Any article proclaiming itself as the “best” of something is always bound to attract criticism and skepticism from readers. This was certainly the case when I compiled my list of the best burgers in D.C. The sheer number of recommendations I received, many of which included actual restaurant burgers instead of the usual homemade ones, made me question the validity of my choices. It was clear that my sample of 45 burgers was not enough to confidently claim that these were the best in the D.C. area. So, I took some of the suggestions from readers, particularly those that were mentioned repeatedly, and embarked on a journey to eat more hamburgers and reevaluate my list. Here’s what I discovered.
The Sunshine General Store in Brookeville, Md. is the home of the Sunshine burger, which deserves a place in the original list. To reach the grill where this delectable burger is prepared, you have to walk past the front counter where co-owner Laura Pullen is often found working the cash register. The store exudes a nostalgic atmosphere, as though it has been plucked straight out of rural Maryland in 1973. The walls are adorned with wood paneling, and there is even taxidermy on display. The Sunshine burger itself is nothing fancy, but it is executed to perfection. The 80-percent-lean ground beef, which is delivered fresh a few times a week, is combined with a secret seasoning. The beef blend remains a mystery, but what is known is that it is cooked as a thick, loosely formed patty that is stacked as high as one desires. The burger is then topped with American cheese, raw onions, dill pickles, and tomatoes between large sesame seed buns. Despite being cooked well-done, the Sunshine burger is incredibly tender and delicious. It embodies the essence of a good burger, even if it doesn’t boast the high-quality ingredients found in white-tablecloth restaurants.
Moving on to the Garden District, the Standard burger is a true testament to the power of simplicity. General manager James Waterhouse likens it to a burger one might enjoy at a backyard cookout. It’s that magical burger given to you by a friend who may seem a bit tipsy but knows exactly what he’s doing on the grill. At Garden District, they understand that burgers don’t require complex preparation. The Standard burger starts with 80-percent-lean ground beef from Creekstone Farms, seasoned and cooked on a gas grill. The burger is then placed in a brioche potato bun slathered with housemade burger sauce, which includes thirteen secret ingredients. It is garnished with fresh onions, tomatoes, and garlic-dill pickles. The bun may sometimes overshadow the patty, but the burst of flavors that hits your palate with each bite is simply extraordinary. While I can’t definitively say that the Standard burger belongs on the original list without revisiting some of the lower-ranked hamburgers, it definitely deserves an honorable mention. There are outstanding burgers on that list that narrowly missed the cut.
Finally, we come to the Burger Américain at Le Diplomate. At first glance, this burger does not seem to meet the criteria for the original list. It’s expensive, it’s served in a restaurant that isn’t known for its burgers, and it even has toothpick flags representing France and America on its sesame-seed bun. However, upon closer examination, the Burger Américain proves itself worthy. It shares many similarities with the burgers that did make the cut. The patties, made from a blend of short rib, brisket, and top round from Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, are seasoned with salt and flattened on the plancha, just like a classic smash burger. The patties are then allowed to sizzle in their own fat until perfectly cooked. The result is a mouthwatering burger that defies expectations and showcases the harmonious flavors of a well-crafted dish.
In conclusion, these three burgers have proven themselves to be exceptional contenders for the title of the best in the D.C. area. While they may not fit the traditional mold of what one might expect from a top-tier burger, they excel in their simplicity, execution, and flavor profiles. These burgers have certainly given me a lot to think about as I revisit my list and consider the possibilities for future rankings.
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