If you’re looking to put away your GWorld and have some serious cuisine, check our blog every Thursday for a review of a new bar or restaurant in D.C.
This post was written by Hatchet Reporter Hannah Traverse.
BGR: The Burger Joint’s Dupont Circle location certainly offers more than the average fast food establishment in both menu items and décor, but at an above average price.
Though the clientele at BGR appear to represent a wide age range, the atmosphere of the restaurant is clearly geared toward a younger crowd: the dining area is painted a bold purple, funky chandeliers holding multi-colored bulbs hang overhead and a disco ball spins by the entrance. The music, reflecting the album covers and guitars hanging on the walls, is a mixture of pop and classic rock. BGR’s allegiance to rock music is confirmed on the back of its menu where it proudly advertizes itself as the official caterer of various bands and radio stations.
BGR’s menu, though rather short, offers something for everybody. Even diners who are health conscious and may tend to shy away from a burger joint will find a satisfying meal: homemade veggie burgers are available, and heavily seasoned, blackened asparagus can be ordered in place of fries. Additionally, the turkey burgers, which so frequently are dry and overcooked, are prepared at BGR with a mixture of cheese and mushrooms that keeps the meat moist.
Of course, for the true burger connoisseurs who seek to be absolutely satiated by the time they walk out the door, BGR does not disappoint. The menu offers interesting topping and condiment options not traditionally paired with burgers. “The Cuban” comes smothered in slow roasted pork, and the “The Southwestern” is served with a corn and cilantro relish. For something truly unique, diners may lean towards ordering “The Greek,” made with ground lamb, or the pineapple-topped Ahi tuna burger. All of the burgers come on a toasted brioche bun – a delicious change from the standard burger joint offering.
The wait at BGR is short. Customers line up along the left wall of the restaurant and order from a cashier who stands at the front of the bustling, brightly-lit kitchen. After placing your order, you’re given a buzzer to alert you when your food is ready – I only had to wait about five minutes.
Though the atmosphere at BGR may entice you to stay, getting your meal to go might be your only option. There are no more than about twenty tables in the dining area, all of them crammed together, and none of which can accommodate more than six diners. There are always a few people milling around, waiting for someone to stand up and relinquish a seat.
Just as the decoration and food may not suggest a standard burger joint, BGR’s prices tend to stray from fast food norms. A burger, side and drink could easily wind up costing about $20. Everything is à la carte: you’ll find yourself paying extra just to top your burger with cheese, and don’t expect fries to be included – those cost an extra $2.89. BGR’s food is delicious, and has gained recognition from The Food Network, The Travel Channel and The Washington Post, but prices may keep it from becoming anything more than a “once in a while” dinner spot for college kids.
BGR: The Burger Joint – 1514 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202-299-1071
