Tucked behind Navy Memorial, just steps from the Archives metro station, is Penn Quarter’s newest burger bar with a bourbon fix: Plan B. Situated right off of Pennsylvania Avenue, in between the White House and the Capitol, you can be forgiven if you automatically assume that the name of this restaurant has to do with issues of the political variety and less of the burger business. Rest assured, the Connecticut-based chain is focused on all things B: burgers, beer and bourbon.

The interior of Plan B is relaxed and inviting, with leather accents, funky light fixtures and touches of red scattered throughout the dining area. It’s not a large space, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in coziness. The back bar area is decently sized with high boys and chairs; bourbon barrels situated on the back bar shelves add a fun décor element. It’s a great layout for an after-work get together with coworkers or meeting up with a couple of friends for drinks.

The name of this place says it all. If you’re coming here for a meal, expect to see every burger variation you can think of on the menu. The 20 burger options include everything from the classic burger, to a low carb version served sans bun with iceberg lettuce, to the decadent “New Englander,” topped with lobster. The beef is freshly ground in-house, twice daily, but if that’s not your thing, they’ve also got turkey, chicken, tuna, eggplant and mushroom burgers. If you feel so inclined as to order something that is not stuffed between buns, there’s a great selection of soups, salads and main entrees as well.

Now for the good stuff. If you’re a fan of Kentucky’s favorite spirit, take a gander at their bourbon menu which features plenty of options from Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Single Barrel and Small Batch. If you can’t make a decision, there’s the threesome option for each category, with a trio of bourbons carefully selected from the list.

 

The cocktail menu is broken up by “Classics” and “Future Classics,” and you better believe bourbon plays a leading role. From the latter, try The Older Fashioned with Eagle Rare Bourbon, Angostura bitters, Peychaud’s bitters and sugar. Looking for something refreshing? From the “Future Classics” order the Benjamin Button with Buffalo Trace, orange blossom honey and fresh lemonade. If you’re not in the mood for bourbon, there’s an extensive list of American craft beers calling your name (ask for the Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, aged in freshly decanted bourbon barrels).
 

Happy hour is offered Monday–Friday from 3–6 PM in the bar area only. Enjoy specials which include mini burgers and the bourbon Nip of the Week.