Wiinky's Joins the Long List of Ballston Dining Options

The competition for best burger in Arlington is now a bit stiffer, with new restaurant Wiinky's entering the fray just last month. Wiinky's is not alone. The new year has brought a smorgasbord of new dining establishments to Arlington: Burger Shack, BGR, Pete's New Haven Pizza, just to name a few. And don't forget Z-Burger, which will be coming to Virginia Square very shortly.

While Wiinky's won't dethrone Ray's Hell Burger (generally regarded as the best burger this side of the Potomac), it will certainly rival the rest of the burger-and-fries spots, such as Five Guys and BGR.

Wiinky's doesn't offer a sparkling franchise tag, or any of the amenities that accompany chain-restaurant status: sprightly interior design, prime-time location, etc. But Wiinky's modest interior and unassuming front facade (located at the corner of Wilson and Pollard) are endearing--a local restaurant in the sometimes overwhelming brand-name Ballston.

Wiinky's burger is pretty comparable to Five Guys (both price and quality wise), cooked medium-well (no temperature choice offered) but still tasty and juicy. Plenty of free condiments are offered to adorn your patty, and like BGR and Burger Shack, Wiinky's offers a few signature burgers. The "Wiinky" delivers a double punch of beef with two patties, is topped off with bacon and sauteed onions, and strangely enough, is dressed with a smear of peanut butter.

Patrons will find the standard cheeseburger rather enjoyable, with the distinct charbroiled flavor setting Wiinky's apart from the competition, and conjuring up the taste and smell of backyard barbecues. If one so chooses, the Chipotle mayonnaise offers a little zip and zing to the diner's palette, while the pickles and relish compliment with some tangy sweetness.

Not feeling up for peanut butter on your burger? While Wiinky's prides itself on great burgers, their chicken wings and hot dogs are their strong suit, so says their owner and staff. Just hearing the description of the "Maui-Dog," a certified 100% black angus beef hot dog topped with applewood bacon, pineapple, jalapeno, and teriyaki sauce, is enough to get the average foodie in the door.

One of the few burger joints to offer avocado as well as fried eggs, Wiinky's is versatile. Put their grilled chicken on top of a Caesar salad, or try one of their signature subs. They've got a menu that is sure to please most patrons.

While Wiinky's might not take home the "Best Burger in Arlington" award, or cook your burger to temperature, it's still a welcome addition to the neighborhood. With chain restaurants quickly laying claims to the ground floor retail of most new construction in the County, it's hard to root against a locally owned restaurant like Wiinky's--using fresh ingredients and serving tasty food. Definitely worth a try.