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D.C.'s best burgers

1. BGR - The Burger Joint

1514 Connecticut Ave NW (btwn Q St. & Dupont Cir NW), Washington, D.C.
Burger Joint · Northwest Washington · 104 tips and reviews

Washington PostWashington Post: Burgers with "mojo sauce" and sweet potato fries are worth the wait. Also try the Greek, a lamb burger with tzatziki sauce and feta. Read more.

2. Big Buns

8.0
4401 Wilson Blvd (at Taylor St, in the courtyard), Arlington, VA
Burger Joint · Ballston - Virginia Square · 74 tips and reviews

Washington PostWashington Post: Here they ask for orders in stages to ensure complete customization. Choose a beef, chicken or fish burger and add toppings like mango-black bean salsa, fried egg, and grilled pineapple. Not at once. Read more.

3. Black & Orange

1300 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Burger Joint · Connecticut Avenue - K Street · 52 tips and reviews

Washington PostWashington Post: Here it's more about seasonings than toppings. Burgers are cooked "pink or no pink" and standouts include No Burger, No Cry (habanero); Curried Away (curry, of course); Pardon My French (truffle oil). Read more.

4. The Black Squirrel

2427 18th St NW (at Belmont Rd NW), Washington, D.C.
Pub · Adams Morgan · 80 tips and reviews

Washington PostWashington Post: Come for the beer, stay for the burgers. The kitchen uses pure Hereford beef and the naturally beefy flavor needs no adornment other than what it comes with: lettuce, tomato and a sesame-seed bun. Read more.

5. Central Michel Richard

8.5
1001 Pennsylvania Ave NW (at 10th St NW), Washington, D.C.
American Restaurant · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 110 tips and reviews

Washington PostWashington Post: Best bets: lobster and tuna burgers in addition to the beef standard. The fried chicken is also incredible. Read more.

6. Good Stuff Eatery

8.4
303 Pennsylvania Ave SE (at 3rd St. SE), Washington, D.C.
Burger Joint · Capitol Hill · 279 tips and reviews

Washington PostWashington Post: Juicy burgers are served on buttery buns and the toasted marshmallow milkshake spins the taste of the campfire into a thick drink. Standouts: Blazin' Barn burger and the Farmhouse Bacon Cheese burger. Read more.

7. Kangaroo Boxing Club

3412 11th St NW (at Park Rd NW), Washington, D.C.
BBQ Joint · Columbia Heights · 78 tips and reviews

Washington PostWashington Post: Pulled pork is by far their biggest hit, but don't overlook the burgers. The Costanza combines ground beef with smoked pastrami, while the Vandelay enhances fresh ground Angus with smoked Angus. Read more.

Palena is one of D.C.'s best burgers.

8. Palena

3529 Connecticut Ave NW (at Porter St. NW), Washington, D.C.
New American Restaurant · Cleveland Park · 51 tips and reviews

Washington PostWashington Post: Get the cheeseburger. Palena uses Angus beef laced with dry-aged steak, truffled cheese and a brioche bun made in-house. Read more.

9. Ray's Hell Burger

1713 Wilson Blvd (at N Quinn St.), Arlington, VA
Burger Joint · Colonial Village · 129 tips and reviews

Washington PostWashington Post: The strong suit at Ray's is the hand-trimmed beef blend and the way it's cooked. Sides of watermelon and corn on the cob are built into even the basic $6.95 hamburger. Read more.

10. Shake Shack

8.3
1216 18th St NW (at Connecticut Ave NW), Washington, D.C.
Burger Joint · Connecticut Avenue - K Street · 227 tips and reviews

Washington PostWashington Post: You might have to wait in a long line, but this sufficiently juicy patty tucked into the lightly crisped bun is (fairly) fast food that pays a compliment to the genre. For dessert, pick the Monu-Mint. Read more.