This unassuming food truck parked on NW 8th Ave has become Gainesville’s burger sensation 🍔.
DJ’s Cast Iron Burgers transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary smash burgers that have locals lining up daily.
The mobile eatery captures hearts with perfectly crispy patties, hand-cut fries, and genuine hospitality that makes every visit memorable.
How they won local’s hearts
DJ’s Cast Iron Burgers began as a weekend pop-up operation in 2020, initially serving as a fundraiser for co-owners Jose Nieves and Miguel Cardona’s cold brew coffee business, Brio.
The duo started selling burgers to generate cash flow during COVID-19 challenges, but their smash burger technique quickly created a devoted following.
Their pop-up success grew so rapidly that the city eventually shut down their temporary setup, forcing them to evolve into the beloved food truck that now serves the community.
The secret to their local popularity lies in their smash burger technique – pressing ground beef onto a ripping hot cast iron surface that creates perfectly seared, juicy patties with crispy edges.
Customers discovered that these thin, flavorful patties paired with house-made pickles and DJ’s signature sauce created an unforgettable taste experience.
Word spread quickly through the University of Florida community and beyond, with many visitors becoming regulars who have followed DJ’s since their tent days.
Food Highlights 🌟
- DJ’s Classic Burger: Thin, crispy patties cooked on cast iron, served with lettuce, tomato, onions, house pickles, and DJ’s signature sauce – the perfect introduction to their smash burger style
- DJ’s Oklahoma Onion Burger: Two thin patties with cheese, charred onions, DJ’s pickles, and signature sauce – customers rave about the caramelized onion sweetness balanced with tangy pickles
- DJ’s Double “All the Way”: The most popular dish featuring double patties with all toppings – owners recommend this for first-time visitors to experience the perfect patty-to-bread ratio
- Dirty Fries: Hand-cut fries smothered in homemade chili, melted white cheddar cheese, bacon, and pickled red onions – described as “wow-worthy” and leaving hands messy but taste buds celebrating
- DJ’s Hand-Cut Fries: Daily hand-cut thin and crispy fries cooked in 100% peanut oil, served with DJ’s sauce – the perfect complement to any burger
Atmosphere 🎯
The food truck creates a casual, welcoming environment with outdoor seating featuring picnic tables and umbrellas.
Located across from the University of Florida, DJ’s attracts a diverse crowd of college students, locals, and food enthusiasts.
The owners personally greet customers, creating genuine connections that make visitors feel like part of the DJ’s family.
The vibrant atmosphere buzzes with excitement as the aroma of sizzling patties and caramelized onions draws passersby to stop for a quick bite.
Bottom Line
DJ’s Cast Iron Burgers delivers exceptional smash burgers with friendly service that transforms first-time visitors into devoted regulars.
The combination of perfectly executed technique, quality ingredients, and genuine hospitality creates an experience that goes beyond just great food – it builds community connections that keep Gainesville coming back for more! 🚚✨
Address: 5310 NW 8th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32605
📞 (352) 258-7280
🕔 Open Mon-Fri 11:30 AM–8:00 PM, Sat 11:30 AM–8:00 PM, Sun 11:30 AM–6:00 PM (closed some days – check social media)