Hidden along busy El Camino Real, a Brazilian food truck is rewriting San Mateo’s burger scene with smash burger perfection and South American flair.
The Burger BR brings authentic Brazilian-style burgers to the Peninsula, where crispy-edged patties meet unexpected toppings like batata palha (shoestring potatoes) and chimichurri mayo.
This isn’t your typical American burger joint—it’s where culinary cultures collide, creating towering masterpieces that have locals queuing up at their food truck several nights a week for flavors they can’t find anywhere else.
How The Burger Won San Mateo Hearts
The Burger BR’s rise in San Mateo represents the power of bringing authentic international flavors to hungry communities craving something different.
While traditional American burger joints dominate most street corners, this Brazilian-style food truck introduced Peninsula diners to X-Salada and X-Tudo burgers—towering creations that reflect Brazil’s bold approach to burger building.
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The food truck format perfectly suits their operation, allowing them to serve customers Tuesday through Sunday evenings at their consistent 1501 S El Camino Real location. 🚚
What captured San Mateo’s attention wasn’t just novelty—it was exceptional execution and genuine hospitality that turned curious first-timers into devoted regulars.
Customers rave that these are “fantastic” burgers with service that goes above and beyond, including thoughtful touches like offering burger pieces to waiting customers’ dogs.
The smash burger technique creates those coveted crispy edges while keeping interiors juicy, delivering texture and flavor that elevated expectations. 🔥
Brazilian burgers differ dramatically from American classics—think fried eggs, shoestring potatoes piled on top, chorizo sausage, and chimichurri mayo instead of standard lettuce-tomato-pickle combinations.
This authenticity resonated with Bay Area’s diverse, food-savvy population who embraced these bold flavor combinations and generous portions.
The Burger BR quickly earned recognition as one of San Mateo’s top burger spots, ranking second among local favorites despite operating from a food truck rather than a brick-and-mortar location—proof that quality trumps fancy dining rooms every time.
Food Highlights
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X-Salada (Complete Burger): The Brazilian classic features a juicy smashed patty topped with lettuce, tomato, corn, and the signature batata palha (crispy shoestring potatoes) that add addictive crunch. This complete burger delivers authentic São Paulo street food vibes with every towering bite. 🇧🇷
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X-Tudo (Everything Burger): Living up to its name, this maximalista masterpiece stacks a smashed beef patty, thick beef bacon, grilled chorizo sausage slices, fried egg, cheese, and batata palha with chimichurri mayo. It’s the ultimate indulgence for adventurous eaters seeking bold, layered flavors.
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Double Smash Burger: Pure smash burger perfection featuring two thin patties with crispy, caramelized edges and juicy centers. The double stack delivers maximum beef flavor and that signature crunchy-tender contrast that makes smash burgers irresistible. 🍔
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X-Bacon Burger: Featuring thick-cut beef bacon atop a perfectly smashed patty with Brazilian-style toppings and sauces. The combination of smoky bacon with chimichurri mayo creates a fusion of Brazilian and American flavors that works beautifully.
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Classic Brazilian Smash Burger: The foundation of their menu—a expertly smashed patty with cheese, tomato, and all the Brazilian essentials including those addictive crispy potatoes on top. Customers consistently praise this as among “the best burgers in San Mateo” for good reason. ✨
Atmosphere
The Burger BR operates as a food truck stationed at 1501 S El Camino Real, offering the casual, grab-and-go experience perfect for Bay Area lifestyles.
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The friendly, welcoming service creates a warm atmosphere despite the mobile setup, with staff who genuinely care about customer satisfaction and even show kindness to four-legged friends. 🐕
Operating evenings Tuesday through Sunday, the food truck becomes a neighborhood gathering spot where locals pick up dinner or enjoy burgers at nearby seating.
The Brazilian flair extends beyond the food—expect vibrant energy, authentic hospitality, and the satisfaction of supporting a passionate small business bringing international flavors to San Mateo.
Bottom Line
Visit The Burger BR for authentic Brazilian-style burgers you won’t find elsewhere on the Peninsula, expertly executed smash burger technique with crispy edges and juicy interiors, unique toppings like batata palha and chimichurri mayo, generous portions that deliver serious value, and exceptionally friendly service from passionate owners who make every customer feel special. 🎯
Address: 1501 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94402
📞 Contact via Instagram: @theburger.br2024
🕔 Tue: 6 PM–10 PM | Thu-Sun: 5:30 PM–11 PM (Closed Mon & Wed)