The Best Burgers in Washington, D.C.

Written by
Rachel Cooper
Rachel Cooper is a travel writer who has lived in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 25 years. She is also the author of several books covering the capital and mid-Atlantic regions.
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Rachel Cooper

Updated 09/27/19

Whether you prefer a plain patty on a bun or a fancy burger with the works, there are plenty of restaurants (as you would expect) in the Washington area that serve the all-American hamburger. But there are burgers, and then there are burgers...here are the best in the Capital Region.

01 of 07

Billy Goat Tavern

Billy Goat Tavern
 vxla/Flickr
Address
500 New Jersey Ave NW #1, Washington, DC 20001, USA
Get directions
Phone +1 202-783-2123
Web Visit website

Billy Goat Tavern is a renowned Chicago landmark best known for its breakfast and burgers. But you don't have to fly to the City of the Big Shoulders to experience one of its great burgers. You can get one right on New Jersey Avenue NW in the city.

02 of 07

BGR The Burger Joint

Burger & Fries from BGR Burger Joint
 justgrimes/Flickr
Address
1514 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Get directions
Phone +1 202-299-1071
Web Visit website

As the name suggests, BGR serves a variety of burgers—prime beef, veggie, Cuban, Greek, and Burger of the Month, among many others.  Go traditional all the way with a great shake or Coke or root beer float at this award-winning Washington burger joint. 

03 of 07

Good Stuff Eatery

Bananas Foster Shake at Good Stuff Eatery
 Kim/Wikimedia Commons
Address
303 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA
Get directions
Phone +1 202-543-8222
Web Visit website

This family-owned business on Capitol Hill serves handcrafted burgers, hand-cut fries, handspun shakes and farm-fresh salads. You get the idea. All the burgers are made from farm-raised beef and free-range turkey.

04 of 07

Clyde's

Address
3236 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007-3615, USA
Get directions
Phone +1 202-333-9180
Web Visit website

This Washington restaurant group owns 13 spots throughout the region. Each has a unique setting and menu featuring American favorites such as burgers, ribs, seafood, and salads. Clyde's in Georgetown is the original, and its exposed brick walls and upscale bar and grill atmosphere is a prime space in which to enjoy one of the best burgers in the area.

Continue to 5 of 7 below.
05 of 07

Old Ebbitt Grill

Old Ebbitt Grill
 Tim1965/Wikimedia commons
Address
675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA
Get directions
Phone +1 202-347-4800
Web Visit website

Old Ebbitt Grill dates back to 1856 and is the oldest saloon in Washington. This swanky Washington landmark is just blocks from the White House. The menu features upscale American cuisine that includes a wide variety of dishes, from burgers to several pasta choices and elegantly prepared seafood.

06 of 07

TKO Burger

Address
2350 Washington Pl NE, Washington, DC 20018, USA
Get directions
Phone +1 202-847-3540
Web Visit website

TKO Burger, on Rhode Island Row, features old-fashioned burgers made of certified Angus beef. Its menu is almost entirely burgers (though not all are made of beef), and it features the Original TKO Burger, the Mac 'n' Cheese Burger, Southern Fried Green Tomato Burger, and the Jerk Burger, along with non-beef "burgers" like the  Maryland Soft Shell Crab Burger, the Turkey Burger, and the Fried Chicken Burger.

07 of 07

Shake Shack

Shake Shack burger and fries
m01229/Wikimedia Commons 
Address
1216 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Get directions
Phone +1 202-683-9921
Web Visit website

This red-hot burger chain that hails from New York City has several locations in the Washington area, so no matter where you are, you're close to Shake Shack. The menu features Shake Shack classics that include its famous burgers, fries, and frozen custard. Burgers are made of 100 percent all-natural Angus beef.

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7 Best Burgers in Washington, D.C.