Arlington worships burgers. We smash them on griddles, stack them with bacon, crown them with fried eggs, and drench them in secret sauces. But too many around town are generic patties you could assemble at home. Not the ones on this list, though. These are burgers de la casa—hand-formed masterpieces from recipes more closely guarded than Pentagon files. We’ve been devouring Arlington burgers since before the Metro arrived (and ate exactly 32 while researching). We stand firmly by our picks.
Quarterdeck
$$ | (703) 528-2722 | WEBSITE
Quarterdeck does a great job of serving classic Maryland-style crabs without turning them into something unrecognizable, and their fresh crabs are a great example of that. The Arlington restaurant makes our favorite (and only) crab feast on this guide. They’re juicy, perfectly seasoned, and packed with flavor in every bite. These take some time to crack and enjoy, so they’re not ideal if you’re in a rush, but the outdoor seating is a fantastic place to hang out on a nice summer night.
Queen Mother’s Kitchen
$ | (703) 997-8474 | WEBSITE
We love all of Queen Mother’s Kitchen’s fried chicken sandwiches, but their Honey Butter stands out. We get that not everyone’s a fan of vanilla-infused honey butter on chicken (including us)—too many taste like glorified dessert toppings. But not this. It’s sweet, a little savory, and looks like a perfectly fried golden fillet. If there’s still no way you’re eating a honey butter chicken sandwich, try adding pickles to yours.
They’re packed with so much crunch, it’ll make your chicken sandwich as satisfying as the best in the DMV.
Burger Billy’s Joint
$ | (703) 512-0102 | WEBSITE
There are nearly as many burger joints in Arlington as there are government employees. But Burger Billy’s Joint on the main strip is the most reliable one (and we can’t be held liable if you go to another spot). If you like a thick and substantial patty, go to this place and get their Chef’s Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger. It’s big, juicy, and super satisfying. But the bacon is crispier than a new dollar bill—and packed with just as much flavor.
As busy as this place gets, it’s a very relaxed restaurant where you can sit at a booth and eat your burger in peace under (of all things) warm industrial lighting.
Epic Smokehouse
$$ | (571) 319-4001 | WEBSITE
Epic Smokehouse is our favorite barbecue restaurant in Arlington. The Arlington spot has excellent smoked meats like brisket poutine and burnt ends, but they also have wonderful smoked wings. They’re a little juicier than most, but packed full of smoky flavor surrounded by a tender texture. If you’re not in the mood for a full barbecue meal, grab these at the counter and use the house sauce they give you to give your wings a tiny spicy kick.
Shake Shack Pentagon City
$ | (703) 454-0552 | WEBSITE
Lots of things have changed for the worse at Shake Shack. The place feels more like a fast-food assembly line than a casual hangout, there’s an entire kiosk ordering system, and they’re in the process of managing a crowded entryway. But one thing remains the same: their chicken burger is delicious. Each has a juicy patty that actually tastes like chicken, and comes with a generous drizzle of herb sauce. The burger pairs well with a lettuce wrap option and (of course) the friendly manager.
Plus, Shake Shack has the most confusing service process in Arlington—there’s one kiosk for ordering, no table numbers for picking up, and less people enjoying their meals without delays.
Jon’s Joint
$ | (202) 384-4954 | WEBSITE
Yes, this is a burger joint. But a great burger is a great burger. And this is a particularly outstanding one. It’s bursting with well-seasoned, freshly ground patties and a generous helping of toppings. It’s crispy at the edges, juicy inside, and actually about the same size as its classic counterparts. Just know that this place is far from a fast-food counter.
You can’t just swing by for a quick bite, but it’s a perfect excuse to sit down in the clean, modern space decorated with comic and movie art posters and pair it with those fresh-cut fries.
Banditos Tacos & Tequila
$$ | (571) 257-7622 | WEBSITE
Strawberry margaritas are common, but a strawberry margarita with a Tajín rim is a rare thing. So what’s the difference? We’d like to picture a strawberry wearing a sombrero while balancing a lime wedge on its little green stem. But the delicious reality comes down to the rim’s consistency. Banditos’ Tajín-rimmed margarita has a thick crust that isn’t heavy on the salt. You can actually see and taste the bright chili-lime powder.
And the margaritas are strong enough to carry around in the pockets of your very own sombrero if you so choose.
BGR Burgers Grilled Right
$ | (703) 812-4705 | WEBSITE
Before you start questioning our burger credentials, know that we’ve made a total of four visits here. Because, like many, we were under the impression that these were the best burgers in Arlington. And they’re close—absolutely still an incredible burger. The beef is fresh and real with unique options like Western BBQ that give these burgers a distinct smokiness. But the cheese can sometimes be generous enough to see its orange melt peek through the bun like a sunset under toasted clouds.
We recommend going during lunch when they’re more likely to be juicy patties wrapped in crispy bacon that always hits the spot.