Looking for the best burger in Alexandria? We’ve got you covered. Here are our top picks for burgers in our home base.
Holy Cow
2312 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA 
We start with a Del Ray classic, Holy Cow. With burger and other sandwich options galore, there is no way to go wrong with a Holy Cow burger. Cooked to perfection and still juicy, you can build your own burger or pick one of their many creations from the menu. The Sacre Bleu!, topped with Brie, Caramelized Onions, Applewood Bacon & Truffle Honey is a popular choice but do not worry, there are other options for both the safer and the more adventurous eater. Mandatory with your burger are some of their crispy fries, which you can get any of five ways. Some other options include the Big Deal Burger, which includes a fried egg as well as one of Susie’s top choices, the Quinoa burger. Best of all, with every burger you buy, Holy Cow will donate 25 cents to an ACT Alexandria charity of your choice. What could top that?
Chadwick’s
203 Strand Street, Alexandria VA
Head into Old Town and take a seat at Chadwick’s, an Old Town classic. Get your burger cooked anyway (we recommend medium-rare for the perfect pink), and closeout your meal with the one, the only, upside-down apple pie. Head in on a Monday for the deal of the century, half-price burgers!
Northside 10
10 E. Glebe Road, Alexandria VA
A hidden gem on the north end of Del Ray, Northside 10 has the burger you have been searching for. Whether its their classic “On a Bun,” or their highly praised Virginia Burger, with Virginia ham, cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and fries, you are guaranteed to be pleased with your order. They also have loads of other options for the non-red meat eater, like their portobello sandwich, various seafood po-boys, and pulled, grilled, and fried chicken sandwiches. Whatever burger craving you are having, Northside 10 is sure to satisfy it.
The People’s Drug
103 N. Alfred Street, Alexandria VA
If you want something a little outside the box, The People’s Drug might be for you. Their signature burger comes topped with oyster mushrooms plus pickled cucumbers and People’s Special Sauce. Be sure to also stop in for happy hour as well!
Five Guys
Locations throughout the DMV 
This list would not be complete without Sue and Marty’s favorite, Five Guys. With its first location opening in Arlington in 1986, Five Guys has had a strong community presence for years. Though it is now an international franchise, Five Guys still manages to maintain its Alexandria local feel, with everything freshly handmade in the store. Build your own burger and grab a cup — excuse me, bag — of fries, and you are good to go. Look out for new locations that are serving to die for milkshakes. There are many Alexandria and DMV locations, so no matter where you live in Alexandria you will always have a Five Guys near you.
Le Diplomate
1601 14th Street, NW, Washington D.C
This popular brunch destination on 14th Street has an amazing burger too. At this French-themed establishment, this burger is as American as it gets. With two patties and American cheese melting over the buns, Russian dressing, and sesame seed bun, this burger will harken back to your childhood memories of diner burgers.
Elevation Burger
Arlington & DC
Elevation Burger has taken off quite a bit in the region as well. The closest location to Alexandria is across the river in National Harbor. They tend to keep it pretty simple, though they also pride themselves 100% organic, grass-fed, free-range beef burgers ground in-house and hand pattied. Be sure to try one of the burgers with the Elevation Sauce!
Carlyle
400 Campbell Avenue, Arlington VA
While Carlyle isn’t a burgers only joint, it does have delicious burgers! On a perfectly toasted and buttered bun get the juicy classic burger or try the BBQ option if you are really hungry. Carlyle also has other American classics for non-burger lovers.
Holy Cow
2312 Mount Vernon Avenue, Del Ray VA
Head to “Del Ray’s gourmet burger joint” for custom burgers, hand-crafted milkshakes, and hand-cut fries. Holy Cow is part of local HomeGrown Restaurant Group.
Shake Shack
National Harbor, Pentagon City, Ballston, & several locations in DC
The once small establishment in New York City has grown immensely across the country with several locations now in the DC area. They have all the original classics, especially Mac’s favorite, the Smokeshack burger with bacon and spicy red peppers. They also have one of Sara’s go-to’s, the vegetarian Portobello burger.
Big Buns Damn Good Burger Co
Various locations in NOVA
With eight locations in Northern Virginia, Big Buns is a NOVA staple. From burgers and burger bowls to “chicken sammies,” fries, shakes, and even booze, you’ll find something delicious here. Try the Anniversary Burger if you’re hungry with angus beef, aged sharp cheddar, applewood-smoked bacon, caramelized onions, shredded lettuce, and grain mustard aioli.
HipCityVeg
712 7th Street NW & 1300 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington D.C
For vegetarian options, be sure to check out Hip City Veg in Dupont Circle or Penn Quarter. The Philadelphia-based chain has now come to the DMV and they offer a ton of different plant-based burger options, including the Smokehouse Burger which includes crispy onions, BBQ sauce, and smoked gouda cheese.
