There has been much discussion lately about whether Five Guys or In-n-Out has the better burger. However, as I blogged about earlier, President Obama has switched his allegiance from Five Guys to Ray's Hell Burger. My position is that Five Guys is better than In-N-Out.
Recently I happened to be in Washington, DC for a business trip so I decided to check out Ray's Hell Burger, which also happens to be in Arlington, Virgina, a suburb of the District. It has a pretty distinctive menu with an interesting selection of quixotically named special burgers.
Pictured above is the "Soul Burger Number 1" which comes with a 10 ounce all-American beef patty, applewood smoked bacon, cognac and sherry sauteed mushrooms, grilled red onions with swiss cheese on a toasted brioche bun for $8.95. I replaced the cheese with Vermont White Cheddar. I also added small sweet potato fries for $1.75.
Although the burger is about three dollars more expensive than a Five Guys burger and almost twice the cost of an In-N-Out burger it is well worth it. Like Five Guys, it is probably too big to eat at one sitting. The sides are incredible.The sauteed mushrooms are amazing and the bacon and cheese were pretty incredible. Five Guys wins in the bun department (their buns are pleasantly dough-y and fresh, which I think goes better than toasting). Ray's fries are better than Five Guys but not as good as In-N-Out's.
Next time I'm in DC I will definitely check out Ray's again, but I will also grab a Five Guys burger to eat on the plane home.
Location: 1725 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209.
Contact: 703-841-0001.
AMBIANCE: B+.
SERVICE: B+.
VALUE: A.
FOOD: A.
OVERALL: A-.
