Burgers with Chuck: The OG Burger at Alfie's in Washington, D.C.

by Chuck P

Anyone who knows me understands that I have a very unhealthy relationship with an iconic American classic: the hamburger. My love affair with the mother of all sandwiches knows no bounds. I’m always on the hunt for the perfect burger locally and whenever we travel. 

On our recent trip to New York we made a pit stop in Washington, DC to visit Jay’s fellow Food Network Star cast mate Alex McCoy at his pop-up restaurant, Alfie’s. I was told Alex would be cooking us up one of his signature burgers called The OG.

After meeting Alex and his staff we made our way to the bar for an adult beverage. I noticed one of my favorites on the craft beer menu, the Bell’s Brewery Two Hearted Ale, and immediately ordered a pint. I’m very happy that Bell’s is now distributed in Louisiana because their IPA is one of my all time favorites. It’s got nice pine and grapefruit notes in the aroma with a little hop bomb and solid malt backbone. I was almost halfway through my pint when Alex walked up to our table with one of the most beautiful burgers I’ve ever laid eyes on.

The OG Burger with house-made pickles, grilled red onion and arugula.

I mean, look at that thing! It’s a work of art! It was almost too pretty to eat...almost.

This is easily one of the best burgers I’ve had in my lifetime, seriously. Normally I don’t like any “salad” on my burger. I want to get to the nitty gritty of the burger without the healthy obstacles getting my way, but this time I made an exception. The house made pickles, red onion and arugula completely added to the awesomeness of the burger. The meat was incredibly juicy and seasoned to perfection. The toasted bun was a soft, buttery and a little sweet which I totally loved.

There is nothing I could find wrong with this burger. Usually, imperfections stick out on a burger like a sore thumb. Whether it’s the patty, bread or toppings, you’ll notice them either visually right away or with that first bite. But this one, THIS burger right here, had nary a flaw to be found. From the first bite to the last, it was perfection.