If you’ve got a few dollars on hand, you can score big at Brenda’s Burgers on San Antonio’s Southwest Side. This long-running restaurant prices its large burger at just $5.60, so in the interest of major savings, I stopped by Brenda’s Burgers to try it for the first time.
Brenda’s Burgers has been around since 1988, and over those 38 years, the spot has built a dedicated fanbase who swear by the humble burger business. When I dropped in on Monday for lunch, there was a line of several cars in the drive-thru, so I ventured inside to dine in instead.
From the outside, Brenda’s is a simple white building with red trim and not much in the way of frills, but inside, it’s an eclectic mix of diner memorabilia and Americana-inspired decor. The floors are even checkered in black and white, making the interior feel almost like a funhouse. The employees were super helpful throughout the experience, greeting me as soon as I entered the building and taking my order with ease.
It’s counter service here at Brenda’s Burgers, so I gave the menu a quick glance before selecting a large burger ($5.60 plus 65 cents for cheese), a small order of fries ($2.75) and a small drink ($2.50). After paying, I filled my drink cup with Diet Pepsi and found a table to wait for my order. I barely had time to scroll on my phone before it was time to pick up my food, which was hot in a white paper bag on the counter.
When I say this food came out hot, I mean it. The first fry was scorching, but I rested easy knowing they were fresh. The burger was what you’d expect from an old-fashioned spot like Brenda’s, though the extra-toasted bun was an impressive touch. All in all, it was a classic meal, and for about $12 total, I’d say that’s a small price to pay to support a local business that serves up burgers with a smile.
Find it: 3837 SW Military Drive, San Antonio, TX 78211