Ray’s Hell-Burger

Ray's Hell Burger

Local steak baron Michael Landrum has thrown his hat into the gourmet-burger ring with Hell-Burger, a neighborhood grill bolstered by upscale fixings.

The 10-ounce burgers are made from prime aged beef (the same cuts served just a few doors down at Ray’s the Steaks) and cooked to order over open flames. Patrons are welcome to customize everything, but a trio of free bases (diablo: doused in chipotle sauce, blackened; Cajun spices; and au poivre: seared pepper crust) are provided for non-self-starters.

Gratis toppings include everything from sherry-spiked sauteed mushrooms to bread-and-butter pickle slices, while premium upgrades like applewood-smoked bacon and homemade guacamole run $1.50 extra. Gourmet cheeses (ranging from American to cave-aged Amish cheddar) are available for $1 to $5 a pop.—WR

1713 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-841-0001. Open for weekend lunch, dinner daily.

Tags: burger, New to the Neighborhood