Why go: On Washington’s burger spectrum, which ranges from Five Guys to chef-designed patties, Mark Bucher’s creations fall squarely in the middle. They have pedigree—hand-ground, dry-aged beef; brioche buns; turkey cooked sous-vide—but the wonderfully messy sandwiches stay true to their short-order roots.
What to get: A basic cheeseburger with cheddar and rosemary-perfumed roasted bacon; a Greek-inspired lamb burger with tzatziki and feta; lobster burger (available late spring through summer); thin sweet-potato fries; beer-battered onion rings.
Best for: Discerning eaters looking to satisfy a fast-food craving.
Insider tip: Follow the Twitter feed (twitter.com/bgrburgerjoint) to learn about each month’s special burger and shake. Monday through Friday from 11 to 2, a Box Set lunch deal includes a basic burger, fries, and a soft drink for $8.99.
>> See all 2010 Cheap Eats restaurants here