Washington doesn't have one signature burger the way Oklahoma City has the onion burger or Milwaukee has the butter burger. What it has instead is a scene built neighborhood by neighborhood: thick bar burgers in Shaw, smash burgers in Mt. Vernon Triangle and Mt. Pleasant, a burger bar on Capitol Hill, a long-running local chain in Tenleytown and a few creative chef takes in Adams Morgan. The best approach is to pick a neighborhood, eat there, and use the Metro to hop to the next one.

A few areas are worth knowing. Shaw and nearby Mt. Vernon Triangle are close to downtown and packed with bars and restaurants. Adams Morgan and Mt. Pleasant, just north, are walkable nightlife neighborhoods with a mix of old favorites and newer counters. Capitol Hill is a good stop after a day on the Mall, and Tenleytown and Dupont Circle round things out in Northwest. Browse every listing in our restaurant directory, or scroll up to the cards on this page for addresses.

Best burgers in Washington, DC by style

Smash burgers

Unconventional Diner in Mt. Vernon Triangle stacks two thin, crispy-edged patties with American cheese and a spiced aioli into a tall double cheeseburger. In Mt. Pleasant, Joia Burger makes wagyu smash burgers with a Filipino twist: lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles are chopped fine and folded into the house sauce, and there's ube soft serve for dessert. Joia has also expanded to Glover Park and announced more DC locations. Lucky Buns in Adams Morgan sears smashed black Angus patties for its Aussie-inspired menu, including the Bogan Bun with bacon and a sweet bacon jam. New to the style? Our guide to smash burgers vs. regular burgers explains the difference, and our best smash burgers page has picks from other cities too.

Classic bar burgers

Eebee's Corner Bar in Shaw is a classic neighborhood bar whose burger is the main draw: a thick, dry-aged patty with raw onion and melted cheese on a house-baked bun. It's one of the hardest seats in town on weekends. Duke's Grocery in Dupont Circle, a London-inspired bar, serves the Proper Burger with gouda, garlic aioli, pickles, sweet peppers and arugula on brioche. For more traditional picks around the country, see our best classic burgers list.

Gourmet and creative burgers

Hill East Burger on Capitol Hill is a dedicated burger bar; its Lancaster burger comes with bacon, smoked cheddar, arugula and pickled onions. In Adams Morgan, Perry's is a rooftop restaurant known for Japanese-influenced food, and its burger swaps beef for a deep-fried shrimp patty with cheddar, slaw and togarashi tartar sauce on a milk bread bun. It's a good choice when your group can't agree on burgers versus seafood. Find more chef-driven picks on our best gourmet burgers page, and read up on dry-aged beef burgers and whether wagyu burgers are worth it before you order.

Cheap and casual burgers

Z-Burger in Tenleytown is a homegrown DC chain that keeps things simple: classic double cheeseburgers, big onion rings and a long list of milkshakes. It's a reliable pick for families and anyone who wants a quick, no-fuss meal. Z-Burger has also opened halal locations, which is worth knowing if that matters to your group. Joia Burger's single-patty smash burger is another casual option that won't take a whole evening.

Local burger traditions

DC's burger culture is less about one regional recipe and more about the neighborhood bar. Places like Eebee's and Duke's Grocery treat the burger as the anchor of a menu built for regulars, and many of the city's most talked-about burgers come from bars rather than dedicated burger shops. The other thread is variety: in a city with residents and visitors from everywhere, you'll find burgers with Australian, Filipino, British and Japanese influences within a few Metro stops of each other. If you want to put those styles in context, our guide to American burger styles covers the regional classics, from sliders to butter burgers.

Tips for visiting

Use the Metro. Most of these spots are near a Metro station or a short walk from one, and parking in Shaw, Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle can be hard to find.
Go early for popular bars. Eebee's in particular can have long waits on weekend nights, so a late afternoon or weeknight visit is easier.
Check hours before you go. Bar kitchens and smaller counters keep different schedules, and some open only in the evening.
Plan around the Mall. After a day at the museums, Capitol Hill and Mt. Vernon Triangle are the closest burger stops on this list.
Ask about doneness. Thick bar burgers are often cooked to order. The USDA recommends 160°F for ground beef; see our guide on whether a medium-rare burger is safe if you're deciding how to order.

Browse by style

Want just one kind of burger? See our shortlists of the best smash burgers, gourmet burgers, cheap burgers in Washington, DC.

FAQ

What is the best burger in Washington, DC?

It depends on what you like. For a classic, thick bar burger, Eebee's Corner Bar in Shaw is one of the city's most talked-about. For a smash burger, try Unconventional Diner or Joia Burger. For something different, Perry's shrimp burger in Adams Morgan stands out.

Where can I find a cheap burger in Washington, DC?

Z-Burger in Tenleytown is the go-to for a casual, budget-friendly burger and shake. Joia Burger's single smash burger is another good option for a quick, lower-cost meal.

Where should I eat a burger near Capitol Hill?

Hill East Burger on Pennsylvania Avenue SE is the closest dedicated burger bar on this list, and the Lancaster burger is a good place to start.

Are there halal burgers in Washington, DC?

Yes. Z-Burger, a local DC chain, has opened halal locations. Check the specific location before you go, since offerings can vary by shop.