Burgers You MUST See to Believe at This Mom and Pop Burger Spot in Arlington, VA

Tucked into Arlington’s Buckingham neighborhood, Jon’s Joint has quickly become the burger destination locals can’t stop talking about since opening in November 2024. 🍔

Founded by childhood best friends Safa Farighi and Amaan Jan, both just 24 years old, this smash burger spot delivers crispy-edged perfection on every buttered potato bun.

 

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The restaurant sources its beef from a Bealeton, Virginia farm and grinds fresh cuts of chuck and brisket in-house daily to achieve the ideal fat ratio for those signature lacy edges.

Named after Amaan’s father, Naeem “Jon” Jan—a restaurateur who owns Eerkin’s Uyghur Cuisine in Fairfax—the 24-seat joint transforms the former Ravi Kabob 2 space into a nostalgic paradise.

Red walls showcase vibrant pop culture art from Pokémon to Breaking Bad, reflecting the owners’ childhood passions and creating an atmosphere that feels both familiar and fresh.

How Jon’s Joint won local hearts

The secret to Jon’s Joint’s rapid rise isn’t complicated—it’s obsessive attention to freshness that sets them apart. ✨

While most fast-casual spots rely on pre-ground frozen patties, Farighi and Jan made a bold commitment to quality: trim and grind their beef daily, hand-brine their chicken, and craft signature sauces from scratch.

The result?

Burgers with crispy, caramelized edges and juicy centers that have earned hundreds of glowing reviews in just months.

Customer reviews consistently praise the OKC Burger’s perfectly steamed onions that melt into the meat, enhancing the umami flavor of the halal beef.

The approachable counter-service model and reasonable pricing make it easy for neighbors to become regulars.

Farighi, who dreamed of opening a burger joint since age 5, found his perfect partner when Naeem Jan suggested his son Amaan shared the same vision.

That 2022 conversation led to purchasing the space in early 2024, followed by seven months of renovation to create the nostalgic atmosphere that greets every guest today. 🎮

The vibrant decor featuring vintage car art and childhood favorites like Super Mario Kart and The Godfather creates conversation starters while you wait.

Word spread quickly through the DMV food scene, with foodies declaring it one of Northern Virginia’s best new smash burger destinations.

Food Highlights

 

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OKC Burger: Hand-cut, fresh-ground smashed beef pressed with thinly sliced onions, topped with melty American cheese and Jon’s house sauce—an Oklahoma City specialty executed to perfection with onions that steam into the meat for maximum flavor

Jon’s Classic: The crowd-pleasing signature featuring fresh-ground smashed beef with American cheese, onion, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and Jon’s sauce on a toasted potato bun

Juicy Lucy: A Minneapolis-style masterpiece with fresh-ground smashed beef stuffed with cheddar cheese, topped with grilled onions, pickles and Jon’s sauce—a must-try for cheese lovers

Jon’s Jalapeño Burger: For spice enthusiasts, this beauty packs fresh-ground smashed beef with pepper jack cheese, grilled onions, pickled jalapeños, and spicy Jon’s sauce that delivers serious heat 🌶️

Patty Melt: Texas toast loaded with fresh-ground smashed beef, Swiss cheese, grilled onions, and Jon’s sauce—a decadent twist on the classic burger format

Loaded Fries: Straight-cut, skin-on fries that are crisp outside and fluffy inside, available topped with melted cheese or as Smash Over Fries with chopped patty, cheddar cheese sauce, grilled onions, and house sauce

Atmosphere

The interior surprises first-time visitors who judge the building by its unassuming exterior.

Counter ordering keeps things casual and efficient, with friendly staff calling your name when burgers are ready. 📞

Red walls adorned with nostalgic artwork—from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Spiderman—create a playful, energetic vibe that appeals to millennials and families alike.

The space feels both roomy and intimate, perfect for catching up with friends over burgers while movies like Karate Kid 2 play in the background.

Bottom Line

 

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Fresh-ground beef crafted into perfectly crispy smash burgers with lacy edges.

Insanely flavorful signature sauces made from scratch daily.

Nostalgia-packed atmosphere celebrating pop culture and community.

Reasonable prices for exceptional quality ingredients.

Passionate ownership from locals who truly care about every burger. 💯

Address: 250 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203

📞 (202) 384-4954

🕔 Open Mon-Sun, 12:00 PM–10:00 PM