Where to Find Burgers in Unexpected Places

These burgers go beyond the beef patty.

by Tim Ebner Apr 15, 2015, 3:00pm EDT

View as Map

Photo courtesy Tim Ebner

| Tim Ebner

by Tim Ebner Apr 15, 2015, 3:00pm EDT

Eammon's might be known for their fish and chips, but they're deep frying burgers, too. Meanwhile, people flock to Panda Gourmet for Schezuan food, but their cumin burger is also a top favorite.

Sure, the burger is an American invention, but it's also a globally-accepted classic. In fact, many D.C. restaurants have put their own local or ethnic style on this classic dish.

Look closely and it's not hard to spot burgers that are creative and different. Here's a guide to some of the standout sneak-attack burgers around town, found everywhere from nightclubs to teahouses.

What's the weirdest place you've seen a burger in D.C.? Share in the comments.

Balkan Grill

Copy Link

Looking for a Balkan burger? Balkan Grill serves a Bosnian burger with tomatoes, onions and kaymak, a creamy cheese.

5902A N Kings Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22303

(703) 329-3303

Visit Website

Daikaya

Copy Link

Daikaya is the place for a Japanese-style beef hamburger. The dish comes with a red wine-Worcestershire sauce and a sunny-side egg for $1 extra.

705 6th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 589-1600

Visit Website

Also featured in:

DC9 Nightclub

Copy Link

This music venue also serves quality burgers. Order "The Herbert" — a fried green tomato, applewood bacon burger with Tabasco aioli for $12.

Open in Google Maps

1940 9th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 483-5000

Visit Website

Eamonn's, A Dublin Chipper

Copy Link

Deep fried burgers are served alongside fish and chips and other popular pub favorites.

728 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

(703) 299-8384

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Grand Trunk

Copy Link

Naan burgers are on the menu at Grand Trunk. These burgers come in the form of a veggie patty with with spinach, peppers, peas, and garam masala.

641 Indiana Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

202-347-3293

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Impala Cantina

Copy Link

For a vegan-friendly Mexican burger, try the Chorifu burger at Impala Cantina. This is a marinated chorizo spiced tofu burger with lettuce, tomato and avocado for $10.

1358 H Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

202-733-3427

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Jaleo

Copy Link

Burgers are tapas at Jaleo. These mini "hambugesas" are $7 each, and the patties are made from Spanish ibérico and come topped with ibérico bacon.

480 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

(202) 628-7949

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Mitsitam Cafe

Copy Link

The Smithsonian might be the last place to think of for a burger craving, but Mitsitam Cafe inside the National Museum of the American Indian has a buffalo green chile burger that pays homage to the great state of New Mexico.

950 Independence Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20560

(202) 633-1000

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Panda Gourmet

Copy Link

Next to the Days Inn on New York Avenue, NE sits Panda Gourmet. The restaurant is straight Schezuan with popular items like dan dan noodles, but equally as popular is their burger. It's referred to as the Chinese burger and packs a one-two punch of cumin and spice.

2700 New York Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

(202) 636-3588

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Ser

Copy Link

This new Spanish restaurant in Arlington serves its own spin on a burger, complete with Spanish cheese and a side of patatas bravas.

1110 N Glebe Rd., Arlington, VA 22203

(703) 746-9822

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Teaism

Copy Link

There's more than tea at Teaism. A vegetarian-friendly favorite is the organic tempeh burger, served on focaccia with lettuce, mayo and green chutney. Multiple locations.

400 8th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20004

(202) 638-6010

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Zaytinya

Copy Link

The lunch-time favorite at Zaytinya is the falafel burger. This Lebanese-style burgers come with lemon-dressed cucumbers, tomatoes, hummus and garlic yogurt.