Steeze Burger, the pop-up smash-burger stand that The Washington Post crowned the best burger in the D.C. area, is finally putting down roots in Gaithersburg. Founder Hunter Karametos is graduating his cult-favorite Double Steeze from weekend pop-ups to a full-time storefront, promising the same farm-forward smash that built the brand. The move will test whether a viral, line-out-the-door pop-up can settle into life as a reliable neighborhood hangout.
Where It's Going
Steeze Burger has locked in a spot at 12141 Darnestown Road in the Shops at Potomac Valley, according to MoCo Show. The team is aiming for a Spring 2026 debut, and county records list a liquor-license hearing for that address on Feb. 19, per the Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services. Karametos has told local outlets that a permanent kitchen will let Steeze shift from pop-ups and brewery collabs to daily service for nearby residents.
From Pop-Up To Farm-Sourced Smash
Karametos built Steeze around a tightly focused smash-burger formula: two thin patties, steamed onions, pickles and American cheese. That Double Steeze turned into a regional fixation, and The Washington Post named the double cheeseburger the area's best in 2023. The brand's farm-to-table approach also drew cameras from public television, which highlighted how Steeze blends local Black Angus and even bone marrow into its patties, according to WETA/PBS. The Steeze Burger website keeps the menu intentionally simple and notes that the team is hiring as it gears up for a full-time location.
Why Gaithersburg?
Opting for a suburban shopping center instead of a downtown D.C. address signals that Steeze is prioritizing repeat neighborhood traffic over tourist hype, a strategy local coverage suggests could help the brand grow. Industry chatter cited by atBethesda notes that many buzzy pop-ups struggle to turn scarcity into a consistent, everyday business. Observers point out that Gaithersburg's steady foot traffic and relatively lower costs could give Steeze a better shot at long-term stability. The opening will add another locally minded option to Montgomery County's dining landscape, which tourism listings already highlight for farm-forward spots like Steeze, according to Visit Montgomery.
Steeze has not committed to a specific opening date, but if permits and construction stay on track, the shop could be serving its first burgers by early April. Fans and job seekers can follow construction updates and new postings on the official site and social channels, per Steeze Burger. Once the grills fire up in Gaithersburg, locals will get to decide whether this once-elusive burger is still worth the wait now that it is an everyday option.
