There are cravings that only a juicy burger can satisfy. Whether you want to double down with a bacon-and-beef combo slathered in sauce or go lighter with a veggie patty topped with, well, more veggies, you’ve got some tasty options in and around Arlington.
Sloppy Mama’s Barbeque
Not in the mood for ribs or pulled pork? The cheeseburgers at Joe and Mandy Neuman’s ‘cue joint are just as tempting, featuring 4-ounce beef brisket patties (single or double) topped with cheese, grilled onion, special sauce and pickles on a toasted Martin’s potato roll. Make it a meal by adding a soft drink and a side such as house-made hot sweet pickles, coleslaw or baked beans. On Wednesdays, get a single cheeseburger with fries for $10 when you dine in. 5731 Langston Blvd., Arlington
Big Buns Damn Good Burgers
A Best of Arlington 2025 winner, this local chainlet started in Ballston almost 20 years ago. Today, its “designer” creations include the Hot & Hefe (angus beef with pepper jack cheese, avocado, grilled habanero and serrano pico de gallo) and the Peppercorn Steakhouse (angus beef with gruyère cheese, onion straws, sautéed mushrooms, lettuce, tomato and tellicherry mayo). Chicken sammies, fries and seasoned sprouts are other options. Like any good burger place, it’s got shakes, too, along with spike-able frozen slushies. 4401 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston); 4251 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington); 1336 Chain Bridge Road, McLean
Jon’s Joint
Two burger-loving buddies opened this Buckingham storefront last November and people lined up. Our food critic loves their OKC—”two patties heaped with onions and melty American cheese on a buttered, toasted potato bun that does this Oklahoma City specialty proud.” Other menu items include the Juicy Lucy, made with ground beef stuffed with cheddar and topped with grilled onions. Don’t want a sandwich? Try the Smash Over Fries. Prefer poultry? Get a fried chicken sandwich. Round out the experience with house-made ice cream or a Kit Kat milkshake. 250 N. Glebe Road, Arlington (Buckingham)
Cowboy Cafe
Stop by this “low-key and local” bar and restaurant and order yourself a LoJo (TnT sauce, blue cheese and grilled onions) or the carb-free Naked Burger, a plain patty—hold the bun—served with a side salad. Turkey and veggie burgers are also on the menu, and sweet potato fries are an addictive side. For a splash of art therapy, check out the colorful mural by local artist MasPaz adorning the eatery’s outdoor space. 4792 Langston Blvd., Arlington
B Side
When the restaurant concept comes by way of a master butcher, you can expect a righteous burger. No surprise—the smashburger is one of the most popular menu items at this Mosaic District watering hole by chef/butcher Nathan Anda. Served with beef fat fries, it piles two beef patties, American cheese, lettuce, red onion, island sauce and house pickles on a challah bun. Extra famished? You can gild the lily by adding a third patty. 8298 Glass Alley, Merrifield (Mosaic)
Lyon Hall
The brasserie menu at this Clarendon hot spot includes Alsatian favs like hanger steak tartare and pots of mussels, but the namesake burger will surely tantalize those taste buds. It’s made with house-ground beef and topped with romaine lettuce, tomato confit, red onion, pickles and your choice of cheeses, including Roquefort. Add bacon or a fried egg for extra protein. 3100 N. Washington Blvd, Arlington, (Clarendon)
Ballston Local
The burger lineup at this bustling pub includes the Bluemont, with caramelized onions, gorgonzola cheese, arugula, bacon and sauce. Each burger order comes with waffle or skinny fries, chips or a Caesar salad. Sub an Impossible Burger and/or a gluten-free bun for a modest upcharge. Weekday happy hours from 3-6 p.m. bring a burger-and-a-beer deal for $14. 900 N. Glebe Road, Arlington (Ballston)
Best Buns Bakery & Burgers
Want to build your own burger? Start with an angus beef patty or two, and choose your toppings, such as hickory barbecue sauce, bacon and cheese. Pair it with fries, pasta salad or a fruit cup. Cap off the meal with a made-fresh-daily cookie or cupcake. 4010 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington); 8051 Leesburg Pike, Tysons
Burger Billy’s Joint
This self-described “Home of the Cherrydale Brisket Burger” serves smash-style burgers made with grass-fed, locally sourced Angus beef from Front Royal’s Cottonwood Ranch. That signature sandwich features 4-ounce patty topped with brisket, grilled onions, smoked gouda and candied rosemary bacon, all drizzled in a honey-bourbon barbecue sauce. Place an order online or onsite at a kiosk, then make your way to a locker, enter the code on your receipt and get your grub. 3800 Langston Blvd., Arlington (Cherrydale)
Bubbie’s Plant Burgers
This certified-kosher kiosk at National Landing’s Water Park serves only plant-based eats. Try the new Avocado Pepper Jack Burger, made with a 5-oz. Redefine patty. Other non-meats include chick’n sammies, a grilled “steak” salad made from mushroom root and pulled barbecue jackfruit on a soft roll. Tack on an order of pistachio-pesto macaroni salad or watermelon gazpacho. 1721 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Basic Burger
Don’t let the name fool you. Basic Burger serves more than a mere patty on a bun. In addition to its signature basic burger (100% Angus beef with lettuce, tomato and onion on a brioche bun), you can also find a big double cheeseburger, BBQ bacon cheeseburger and several other renditions, including veggie, turkey and plant-based. Pair your pick with a side of beer-battered fried pickles or sweet potato fries. 1101 S. Joyce St., Arlington (Westpost)
Burger District
This Courthouse emporium serves burgers in all forms, including smashburgers, angus beef patties, sliders, turkey burgers and vegan Beyond Burgers. Signature options include the District Shrooms Burger piled with smoked Virginia ham, grilled mushrooms and Swiss, and a Chili Cheeseburger topped with house-made chili and cheese sauce. Start your meal with an order of pork tips or spicy cauliflower, or choose those options as toppers for your burger. 2024 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Courthouse)
Ghostburger
It got a thumbs up from President Biden and VP Kamala Harris, so there’s an endorsement. Happily for Arlingtonians, the D.C.-based burger joint has an outpost at Rosslyn’s Upside on Moore food hall. Build your own (there’s a veggie option for non-carnivores) or go with what our food critic calls a “top-notch” burger. Creations include the namesake Ghostburger with American cheese and spooky sauce, and the Charlie, topped with pimento cheese, fried pickles, red onions, micro broccoli greens and jalapeño mayo. 1700 N. Moore St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Elevation Burger
This locally grown fast-food chain (the first one opened in Falls Church in 2005) serves 100% organic, grass-fed beef and fries cooked in olive oil. Build your own burger with one or two beef, Impossible, vegan or veggie patties. Or choose from a lineup of gourmet creations, such as the Guacamole Ranch Burger, which tops two beef patties with guac, Swiss and ranch dressing. Looking for low-carb? Ask for the Paleo Burger, which is wrapped in lettuce. Multiple locations in Arlington and Falls Church
Five Guys
Five Guys has been keeping it simple ever since the first storefront opened in 1986 on Columbia Pike in Arlington. Now a national chain, its menu centers on hamburgers, cheeseburgers and bacon cheeseburgers served with boardwalk-style fries. Choose from a single (a “Little,” as they call it) or a double patty, and add toppings like grilled onions or mushrooms and jalapeños. Not feeling carnivorous? Opt for the veggie sandwich (grilled onion, mushroom, green peppers, lettuce and tomatoes). Multiple locations in Arlington, Alexandria and Falls Church