Breaking Beef: 8 Cow-less Burgers to Try

erica, 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

About the Author

Lauren Jones

•  
•  
•  

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.

More articles by Lauren Jones »

• Check It Out
•  
• burgers
• Vegetarian

Jersey Onion Morning Burgers

The Pig’s Brain Sandwich

Grown-Up Sloppy Joes

A Look Inside Good Stuff Eatery Georgetown

5 Things to Get at Bobby’s Burger Palace

Et Voila!’s Mussel Burger

The Light Horse’s Heart Attack Burger

Where to Cast Your Vote

Back to Basics

Edamame Hummus

Meat-Free Week

Spaghetti with Tuscan Black Kale

Food Wine & Co. Wakes Up Bethesda

DC VegFest

Summer Supper at Sticky Fingers

DC Meat-Free Week

Meatless Carbonara

Carry-Outs for Skinny People