San Jose’s $1.99 burger sensation draws crowds daily near San Jose State University.
This tiny spot serves up simple, juicy smash burgers that keep students and families coming back.
Founder Jim Angelopoulos bets on high volume over high prices.
Lines form fast, proving affordable eats win big in today’s market.
How Campus Burgers won locals’ hearts
Campus Burgers exploded in popularity by sticking to rock-bottom prices like the $1.99 hamburger, a steal that grabbed attention near SJSU.
Founder Jim Angelopoulos, fresh from selling his breakfast hit Scrambles, launched in July 2024 with a simple plan: high-volume sales of basic burgers to offset rising beef costs.
Students snapped up patties faster than they could grill them, selling out meat supplies nightly as word spread.
The strategy paid off huge—serving 1,000 to 1,200 customers daily turned skeptics into fans.
Despite friends warning he’d lose money, Angelopoulos held firm on value, pulling in families who feed four for under $25 on weekends.
That backyard BBQ taste at fast-food speed hooked locals, sparking lines down the block and plans for Bay Area expansion to Gilroy and beyond.
Today, it’s the go-to for cheap, craveable bites that feel like a win every time.
Food Highlights
-
Hamburger with fried onions ($1.99): Thin 2-ounce chuck patty smashed juicy with crispy onions on a soft bun—attention-grabber that started the hype as the ultimate budget bite.
-
Cheeseburger ($2.99): Same smash patty topped with American cheese and chipotle mayo for smoky kick—reviewers rave it’s a delicious surprise worth the quick stop.
-
Double Cheeseburger ($4.99): Two patties, double cheese, chipotle mayo—perfect for bigger appetites, delivers bold flavor without breaking the bank.
-
Smash Burgers: Fresh-pressed patties with special sauce and soft buns—Yelp fans call them backyard BBQ perfection, a must-try for that classic taste.
-
Fresh Cut Fries: Crispy, fast-food style side—pairs ideally with burgers, though best fresh; customers love the simple crunch.
Atmosphere
This spot buzzes with nonstop energy from SJSU crowds packing the small space.
Limited seating means grab-and-go vibes, but the lively hum feels like a campus party.
Quick service keeps lines moving till midnight, Monday-Saturday.
Closed Sundays, it’s pure student fuel central—chaotic fun!
Bottom Line
Visit for insane value ($2 burgers!), smash patty perfection, student-friendly speed, family deals under $25, and that addictive simplicity.
Address: 108 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113
📞 (408) 217-7780
🕔 Mon-Sat 11 AM–12 AM (closed Sun)