Bar Review: Burger, Tap & Shake
There’s something primal about eating a hamburger and drinking some suds. And with Washington, D.C.’s burgeoning burger and beer scene, there is no shortage of spots to accomplish that mission. However, any District connoisseur of heifer and hops should make the effort with this city’s newest joint, easily the best of the bunch, in terms of perfect patties and delectable drafts.
Burger, Tap and Shake, which opened in November, is the newest foray into the D.C. dining scene from Passion Food Hospitality (PassionFish, District Commons, Acadiana and more). On the southern end of Washington Circle, just steps away from the Foggy Bottom Metro, the restaurant announces its presence with tall glass windows, showcasing happy commotion and ruckus inside. The restaurant’s always filled and always buzzing, and why shouldn’t it be? Sealed concrete floors and an exposed ceiling lend a happening vibe. Inside, you can either order at the counter and grab a table, or, more enjoyably, grab a seat at the long, poured-concrete bar, where you can see chefs flipping juicy saucers of ground chuck, as well as the array of drafts on the 20-plus taps.
The continually changing draft list is the perfect compliment to every burger they serve. Order something with a bit of heat? Cool off with Alexandria, Virginia’s own Port City Porter, a dark and chocolaty draft that packs a wallop at 7.5% ABV. Or if you have a hankering for hops after a smooth cheeseburger, snag Blue Point Brewing Company’s RastafaRye Ale, a coppery brew with a heavy hit of rye that takes a bit of the edge off the hoppy beer. Almost all pours are $6, except at their newly-instituted Happy Hour, which lops a dollar of the price.
Of course, the last part of BTS’s name might be the best. If you aren’t in the mood for beer with your burger, but still want something boozy, try a ‘Shaketail:’ an alcoholic twist on their classic, hand-spun milkshakes. The Apocalypto is a devilish blend of cinnamon whiskey and chocolate ice cream, while the Evil Empire contains a synergistic combination of vanilla vodka and vanilla ice cream. And while a burger, a beer and a milkshake may be too much for one trip, don’t fret. Each one is good enough on its own to make you want to come back and try the others.
Photos via the restaurant on Facebook
