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A double-patty beauty from Hill East Burger.
Hill East Burger/Facebook

Outstanding Burgers to Try in D.C. Right Now

In a burger-loving town, these patties stand tall

by Tierney Plumb and Eater Staff Updated
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A double-patty beauty from Hill East Burger.
| Hill East Burger/Facebook
by Tierney Plumb and Eater Staff Updated

A naturally portable food item that’s affordable by design, the humble hamburger emerged as big seller for D.C. restaurants during the pandemic. D.C. has long had a high-low love affair with ground beef patties from fancy hotels and steakhouses — Bourbon Steak’s lounge burger checks both boxes — to powerhouse chains with Mid-Atlantic roots (Shake Shack, Five Guys) to ghost kitchens or food trucks done good (Ghostburger, Swizzler). Sadly, Mt. Vernon Triangle lost its beloved burger bar Mélange this year. Georgetowners can look forward to the late summer arrival of La Bonne Vache, a burger-driven brasserie from Stephen Starr protege Rob Aikens.

Most restaurants on this updated map are hyper-focused on the quality of beef they use and which cuts they blend into patties. Gourmet condiments and interesting accents abound. This list is all about animal protein, but veggie burger fans should plan a trip to D.C.’s meat-free hitmakers Plnt Burger and Bubbie’s.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Soko Butcher

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On one side of this cozy butcher shop in Takoma Park, a full kitchen turns out deli sandwiches, bone broth, beef tallow fries, and more from the shop’s locally sourced, sustainable meats. The smash burger places a house-blended, 21-day, dry-aged beef patty atop a potato bun with American cheese and mayo. Follow Soko’s Instagram account for burger-of-the-week specials, like slow-smoked brisket burgers, as well as breakfast burgers topped with breakfast sausage and egg.

7306 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
(240) 588-3331
(240) 588-3331

Joy by Seven Reasons

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For Seven Reasons’ playful new offshoot in Chevy Chase, Michelin-starred chef Enrique Limardo came up with a homemade double-patty ground beef burger between a brioche bun. The order comes topped with smoked cheddar cheese, crazy mayo, and pickled cucumber. Over at the West End’s posh Quadrant bar inside the Ritz-Carlton, Limardo puts a French spin on an all-beef burger.

5471 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
(202) 417-8968
(202) 417-8968

Also featured in:

Slash Run

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The rock-n-roll dive in Petworth sends out a strong nine-burger lineup built with six-ounce Creekstone Farms beef patties. The “straight up and to the point” classic comes with lettuce, tomato, and onion, while an offbeat “barstool rodeo” barbecue works with finely ground coffee. Order online or dine in on its pink-and-black patio, with half-priced burgers on Mondays. A punky sibling called The Runaway recently debuted in Brookland with jet-black brioche burger buns from local baker Pop’s Buns.

201 Upshur St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20011
(202) 838-9929
(202) 838-9929

Also featured in:

Brookland's Finest Bar and Kitchen

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The Brookland neighborhood mainstay is known for its much-loved Colonel burger (certified Angus beef, pickled onions, Tillamook cheddar, applewood smoked bacon on a brioche bun). Served with hand-cut fries, chips, or a side salad. Order for pickup or indoor or patio dining.

3126 12th St NE, Washington, D.C., DC 20017
(202) 636-0050
(202) 636-0050

Also featured in:

Primrose

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During the pandemic, Brookland’s feathery French wine bar and bistro mastered the art of the smash burger with a temporary carryout operation dubbed Larry’s Chicken and Cheeseburgers. The best-selling burger is here to stay at Primrose, built with gooey gruyere, onion jam, mayo, steak fries.

3000 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20017
(202) 248-4558
(202) 248-4558

Also featured in:

Lucky Buns (Multiple locations)

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Chef Alex McCoy’s Adams Morgan hangout is devoted to burgers that top Creekstone Farms beef with globetrotting condiments like bacon XO jam, pickled beetroot, or a Thai chili take on D.C.’s treasured mumbo sauce. A Union Market stall in joined by a new location at the Wharf.

2000 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 506-1713
(202) 506-1713
A cheeseburger with several patties stacked atop each other. Lucky Buns/Official

Also featured in:

Garden District

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The Logan Circle beer garden and barbecue joint is a low-key option for one the best cheeseburgers in town. Order a burger basket, and supplement it with onion rings, fried pickle spears, or hush puppies.

1801 14th St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20009
(202) 695-2626
(202) 695-2626
A burger with pickles and tomatoes on a seasame bun sits on a blue and white checkered paper.
A burger from Garden District.
Garden District

Le Diplomate

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Le Diplomate’s “burger Americain” is a French-ified take on a Big Mac, complete with two patties, American cheese, pickles, onion, special sauce and, of course, pommes frites. It’s available on both the lunch and dinner menus.

1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 332-3333
(202) 332-3333

Also featured in:

Ghostburger

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The pink polka-dotted burger bar in Shaw makes its namesake hit with American cheese, red onion, pickles, and “spooky” sauce. The Frenchie comes with creminis, caramelized onions, mayo, and bleu cheese. The current “Burger of the Month” for August is the Baby Bleu (Buffalo bleu cheese sauce, lettuce, red peppers, caramelized red onions, and bacon). Diners can now build their own burgers, too.

1250 9th St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20001
(202) 827-5237
(202) 827-5237

Also featured in:

Unconventional Diner

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Chef and owner David Deshaies upholds the burger standards he learned from mentor Michel Richard at Central, where a prime beef burger continues to impress downtown diners. Deshaies’s version at his cheeky diner in Shaw is a classic double cheeseburger with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and caramelized onions.

1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 847-0122
(202) 847-0122

Also featured in:

eat brgz - West End

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At this fast-casual, outside-the-box burger spot customers choose from a long list of “toppings” (carrot, cucumber, sauteed mushrooms, chorizo, and more), cheese, and seasoning to mix into their burgers, meaning nothing gets placed on top of the dry-aged Roseda Farms beef patty (there are other patty options as well) once it’s nestled into a squishy, freshly baked potato roll or gluten-free cauliflower bun, or placed on top of a salad. Sauces, like queso or tzatziki, come on the side for dipping. The brand new West End location joins the original in Eastern Market.

1200 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 450-6195
(202) 450-6195
Eat Brgz’s popular Mexico City burger features Logan’s chorizo, red onions, bell peppers, jalapenos, Oaxaca cheese and taco seasoning.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Also featured in:

Michele’s

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At his lobby-level restaurant inside the Eaton hotel, chef Matt Baker turns to his Houston roots to develop a koji-cured double smash burger. The crowd-pleasing order, served at the bar or during dinner service, is also available as a $30 Monday combo meal with fries, beer, and a shot.

1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 758-0895
(202) 758-0895

Also featured in:

Estuary

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Head to the Conrad hotel’s reliable restaurant for a fancied-up smash burger by chef Ria Montes. The updated American classic on brioche features two brisket patties, cheddar, house burger sauce, red onion, and lettuce with a side of Old Bay fries.

950 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 844-5895
(202) 844-5895

Also featured in:

Duke's Grocery

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The “proper burger” (gouda, pickles, charred onions, sweet chile sauce, arugula, garlic aioli, brioche bun) at Duke’s carries a registered trademark. The East London-style pub’s original location in Dupont is currently closed for renovations, but there are outposts in Woodley Park and Foggy Bottom and a new edition in Navy Yard.

2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 733-3967
(202) 733-3967

Also featured in:

Hill East Burger

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The local owners of barbecue standard-bearer Sloppy Mama’s and hip Tex-Mex joint Republic Cantina brought this Southwestern-chic burger saloon to Capitol Hill last fall. The smoked burger — a periodic fascination among Texan pitmasters — is a rare find in D.C. Patties, built with a blend of Sloppy Mama’s prime brisket trim and Roseda Farms dry-aged beef, get a cold-smoke in-house before getting smashed on the griddle.

1432 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 744-3339
(202) 744-3339
“The Puebla” features smoked poblano relish, beefonaise (tallow confit garlic mayo), smoked cheddar, mustard, and arugula.
Chris Svetlik

Also featured in:

More in Maps

Red Apron - The Roost

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Vet butcher Nathan Anda continues to wow D.C. diners with his signature double-patty smash burger served inside the Roost food hall. He swears by a coarse grind for his beef chuck sourced from Seven Hills Food.

1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003

Swizzler Crispy Chicken + Smash Burgers

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The D.C. food truck known for environmentally conscious versions of American cookout classics opened its first standalone restaurant in Navy Yard in 2020. Pillowy bread from Pop’s Buns in Northeast hold grass-fed beef patties sourced from Joyce Farms, a regenerative agriculture co-op in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Crispy chicken sandwiches are now part of the equation, too.

1259 First St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 930-1499
(202) 930-1499

GATSBY

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Navy Yard’s upscale diner sends out a nostalgic smash burger reminiscent of the iconic In-N-Out chain out West. The fan favorite is built with an herbaceous Thousand Island dressing, butter pickles, caramelized onions, hydroponic lettuce, massive heirloom tomatoes, and quality beef patties.

1205 Half St SE Suite #105, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 817-3005
(202) 817-3005
Gatsby’s “Smashburger” features a 7-ounce double patty on a sesame potato bun.
Rey Lopez/Gatsby

Also featured in:

The Salt Line

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The sprawling riverfront spot next to Nationals Park is known for its seafood towers and lobster rolls, but chef Kyle Bailey knows his way around a burger, too. The Salt Line’s version involves two ground chuck patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, mayo, and a sesame bun. Reserve a seat across its huge patio, or sit inside. There’s also Salt Lines in Ballston and Bethesda too.

79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 506-2368
(202) 506-2368

Also featured in:

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Soko Butcher

7306 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912

On one side of this cozy butcher shop in Takoma Park, a full kitchen turns out deli sandwiches, bone broth, beef tallow fries, and more from the shop’s locally sourced, sustainable meats. The smash burger places a house-blended, 21-day, dry-aged beef patty atop a potato bun with American cheese and mayo. Follow Soko’s Instagram account for burger-of-the-week specials, like slow-smoked brisket burgers, as well as breakfast burgers topped with breakfast sausage and egg.

7306 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
(240) 588-3331
(240) 588-3331

Joy by Seven Reasons

5471 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

For Seven Reasons’ playful new offshoot in Chevy Chase, Michelin-starred chef Enrique Limardo came up with a homemade double-patty ground beef burger between a brioche bun. The order comes topped with smoked cheddar cheese, crazy mayo, and pickled cucumber. Over at the West End’s posh Quadrant bar inside the Ritz-Carlton, Limardo puts a French spin on an all-beef burger.

5471 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
(202) 417-8968
(202) 417-8968

Slash Run

201 Upshur St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20011

The rock-n-roll dive in Petworth sends out a strong nine-burger lineup built with six-ounce Creekstone Farms beef patties. The “straight up and to the point” classic comes with lettuce, tomato, and onion, while an offbeat “barstool rodeo” barbecue works with finely ground coffee. Order online or dine in on its pink-and-black patio, with half-priced burgers on Mondays. A punky sibling called The Runaway recently debuted in Brookland with jet-black brioche burger buns from local baker Pop’s Buns.

201 Upshur St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20011
(202) 838-9929
(202) 838-9929

Brookland's Finest Bar and Kitchen

3126 12th St NE, Washington, D.C., DC 20017

The Brookland neighborhood mainstay is known for its much-loved Colonel burger (certified Angus beef, pickled onions, Tillamook cheddar, applewood smoked bacon on a brioche bun). Served with hand-cut fries, chips, or a side salad. Order for pickup or indoor or patio dining.

3126 12th St NE, Washington, D.C., DC 20017
(202) 636-0050
(202) 636-0050

Primrose

3000 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20017

During the pandemic, Brookland’s feathery French wine bar and bistro mastered the art of the smash burger with a temporary carryout operation dubbed Larry’s Chicken and Cheeseburgers. The best-selling burger is here to stay at Primrose, built with gooey gruyere, onion jam, mayo, steak fries.

3000 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20017
(202) 248-4558
(202) 248-4558

Lucky Buns (Multiple locations)

2000 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Chef Alex McCoy’s Adams Morgan hangout is devoted to burgers that top Creekstone Farms beef with globetrotting condiments like bacon XO jam, pickled beetroot, or a Thai chili take on D.C.’s treasured mumbo sauce. A Union Market stall in joined by a new location at the Wharf.

2000 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 506-1713
(202) 506-1713
A cheeseburger with several patties stacked atop each other. Lucky Buns/Official

Garden District

1801 14th St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20009

The Logan Circle beer garden and barbecue joint is a low-key option for one the best cheeseburgers in town. Order a burger basket, and supplement it with onion rings, fried pickle spears, or hush puppies.

1801 14th St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20009
(202) 695-2626
(202) 695-2626
A burger with pickles and tomatoes on a seasame bun sits on a blue and white checkered paper.
A burger from Garden District.
Garden District

Le Diplomate

1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Le Diplomate’s “burger Americain” is a French-ified take on a Big Mac, complete with two patties, American cheese, pickles, onion, special sauce and, of course, pommes frites. It’s available on both the lunch and dinner menus.

1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 332-3333
(202) 332-3333

Ghostburger

1250 9th St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20001

The pink polka-dotted burger bar in Shaw makes its namesake hit with American cheese, red onion, pickles, and “spooky” sauce. The Frenchie comes with creminis, caramelized onions, mayo, and bleu cheese. The current “Burger of the Month” for August is the Baby Bleu (Buffalo bleu cheese sauce, lettuce, red peppers, caramelized red onions, and bacon). Diners can now build their own burgers, too.

1250 9th St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20001
(202) 827-5237
(202) 827-5237

Unconventional Diner

1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Chef and owner David Deshaies upholds the burger standards he learned from mentor Michel Richard at Central, where a prime beef burger continues to impress downtown diners. Deshaies’s version at his cheeky diner in Shaw is a classic double cheeseburger with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and caramelized onions.

1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 847-0122
(202) 847-0122

eat brgz - West End

1200 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

At this fast-casual, outside-the-box burger spot customers choose from a long list of “toppings” (carrot, cucumber, sauteed mushrooms, chorizo, and more), cheese, and seasoning to mix into their burgers, meaning nothing gets placed on top of the dry-aged Roseda Farms beef patty (there are other patty options as well) once it’s nestled into a squishy, freshly baked potato roll or gluten-free cauliflower bun, or placed on top of a salad. Sauces, like queso or tzatziki, come on the side for dipping. The brand new West End location joins the original in Eastern Market.

1200 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 450-6195
(202) 450-6195
Eat Brgz’s popular Mexico City burger features Logan’s chorizo, red onions, bell peppers, jalapenos, Oaxaca cheese and taco seasoning.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Michele’s

1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005

At his lobby-level restaurant inside the Eaton hotel, chef Matt Baker turns to his Houston roots to develop a koji-cured double smash burger. The crowd-pleasing order, served at the bar or during dinner service, is also available as a $30 Monday combo meal with fries, beer, and a shot.

1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 758-0895
(202) 758-0895

Estuary

950 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Head to the Conrad hotel’s reliable restaurant for a fancied-up smash burger by chef Ria Montes. The updated American classic on brioche features two brisket patties, cheddar, house burger sauce, red onion, and lettuce with a side of Old Bay fries.

950 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 844-5895
(202) 844-5895

Duke's Grocery

2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006

The “proper burger” (gouda, pickles, charred onions, sweet chile sauce, arugula, garlic aioli, brioche bun) at Duke’s carries a registered trademark. The East London-style pub’s original location in Dupont is currently closed for renovations, but there are outposts in Woodley Park and Foggy Bottom and a new edition in Navy Yard.

2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 733-3967
(202) 733-3967

Hill East Burger

1432 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003

The local owners of barbecue standard-bearer Sloppy Mama’s and hip Tex-Mex joint Republic Cantina brought this Southwestern-chic burger saloon to Capitol Hill last fall. The smoked burger — a periodic fascination among Texan pitmasters — is a rare find in D.C. Patties, built with a blend of Sloppy Mama’s prime brisket trim and Roseda Farms dry-aged beef, get a cold-smoke in-house before getting smashed on the griddle.

1432 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 744-3339
(202) 744-3339
“The Puebla” features smoked poblano relish, beefonaise (tallow confit garlic mayo), smoked cheddar, mustard, and arugula.
Chris Svetlik

Related Maps

Red Apron - The Roost

1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003

Vet butcher Nathan Anda continues to wow D.C. diners with his signature double-patty smash burger served inside the Roost food hall. He swears by a coarse grind for his beef chuck sourced from Seven Hills Food.

1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003

Swizzler Crispy Chicken + Smash Burgers

1259 First St SE, Washington, DC 20003

The D.C. food truck known for environmentally conscious versions of American cookout classics opened its first standalone restaurant in Navy Yard in 2020. Pillowy bread from Pop’s Buns in Northeast hold grass-fed beef patties sourced from Joyce Farms, a regenerative agriculture co-op in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Crispy chicken sandwiches are now part of the equation, too.

1259 First St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 930-1499
(202) 930-1499

GATSBY

1205 Half St SE Suite #105, Washington, DC 20003

Navy Yard’s upscale diner sends out a nostalgic smash burger reminiscent of the iconic In-N-Out chain out West. The fan favorite is built with an herbaceous Thousand Island dressing, butter pickles, caramelized onions, hydroponic lettuce, massive heirloom tomatoes, and quality beef patties.

1205 Half St SE Suite #105, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 817-3005
(202) 817-3005
Gatsby’s “Smashburger” features a 7-ounce double patty on a sesame potato bun.
Rey Lopez/Gatsby

The Salt Line

79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

The sprawling riverfront spot next to Nationals Park is known for its seafood towers and lobster rolls, but chef Kyle Bailey knows his way around a burger, too. The Salt Line’s version involves two ground chuck patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, mayo, and a sesame bun. Reserve a seat across its huge patio, or sit inside. There’s also Salt Lines in Ballston and Bethesda too.

79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 506-2368
(202) 506-2368

Related Maps