A popular D.C. gastropub is bringing its acclaimed burgers to Arlington through a new fast-casual kiosk at Water Park.
Known for its East London-inspired pub fare, Duke’s Grocery is preparing a new spinoff, Duke’s Burgers, at the outdoor Crystal City venue. There, the restaurant — voted “Best Burger in DC” for 10 consecutive years in Washington City Paper’s ‘Best of DC’ — plans to serve up its signature burgers and bites in a fast-casual setting.
In D.C., Duke’s signature Proper Burger is a customer favorite, piled high with two Angus patties, gouda, house pickles, charred red onion, sweet chili sauce, rocket and aioli on brioche. But the new Crystal City kiosk will serve more than just sandwiches (or, as they’re called at Duke’s, “sarnies”), managing partner Daniel Kramer told ARLnow.
“It will not just be exclusively burgers,” Kramer said. “There will still be some of the most beloved dishes from the existing Duke’s Grocery and Duke’s Counter locations.”
The made-to-order menu is still being finalized, but it is expected to include the restaurant’s white truffle mac and cheese, wings and beer-battered fish and chips. Duke’s has also applied for a liquor license to serve beer, wine and cocktails.
The new kiosk will be Duke’s first Virginia operation since its founding in 2013. An opening date is still to come, although Kramer said the restaurant is aiming to open in about two months, where Brij Coffee closed last year.
Since 2013, Duke’s has opened locations in Foggy Bottom, Dupont Circle and Potomac, Md., in addition to a restaurant across from the National Zoo called Duke’s Counter.
Kramer said Duke’s has been eyeing Arlington for a while. The National Landing area’s mix of residential and office buildings as well as its commuting population made it an appealing destination for the restaurant’s next step, he said.
“We’re excited to be in Northern Virginia, and we’re excited to meet our new neighbors,” Kramer said. “We’re excited about that community.”
The new kiosk is the latest in a series of new developments at Water Park this year. Monstera Burrito and Spot of Tea recently opened there and Pizza Paradiso Pronto is coming soon.
