Hill East Burger

All of the smashburgers at Hill Burger East could be DC’s best burger. Perfectly thin (get a double), crispy edged patties on buns so soft they hold your fingerprints make this spot our favorite on the list. But the Lancaster burger at this Capitol Hill spot is so good that we’d fake a throbbing headache just to get out of work early and eat it as soon as they open at 5pm. It’s topped with bacon, smoked cheddar, fresh arugula, and pickled onions. If you’re feeling fancy, top it with their homemade hot sauce—a true spicyphile might need more than the little kick in the tomato relish.

photo credit: Chris Svetlik