A juicy, well-seasoned burger is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience. Whether you crave a classic American patty or a gourmet creation with unexpected flavors, Washington D.C. offers an impressive variety of cheeseburgers to tantalize your taste buds. We’ve scoured the city to bring you 18 exceptional options—perfect for celebrating National Cheeseburger Day or any day of the week!
Classic & Gourmet: Burgers for Every Taste
From traditional, no-frills delights to gourmet spins on a classic, Washington D.C. has a cheeseburger for everyone. Let’s dive into some of our favorites!
For the purist: The Capital Grille offers a quintessential cheeseburger, unadorned and flawlessly executed. A perfectly charred, hand-ground prime beef patty is crowned with two slices of American cheese, while a thickly sliced beefsteak tomato adds a touch of sweetness.
For the adventurous: The Red Hen takes a unique approach with a truffle-infused cheeseburger that will surprise and delight. The subtle, earthy flavor of the truffle, present in both the cheese and the aïoli, allows the perfectly seasoned house-ground patty to shine.
For the burger enthusiast: The Founding Farmers presents a decadent bacon cheeseburger that will leave you utterly satisfied. Bacon is ground into the beef, resulting in a lusciously sloppy burger that elevates the experience to new heights.
International Flair: Global Inspirations
D.C. is a melting pot of cultures, and that’s reflected in its cheeseburger scene.
For the Parisian at heart: The Little Serow delivers a cheeseburger that’s an homage to the Golden Arches. This French bistro’s version features perfectly salted, double patties, creamy “special sauce,” red onions, pickles, and American cheese.
For the Mediterranean enthusiast: The Dabney brings you a refined lamb burger that will transport your taste buds. The house-ground lamb is served on an olive oil bun with tzatziki, tangy feta, and tomato-onion chutney.
For the Londoner in disguise: The Founding Farmers also serves up an East London-inspired pub burger. Two thick patties of Creekstone Farms beef are piled high with melted Gouda, chili sauce, aïoli, house pickles, and arugula.
Beyond the Ordinary: Unique and Memorable Burgers
Sometimes, the most memorable burgers are the ones that push the boundaries. Here are a few unique and unforgettable options.
For the vegetarian: Woodmont Grill offers a vegetarian cheeseburger that’s surprisingly satisfying. A black-bean and rice patty is enhanced with the sweetness of beets and prunes, and topped with lettuce, pickles, jack cheese, yellow mustard, and mayo.
For the adventurous eater: The Little Serow presents “Le Petit Mort,” a burger that lives up to its name. A well-seasoned patty is shrouded in blue cheese and creamy garlic aioli, and topped with wine-sauteed mushrooms and arugula.
For the burger purist: Union Market delivers a classic, retro cheeseburger that’s a testament to simple perfection. A tightly packed patty, melted cheddar, caramelized onions, and a crunchy rye bun come together for a harmonious bite.
The Perfect Cheeseburger Experience: Beyond the Burger
A great cheeseburger is more than just the patty and toppings. It’s about the whole experience!
The Carlyle offers a rich and juicy cheeseburger with aged Vermont cheddar and bacon-onion jam. This retro American restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious burger followed by a slice of chocolate ice box cake.
The burger at The Red Hen is so good, you might want to pair it with a glass of wine or a craft beer.
For a true fast-food experience: The Shake Shack delivers a classic American cheeseburger with American cheese, Martin’s potato rolls, green leaf lettuce, pickles, and ShackSauce. Don’t forget to try their famous milkshakes for the ultimate indulgence.
No matter your preference, Washington D.C. is brimming with outstanding cheeseburger options. So grab a friend, head to one of these spots, and prepare to enjoy a delicious and memorable burger experience.
