BurgerFi Twitter/X Food Review

B.A.D. Burger at BurgerFi

There’s seemingly no end to the number of burger 🍔 options at @BurgerFi. Opted for the B.A.D. Burger ($11.49) and a Strawberry 🍓 Shake ($7.49) The Burger was delicious, despite a normally unforgivable offense (forgot the bacon 🥓) It starts with a tender potato roll, flavorful single Angus beef patty, a full-size hash brown and fried egg. Toss in the slightest dash of syrup, and you have a near-perfect (bacon?) burger. B+ Might be the best burger bun in the DMV. The shake’s good, but the color (beige) is odd & kinda off-putting C+.

Grade: B (Great choice for great burgers.)

Jon's Joint Twitter/X Food Review

Hamburger & Straight-Cut Fries at Jon's Joint

First time at the new DC location of @Jonsjointburger and we’re already in love. Freshest, hottest 🥵 Straight-Cut Fries in town ($5.95) A- (Old Bay at the counter!) simple but scrumptious (single) Hamburger (also $5.95) B+ and a to-die-for Mango milkshake ($7.95) that’s worth twice the price. A+ Banner service, fun atmosphere & one of the best windows for people-watching in DC.

Grade: A

CHAR'D Twitter/X Food Review

Char'd Burger (r) with Duck Fat Fries at CHAR'D

Not all fries are created equal, and the $6.99 Duck Fat Fries at CHAR'D are no exception. They’re phenomenal… clean, non-greasy and salty, perfect even without a dipping sauce. A. Their Char’d Burger ($10.99) is pretty good, but comes plain (if you skip the cheese) and is basically a @Smashburger that costs twice as much. B. Ditto for their $8.99 Strawberry 🍓 Shake (nice consistency) B. Inviting interior, but hiccups with online ordering + potentially prohibitive pricing make this more of a treat than a routine stop.

Grade: B (Solid as they come, and terrific fries.)

Wisemiller's Grocery & Deli Twitter/X Food Review

Wisemiller's Grocery & Deli's Quarter Pounder

Ordering delivery has its advantages. Case in point, @WisemillerD & its (mere) $6.95 Quarter Pounder, a burger that actually over delivers on size (closer to a half pound) & taste, surprisingly topping our list of DMV’s best budget burgers. A- Their French Fries are good too (clean, soft) and cheap ($3.95) B. Chicken Wings (6 for $9.95) are crispy & generously sized, but dry and overcooked. C- Last (and least) 1️⃣ of the worst Pastrami Sandwiches 🥪 I’ve ever had in my life. Lettuce & tomato by default (why?) resulted in a soggy mess with crusty, flavorless pastrami in between. It wasn’t overpriced ($8.75) but tasted awful. F All in all, a literal mixed bag, but worth the (burger & fries) find.

Grade: B- (Fixing the sandwich should be easy. Now do it.)

Silver Diner Twitter/X Retro Food Review

Silver Diner's Hamburger with Crispy Fries

Retro Review (9/29/23) Hamburger 🍔 with Crispy Fries at @Silver_Diner on my Bday with Big Bro. Only good part of probably my worst Bday ever. Attentive service, great atmosphere (on a Friday night) and one of the better burgers in town, Creekstone Steakhouse Beef, quarter pounder with fresh arugula, onions & tomatoes inside a toasted brioche bun. Noticeably juicy (perfect medium) with crunchy onions & tomatoes. Fries were hot, satisfying & salty. And (way) under 20 bucks! Here’s hoping diners never die, especially Silver.

Grade: B+ (Mastering the basics!)

Outback Steakhouse Twitter/X Food Review

The Bloomin' Burger with Aussie Fries at Outback Steakhouse

Hate to say it, but @Outback appears to be on a straight tumble towards mediocrity. Love affairs like this don’t die overnight, but this isn’t a one-off. (Sadly) it appears to be the new norm. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still good/great news to report, starting with the single best restaurant dish in the U.S.A. the Bloomin’ Onion 🧅 1900 calories of unrivaled goodness that never, NEVER disappoints A+++ Three cheers for unprecedented value as well, courtesy of Outback’s $14.99 Aussie 3-course with enough food to feed an army (or yours truly.) It starts with a Baked Potato 🥔 Soup 🍲 followed by The Bloomin’ Burger & Aussie Fries and a slice of New York-style Cheesecake that’s normally $10 on its own! The soup was… kinda yucky. Cheese, bacon bits & an oily aftertaste, when all I hoped for was clean, simple potato. To its credit, it was hot but otherwise D- The burger was a monster 1/2 pounder, but the kitchen put cheese on it despite my repeated pleas to the contrary. They cooked it to death as well (asked for medium.) FYI they undercooked my brother’s steak 🥩 AND his wife’s too. Unforgivable. Aussie Fries were ok, but I left almost all of the burger on my plate (server - no questions asked) F Luckily, the meal ended on a positive note: That cheesecake was GOOD. B+ Love the price $, dessert & the 🧅 but the burger and soup were disasters. Sorry Outback, you get graded on a (high expectations) curve.

Grade: C- (My brother & his wife hated theirs.)

STK Steakhouse Twitter/X Food Review

STK Cheeseburger

I realize delivery isn’t the ideal way to review a steakhouse, but the prices at @eatSTK are relatively prohibitive to dining in on a Friday night. The STK Cheeseburger is a literal steal at $9.99 (with chips!) but it doesn’t travel well. Mistakes abound, fries instead of chips, special sauce despite requesting none, and worst of all, cooked well-done instead of medium. The burger’s thick, but one has to question mucking up a burger at a $$$ steakhouse. Fries were soggy and (subsequently) yucky. D- Next, a $28 STK Sandwich that was covered in caramelized onions (requested none) inside a soggy French roll with barely any horseradish cream. The steak chunks were flavorful, but served alongside more of those cold, wet fries = more disappointment. D Not sure why the kitchen couldn’t follow multiple, simple directions, but the proof’s in the pudding. Imagine if we opted for their $81 10 oz. filet instead? 

Grade: D- (Stay clear of delivery.)

Gordon Ramsay Street Burger Food Review

Hell's Kitchen Smash Burger with French Fries at Gordon Ramsay Street Burger

Lost in Transit

Retro Review (1/15/26) Gordon Ramsay and delivery doesn't sound like a marriage made in culinary Heaven, but midday trips to downtown Penn Quarter sometimes require shortcuts. After a successful visit to Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza last May, expectations were high, but DoorDash hasn't figured out time travel yet. Our order arrived at 2:02 PM, way past their promised 1:28-1:47 PM window. Considering we ordered it at 12:43 PM... you can probably guess how this goes (especially after spending almost $40 for a burger, fries and a few wings.) The Hell's Kitchen Smash Burger sounded promising (two double smash patties, Hell's salsa and a spicy tomato chutney) but looked otherwise. Taste was problematic too... bland, cold and dull. D (Must have been better hot.) Fries were skin-on, with salt & pepper, but (also) cold & flimsy. D- Their Wings (6-count) were decidedly nicer, both in appearance and flavor. Slightly cold, they still tasted hotter (G.F.C. sauce is considered mild, but I was impressed) and had plenty of meat. B (Again, probably better fresh.) 

Grade: D+ (It's not Ramsay's fault, but it is what it is. They certainly deserve a second (dine-in) chance.)

Wendy's Twitter/X Food Review

Double Stack Combo (& extra, free fries) at Wendy's

Is it just me or has @Wendys changed… for the worst? Once upon a time, their square burgers 🍔 yelled, “Eat me!” Not anymore. It still rates as a great value, led by 🆓 any size 🍟 on Fridays, but the quality offsets even the lowest prices. A Double Stack Combo costs only $6 but includes a double patty burger, Value 🥤 & 🍟 AND a 4 pc. Chicken Nuggets + the aforementioned free Large Fries. Sounds great, right? Wrong. The burger, bun & nuggets were ice cold, my nugget sauce was forgotten, and the fries (like the nuggets) tasted of nothing. And I MEAN nothing. No salt. No taste. Nada x infinity. Toss in eating at 

@UnionStationDC_ and you have a recipe for disaster. Affordable disaster.

Grade: D-

Burger Baby Twitter/X Food Review

Burger Baby's Double Cheeseburger (sans queso)

I’ve seen the future (of fast food) and it is #Wonder-ful. Rosslyn’s new food hall (coming soon to Cleveland Park) opened last month, and I got my first peak tonight. Maiden voyage? Burger Baby. Ordered on their app, and it was ready in 10 minutes flat. You can eat inside, and it’s literal bliss. As for the food, their $9.95 Double Cheeseburger (sans queso) is two 1/4 lb patties (cooked well done) with gorgeous lettuce 🥬 tomatoes, onion & pickles. Nice & juicy, although I’d prefer a choice of doneness. Grade: B Their Barbecue Fries ($5.45) are hot, tasty & heavily seasoned. Bonus: They come with an original Sweet & Sticky Sauce that’s a real difference maker. B+ Great customer service & energy too. I think 🤔 I’m in love 😻. 

Grade: B+

Little Beast Cafe & Bistro Twitter/X Food Review II

Bacon Cheese Smash Burger at Little Beast Cafe & Bistro

I'll Have the Pizza

Back at @LittleBeastCafe, but this time it's for a burger! Their $20 Bacon Cheese Smash Burger (sans cheese) looks great, but sadly lacks flavor (no salt, no pepper) despite two delectable strips of bacon and an even better pretzel bun. Only one leaf of lettuce and a small slice of tomato = unimpressed C- plus a fistful of dirty, lukewarm (also unseasoned) fries that screamed ordinary. D Our advice? Stick to the pizza.

Grade: C-

Duke's Counter Twitter/X Food Review II

Fired Up Chicken with Side Fries at Duke's Counter

The Proper Burger at @DukesGrocery is already one of our all-time favorites, so it's no surprise that their Fired Up Chicken ($17) is absolutely scrumptious! Tenders (not a patty) but perfectly drenched with a spicy sauce that makes you cry for more, dressed in crispy romaine lettuce, tomatoes, pickles & garlic aioli, all carefully tucked inside a branded/toasted brioche bun. Messy & awesome A- Side Fries ($4) are plentiful, hot & worth upgrading to a large next time. B+ And trust me, there will be a next time... soon!

Grade: A-

Burger District Twitter/X Food Review

Bare Naked Burger at Burger District

Second Time's the Charm

Ordered from the wrong restaurant last week (oops) but I finally got to try @BurgerDistrict1 in Arlington. Fun buzz 🐝 inside & a super nice hostess, plus an on-time pickup order. Food didn’t disappoint with a Bare Naked Burger ($12.95) and Shoestring House Fries ($3.75) each earning a solid B. The fries needed salt, but they were hot and just the right size/texture. Not dirty or oily whatsoever. Burger was cooked perfectly (medium throughout) Angus beef with lettuce, tomato, red onions, ketchup & mustard. Great price for a bonafide half-pounder, but I wish the roll had been toasted. As Arnold would say, “I’ll be back!”

Overall Grade: B

The Hunter's Hound Food Review

The Hound Burger at The Hunter's Hound

Tis' the season to visit an Irish pub (sort of) in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The Hunter's Hound doesn't ooze Ireland, unless you count a few hosts in green sweaters, but it was openly cheerful, clean and loud. Reservations help, but when you're walking in with Mr. Smooth himself (the legendary Arch Campbell) primo spot tables magically appear. It was busy, but we were served in a timely manner (thank you Zack) minus a water refill or two. Arch and I opted for an Irish Soda Bread opener ($4.50) followed by a couple of Hound Burgers with French fries ($18 each.)

Carvings Food Review II

Hamburger + Fries at Carvings

Carvings has been feeding hungry collegians in & about George Washington University for 15 years; so it's about time this (former) college man tried it (again.) Note to self: College food ain't cheap. A burger & fries (no drink) runs you $13 + tax, and takes 16 minutes to prepare (even when it's not crowded.) It's a lot cleaner than the college coffee shops of yesteryear, but is the food worth the trip? Let's find out.

Elevation Burger at Mane Grill Food Review

Elevation Burger with Classic Olive Oil Fries

Restaurants are closing at an alarming rate, due to COVID-19; so the opening of a new one (and a burger joint, to boot) a mere two blocks from home was cause for celebration. Elevation Burger at Mane Grill opened two days ago, on the same day the Smithsonian's National Zoo reopened. Needless to say, I immediately secured a reserve entry pass (available here) and showed up today at 2:30 sharp, to try them out. It requires a bit of a walk (it's closer to the less traveled Harvard Street Bridge entrance) but as I've proven time and time again, I'll go to the ends of the Earth for a delicious burger and fries. Let's see if this first visit was worth the trip...

2020 What's Hot Culinary Forecast Now Available

From our friends at the National Restaurant Association...

Plant-Based, Sustainable, and Healthy are What’s Hot on Restaurant Menus in 2020

New National Restaurant Association survey identifies top restaurant menu trends for the coming year

Comfort food and innovation are pairing up on this year’s list of what’s hot in trends and creations coming to diners from restaurant kitchens. The annual What’s Hot Culinary Forecast, released today by the National Restaurant Association, offers a detailed look at the topics, trends, and products - from the ordinary to the surprising - rated sizzling hot by chefs working in kitchens across the country.

Dog Haus to Open in Kentlands

From our friends at Dog Haus...

Dog Haus Celebrates the Grand Opening of Its First Gaithersburg Location on January 25, 2020

Acclaimed gourmet hot dog, sausage and burger concept to welcome community to the Haus with free hot dogs all day, plus contest to win free dogs for a year

Dog Haus, the celebrated craft casual concept known for its gourmet hot dogs, sausages, burgers and one-of-a-kind creations, will celebrate the grand opening of its second Maryland location at Kentlands Market Square in Gaithersburg on Saturday, January 25, 2020.

Bobby's Burger Palace Food Review VI

Canadian Burger at Bobby's Burger Palace

Another month, another burger (of the month.) Ho-hum, right? Maybe at most places, but not Bobby's Burger Palace, DC Outlook's new de facto "King of the burger joints." On the heels of last month's Christmas Burger, Bobby Flay's fast casual burger palace is fast becoming one of my favorite places to eat (anything/anywhere.) All that's missing is a calendar, featuring these culinary beauts in glorious living color.

PLNT Burger Invites Next Round of Beneficiaries for Its “Friendraisers” Events

From our friends at PLNT Burger...

Since its grand opening on September 12, 2019, PLNT Burger continues to give back to the community by hosting weekly events at their restaurant located inside Whole Foods Market in Silver Spring. These “Friendraisers” invite a different community partner each week to enjoy a delicious plant-based meal on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 6-8 PM. As we head into the New Year, PLNT Burger will continue to host these Friendraisers, welcoming more beneficiaries to their roster of community partners.