‘Merica, home to notable national treasures such as Yellowstone National Park, Betty White, Grumpy Cat and oh, big, juicy beef burgers stacked with ‘merican toppings and nestled between oh-so-soft buns.But this is the 21st century and we demand equal rights, equal pay and equally delicious burgers, so here are the underrated, non-beef versions you should find in DC to expand your burger knowledge:
- Shake Shack’s vegetarian ‘Shroom Burger ($6.95) is unbelievable, that’s all I can say. A crisp, fried portabella mushroom filled with melted Muenster and Cheddar cheeses, topped with lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce. Various locations.
- The Michelle Melt ($6.98) at Good Stuff Eatery is a free-range turkey burger topped with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, tomato, lettuce and Southlawn herb garden mayo on a wheat bun. Edible class and fabulousness that the FLOTUS radiates. 303 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC. 202.543.8222
- Fancy meets familiar, the Michel way, with the lobster burger ($30) at Central Michel Richard–lobster with confit tomato, Central mayonnaise and potato tuiles. 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC. 202.626.0015
- Mediterranean sliders ($9) from Café Ole are mini lamb burgers with sumac garlic mayo and olive salsa. Opa! 4000 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC. 202.244.1330
- A whole lotta flavor for a good cause, the vegetarian Quentil Burger ($10) from Cause: The Philanthropub sports quinoa, lentils, feta cheese and spicy harissa, cooled by cucumber, mint and Greek yogurt. Word. 1926 9th Street NW, Washington, DC. 202.588.5220
- The Atlantic ($10) from The Big Board: an Atlantic salmon patty with sesame seeds, Napa cabbage slaw and wasabi mayo, ginger and scallions. And…you had me at wasabi mayo. 421 H Street NE, Washington, DC. 202.543.3630
- The simple bison burger ($13) at Granville Moore’s consists of local bison (a kissing cousin of the cow but with a wild streak) and provolone, Swiss or Cheddar cheese plus frites. Add an egg for $1. Preach. 1238 H Street NE, Washington, DC. 202.399.2546
- Because of course a Belgian thought of something this awesome, Et Voila’s burger de moules is a patty ($15.95, pictured) of chopped mussels topped with lobster aioli and comes with sweet potato fries. 5120 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, DC. 202.237.2300
Lauren is a travel guru with a ceaseless case of wanderlust. She’s traveled around the world quite a few times where she’s dined on everything from alligator to zebra. Now that she has settled in the District, she’s always on a quest for the next culinary marvel (fried chicken and donuts, anyone?). She enjoys all things that include carbs, cheese and sauce and never says no to a good beer. If she’s not working in the travel industry by day or going to grad school by night you might spy her at a food truck or roasting a leg of lamb in her kitchen.