Some might think Burger Tap & Shake is just a haunt frequented by college students, but once you try their burgers, you’ll realize it’s much, much more. Sure, this trendy joint serves up “shaketails” and onion rings and takes Meal Plan money, but that’s just one of the benefits of being a student in DC in 2015…
“BTS,” as the kids call it, is the best of both worlds – you can order your burger from the counter and grab a table with your friends, or you can sit at the bar and sip on one of the carefully selected alcoholic beverages on tap. The restaurant has an open kitchen, which can be enjoyed at one of the few coveted bar seats.
Now as a person that doesn’t consume gluten, you’re probably wondering why we’re suggesting you go to a burger place. Valid question, but one thing BTS definitely prides themselves in is their awareness about dietary restrictions. You can order any burger on the menu in a makeshift “lettuce wrap” or atop their House Salad with romaine, carrots, tomatoes and cucumbers, with your choice of Ranch, Louie, Champagne Vinaigrette or Honey Mustard dressing. If you’re feeling like shelling out some extra cash, you can also add shredded cheddar, blue cheese, feta cheese, bacon, pickled jalapenos or mushrooms for a minimal extra price.
If you want to go with a burger option, there are way too many to choose from, and almost all of them can be customized to be gluten-free. If you’re into a beef burger, hit up the “Big Daddy,” a burger topped with Benton Bacon, buttermilk blue cheese, Lea & Perrins mushrooms, and BTS’s AP sauce. The AP sauce is made with mayo, ketchup, mustard, BBQ and chipotle. Unfortunately, the chipotle they use contains a trace amount of gluten, so make sure to omit this from your order if you can’t handle any gluten.
If you’re not dedicated to getting a standard beef burger, you should definitely try the “Upstream Run,” a salmon burger with Asian slaw, sriracha aioli, and mixed greens. Perfect for when you feel like hitting up a burger joint but don’t want to feel too stuffed. If you’re a vegetarian, the “Haight-Ashbury” is a delightful falafel patty with pickled vegetables, feta, and a creamy cilantro raita. Yes, you can take your vegetarian friend here.
One of the coolest things about BTS is their wide selection of “shaketails,” because who doesn’t want to get a little tipsy while enjoying a milkshake? Several of these options unfortunately include gluten, but you can opt for the “Talladega Nights” with Firefly sweet tea vodka, house made limoncello, vanilla ice cream, and lemon juice or the “Cow Tipper,” made with Smirnoff root beer vodka and vanilla ice cream.
Burger Tap & Shake is an awesome option for nobreaders. Plus, it’s ridiculously affordable for the creativity and quality you’re getting. Definitely head to BTS to if you’re craving a burger and shake with a twist.