Best burgers photo
(Big Buns Gourmet Grill; Photo by Richard A. Lipski)

Best burgers

The Washington Post Staff  |  Updated 09/20/2011

Five Guys started a burger boom. Here are some top spots that aren't on every corner. Yet.

 
 
 
 
 

BGR: The Burger Joint

+ Multiple Locations

The lines at these rock-and-roll-themed shops can be maddening, but the burgers with "mojo sauce" and sweet potato fries are worth the wait. For something a little different, try the Greek, a lamb burger with tzatziki sauce and feta.

 
 
 
 
 

Big Buns Gourmet Grill

Arlington, VA

Tucked into a courtyard in Ballston, this fast-casual joint asks for orders in stages to ensure the complete customization of your burger experience. Choose a beef, chicken or fish burger and add toppings such as mango-black bean salsa, fried egg, grilled pineapple and chipotle-pesto aioli. Maybe not all at once.

 
 
 
 
 

Central Michel Richard

Washington, DC

Not your average burger place, Michel Richard's swanky bistro offers lobster and tuna burgers in addition to the beef standard. The rich buns complement but don't overshadow the prime ingredients within.

 
 
 
 
 

Elevation Burger

+ Multiple Locations

With its burgers' big flavor and modest prices, the eatery is reminiscent of In-N-Out Burger, the much-loved, no-frills West Coast chain. It's becoming just as ubiquitous, with as many as five locations scheduled to open this year.

 
 
 
 
 

Good Stuff Eatery

Washington, DC

Run by Spike Mendelsohn of "Top Chef" fame, the Capitol Hill joint lives up to the hype that preceded its arrival. The juicy burgers are served on buttery buns. The fries are well seasoned. And the toasted marshmallow milkshake spins the taste of the campfire into a thick dessert-worthy drink.

 
 
 
 
 

Palena Dining Room

Washington, DC

The decadent sandwich is one of the best treats on the restaurant's cafe menu. The almost half-pounder is cooked to order and topped with a slice of Italian cow's-milk cheese infused with black truffles. This is a classy joint; ketchup comes in a little dish on the side.

 
 
 
 
 

Ray's Hell-Burger

Arlington, VA

You won't find frills here -- just the best burger on the market. Toppings like foie gras snare the attention, but the strong suit at Ray's is the beef blend and the way it's cooked. A much-publicized visit by the president and veep in May temporarily forced owner Michael Landrum to put a non-burger project aside to focus on an overflow of fans. That's okay with us.

 
 
 
 
 

Shake Shack

Washington, DC

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.

 

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