Washington, D.C. is famous for a number of things. The city is home to some of the country’s most prestigious museums and the site of the country’s most important historical events. There is also a variety of different cuisines to satisfy everyone’s tastes! Hamburgers certainly fall into this category.
In Washington, D.C., you will find many restaurants claiming to have the best burgers in the city.
This is not surprising since it is considered one of the country’s favorite foods, not just for cookouts on long weekends. So if you’re in search of the best burgers in Washington DC, you’ve come to the right place.
Washington, D.C. has a variety of classic burgers to choose from, as well as some burgers that are unique to the Washington, D.C. area – like burgers topped with mumbo sauce–read on!
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Best Burgers In Washington DC
Mélange
449 K St. NW, Washington // +12022895471
Melange is located in the Mount Vernon Triangle area of Washington, D.C. As the name suggests, it is a casual dining restaurant that aims to incorporate flavors from different cultures into each dish.
Ethiopian-born chef Elias Taddessee was trained in France and represents many cultures in the cuisine he creates at Melange. I recommend getting the Double Decker Burger with Sweet Potato Fries for a complete meal.
Also, the inclusion of chicken sandwiches and vegetarian dishes on the menu has earned Melange much positive attention. Finally, don’t forget to save room for dessert! You will love their Coffee Cardamom Ice Cream.
Tune Inn
331 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington // +12025432725
The Tune Inn, which has been a favorite restaurant for many Washingtonians for years, is located in the heart of Capital Hill. Tune Inn is a casual bar and restaurant decorated with taxidermy pieces.
Be sure to order mozzarella sticks with your burger, as well as their fried oysters with ranch dressing, regardless of which burger you choose. Their Jalapeno Cheddar Burger is always a great choice. They not only provide generous portions, but they also serve salads or fries with all their burgers.
Tune Inn sits in a building that has also housed a candy kitchen and a speakeasy! The Tune Inn also claims that it holds the second oldest liquor license in Washington, D.C.
Media outlets such as Esquire have also praised them, naming them one of the 100 best bars in the country. So this might be the place for you if you want to dine in a historical restaurant!
Slash Run
201 Upshur St. NW, Washington // +12028389929
If you’re looking for the best burgers in Washington DC, downtown isn’t the only destination in town. Petworth offers plenty of delicious patties. And one of the best burger spots there is Slash Run.
Nine burgers are available at this rock-n-roll dive in Petworth, all made from Creekstone Farms beef patties.
Try the “straight-up” classic with lettuce, tomato, and onion, whereas the “Barstool Rodeo” barbecue comes with finely ground coffee. You can order online or dine on their pink-and-black patio.
Primrose
3000 12th St. NE, Washington // +12022484558
While on the pandemic pivot, Primrose serves a quality burger in a French bistro setting. During this time, a burger that became even more popular was Larry’s Chicken and Cheeseburger.
The golden, greasy treat is served in a double serving that is accompanied by caramelized onion jam and mayonnaise. Kids’ versions are also available. You can order takeout and have it delivered, or you can sit inside or on the patio. Definitely one of the best burgers in Washington DC.
Ghostburger
1250 9th St. NW, Washington // +12028275237
The Ghostburger is located in Mount Vernon Square in Washington, D.C. With tasty eats and a delightfully laidback environment adorned with a unique mural, it’s no wonder Ghostburger is one of Washington’s favorite spots.
What makes Ghostburger special? That’s right! Burgers! It would be foolish not to order a Real Philly Cheesesteak – you won’t regret it! Additionally, they offer a Shroomsteak burger for vegetarians.
Media outlets and patrons alike have praised Ghostburger’s burgers, including The Washington Post and The Washingtonian. So you won’t be wrong if you choose to satisfy your burger craving right here!
Lucky Buns
2000 18th St. NW, Washington // +12025061713
Lucky Buns is a fun eatery with live music and a casual vibe. There are many burgers to choose from, and the sides are always delicious! But that’s not why Lucky Buns has one of the best burgers in Washington DC.
You should order their namesake burger, the Lucky Bun. Arugula, pickles, grilled red onion, Gouda, and lucky sauce accompany the double patties.
They also offer a variety of sauces along with their creations, including the most famous sauce in Washington, D.C., mumbo sauce! I recommend ordering the Curry Chips to go with your meal. It’s amazing!
Unconventional Diner
1207 9th St. NW, Washington // +12028470122
Unconventional Diner is a favorite dining spot for Washingtonians who live in Mount Vernon Square.
The Unconventional Diner is a casual dining restaurant reminiscent of, you guessed it, a diner serving up delicious food in a retro yet modern setting.
They serve delicious Double Cheeseburgers that are considered modern comfort food.
You’ll enjoy quite the feast if you add bacon to that order. Do not forget about dessert! The Mocha Sundae and Carrot Cake are must-tries.
Locals have been buzzing about this Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant. Danny Deshaies, their chef, won the Rammy Award for Best Chef of the Year in 2020.
PogiBoy
1110 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington // +12026817516
Washington, D.C.’s Pogiboy restaurant is gaining a lot of attention within the foodie community. The restaurant serves Filipino American cuisine.
To pay homage to their Filipino chefs, Pogiboy translates to “Handsome Boy” in Tagalog.
You will not be able to resist snapping a picture of the Pogi Burger or To “Chino” Burger if you want to take a picture made for Instagram. One of the best burgers in Washington DC? Here’s why:
There’s a secret sauce on both burgers, and I would give anything to find out what it is! They also have Crabby Mac and Cheese, which is unbelievable as well.
For the busy downtown area, Pogiboy offers a preorder option for pickup. There is also outdoor seating, which is dog-friendly.
Duke’s Grocery
1513 17th St. NW, Washington // +12027335623
There are several Duke’s Grocery locations in Washington, D.C., including Dupont Circle, Woodley Park, and Foggy Bottom.
Duke’s Grocery’s team and ambiance are unpretentious and approachable, while the food is phenomenal.
The Proper Burger should not be missed when you visit Duke’s Grocery! Don’t forget to order the Mac and Cheese to go with it.
Multiple media outlets have recognized it as having the best burger in Washington, D.C. This is because the burger at Duke’s Grocery is so well known.
You can also get great deals at Duke’s Grocery during their weekday happy hour until 7 pm, so make sure you check it out! A must eat amongst the best burgers in Washington DC.
The Big Board
421 H St. NE, Washington // +12025433630
The Big Board is a high-concept pub located along the H Street Corridor in Washington, D.C. it was founded by siblings Mark, Doyle, and Eric and a lifelong friend, Dave.
There are many variations of the burgers at The Big Board that the brothers’ father inspired.
A chef brother of the brothers trained in France as a sous-chef, and I like that Le Burg-Aire Au Poivre is a menu option as a nod to Chef Mark’s experience. This burger goes great with Fried Pickles and Catfish Bites!
There’s more to The Big Board than just delicious food. Weekly trivia events are held there. You can keep up with the latest events by following their social media accounts.
Visiting Washington? Check out our other delicious guides:
Are you a big fan of burgers? Check out The Best Burgers In Minneapolis!
Summary About The 10 Best Burgers In Washington, D.C.
Washington D.C. is one of the best cities for those who love to eat. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or you want to take your time and enjoy the ambiance, you will not be disappointed here.
There is something for every taste, from casual restaurant chains that deliver to fine dining establishments.
Also, the burgers here are some of the best in the country, so you will have your burger craving satisfied here for sure!
Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever