DaBo Burger Brings Smash-Hit Flavor to Anacostia

There’s a new burger causing a buzz south of the river.

DaBo Burger, a concept from the team behind Mélange, has officially landed inside Atlas Bridge District Brewery & Tap Room in Southeast DC, serving crave-worthy smash burgers.

Named for the Amharic word for bread, DaBo is chef Elias Taddesse’s love letter to craft and comfort. Each burger is deeply seasoned, decisively smashed, and tucked into a house-made milk bun that quietly steals the show. Inspired by pain au lait, Tadesse’s favorite snack during culinary school, the bun blends French brioche technique with Japanese milk bread tradition. The result? A soft, slightly sweet, glossy cushion finished with pearl sugar and engineered (yes, engineered) to hold up to serious beef.

The menu is concise but confident. There’s the signature DaBo Burger, and fan-friendly standouts like Le Royale, layered with Colby Jack, iceberg lettuce, tomato, and butter chive dijonnaise; The Oklahoma, stacked with American cheese, pickled greens, fried onions, and classic condiments; The McDowell, a nostalgic nod loaded with special sauce; and The New Shroom, a smoked-cheddar-topped mushroom duxelle patty finished with roasted garlic aioli. Pair it all with Atlas Brew Works’ award-winning beers, and you’ve got a meal that feels both grounded and celebratory.

Looking ahead, DaBo plans to roll out a dedicated bar menu for Atlas patrons and a lineup of indulgent milkshakes, with burger offerings evolving seasonally. But the mission stays the same: do one thing exceptionally well.

Open 4–9pm Thursdays and Fridays and 11am – 9 pm Saturdays and Sundays, DaBo Burger lives at 600 Howard Road SE, serving counter orders, takeout, and delivery.