We get it. There’s something magical about the special sauce, double patty, and sweet sesame bun of the classic Big Mac sandwich. And maybe in other parts of the world, the Big Mac is the standard for a good burger. But here in Reston, Virginia, we want to challenge the belief that a good burger only exists at the end of a big chain’s too-long drive-thru line. In fact, we’ve compiled a list of the best burgers in the area to prove it.
Here are some local favorites that will leave your taste buds singing and those golden arches firmly in the rear-view mirror.
Red’s Table
First on the list is the dry-aged burger from Red’s Table. This sandwich is teeming with flavor and comes with cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and bread and butter pickles. There are a ton of other great menu options too, if you want a break from your traditional burger. Vegetarians looking for a savory option can try the mushroom and rolled oat burger. It’s served with whole-grain mustard aoli, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese. Find both these menu options at either lunch or dinner at Red’s Table.
Three local brothers own Red’s Table, and they grew up going to the South Lakes Village Center. Now, owning a restaurant in the same space that represents so many great childhood memories is a dream come true for the brothers. You can certainly taste their passion and devotion to their community in their food offerings. Matthew, Patrick, and Ryan Tracy worked hard to create an atmosphere that was welcoming and appropriate for every occasion, be it a birthday party, anniversary celebration, casual hangout, or work event. They certainly succeeded.
You can visit Red’s Table 11 a.m. to midnight seven days a week. You can make a reservation for the restaurant’s front patio seating online, but the back patio is first come, first served.
Ted’s Bulletin
Next on the list is Ted’s Bulletin. This restaurant takes an innovative and contemporary approach to traditional American cuisine. Breakfast lovers will enjoy the all-day breakfast, and those wanting an out of this world burger can try the Ted’s Burger. Feeling adventurous? There are many creative and fun menu options to explore. Take, for example, the spot’s Peanut Butter Bacon Burger. This burger has tomato jam for an interesting fusion of burger and peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Visit for happy hour and try the bacon cheeseburger empanada with a fresh cocktail to wash it down.
Ted’s Bulletin offers five Virginia and Washington D.C. locations, so you can enjoy their daring and inventive menu items wherever you are. They feature open and spacious dining rooms and have great breakfast and brunch offerings. You can even make your reservation easily online if you’re worried about finding a spot at an open table. This spot is popular, so be sure to make your reservation or arrive early to get a great seat. That said, you can always enjoy a more casual conversation and dining experience with the restaurant’s bar seating.
Ted’s is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Jackson’s Mighty Fine Food and Lucky Lounge
Visit Jackson’s Mighty Fine Food and Lucky Lounge for a dining experience that includes a little of everything. The bacon cheeseburger with pecan smoked bacon will have your mouth watering, but they have plenty of other incredible menu options, too. We’re especially fans of the lounge’s lobster rolls. Made with fresh Maine lobsters, these buttery rolls will have you coming back again and again. The lunch and dinner fare at Jackson’s is eclectic, but all of it is equally delicious.
Jackson’s Might Fine Food and Lucky Lounge isn’t just a great place because of its food. The restaurant is also an important part of our community. By partnering with The Great American Community Kitchen, Jackson’s is able to provide much needed food, nourishment, and support to those who are experiencing food insecurity within the community. With their neon accents, 1940s decor, and dim lighting, you’ll see why so many frequent the American eatery often.
The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
The Buffalo Wing Factory
Though typically known for their wings, The Buffalo Wing Factory makes a pretty incredible burger too. Pair your lunch or dinner with scratch cocktails and a refreshing beer for ultimate enjoyment. Try the Chipotle Smashburger, served with chipotle mayo, avocado, and pepper jack cheese. It’s really hard to go wrong with a menu as great as The Buffalo Wing Factory’s. For a starter, be sure to sample the firecracker cauliflower. It’s veggies the way you’ve never had them before.
The restaurant is an icon of Northern Virginia, and since its beginning in the mid-1990s, it’s been able to expand into four other area locations. Be sure to check out some of the spot’s other top locations for even more great flavor offerings and drinks. The Reston Buffalo Wing Factory is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Willard’s Real Pit BBQ
Though not your typical burger, we’d be remiss if we didn’t list Willard’s Real Pit BBQ’s Double Trouble sandwich on this list. Experience the spot’s incredible pulled chicken and hot sausage in a glorious union of juices and flavors. Coleslaw, pickles, and honey barbecue sauce take this sandwich to the next level. Located conveniently by Reston’s The Home Depot Center, this is a great place to fuel up for your next big project. You can visit Willard’s 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Reston has so many great burgers, there’s no reason to rely on a big chain burger to satisfy your cravings. Is there a burger spot in town we forgot to list? If so, let us know. We’d love to update our recommendations to include the best possible patties in town.
Burger by cyclonebill is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0
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