Flay throws down on K Street

Relatively few "celebrity" chefs actually get elevated to the status of a household name, with even big-guns like Fieri and Batali being more aptly described as household size. For a truly ubiquitous star opening up shop in DC, check out Bobby’s Burger Palace.

Helmed by the lovable, red-headed host of Throwdown, Boy Meets Grill, and, like, 20 other things, Bobby Flay's counter-ordering burger bistro boasts communal Corian tables, bubble lights, and a soft, wavy bar with its own lighting track described as "serpentine", marking the first time you won't mind getting snaked at the bar. Sandwich-wise, your choice of Angus, ground turkey, or chicken breast is hit with regional accoutrements like provolone/ griddled onions/ hot peppers on The Philadelphia, and queso/ pickled jalapenos/ blue chips on the Sante Fe; or, there's less geographical fun like the double American cheese/ potato chips Crunch Burger, also what Louie Anderson calls the Big Mac he orders right before McDonald's closes. Liquid goodness comes via six brews (Sierra Nevada, Dundee Honey Brown, Anchor Steam...), and blissfully boozy cream concoctions like Vanilla Caramel Bourbon and the Mocha Kahlua Vodka under a section dubbed "Spiked Milkshakes", which unlike the gross ones at Johnny Rockets, 95% of customers won't end up doing onto the ground.

Proper side pairing comes in the form of sweet potato fries w/ honey mustard horseradish sauce, and they've even got the Topless Burger Salad on baby greens -- aka the amount of cash you make if you're just some ordinary Guy.