We’ve looked at restaurants that are great for vegetarians and the best vegan joints around—even the best specific vegetarian dishes. But what about the humble veggie burger—for many years, the only option for beleaguered vegetarians? Fortunately the rising tide of non-meat options hasn’t left them behind. Toppings on today’s burgers go well beyond your standard tomato and lettuce, and the patties have left Morningstar in the dust. Let us know your favorites in the comments.

The Shroom Burger at Shake Shack (via Facebook).

‘SHROOM BURGER AT SHAKE SHACK: Shake Shack’s veggie burger isn’t a patty: it’s a deep fried portabello mushroom filled with gooey, melted muenster and cheddar cheese. You aren’t going to win any healthy eating competitions with this one, and you might spill greasy cheese all over your shirt, but it’s damn tasty. Topped with lettuce and tomato, so it’s easier to pretend you got your dose of vegetables. — Lynne Venart

Shake Shack has locations in Dupont Circle, Union Station, and Gallery Place.

BGR: I’ve sampled a number of veggie burgers around town, but BGR‘s is the only one I would order over a beef patty. The mash of black beans, brown rice, and oats is bound together by molasses, making it reminiscent of a burger imbued with sweet barbecue sauce. The result tastes uncannily of pulled pork, sans pig. Dress it up with some lettuce, tomato, and pickles, and you won’t even miss the beef. —Alicia Mazzara (from a previous list)

BGR has multiple locations in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

COMMISSARY: The first time I ordered a veggie burger at this place on P Street, I was skeptical; they were promising a patty made out of quinoa and black beans. Admittedly the huge thing kind of fell apart by the end, but it was so tasty that I didn’t particularly mind. Commissary‘s sesame bun is perfect and they have a range of toppings that you can add for an extra fee. . — Rachel Sadon

Commissary is located at 1443 P Street NW

DC9: I like DC9‘s veggie burger selection because you can get any one of the options on their burger menu with a veggie burger (even real bacon if you’re feeling contradictory). They have great topping options and complementarily spiced aiolis, so you’re not stuck with a veggie burger topped with healthy things like sprouts (gross) or wimpy lettuce. My favorites are the Herbert (with a fried green tomato and tobasco aioli), the Blacksmith (with caramelized onions, blue cheese and blackened aioli), and the South By (guacamole, pepper jack, garlic-cilantro mayo, and picked jalapeño). As a bonus, DC9’s burgers come with a heaping pile of their signature delicious garlic fries. — Lynne Venart

DC9 is located at 1940 9th Street NW.

VEGGIE DERBY BURGER AT RED DERBY: The Red Derby‘s regular veggie burger option is pretty unexciting, but the veggie version of the “derby burger” comes with a heaping of avocado, sprouts, and arugula in addition to the standard lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles. There’s no twist on the patty here, it’s about as standard as they come. But sometimes you don’t want a quinoa/black bean/rice/veggie fiber concoction (actually, that’s often how I feel). And it comes on a bed of addictive fries in a standard red basket, just as god intended. But, wait, there’s more! All burgers are half price all night on Mondays. Which means if you come during happy hour—when all drinks are $1 off—you can have a beer and a burger for a grand total of $7. The only word of caution is that they can get pretty busy on Mondays. — Rachel Sadon

The Red Derby is located at 3718 14th Street NW

WHOLE FOODS 365 VEGGIE BURGERS: When I want to be guaranteed a great veggie burger, I make one at home with Whole Foods’ 365 brand veggie burgers. After years of purchasing mediocre, dry, or mushy veggie burgers that elicit a “meh,” I discovered this brand is the best: meaty texture, not bland or dry, soaks up some good grease, and works great with any topping you want (which isn’t always the case with black bean burgers). Cook on the grill or in a frying pan, top with mushrooms, onions and peppers, and you can fulfill your grandiose burger expectations without even leaving the house. — Lynne Venart

Whole Foods has locations in Logan Circle, Foggy Bottom, and Tenleytown.

The tomato burger at Beefsteak (via Facebook)

TOMATO BURGER AT BEEFSTEAK: The new fast casual José Andrés spot, Beefsteak, offers this very literal interpretation of a veggie burger; the patty is a thick slab of tomato. It might not sound like the most appealing thing offhand, but it has earned rave reviews for the tastiness of the beefsteak tomato (the restaurant’s namesake), a flavorful vegan mayo, perfectly pickled onions, and a non-traditional olive oil brioche bun. Oh, also, the seasonal special only costs $4.99. — Rachel Sadon

Beefsteak is located at 800 22nd Street NW