, turkey, or veggie patties.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. 2941 Restaurant, Falls Church ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
2941 Restaurant, Falls Church | From Classic to Gourmet: The Best Burgers in D.C.
© 2941 Restaurant

2. Duke's Grocery, Dupont Circle ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Duke's Grocery, Dupont Circle | From Classic to Gourmet: The Best Burgers in D.C.
© Duke's Grocery

3. Founding Farmers DC, Downtown

Category: Activities
Founding Farmers DC, Downtown | From Classic to Gourmet: The Best Burgers in D.C.
© Founding Farmers DC

4. Z-Burger, Tenleytown

Z-Burger, Tenleytown | From Classic to Gourmet: The Best Burgers in D.C.
© Z-Burger

5. Good Stuff Eatery, Capitol Hill

Good Stuff Eatery, Capitol Hill | From Classic to Gourmet: The Best Burgers in D.C.
© Good Stuff Eatery

6. Thunder Burger & Bar, Georgetown

Category: Food & Drink
Thunder Burger & Bar, Georgetown | From Classic to Gourmet: The Best Burgers in D.C.
© Thunder Burger & Bar

7. Central Michel Richard, Chinatown/Penn Quarter

Category: Museums & Culture
Central Michel Richard, Chinatown/Penn Quarter | From Classic to Gourmet: The Best Burgers in D.C.
© Central Michel Richard

8. Bourbon Steak, Georgetown

Category: Food & Drink
Bourbon Steak, Georgetown | From Classic to Gourmet: The Best Burgers in D.C.
© Bourbon Steak

9. Holy Cow, Del Rey

Holy Cow, Del Rey | From Classic to Gourmet: The Best Burgers in D.C.
© Holy Cow

10. Le Diplomate, Logan Circle

Le Diplomate, Logan Circle | From Classic to Gourmet: The Best Burgers in D.C.
© Le Diplomate

11. Red Apron Butchery, Penn Quarter

Category: Museums & Culture
Red Apron Butchery, Penn Quarter | From Classic to Gourmet: The Best Burgers in D.C.
© Red Apron Butchery

12. Citizen Burger Bar, Charlottesville

Category: Food & Drink
Citizen Burger Bar, Charlottesville | From Classic to Gourmet: The Best Burgers in D.C.
© Citizen Burger Bar

13. Clyde's of Georgetown, Georgetown

Clyde's of Georgetown, Georgetown | From Classic to Gourmet: The Best Burgers in D.C.
© Clyde's of Georgetown

14. The Bottom Line, Downtown

The Bottom Line, Downtown | From Classic to Gourmet: The Best Burgers in D.C.
© The Bottom Line

Summary & FAQ 2941 Restaurant, Falls Church Duke's Grocery, Dupont Circle Founding Farmers DC, Downtown Z-Burger, Tenleytown Good Stuff Eatery, Capitol Hill Thunder Burger & Bar, Georgetown Central Michel Richard, Chinatown/Penn Quarter Bourbon Steak, Georgetown Holy Cow, Del Rey Le Diplomate, Logan Circle Red Apron Butchery, Penn Quarter Citizen Burger Bar, Charlottesville Clyde's of Georgetown, Georgetown The Bottom Line, Downtown

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