Whenever I eat a burger I always compare it to In-n-Out and nothing really matches that. In-n-Out, unfortunately, is a long drive from Berkeley so what can I get for a burger as a substitute? Bongo Burger! They offer a wide variety of different burgers and from my experience they all taste pretty good. I personally like it simple and get the #3 (cheeseburger with fries + a drink). You get to choose what type of cheese you want. The burger bun is pretty toasted which makes it nice and slightly crunchy. There's a lot of flavor to the burger and I find myself never getting bored of the burger midway through unlike a lot of other burgers out there. Their fries are excellent. One thing I recommend is you eat there as if you get it takeout the fries do get soggy and the burger is best enjoyed hot. I've had the one on South Side and they are both relatively similar. The one on North Side doesn't usually have too long of a wait and there's a lot of tables. read more

Onion Rings: sum of the better ones around oddly enough...NOT 2much batter(sum cornmeal mixed in?...yum)...good amount of onion... Fries: as a prev yelper stated-as bad as cafeteria...yp burgers: avg-better many other places( if distance not an issue, these are ok)...make SURE u specify med rare/med, otherwise a cinder Lamb Burger: meh...no flavor Veg Plate: avg +...ask for X-tra pita Service: tends 2get a bad rap...never had a prob... seems popular for a bargain breakfast ala Nations. read more

I live in So-cal and whenever I'm up in bay area I come out to Bongo Burger, Persian Burger is the best.. tastes, smells and looks just like the burgers we eat back in motherland. and ppl that work here are very friendly and awesome. read more

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

Came in here for brunch and loved it! The food prices are really reasonable and their portions are good. U can go in and order 2 eggs and they come with potatoes and toast for $4. The food is good and i love the price! I also tried the all american burger and it was yummy read more

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Fresh, delicious, and tender beef- good hummus- mild and fresh tasting tabbouleh- crispy fries. This place was surprisingly good and the staff was quite friendly. They have some really amazing original artwork on the walls. The only improvement would be to serve water out of a pitcher rather than a old stained coffee pot. read more

My go-to burger spot as a freshman at Berkeley. Their burgers are better than average, fries are okay and their ranch is really really good. I always take a ton to put on my burger and also dip them in my fries. I've been here many times, the people have always been nice and the service is quick. I've never waited more than 15 minutes. Bring your food out on a nice day and sit at Memorial Glade for a nice quick lunch :) prices are just a little high, but I've always left super full. My favorite thing to get id the mushroom burger combo. Don't forget the ranch! read more

Bongo Burger Northside - Mushroom burger - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

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this is such a good burger spot and it was so affordable...free condiments and came off grill hot read more

Bongo Burger Northside - delicious!!! 10/10 would eat again - Burgers Near Me - Berkeley, California

Quality Burgers and quality ingredients on the burgers. Tastes Amazing: Buns Burgers Sauce Tomatoes Lettuce etc. Completely fresh and incredible. The straight up All-American Burger will cost you $5.00 and it will more than fill you up. Completely worth it. read more

My first trip to Bongo burger it didn't make a strong impression, a decent burger. My appreciation has greatly grown since. It's a good cheaper dinner option for those working on the North Side of campus. The burgers have their own distinct style - a somewhat dense bun covered in seeds, and shredded iceberg lettuce instead of whole leaves. These combine with the seasoning of the burgers to create a somewhat unique flavor you will crave. If you're extra hungry, get the larger Persian burger which has a stronger taste. Fries are the crinkled cafeteria style, great for dipping in ketchup with Tabasco sauce, crisp and well salted. It'a good greasy food, much better than Oscar's. read more

Such a rude and unprofessional restaurant owner and manager team! They are closing at 9:30 pm and we went there at 9:10 and they took our order. However, at 9:30 pm they turned off the lights and told us to leave the restaurant when we even didn't finish our meal. That was so awkward and shocking. read more

I just love this burger joint ever since my UCB student days...greasy take-out bag and all. I've almost tried the entire menu. I still go with my "first love" and that is the Number 7 (Persian Burger). Juicy...mouth-watering...satisfying...this is what you want in your BURGER! Prices are reasonable too. The south-side campus location is also good too, but I prefer the north-side location. read more

I got the turkey burger, and it was not the best--it was just really obvious that it was a frozen patty! But my husband got the Persian burger, and it was amazing. Great flavor! I definitely ordered the wrong thing! Get the Persian burger!!! read more

This place is too expensive and too slow. The food is fine, but not worth the wait. Unfortunately the other burger place changed so I now go here more often. I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to eat here, but if you're really in the mood for a burger and it's close (and not a busy time of day) then it works. I've only ever tried the cheeseburger and onion rings, so I might not be qualified to comment on the rest of the place. read more

Mer. I come here once in a while since it's one of the convenient fast food places on the north side of campus, but it's not my favorite (and definitely not up there anymore). The food's decent enough, but meh. I'd knock it down from a 3.5 to a 2.5 just based on my most recent experience. \\ FOOD/DRINK QUALITY: I usually always get the mushroom burger, since I love mushrooms (I'm a fun guy har har). I always thought it was a little overpriced (but I'm a spoiled California girl who lives her In-n-Out). Sometimes I got the combo with the fries and drink, but I've been passing on it recently since the burger's pretty filling (and unhealthy) by itself. The burger is all right, pretty average, and I always slather it with ketchup and ranch, which says something about the flavor of the burger by itself. The fries are also nothing special. All in all, I'm usually relatively pleased with the food, but today I got a weird stomachache immediately afterward - not sure if I can completely attribute that to the burger, though. I wasn't pleased with the service, and there was a hole at the bottom of my bun which made my eating experience extra messy. \\ SERVICE: Sigh. Usually, it's just normal fast food-style, where the cashiers are pretty aloof and not extremely friendly, but whatever, as long as the food's fast. But today, I was starving and the food took over 20 minutes to come ("fast" food?!), and it wasn't even crowded. My friend ordered right before me and got his food 10 minutes before me, while I waited impatiently and hungrily. People who ordered after me got their food first! I was super annoyed, and when I got my burger, I thought, "This better be a damn good burger if it took that long!" Which is why I was not pleased that my bun had a hole in it that spilled the sauces everywhere, and the rest of the burger was just average as usual. \\ ENVIRONMENT: It has tables, since it's one of the bigger restaurants on that particular street, and it's good for a quick bite. There's sometimes a line but it moves pretty fast. read more

I work around the corner and have never been disappointed with a meal here - whether it's a regular cheeseburger, turkey burger, or the huge Persian burger. Haven't tried the non-burger+fries menu items, but every time I'm up by the cash register, my eyes are drawn to the baklava. Maybe next time. read more

I've been going to this location for years and this review is long overdue. They have some of the best burgers. I specifically love the black bean burger. read more

My favorite fast food burger in Berkeley, bar none. Amanda's comes close, but their portions aren't especially filling. Bongo Burger's are. If I'm jonesing for a burger, I go here first. I'm pretty pedestrian when it comes to my tastes in hamburger--a straight-up patty with lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard, and ketchup sounds pretty spiffy to me. So I haven't tried all of Bongo Burger's various permutations yet. But their standards--hamburger, cheeseburger, turkey burger--are all excellent. So are their fries, and for about $8-9, you can get a burger-fries-drink meal, which is a decent value given how big their burgers are. I've lived in Berkeley for close to three years and have eaten here dozens of times. Their food has yet to disappoint. Ever. They've got that consistency thing down solid. read more

Pros: The turkey burger is just perfect. The meat, the vegetable, and the sauce - all is perfect. The mushroom burger and the steak sandwich is also fine, although the steak in the steak sandwich is a little tough. Cons: The Bongo salad is also great, at least in its size...I'm not really into Persian cuisine, so I think I'd better not make a hasty judgment. The fries in the chicken plate is served just on the top of the salad, so part of it gets a little wet. But the lime that comes with the salad is great! read more

Ok for the fries and black bean burger but I found it quite strange to not be asked how I wanted my 1/3 meat patty cooked and that it ended up well done and almost crispy on the outside. I kinda expected more from a 'Best of Berkeley' burger place. read more

The falafel here is awful. In the past it was pretty good but no longer. I think there has been an ownerhip change. I'd find another place to eat middle eastern food read more

This review concerns the cleanliness of their food preparation. I've eaten at the Bongo Burger on Dwight Way, and enjoyed their food. I'm not a germophobe or anything, but what I saw today is really unsafe and very unhealthy. This is based on my experience on 12/10/15. The cook puts your patty on the grill and touches the raw meat in the process with no gloves. Then proceeds to grab kitchen utensils and prepare your burger. The cook did not wash their hands before handling the final burger that was given to me - transferring whatever bacteria may be present in the meat onto the finished product. I watched him do the same with 6 other hamburgers before I decided to say something. To their credit, the cashier was very receptive and gave me a refund. It did not appear though that she alerted the cooking staff to my concern. read more

It took me forever to order as the cashier lady kept on interrupting my order to be on the phone. Some of which were personal phone calls.

The Persian burger here is fantastic haven't had a disappointing sandwich from this place yet. Definitely will come here at least once a week while I'm in the area. read more

An average Bongo Burger joint - or rather, a very mediocre burger joint in general. The patties aren't really fresh, and aren't exactly cooked medium or anything. They're pretty generous with the toppings; lots of lettuce, tomato, and onion. The fries are... okay, not amazing but not terrible. Their sandwiches are to be avoided; they're basically a worse burger in sandwich form. What do they do right? They're decently fast, and open pretty late. If you're northside and just need some food in your stomach, and feel like eating a burger, this is a pretty decent choice. But it's not somewhere I'd go otherwise. read more

One of the experiences that ties all EECS students is having eaten at Bongo Burger (the other is TC Garden-bleh!) So why here? I had noooo idea! That's exactly why I took the effort to come here myself and be a part of this recent EECS trend. I had ordered the mushroom burger (~$6). It was #1 on the menu and usually #1 items are the best. The burger is a good size to satisfy anyone's appetite for a quick lunch sitting. Beef patty and sauteed mushrooms were tender and moist. It wasn't spectacular, but nevertheless still a good burger. If you frequent Euclid restaurants for lunch, it's worth putting this store into your rotation. My friends recommend trying the Persian Burger and falafel; I'm no longer in Cal so I can't try it myself, but I'm just throwing it out there for those who are interested. Oh yea, teehee! friendly reminder to my fellow EECS comrades: Bongo Burger is not a place for a romantic date! read more

This review has been long overdue, but I wanted to relax a little to be fair and balanced. Life then got in the way, but it hasn't made me forget what happened. I generally went to Bongo Burger to get a decent lunch. The Persian burgers are pretty good, and I never mind their various veggie plates. But the service...goodness me! Here's the story: I purposefully plan my lunch break to avoid the crowds of ugrads trying to cram in some food before class beings anew in the afternoon. There wasn't too much traffic when I arrived, and I order a Med plate. They call my number a bit earlier than I expected, but no matter...I grab my lunch and head out. It wasn't until I returned to my desk and readied myself to eat that I noticed that they gave me a chicken sandwich! So, I quickly return to get my proper order. On the way, I ran into who I believe originally ordered the sandwich (he was none-too-pleased either!) Upon my arrival, what do I get? A scolding from the Persian woman behind the counter! "YOU SHOULDN'T TAKE OTHER PEOPLE'S ORDER!" "But I didn't...you called my number." "NO! THIS MISTAKE IS YOUR FAULT!" At this point, the other woman behind the counter (she gave me my order) injected... "Actually, it was your [i.e., Persian woman's] fault...you wrote the same number on two tickets...see here..." You'd expect an apology after that, but no...just a rude "reminder" to "check your order next time." The Persian woman then grabs my lunch from the fridge and hands it to me. But who in the world puts fresh, fried falafel and warmed bread inside a container with cold salad and then places the whole thing in the fridge? I ended up with cold, soggy, oily everything for my troubles. That's why I've promised myself never, ever to return to Bongo Burger... read more

Every time I come here I have some kind of issue. First of all, the older Middle-Eastern woman who usually works the cash register is anything but friendly. Mad case of bitchy resting face and an attitude to match it. The first time I ordered food here, I ordered a bacon burger. Pretty ubiquitous arrangement for a burger. I got a few bites in and realized something was up with the "bacon". I pulled the top bun off and whatever they used as bacon was definitely not bacon. It was some disgusting cut of beef. I took this order to go so I couldn't go back and ask them wtf was up with that. The most recent time I went in, there was a polite younger girl working the register. The rest of the crew were all dudes. I start ordering and automatically one cook in the back just stares me down while I'm telling the cashier what I want. Ok, that's weird, but whatever. So I sit down with my buddy at one of the tables while I'm waiting for my food. Another dude that works there decided to very enthusiastically mop the floors under our table. He literally wiped both of our feet with the mop until we moved them. Wtf is up with that? I wanted to say something to the dickwad but our professor administering our final a few hours later was the next table over. I don't know if they had a creepy possessive issue with other guys interacting with their wannabe girlfriend on the register, or they just had some kind of weird chip on their shoulder, but I probably won't be going back to this place. read more

The food is good but the service is awful. I rather have less tasty food to see that cashier lady. I won't go there again.

Good quality beef with a nice chargrilled flavor, but I hardly noticed the bacon on my bacon cheeseburger. How can you have flavorless bacon? How does that happen? Oh well. The portion was enormous, I could only finish about half of mine. No free refills on drinks either. I'd eat here again, but probably to go and no bacon. read more

I don't like the buns that they use, the fries are not good, the burgers are underseasoned and they don't make milkshakes. How does this place stay in business? read more

How good is it? Let's just say, when it came to choosing schools....The Persian Burger was a deal breaker. Enter this place, and it's easy to get confused. The semi-atypical mix of burgers and persian food may confuse some, but fear not. I will show you the delicious, meaty, light. Order the persian burger. Order some french fries. If you like it order a doogh. The persian burger is a lamb sandwich/burger composition that never ceases to please. The french fries are cooked in very fresh oil and the ranch is delicious as well. As far as the rest of the menu, i've only sampled a bit. But that is not even important. Order the persian burger and you will understand my enthusiasm. read more

YUM! Lovee them! The burger is so delicious (mushroom burger) and the prices are really affordable for college students. Definitely go with the old school favorites - can't say I haven't thought about trying some of the other items on the menu! read more

their burgers are really good!!! whenever i'm in berkeley, i like to come down here and grab a combo. i usually order their cheeseburger combo with fries and drink. The burgers are a great portion size, many varieties of flavor in it, and not too salty. this is definitely worth the price of around 7-9 dollars. i usually don't like burgers, especially the ones you find at mcdonalds and stuff. but this awesome place blew me away! read more

conversation at work today... me: what do you want for lunch? stephan g: hmmm...well, i had a bongo burger on friday, pizza on saturday, and a burrito on sunday. me: guess its a burger then, huh? stephan g: yup, guess so. bongo has great fries, decent burgers, and alternative mediterranean options for those people who don't want a burger...whoever that might be. read more

Their Persian burger is a good quality burger on a long French roll. Neat and good. Skip the falafel.

The burgers are great and the price is right but try the persian burger or the hummus combo plate instead--both are surprisingly excellent! Staff is also helpful and nice though sometimes it seems there is a small language barrier or communication problem since sometimes they speak quietly or mumble. read more

First time I had a burger in Berkeley was right here: the mushroom burger. I'm not one to buy a gourmet burger that often ie Barney's even if it is delicious so when I can get an equally delicious burger at a cheaper price I take it! Try the mushroom burger you can't go wrong. Their fries are super yummy too! read more

Burgers are alright, but the service is pretty terrible. I usually see two different women working at the register, but both seem to be always in a bad mood. read more

Mushroom burger caused food poisoning on 12/1/2016. Symptoms consistent with acute food poisoning by Staph bacteria contamination, from under cooked meat. Be very careful with this place. Deserved no more than zero stars really. read more

Great burgers, especially the mushroom burger. The breakfast is terrible....."Hella-Sketch"