Pick Six: Where to Grab a Great Burger and Brew in DC

Whether it’s at brunch, a light night craving, or a happy hour snack, it’s safe to say that a burger and a beer comprises the quintessential bar meal. Hit up these bars and restaurants for the best of both.
 

Owned and operated by brothers and their longtime friend, The Big Board serves up the trio’s version of gourmet burgers. Choose from 10 burger options (including non-meat options) or build your own. All burgers are made with 100% all-natural ground beef and marinated with a secret recipe passed down from the owners’ father. Into spice? Try The Great Chicago Fire: a chipotle seasoned burger with fire-roasted chili, habanero jack cheese, chipotle aioli, and served with a mango habanero salsa. Lucky for you, they’ve also got over 25 beers to cool down your mouth, post Great Chicago Fire. (421 H St., NE; 202-543-3630)

All of the burgers at this Adams Morgan gastropub are made with Hereford beef ground in-house. There are eight different burgers on the menu including a cheese-stuffed pork belly burger. If that doesn’t sound decadent enough, you have the option to add more toppings including fried goat cheese jalapenos, grilled jumbo shrimp, and mac and cheese fritters. Choose from 40 bottled beers and endless drafts. Pro tip: Stop by on Thursdays for half-priced burgers. (2427 18th St. NW; 202-232-1011)

With a name like “Burger Tap & Shake” it’s not hard to guess what’s on the menu. If you’re looking for a burger and beer deal, this is the place to go. The aptly named Six Buck Chuck is the BTS House Burger with all the fixings, for just $6. Pair it with a happy hour draft for $5 (3–6 PM and 10 PM–Close). (2200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW; 202-587-6258)

The beer-centric bar on 14th Street boasts a menu with 555 beers, with 5 cask ales, 50 drafts and 500 bottles. As we know, nothing goes better with a beer than a burger.  Order the Brat Burger with beer-braised sauerkraut, emmenthaler cheese, and a side of fries. (1337 14th St., NW; 202-567-2576)

The perfect neighborhood hangout for a casual weekend brunch or after work happy hour, Duke’s Grocery is home to a burger monster named the Proper Burger. With two beef patties, grilled onions, gouda, sweet chili sauce, dill pickles, arugula, and garlic aioli, be prepared to knife and fork this one, because there’s no way it’s getting in your mouth otherwise. During happy hour (12–7 PM), score select draft beers for $5. (1513 17th St., NW; 202-733-5623)

Plan B Burger Bar
We’ve previously heaped praise on Plan B, and we’d still happily recommend it as a spot for a burger and brew. With over 20 burgers and 60 beers, there’s something for everyone. Can’t decide which burger you want? Come for happy hour (3–6 PM) and split mini burgers to maximize the different varieties you can try in one sitting. (801 Pennsylvania Ave., NW; 202-808-8720)