Safa Farighi’s passion for Jon’s Joint, the smashburger restaurant he opened in November with his best friend, Amaan Jan, matches the thrill I felt with my first bite of their OKC—two patties heaped with onions and melty American cheese on a buttered, toasted potato bun that does this Oklahoma City specialty proud. The onions steam into the meat, their juices enhancing the umami flavor of the halal beef, which the partners source from a farm in Bealeton, Virginia. They trim and grind cuts of chuck and brisket in-house to achieve the perfect fat ratio for smash griddling. The result: delectable, lacy burger patties that are crispy on the edges.
The owners, both 24, were born and raised in Woodbridge and went to elementary, middle and high school together. Farighi has always loved cooking and says he’s wanted to open a burger joint since he was 5. His professional mentor is Amaan’s father, Naeem “Jon” Jan, a chef and restaurateur who owns several dining establishments, including Eerkin’s Uyghur Cuisine in Fairfax. Naeem is an investor and co-owner.
Located on the edge of Arlington’s Buckingham neighborhood, Jon’s Joint seats 24, with red walls and nostalgic posters reflecting the proprietors’ childhood interests, from Spiderman and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to the AMC crime drama Breaking Bad.
The mainstays here are five composed burgers, available in single, double or triple patties ($8.95 to around $16.95), with a house sauce of mayo, mustard and chopped pickles. Try the Classic with American cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion; the spicy Jalapeno topped with pepper jack, pickled jalapenos and grilled onions; or build your own. Additional menu items include a fried chicken sandwich, loaded fries and ice cream.