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Desi Dog by Brazil Cafe
Categories: Restaurants Brazilian Restaurants Food Stands Restaurants Hot Dogs Brazilian, Food Stands, Hot Dogs
2513 Bancroft Way(between Barrow Ln & Telegraph Ave)
Berkeley, CA 94704
Neighborhoods: Telegraph Ave, UC Campus Area
(510) 845-8011
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
23 reviews for Desi Dog by Brazil Cafe
Review Highlights
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"Try the mango smoothie and tri-tip sandwich/plate." In 7 reviews -
"Outside on a nice day eating some of Pedro's Favorite." In 3 reviews -
"They have excellent mango smoothies that go well with the..." In 3 reviews
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Sabrina S.
San Francisco, CA
2/2/2012
Most amazing sandwiches. Got the Obama fav with pork & pineapple and it left nothing to be desired. BOMB!!!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - this is on my top 10 Sandwich List! -
Review from Christina H.
Berkeley, CA
12/6/2011
Perhaps one of the best sandwiches (Get Pedro's Favorite!) I've ever had, and definitely the best from a stand. Not super cheap for the size, but delicious bang for your buck.
Mango Smoothie isn't that great, but sometimes they'll give it to you for free if you're ordering around when they're closing up their stand :) -
Review from Stephen C.
Berkeley, CA
12/4/2011
The smell that this place gives off is ultimately enticing. I can never resist unless I'm broke (which is most of the time, unfortunately). The best part of this place is the cilantro sauce which you find with your plate and/or sandwich, and the mango smoothies.
Highly recommended. Try the mango smoothie and tri-tip sandwich/plate. You won't regret it. -
Review from Trinity M.
Mill Valley, CA
4/1/2012
The food here is very tasty! I love the freshly baked bread and super cheap mango drink. The meat is perfectly seasoned and overall it's pretty cheap. As a college student, this is wonderful!
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Review from Victor G.
10/26/2011
Brazil Cafe offers many kinds of sammies and dogs. same dogs were previously known as "desi dogs". brazil cafe is located not too far from sather gate.
eats: brazil dog (5.50+ tax)
-polish dog with lots of corn nibbets, tomato bits, olives, red onions, cilantro, and crispy shoestring potato.
-hoagie bun fell apart from the moisture of the veggies.
-dog had a sweet, fatty taste like cheap a cheap dog. miller's?
-pricey for nonpedigreed bite.. top dog and district dog a better and tastier deal. 2.5 stars not good value.
dog bits:
-tri tip a better choice? also pricey.
-got a number though i was only one at window
-service ok.. dog not.Listed in: Berkeley, who let the dawgs out?
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Review from Jennifer W.
Berkeley, CA
Desi Dog + Brazil Cafe = Desi Dog by Brazil Cafe
This food truck serves the same overpriced (in my opinion) hot dogs from before offered by Desi Dog, in addition to the few favorites from Brazil Cafe.
dogs ($4-6):
american dog, brazilian dog, polish dog, veggie dog, hot links spicy dog, chili cheese monster dog, breakfast dog
fries ($4-5):
regular, garlic, cheese, chili
The tri-tip sandwich is $7 and the Pedro's favorite tri-tip sandwich is $8.
There's also a ton of toppings all around 50 cents. There are also a couple of appetizers, fried bananas and chicken croquettes. I wouldn't come here without a coupon for a free mango smoothie too. At prices like these, I almost expect it. The service though, is outstanding. Pedro is sure dedicated to his business and is often found at the many Brazil Cafe outposts that now exist. -
Review from Bobby N.
1/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
I ordered Pedro's Favorite Sandwich for $8. The best expression to describe it is 'meh'. The ingredients had the taste of mediocrity all over it. I must say, the tri tip was pretty good which is what is saving it from a lower rating. Also, be prepared to wait 20minutes for your food when there are 3 people in front of you.
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Review from Krystie M.
10/2/2011
... is this real life? Did one of my favorite Berkeley eateries set up camp on campus?!
I was ecstatic to see Brazil Cafe's truck sitting on Bancroft and Telegraph on the first day of class. A little skeptical at first, I walked to look at the menu, only to be greeted by a familiar menu filled with Brazil Cafe favorites, like Pedro's Favorite, and of course, the mango smoothies.
The line is never that long here, which is awesome, and the staff is still as friendly as ever. They honor the UC Berkeley "Press Pass" discount cards so you can still get your FREE MANGO SMOOTHIE!
The quality of the food hasn't gone down, so now I can happily get my tri-tip sandwich fix whenever without having to trek all the way to University.
... although I wish they had the wish bracelets at the UC Berkeley truck :( -
Review from Yoori C.
Berkeley, CA
7/6/2011
I haven't written a review for a while, but I came back just to write this review. Let me clear the air first and say that I love Brazil Cafe. I always get the tri-tip plate because it has the most bang for the buck in my opinion, but the truck does NOT have this option.
I went during a short class break and I was in a rush to decide what I wanted as my first meal of the day when I spotted the Desi Dog truck transformed into a blue mass that is now Brazil Cafe. Pedro was there handing out samples of the meat to passerbys and that was my cue. The sample meat tasted great so I got Pedro's Favorite which is the sandwich.
First time I ever got the sandwich, but it fit on a tiny tray that a hot dog would snugly fit in and they got it all wrong. No pineapples. No jalapenos. So when I went back and asked them to add those things, they did it immediately but when I took that first bite that I so longed for, there were olives in there instead of jalapenos. Didn't expect that. I also didn't expect my meat to be bleeding onto the bread. This was not what the sample tasted like.
I was already late for my return to class because I had felt the extra 7 minutes I waited would be worth it. They weren't. To top it off, this tiny sandwich was over 8 dollars. I legitimately miss Desi Dog and the sexy hot dog that used to be on the side. Pedro, you're cool but I'm going to stick to the stand on University. -
Review from Nicholas B.
San Francisco, CA
I love the setting of this place right out on the street. I usually get the obama sandwich (pulled pork) and cover it with El Yucateco hot sauce. This thing is a hot mess but hardly anything on the planet tastes as good. Always use extra napkins.
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Review from Sara N.
Berkeley, CA
9/4/2011
I really enjoyed the sample of meat that I was being handed out along the sidewalk. The meat in my tri-tip sandwich was fatty fatty fatty. The cilantro garlic sauce that coated the meat was the only enjoyable part of my sandwich.
Overall, I would come back and give this place another try. -
Review from Annie S.
7/7/2011
I'M SO GLAD THERE'S A BRAZIL CAFE FOOD TRUCK ON BANCROFT AND TELEGRAPH NOW! Such a smart location. Makes it so much easier to eat some delicious tri-tip sandwiches with friends after class on Sproul steps or the grass nearby the truck!
I have to admit though... I ordered my fav Brazil Cafe sandwich (tri-tip sandwich with the works) today (for $7.99), and it didn't taste as good as the one from the Brazil Cafe on University. I got less meat, onions, jalapenos, etc. in my sandwich so it was flatter than usual... Maybe today was just an off day. Usually they are filled with tri-tip pieces covered in some delicious green sauce. Sandwiches are juicy and aaaaaammmaaaaazzzziiiiiinnnnngggg!!!!!!
It also makes me smile when I see the guy that owns it!! (The guy whose picture is on the truck). He's soooo nice and friendly!! And he gives you samples and coupons for their amazing mango smoothie!!
BTW, unlike the Brazil Cafe on University, this one is CASH ONLY. -
Review from Katherine K.
Berkeley, CA
10/12/2011
It almost tastes like Korean barbecue. That's probably why it's soo good.
I went to the Brazil Cafe Truck today because I was feeling anemic and wanted red meat. I got the tri-tip rice bowl because they are famous for their tri-tip (or it seemed so anyways). It was $6.99+ tax. Came out to $7.68 and the food came out fast enough. I was disappointed by the size because it did come out to almost $8 but beef is sold at a premium in Berkeley.
Tri-tip rice bowl comes with rice, tri-tip pieces (not a heaping amount, but enough that when you mix it all together, you can see the pieces all mixed in a homogenous sort of way), ricotta cheese, and their cilantro garlic sauce. Also comes with two small slices of french bread smushed inside.
All in all, filling for me, but I'm a small girl. -
Review from Katie M.
8/18/2011
I've been at Cal for 3 years and have always heard great things about Brazil Cafe. But wait - has this truck always been there? Didn't it use to sell hotdogs?
I was walking down Sproul yesterday, stomach a-rumbling, when I saw the food truck and decided to give their famous tri-tip sandwich a try. I got mine with ricotta cheese and jalepeno (I was going to get Pedro's World Famous Tri-tip sandwich but didn't want olives, tomatoes and pineapple in there so there was no point). It came to a little over $8 so it was a pretty expensive sandwich, but it was decently sized and really good. The meat was okay, but it's the cilantro spread that makes the sandwich. Everyone in line ahead of me ordered the mango smoothie, which came in a puny cup.
Will definitely stop by from time to time to grab a quick bite for lunch since it's so conveniently located! -
Review from Thuyvi T.
Houston, TX
8/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Brazil Cafe's Food Truck is an institution at Berkeley. When I was in school, they were located on University. I guess they got so big that they moved right on to campus at Sather Gates.
They are known for their tri-tip sandwich. Pedro walks around giving out samples of tri-tip with the green sauce to lure customers in. Once you have a nibble, it's hard to get away because the meat is that good. I really enjoyed the toasty bread with all the condiments and heaping mounds of meat. It's a messy sandwich so be prepared for that. For $7, you get a very satisfying meal.
My friend asked for a special order to make a tri-tip sandwich. Omg...that was so much better. Probably the best salad I've ever had in my life. It was that good. It's pretty much everything in the sandwich but without the bread.
You must try Brazil Cafe if you are in Berkeley. I miss Berkeley's cheap, good eats. -
Review from David C.
Emeryville, CA
6/28/2011 3 Check-ins Here
This is a special thing. Everyone loves Brazil Cafe and the unusually close Brazil Fresh Squeeze Cafe, but finally they opened a more practical location right at the foot of Berkeley campus. I believe they bought out the pretty solid DesiDog hot dog stand. But pretty much same as the old Brazil Fresh Squeeze Cafe.
Get a little sample of tri-tip. Just for fun. And then get a Tri-Tip Bowl, Sandwich, or Plate. I recommend the plate and then grub on that with some hot sauce and whatever sauce they got. And get a Mango smoothie if you have that coupon.
Then get this little ribbon band that is apparently impenetrable and grants three wishes you make after tying three magically impenetrable knots. Fun stuff I suppose.
Good job Fresh Squeeze on opening a stand at a prime location. An excellent choice indeed. See you there! -
Review from Christine N.
Campbell, CA
6/29/2011
The food truck craze has spread! For fans of Brazil Fresh Squeeze Cafe and its sister shack, now you can order their menu along with Desi dogs at their new food truck. It seems like a collaboration or takeover of the Desi Dog truck. I was walking on Telegraph and couldn't miss the giant Jesus picture that replaced the sexy fiery Desi lady (I kinda miss her...).
The owner handed out tri tip samples and I ordered my usual tri tip sandwich for $6.99. Most folks in line ordered their mango smoothie and a sandwich and others got a Desi dog. The tri tip comes with an addictive cilantro spread and grilled onions. It reminds me of Vietnamese shaking beef, which is comfort food for me. Sandwich portions are big, smoothie portion is small and wait is longer than the old Desi truck, but they'll get faster. -
Review from Janice K.
San Leandro, CA
10/11/2011
I don't know if they just run out of things quickly or if they are just falsely advertising. They said something about not having any plates or bowls...
I originally wanted a tri tip rice bowl (one of their daily specials) but they did not have it so I ordered the tri tip sandwich instead. CBS said it was the "best tri tip sandwich" so it must be good right? WRONG. The sandwich I got was mediocre at best. The sandwich came in one of those paper baskets for fries and cost me $7.49. The bread was mushy and wet because it was slathered in the garlic cilantro sauce (which was pretty salty) and dripping with sauce from the tri tip (also very salty). Usually when people are looking for a sandwich they expect the bread to be toasty or crunchy... For vegetables on my sandwich I got one small lettuce leaf, a handful of wet, soggy onions (definitely not fresh...), and a slice of tomato. If there had been more fresh vegetables, the sandwich would not have been so repulsively salty. Overall the sandwich that I got lacked balance in both textures and taste.
The only reason I haven't rated this as 1 star is because I only tried one thing. However if this is the best they've got I'm unwilling to try anything else on their menu. -
Review from Randy B.
El Cerrito, CA
7/8/2011
I love this place. Outside on a nice day eating some of Pedro's Favorite....They have excellent mango smoothies that go well with the food. From the plates to the sandwiches you got to give it a shot. Oh and the owners are super nice and friendly.
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Review from max s.
Ann Arbor, MI
8/16/2011
Not sure if the other locations are better, but my first experience here did not live up to the hype...
The Pedro - it's a great concept, and a good sandwich, but nothing to write home about. Reminds me of the philly steak wars and who uses the better beef. The tri-tip was not as tender as my sample (some pieces were quite chewy!) and meat flavor seemed bland. The combination of pineapple, olives, and sauces added great flavor, but was so drenched that there was literally ounces of liquid in my tray... not the easiest-to-eat street food. And it's $8? With tax and a drink, you're easily over $10-11.
Service was fast and friendly, yet I doubt I will be returning anytime soon. I wasn't wowed by the tri-tip, nor impressed with the mess it made, and can easily find better places to spend $10 for lunch. -
Review from Patricia K.
Berkeley, CA
7/8/2011
holy bejebus this place is delicious. if you have never been, please go. you wont regret it. get pedros favorite. is amazing. and if you are skeptical at first, ask them for a free sample. itll convince you.
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Review from bella b.
Walnut Creek, CA
7/23/2011
great addition!!! I would recommend Pedro's favorite the works. The little chicken croquettes are awesome too.
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Review from francisca c.
Oakland, CA
11/1/2011
I gave this place three chances. The first one, I got a vegetarian sandwich (I think the menu name is "carnaval"). It was tasty. BUT...it was the soggiest sandwich I have ever eaten. Sandwiches should not be so soggy that you need to eat them with a fork! The second chance, I ordered a veggie dog, but as they ran out, they offered me a sandwich and told me I would not need to pay the difference. This was the same veggie sandwich I had tried before. Since it tasted good, and I was in a hurry, I accepted, and just expected to have to eat it with a fork. This second time, the taste seemed off--like something was missing. And yes, the sandwich was soggy again. At that point, I decided to not ever order that again. I then went back a third time yesterday, wanting to give them a more than fair chance. This time I got the veggie dog as they actually had them. I eat meat, but I had enjoyed the desi dog veggie dogs, and since I had been told that the dogs were the same as before, I gave it a shot. It was the most disappointing meal ever. The bread was stale. And overall, the veggie dog was so dry. The onions and peppers they added to it did not taste like the ones that used to come with the desi dog veggie dog (I think he used to put serrano peppers before, and these tasted like plain bell peppers). And on top of the grilled onions and peppers, they stuffed a bunch of raw corn and carrots. No condiments were available, as there used to be when it was just a desi dog truck. And I could not finish it because it was just way too dry. If they would bring back the condiment table, complete with the pico de gallo, that the desi dog truck always had, it would have been edible. And so, I just cannot recommend eating here. When the sandwiches are so soggy that the bread is completely wet and falling apart, and a simple veggie dog is dry, dry, dry, and served in such a stale piece of bread, well, I cannot reason every going back nor ever recommending this place to anyone. I give them two stars because the first veggie sandwich I had at least tasted good, even though the bread was soaked through. Oh, and if you ask me, this truck is just way too overpriced for the quality of food you get.
