Plnt Burger

Name: Plnt Burger
Address: Washington, District of Columbia

Kosher certification removed for all locations as of 2024

✡ IKC

Location: Washington, District of Columbia

Organizer: Plnt Burger

About

PLNT Burger loses kosher certification for all 12 stores

Features:

Dine-in
Takeout
Delivery
Reservations available
Wheelchair accessible
Serves dessert

Price level: Mid-range

Activities & entertainment

Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Location

Address: 967 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

Contact

Organizer: Plnt Burger
Location: Washington
Phone: +1 877-646-5375
Website: plntburger.com

Explore More

About this listing

Located at 967 Florida Ave NW in Washington, DC, Plnt Burger is a fast-casual dining establishment situated in the vibrant Shaw and Howard University neighborhood. Historically recognized for its mission to provide plant-based alternatives to classic American comfort food, this location has served as a hub for those seeking vegan burgers and shakes in the heart of the District.

Recent developments regarding its status have been significant for the kosher-observant community. As of 2024, Plnt Burger has transitioned away from its previous kosher certification. While it continues to operate as a plant-based venue, it no longer carries the endorsement of a kashrut authority, a change that applies to all 12 of its regional stores.

The restaurant maintains its focus on ethical eating and sustainable food systems. Despite the change in certification, it remains a popular spot for local residents, students from nearby Howard University, and visitors exploring the cultural history of the Florida Avenue and U Street corridors.

About the area

This location is positioned in Northwest Washington, DC, specifically within the evolving Shaw neighborhood. This area is characterized by a blend of historic Victorian architecture and sleek, modern apartment complexes. Situated near the intersection of Florida Avenue and 9th Street, the restaurant is easily accessible via the Green and Yellow lines of the Washington Metro system.

While the Shaw neighborhood is not a primary Jewish residential district, it is part of the broader Northwest quadrant of the city which has a long-standing Jewish history. The area is highly walk-able and is situated just south of the Columbia Heights neighborhood and north of the city’s downtown business district. It serves as a convenient stop for tourists visiting the nearby Howard Theatre or the African American Civil War Memorial.

The surrounding streets are filled with boutique coffee shops, bookstores, and street art, reflecting the creative energy of the capital. For those traveling for business or government work, the location is a short commute from the K Street corridor and the various embassies and federal buildings that define the city's infrastructure.

Nearby Jewish landmarks

The neighborhood surrounding Florida Avenue is a mix of historical significance and modern development. A few blocks away sits the campus of Howard University, a central landmark of the area. For those interested in Jewish history, the original site of the Adas Israel Congregation (now the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum) is located a short drive or metro ride toward the city center, offering insight into the early development of Washington’s Jewish community.

Walking distance from the 967 Florida Ave NW address, visitors can find the 9:30 Club, one of the city's most famous music venues. The nearby U Street Corridor, historically known as \"Black Broadway,\" provides a wealth of jazz history and diverse cultural landmarks. While this specific corner of the city is not a traditional Jewish residential enclave like the nearby Maryland suburbs of Silver Spring or Bethesda, it is exceptionally well-connected to the rest of the District's professional and academic hubs.

For those looking for Jewish infrastructure, the 14th Avenue corridor and the nearby Dupont Circle areas house several non-profit Jewish organizations and Hillel chapters connected to local universities. Public transit via the Shaw-Howard Univ Metro station makes it easy to navigate between this location and the more established Jewish centers in Upper Northwest DC.

What to expect

Diners visiting the Florida Ave NW location will find a modern, fast-casual atmosphere. The interior is designed for efficiency, catering to the lunch-hour rush and evening takeout crowds. The menu centers around 100% plant-based patties, vegan cheese alternatives, and dairy-free soft-serve desserts. Because the menu is entirely vegan, the establishment was previously classified as pareve under its former certification.

Ordering is typically done at a counter or through digital kiosks, with the option for delivery through third-party apps. The price point is considered mid-range for the DC area, consistent with other premium fast-casual burger chains. Expectations regarding kashrut should be adjusted, as the lack of an official hechsher means there is no rabbinical oversight regarding the cleaning of vegetables or the sourcing of ingredients as of the 2024 update.

In terms of amenities, the space offers indoor seating and is equipped to handle wheelchair accessibility. It is a family-friendly environment that appeals to a wide variety of dietary preferences beyond just the vegan community, often drawing in meat-eaters looking for sustainable alternatives. Reservations are generally not required, though the location can become busy during peak dining hours and university events.

Frequently asked questions

Is Plnt Burger still kosher?

As of early 2024, Plnt Burger has officially lost its kosher certification for all 12 of its locations, including the one on Florida Ave NW. It is no longer supervised by the International Kosher Council (IKC).

Is the food at this location vegan or pareve?

The menu remains plant-based (vegan), which means it does not contain meat or dairy products. However, without active rabbinical supervision, it can no longer be classified as a kosher/pareve establishment.

What dining options are available at this location?

The Florida Ave NW location offers dine-in seating, takeout services, and delivery within the Washington, DC area.

Is the restaurant accessible?

Yes, this location is noted as being wheelchair accessible for guests.

Are there synagogues nearby?

There are several synagogues in Northwest DC, such as Kesher Israel in Georgetown or Adas Israel in Cleveland Park, though none are within immediate walking distance of this specific Shaw/Howard University location.