I've been coming to Bongo Burger since the 80s, and it still holds a special place for me. This is where I first tried their Persian Burger, and to this day, it's the one thing I have to order every time I'm back in Berkeley. I was in town recently and made a point to stop by, and it brought back all the same memories. The Persian Burger is still packed with flavor, with that distinct seasoned taste that sets it apart from a typical burger. It feels more like something you would get at a backyard cookout with a unique twist than a standard fast food option. It's filling, a little messy, and completely worth it. One thing I noticed on this visit is how generous the portions still are. The burgers are big, the fries come out hot and crispy, and everything feels like it is made to satisfy. The menu has grown over the years too, with more options for different tastes, but the original favorites clearly still shine. The atmosphere has not changed much, which I appreciate. It is casual, a little busy at times, and very much in that classic Berkeley style where the focus is on the food rather than the setting. The staff kept things moving even during a rush, and the overall experience felt smooth. After all these years, it is impressive how consistent Bongo Burger has been. It is not trying to be trendy or reinvent itself. It just keeps doing what it has always done well. For me, that Persian Burger alone is enough reason to keep coming back. read more

I was curious why this place got lower reviews and seems like they had some customer service issues a few years ago. I was there recently and was treated kindly. Runs like a family business. The hot dog was good, it had veggies and other toppings on it to jazz it up. Fries were decent (I liked them, but will say they're not super crispy so depends what you like). Chocolate milkshake was a yummy treat! Restaurant was on the smaller side, so if you have a large party you might have to split up. read more

Omg I needed a burger for lunch yesterday and so I've been wanting to try this place. I am SO glad I did. I got the numbed 2 lunch special. Bacon burger, fries and a drink for $20 including tax. The burger is grilled over a flame and that just brings the flavor up a notch. My burger was delicious. The fries were meh, but I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and fully intend to return. read more

Bongo Burger - Lunch! 2. Bacon Burger, Fries and Small Soda - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

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4/5. Probably my gf and my go to burger place now that we are moving. Food: 2.5/3 I usually get the cheeseburger combo. It comes with the cheeseburger, fries and a small soda. The cheeseburger was surprisingly good for a place so close to campus. The burger was seasoned but not much. If anything, it was a little under seasoned for my taste. Everything else was awesome. The buns we're toasted, the cheese was melted, the onions and everything was put together very well. Every bite was very consistant. The fries are crispy if you eat there. When they pack it though, it gets soggy because they have to cover it. I reccomend just eating there if you have the time. Value: 0.75/1 I think for the cheeseburger combo, it was about $11? Not bad for a whole meal like that. With the quality meat and ingredients they use, this is definitely a fair price in my opinion. Service/atmosphere: 0.75/1 read more

I have been eating here 20+ years. The grilled chicken sandwich and mushroom burger are sooo good, and the fries are irresistable- the best of anywhere I know. My kid loves the Persian burger! He saw someone else order it, and asked what it was, and now it's one of his favorite foods. The service is always great- the people who work here are so sweet. read more

After the football game, I was looking for a nice place to eat. I found this restaurant on yelp. When I entered the restaurant, the staff were very friendly and polite. I ordered a Persian burger sandwich. The sandwich was made of ground lamb with lettuce tomato, taziki sauce on sandwich roll. The ambiance was customer friendly and lots of seating. A great place to go to for lunch or breakfast. read more

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I placed my order on Snackpass for pickup. I got a falafel wrap and fries. I went in to pick up and it was pretty busy inside! The staff quickly handed me my order and gave me a side of ranch at no extra charge! The wrap was really filling and flavorful. The veggies inside were very fresh and abundant. The falafel was perfectly fried and was well seasoned. I just wish there was more of it! The fries were standard crinkle fries, not much to say there! Bongo is a solid lunch choice and I hope to come back again soon to try some of their other menu items. read more

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I highly recommend Bongo Burger. I got the Persian Burger Sandwich which was a very good sandwich in my opinion. Other than that the burgers and fries are pretty standard. Solid place, they also have a location on Southside. read more

Excellent bacon burger. Grilled right. Ridged fries are a nice change up. $17 for a combo is a good deal for a quality burger. I'm a fan of college town eateries and Bongo is a good one. read more

Walking past Bongo Burger and resisting the urge to make an order is an incredible feat. It's always why I walk briskly past this place, ensuring to turn the other cheek, every time I walk home, or else my paycheck would always get funneled into Bongo Burger's register. But, who can blame me; Bongo Burger has the best fast food burger in the Bay Area! I go with the All American Burger which comes with a thick 1/3 lb patty and a healthy portion of crisp vegetables inside. The meat patty is surreal with its perfect char that gives way to a wonderful smoky flavor. And, the meat is always incredibly juicy inside. What really makes this burger are the buns though. Never dry, the sesame seed bun is crunchy on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and vaguely baguette-esque. While I've had sesame seed buns from Burger King to Five Guys, they all PALE in comparison to Bongo Burger. I will say that if you're a stickler for service, this is where they might lack a bit. Cashiers aren't the friendliest, but it's not like you're coming for the ambiance (but if you are, you do you friend). Such a hidden gem and criminally underrated!!! Always a 5/5 read more

Bongo Burger - All American Burger - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

So tasty and hits the spot. Loved the buns so much, Soft and slightly chewy. Made to order fresh. Would come again

A decent burger for $10. It's a 1/3 lb pattern. The service was quick and friendly. If you like burgers this is a good spot to drop 8n. read more

Bongo Burger - The All American Burger. - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

Amazing impossible burger. Fries are hot and crispy. Their ranch is also amazing Love it read more

Burger place with a lot of Middle Eastern dishes, so I decided to forgo the usual burger and get a Persian lamb burger. Excellent choice. Nice modern burger joint with excellent service at the counter where you order. Decent amount of seating. Curious to find out how the "Bongo" got into the name of this place. Great fast food burger. read more

I love the ease of their website, called and placed the order . Grabbed the lamb burger, it's so dang good! I can't wait to try other menu items read more

Stopped in for a quick lunch and decided to give the Persian burger a spin. It's a ground lamb patty with some good spices (but not super overpowering). The burger is quite large (it's probably the size of a Subway sandwich) so you do get quite a bit of food for your money. The bread was perfectly toasted - it had a light crisp on the exterior, but not that super hard crunch that tears up your mouth, and a light, pillowy interior. The patty was juicy and well seasoned, and the burger came with the standard condiments (lettuce, tomato, onion, etc). Overall, it was super delicious though I had a peak of someone's Mediterranean platter (falafel, hummus, etc) and that looked bomb as well. I'll definitely give that a shot next time I'm back in the area. read more

The mushroom burger had umami. The slightly toasted sesame seeds coated bun brings this burger to the next level. Crispy outside crinkle cut fries hit the spot. read more

Ordered online and arrived early and food was ready. Yay! Food was nice and hot and fresh. Tasty big burgers and fries are lit. Nice comfort food for an affordable price. read more

Bongo Burger - Turkey Burger - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Burger restaurant has several middle eastern cuisien, hence I chose to skip typical burger and have a persian lamb burger. And It was amazing. The service here is also good. Near perfect is what I've experienced read more

So good! Classic student place still serving delicious food. Had the Persian burger and fries - delicious lamb burger on that perfect toasted french bread sesame bun with all the fixins/as you choose, and crinkle cut fries that are nice and crispy! Friendly folks, fast service, and lots of seating, though I had take-out. Good packaging for take-out - all paper/cardboard and not excessive, but kept everything nicely contained. read more

Bongo Burger - Persian Burger interior - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I've lived in Berkeley since 1998 and been coming to Bongo Burger on the regular... The food is good, quality ingredients, fresh. As of 2024 a combo meal is $15... At that price point it's hard for me to justify paying $15-20 for hamburgers, fries and a drink. Like I said very solid food, definitely fresh. But how is a double hamburger combo starting at $18? read more

The Persian Burger here is always so good. The contents are very simple: a juicy lamb patty perfectly seasoned with sumac, tomatoes, and lettuce -- all wrapped in a nicely toasted bread with sesame seeds. While it may seem like a large sandwich, the lamb patty is actually very thin. I recommend getting a side of fries or tabouleh if you're especially hungry! read more

Bongo Burger - Persian Burger - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I've been going to Bongo Burger since they opened their first place on Dwight Way. More than good burgers, they offer a selection of other sandwiches, salads, and even falafel wraps. Good food and great value. read more

The beef is juicy and well-toasted. It will make the burger better if the beef patty could be thicker, regarding the price. By the way, The onion rings are great, each contains a whole piece of onion. read more

Bongo Burger - All American Burger Onion Rings - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Great food and service. Highly recommend them if you are in the Berkeley area! The Persian burger is amazing. Their fries are my favorite here also!! read more

A classic burger joint in Berkeley! All of their locations are great and consistent. My fave item is the lamb burger. It is large and size but more importantly it is super delicious! I love their fries as well. My second fave sandwich is the mushroom cheese veggie sandwich. Check it out, you will not regret it! read more

I have been a fan of Bongo Burger since the time that I was an undergraduate student at U.C. At that time, I frequented the Bongo Burger location on Dwight Way, and I have fond memories of the melange of enticing weirdnesses that included the "Harvey Krishnas" dressed in orange cloaks and their rhythmic clinking finger cymbals, Julia "Bubble Lady" Vinograd, and street vendors selling the Berkeley Barb. The most famed street vendor was named, "Pink Cloud." During my graduate school years and post-doc years, I lived on the north side of the campus and, at that time, frequented the Euclid Avenue location of Bongo Burger. THE MENU. My first choice has always been the Persian Burger. Attached is a close-up photo of the Persian Burger, showing the striped design on the grilled lamb. Also, I like the flavor and color of the somagh that is sprinkled on the burger. Somagh is a spice derived from the berry of a plant called Rhus coriaria. This shrubby tree grows wild in the Middle East and parts of Italy. The brick-red fruits are sold as dried coarsely ground or whole berries. Also attached, is a photograph of me holding a Persian Burger, with the serving counter in the background, and a smiling employee. The images of me and the burger are intentionally out-of-focus, because I focused the camera on the serving counter (and not on the burger). My second choice on the menu is the cheese omelette. THE DECOR. Bongo Burger at the Euclid location and the Dwight Way location have works of art displayed on the walls. Some of these works of art have remained the same for decades. But in the past year, I noticed that Bongo Burger at the Euclid location acquired an excellent display of large photographs of paintings by artist, Robert Longo. In order to fully appreciate the decor at this Bongo Burger location, I suggest buying the book, "Robert Longo: Men in Cities." read more

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I came in for dinner on a Saturday night. The first thing that caught my eye were the prices. The burgers and sandwiches here are pretty cheap! I wasn't sure if I wanted to order a falafel or a mushroom and cheese sandwich and the cashier gave me her full honesty on her preference and worked with what I was looking for, which I really appreciated! I settled for the mushroom and cheese sandwich and changed the cheese to cheddar with no charge. The food was quick to come out, but unfortunately did not come with fries. It wasn't bad! Definitely not amazing, but also not bad at all. The mushrooms made the burger a little soggy, but I have no complaints, other than that. I appreciate that they have self serve ketchup and ranch at the counter, which is spruced things up. The cashier even came by to ask how I liked my food. Thanks again, Bongo Burger! read more

Bongo Burger - Mushroom and cheese sandwich - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

I ordered take out in person on a Tuesday night. My food did not take long to be prepared, through I do not think there were any orders in front of mine when I ordered. I ordered the "Full Falafel" for myself, and the eggplant sandwich and dolma for my girlfriend. The Full Falafel had a copious amount of warm crispy falafel, with just enough veggies, and was wrapped in pita. The Full Falafel already had a good amount of tahini, though I asked for more which the worker was happy to provide. My girlfriend who's a bit of an eggplant aficionado thought her eggplant sandwich was delicious. She loved the sweetness that the caramelized onions brought to sandwich, contributing to the well balanced nature. A well priced spot with plenty of vegetarian options. read more

Bongo Burger - The Full Falafel Sandwich - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

Love this local spot, we eat here really often, it's a reliable and delicious lunch and the staff are tremendous. My wife always gets the Mushroom Burger, I rotate between the Bacon Cheeseburger, All American with cheese, or Steak Sandwich. The steak sandwich is delicious, nice thin strip of meat on a long sesame bun with mayo, lettuce and tomatoes. If you want something green, I love the Bongo Salad, it's too hearty for a side salad , not quite hearty enough to be an entree, but it's good to share as a side, or you can add falafel patties to make it a satisfying meal. I used to get onion rings, but they changed from battered to breaded, so I'm not as much of a fan. Don't pass on the fries, crinkle cut and made fresh, we like to get a side of ranch for dipping. read more

Bongo Burger has very decent food, and is now a common Berkeley staple - all part of the college experience! It's priced reasonably, and always has pretty consistent quality when I go. I normally come here to this location on Berkeley's Northside when I really cannot think of anything else to eat and just want to have a really filling burger experience. If I could rate half-stars, I'd probably give a 3.5 exactly. Bongo Burger is also very friendly to vegetarians, which makes it great for everyone! I often see families in the area or parent-child pairings coming out to this place to grab something to eat. I've tried the "All-American Burger" for ~$6, the Bacon Burger for ~$7, and also their combo deals (all around $10-12). All are very decent, solid food at a somewhat reasonable price depending on what you order. There is always plentiful seating, and I'm very thankful for the fresh ingredients that they use and the fact that they cook everything to order. Service is not bad, okay overall. Fries are the super classic ones that you almost never see anymore (the wavy and thick ones!) and are very nostalgic to me. I have nothing to complain about at this Bongo Burger location, and would say that it's worth trying at least once throughout four years at Cal just for the experience. Good burger joint with hearty food, but nothing too special. read more

Bongo Burger - "All-American" Burger ($5.25) - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

Decent burgers but really good fries! Food: I got the all American burger cooked medium rare and fries on the side. First impression, the burger was pretty big for the price (good value). However, the taste was just ok, nothing bad but nothing amazing. The meat was kinda bland and honestly it was just drowned out by the other flavors. Also, really juicy in a greasy oil/blood kind of way but overall a decent filling burger close to northside of campus. As for the fries, yum yum yum. I like my fries pretty simple and these hit the spot. The fries were warm and seemed fresh and not in anyway stale. Service: quick and nothing special Ambience: lots of seating and not that many people for a Monday night at 8PM read more

I typically order the half persian burger on pita, but this time we ordered a regular cheeseburger as well. The toasted sesame bun was SO GOOD and the burger seemed enormous (in diameter). Both burgers were really good. The fries are great.! read more

"Mediocre" would probably be the best word to describe my experience at Bongo Burger. Right off the bat, when I ordered on Snackpass, I noticed that the burgers were listed in a misleading way. They were described as having cheese and priced at a certain point, but then when making customizations to the order, a choice between several different cheeses is required - all of which charge extra, essentially treated as add-ons. I ended up getting the All American burger and home fries. The burger was solid and had a pretty good combination of meat, vegetables, and sauces that made it altogether quite flavorful. However, I requested for it to be cooked to medium, prompted by the option on Snackpass, but the burger was made well done. I don't mind a well done burger, but since I came to expect my burger to be cooked to medium because there was an explicit option on the app for it, I was a little bit disappointed. On top of that, the burger was not hot when I picked it up promptly - it was lukewarm at best. The fries weren't bad, but they tasted like they were straight out of a bag, and there wasn't anything special about it either. I can tell the burger has potential because the flavors were great, and my complaints are ones that can be easily fixed. I will be revisiting Bongo Burger again in the future and have high hopes that my future experiences will be better. read more

Got the half-Persian burger ($3.95). Great price for the size and the fact you're eating LAMB. Flavorful meat, good French roll, typical lettuce and tomatoes but luckily not wilted, light smearing of mayo adds a little decadence, and some ketchup on the side adds some tang. Good composition overall. Fast service. Good, spacious area. (I think their fries are wavy fries, which I think is funny because it reminds me of middle school or something.) Will have to return to try their other burgers, maybe a falafel, and maybe their black bean burger if it's housemade. read more

Bongo Burger - Half! A persian burger on french roll - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

Love their spicy chicken burger. My friend from South Bay also loves it. Their dining environment and sanity can be improved.

My friend suggested this place to me and I decided to try it. I ordered the Persian burger and fries; I thought the sandwich was bland and the fries were stale. The cashier and people in the kitchen were nice, so a couple stars for that but the food was not nearly as good as I had hoped, disappointing. read more

Meh. $5+ for a moderately biggish decentish tasting burger isn't terrible, but throw in the soul-withering misanthropic glare from the lady who seems to work the cash register most often, and I'm a lot less happy about spending any amount of money here. Patties are cooked to the "outside is slightly crispy" level of well doneness, which is to say overdone for a guy who usually orders burgers medium-rare when given the choice. Guy who serves the orders on the counter will call a number once then just ignore you when you come up to the counter to actually pick up your order. "Yeah, this is order #5" is easy- would that be so much to ask? read more

It's been three years since my last Bongo Burger visit. I looked around and saw what looked like a redecorated restaurant. The whole place had gotten a new coat of paint. Most importantly, the water stains on the ceiling were gone. I ordered the Persian (lamb) burger combo ($10.95), which comes with fried and a drink. Then I saw someone who loves ketchup almost as much as I do. He laid out 7 plastic cups on the counter, and proceeded to pump ketchup from a Heinz dispenser into each one. After he was done, I proceeded to fill up my cups of ketchup. I only needed 4 cups. But the guy ahead of me had a huge takeout order he was waiting for. After a few minutes our food was ready. I like how the Persian burger is much larger than a typical burger, it's shaped like a very elongated torpedo roll. But that is compensated by how thin the lamb patty is. So you probably get an equivalent amount of meat. It was very fresh and very tasty. Just how I remember it. The fries however, were another story. They looked like Ore-Ida Crinkle-Cut fries. The fries were just okay, and not a reason for coming here. read more

Bongo Burger - View from my seat - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Your on UC Berkeley campus and in search of a decent burger....well here you go. This place has been around forever and there is a reason. The burgers are decent to good...they are a big size and it is relatively inexpensive compared to other burger places. I live no where close, so don't know the next time I will be back...but I wouldn't mind going back for a quick bite to eat. read more

Bongo Burger - Bacon cheeseburger - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California