No other dish is as emblematic of American cuisine as the hamburger. Sure, one can argue for the case of the hotdog, which is no doubt an American staple. But what separates the hotdog from the hamburger from the hotdog—besides superiority in pretty much everything from size to taste to consistency—is that the hamburger was definitely invented in America.

While many patriotic Americans love to believe that their much beloved “tube steak” is uniquely American, its origins actually lie in Germany and Austria, where it’s referred to as a Frankfurter Würstchen or Vienna Sausage.

Unlike the hot dog, the Library of Congress officially recognizes the hamburger as a uniquely American culinary icon created in 1900. Danish immigrant Louis Lassen of New Haven, CT is credited with its inception. According to legend, when Lassen ran out of steak one day, he served a customer broiled ground meat scraps between two pieces of toast—and thus the hamburger was born.

Since that fateful day in 1900, Louis Luncheon restaurant in New Haven has been churning out the classic meat sandwich, giving birth to a food craze that’s likely to never disappear; and for a good reason too. The hamburger’s appeal lies in its delicious simplicity, making it a fast food staple across the globe.

But its fast food origins doesn’t mean the burger cannot also be an upscale meal worthy of even a Michelin star (or two, or three). Ever since chefs started putting thirty dollar slabs of foie gras on kobe beef patties back in the 80’s, the burger has become just as common at snobbishly expensive establishments as it has at the local McDonalds.

Believe me, if someone else is picking up the check and I have the opportunity to order an extravagantly crafted cheeseburger topped with foie gras, bone marrow, sautéed mushrooms and cave-aged cheddar—as is the case at Ray’s Hell Burger in nearby Rosslyn, VA—I’m all for it. But for the most part, I like my burgers unpretentious and seared to perfection. And around here, the two places that hit the spot when I’m craving a cheeseburger are Five Guys and Smash Burger.

True, both of these spots are national chains. But unlike their cheaper, fast food counterparts, they offer unique vibes, a fresh and bountiful selection of toppings and fair prices for the quality.

Five Guys—which opened on Bethesda Ave. back in 2008—has been serving up their uncomplicated but consistently tasty burgers since the first location premiered in 1986. The burger chain now has over 1,000 outlets nationwide, and for a good reason too. Burgers are served with either one or two patties, and can be topped with American cheese and bacon, plus 15 others for no additional cost. The fries are not to be missed: served plain or Cajun style and in two sizes, they come overflowing in a cup, making them a great deal.

Less known, but equally tasty is Smash Burger. The Denver-based chain opened up shop on Cordell Ave. late in 2013. The burgers are full of flavor as a result of the signature cooking process, which involves smashing a ball of seasoned beef on the griddle to preserve the flavor of the juices. There’s even a burger designed specifically for the Washington, D.C. market, another special feature of the new chain.

Smash Burger
4903 Cordell Ave.
Bethesda, MD

Five Guys Burgers and Fries
4829 Bethesda Ave.
Bethesda, MD