During those non-peak lounge hours, you have to eat. I occasionally enjoy a burger and the burger boom is on. So here is my guide to the best burgers in Washington, listed in order of their rating, according to my 100 point proprietary scale using multi-regression analytics and my iPad:
#1: The Burger at the Quill Bar at the Jefferson Hotel: The perfect burger in the perfect setting. The meat is excellent and always cooked to the requested temperature. The cheeses are outstanding and real. The presentation is perfect, including the house-made ketchup. Fries, which are in my opinion part of the burger experience, not a side order, are superb. This burger does get bonus points for being at the Jefferson - which has perfect scores for service and ambiance.
#2: Morton's Prime Burger at Morton's: I really don't like Morton's but my props to the second place, silver-medal winning burger there. The reason I don't like Morton's is that I think the chain struggles to maintain its freshness as a steakhouse. That aside, the burger is, as you would expect, great beef. They do get the temperature correct at order and variety of toppings is very good. Once I asked for crab on top and they didn't blink - after charging me $15 extra. There was a point deduction for the fries and the atmosphere is designed for something other then a burger.
#3: Black's Burger at Black's Bar and Grill: Okay, I throw one out to Bethesda now with the Burger at Black's Bar. Typically a lunch call, the burger also makes its appearance on the happy hour menu and it is excellent. They don't always get the temperature correct - play it safe and order medium and you will likely get medium-well - but the beef is good and the presentation is great. The staff gets extra points in the bar area. The fries are also good, but sometimes inconsistent in firmness. I don't like over done fries and sometimes these come out too crunchy or worse, cold.
#4: The Prime Rib Burger: Never mind the middle-aged prostitutes at the bar - at least that is what I think they are - the burger here is very good. The beef is prime and the temperature is correct, always. The fries are nothing special - I see the same ones at any sports bar. As far as the atmosphere, think 1980's and the original movie Wall Street. Also, be prepared to sit among some the aged power brokers of Washington - no fresh talent here to look at.
#5: The Burger Joint (BGR): The only quick service - hardly quick service - place on the list. My props to the creativity of this "joint" for making the list while getting a zero on ambiance. The food here is outstanding and that alone gives it high scores. The beef is good and the temperature is hit and miss, but these people make more then burgers. They have a burger, The Greek, that was featured on Bobby Flay's Throwdown and it won. Also, the sweet potato fries are the best fries on the list. I don't want to mention it, but I must, the Lobster Roll is also worth having - even if it is over priced.
There you have it! Enjoy your heart attack.
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