To say the menu at Steeze Burger is simple would be an understatement. They offer three choices: a single, double, or triple burger. That’s it. Each burger is topped with steamed onions, American cheese, and pickles. So the only real decision you have to make is how many patties you want. Why then, with such a basic menu, did The Washington Post name it one of the best casual restaurants in the D.C. area? Simple: because they also crowned it the best burger in the entire region. Steeze Burger isn’t about quantity, it’s all about quality.
Since I review Northern Virginia restaurants, I knew Steeze Burger had to be on the list, even though they’re technically not always in Northern Virginia. They’re a pop-up, which means they don’t have a fixed location. Instead, they move around, serving their burgers at various spots throughout the week. To find them, you’ll need to follow their social media, where they constantly update their whereabouts.
So, what makes Steeze Burger so good? There’s no secret sauce or mysterious spice blend. What sets them apart is their commitment to top-tier ingredients, starting with the beef. They source farm-fresh meat from Gaithersburg, MD, and grind it weekly to ensure the freshest possible burgers. Their custom blend, which includes bone marrow, gives the burger its distinct, rich flavor. Judging by the long lines at their pop-ups, it seems this attention to detail makes all the difference.
Steeze Burger was founded by Hunter Karamentos, who spent years studying hamburgers to understand what makes a great burger. With 3-ounce patties smashed onto a Blackstone griddle, they embrace the growing popularity of smash burgers. While this style is nothing new, Steeze Burger’s execution is exceptional. It’s hard to explain how something so simple can taste so unique, but that’s the magic here.
Though they don’t come to Northern Virginia every week, I find myself constantly checking their schedule, hoping they will. The lines are long because their reputation has spread quickly. At a recent pop-up at a brewery, I arrived right when they opened and still waited 40 minutes. Was it worth it? Absolutely.
Many consider Steeze Burger the best in the DMV, and after multiple visits, I find it hard to disagree. Whether it’s the best is up for debate, but it’s undoubtedly one of the top contenders. Steeze Burger has earned its place on our Best of Burgers list.
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