Washington, DC
For Burgers in Washington, the local food press points to Duke's Grocery, Lucky Buns, and Joia Burger. Picks from Washingtonian and The Infatuation, updated July 2026.
Editor’s picks
Press picks, until locals rank their own Top 5s. Sourced from the local food press. As seen in Washingtonian and The Infatuation. Updated July 2026.
Duke's Grocery · Dupont Circle
Washingtonian 2025 readers' #1 burger. The Dupont gastropub whose Proper Burger anchors DC's burger picks, plus sibling Duke's Counter in Woodley Park.
Lucky Buns · Adams Morgan
Washingtonian 2025 readers' #2 burger. The Adams Morgan burger bar with a globally inflected menu, also at Union Market.
Joia Burger · Mount Pleasant
Washingtonian 2025 readers' #3 burger. Mount Pleasant and Glover Park's smash-burger favorite.
Hill East Burger · Capitol Hill
A thin, crispy-edged smashburger on Capitol Hill; the Lancaster piles on bacon, smoked cheddar, arugula, and pickled onions on a soft bun. A homemade hot sauce is on hand for anyone who wants more heat.
What’s your #1 Burgers in Washington, DC?
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