I had heard about Ray's Hell Burger for many years. As a native, it struck me as odd that this little "dive" had created such a cult following for hamburgers. When I first walked in at lunch time it was packed. There was a line formed for ordering & tables packed with people grabbing a quick bite during lunch hour. The order menu is the most unique I have seen for a burger joint. There were options for Bone Marrow, Seared Foie Gras and all types of imported cheese. The sides were intriguing for the burger you would choose: charred jalapenos, cognac and sherry sauteed mushrooms, Ray's Heck Sauce & even a Piranha Sauce (very hot green sauce).

     At Ray's Hell Burger they have many Custom Burgers on the menu. Two of them drew my attention from their names: Big Punisher (Hot, Hot) and Dog Catcher (Bone Marrow). As I read through the menu and began salivating I decided to not attempt any of the combination burgers but go with the Original Hell Burger. Smoked Mozzarella, Charred Jalapenos, Pickles, Lettuce & Tomato on the toasted brioche bun completed my burger. Of course no burger is complete without fries. They have sweet potato fries for the perfect compliment.

      As a "ketchup-a-holic" I have never eaten a burger without ketchup and normally mustard. This is the first hamburger which I put nothing on it. Simply the toppings mentioned above. I have gone to all of the best burger joints in the area. The fancy dining, the chains and even the hole-in-the-wall places...this is the best hamburger that I have eaten.

 

        A couple tips... If this is your first time go with the Original Burger. Order it Medium Rare- this will keep it with all the flavors you want in the burger. Think about the sweet potato fries and the chocolate shake. Happy Dining in Arlington Virginia at Ray's Hell Burger. Parking can be tight so look to park with meter on the cross streets of either N. Rhodes Street or N. Pierce Street. If you get there before the lunch hour rush you may find parking in the strip mall itself.