For years I had read that Georgetown student hangout The Tombs served one of the better burgers in the city, and for years I meant to put that claim to the test. But a trek to G’Town for a bite at a subterranean college bar owned by the Clyde’s Restaurant Group? I always found something better to do. When I finally visited, I discovered something even better than cooked-to-order burgers, which were juicy thick ones that do indeed live up to their reputation.

The discounted “Study Snacks” menu takes effect every night at 10 p.m., and Monday through Friday afternoons from 3-5 p.m. Items are grouped by price, with the aforementioned cheeseburger in the big bucks category, at $5.95. Cooked to the requested medium rare, irregularly shaped, and with juices oozing, my first Tombs burger was what I’m looking for in a proper patty. Quality can be inconsistent, however. On another visit, the burger was a little overcooked and underseasoned, and inexplicably topped with shredded (and only partially melted) cheese. Buffalo chicken and jack & bacon chicken sandwiches are both well executed, as is a Gardenburger that is just the freezer variety, but cleans up well with toppings and a side of onion rings. All of the cheapie sandwiches come with a generous, crispy serving of fries. But you’d be wise to trade those out for their perfectly made golden onion rings. The onion strip does not slide limply out of its batter upon first bite, the sign of a proper frying.