2010 Fall Dining Guide

By Tom Sietsema
Sunday, October 17, 2010

Ray's Hell-Burger in Arlington has its charms, but if President Obama ever decides to alter his burger run, he ought to consider another home-grown mini-chain, this one from entrepreneur Mark Bucher. "No shortcuts, no pre-cooking, no heat lamps," the menu pledges. The food delivers on that promise; even a basic burger starts with prime, aged, hormone-free, corn-fed beef from the Midwest and rests on a toasted sesame-seeded brioche bun. Juicier still: The patty is cooked the way you ask, and you don't have to settle for beef. Also available are ahi tuna, turkey, lobster, cumin-and-mint-laced lamb (love the crusty Greek burger), even black beans, brown rice and molasses (the vegetarian version). The fries, made with Yukon Gold potatoes, are double-fried and tasty, and the shakes are so thick, they're easier to eat with a spoon than a straw. Good news for denizens of Clarendon: A fifth Joint is expected to open at 3024 Wilson Blvd. by year's end. The Dupont Circle branch, with blond-wood booths, purple walls and Christmas-light chandeliers, is closest to the White House. Got that, Mr. President?