Universal de Hamburguesas, a Burger Spot with Purpose

Walking into Universal de Hamburguesas in Bogotá, we immediately felt this wasn’t just another burger joint. The scent of sizzling patties hit us before we even saw the menu. The vibe was casual, the kind of place where you want to stay a little longer even after finishing your meal. And soon, we discovered that here, the story is just as important as the food.

Universal de Hamburguesas has quickly become a standout in the city’s competitive burger scene, but what makes it special is not just its sauces or its crunchy fries. This is a place with a mission—offering jobs and opportunities to people reintegrating into society after incarceration. We could taste the quality in the food, but we also felt the pride of the staff, who seemed to embody the idea that second chances can be delicious.

A Concept with Social Impact

When we stepped up to the counter to place our order, we noticed something striking: the friendliness of the team. Smiles, quick service, and a genuine warmth that isn’t always a given in Bogotá’s bustling restaurants. Later, we learned that Universal de Hamburguesas is part of a project aimed at giving jobs to ex-prisoners, helping them reintegrate into society.

This small detail transforms the whole experience. Eating here is not an act of charity—these are genuinely good burgers—but knowing the story behind the restaurant adds weight to every bite. We weren’t just paying for food; we were contributing to a bigger mission, one that shows food can be more than comfort—it can be a platform for dignity.

The name “Universal” makes sense after being there. It’s not just about burgers for everyone, but about an idea that inclusivity, good food, and second chances can belong together.

Burger Order Universal

A Menu that Covers All Bases

The menu at Universal de Hamburguesas is divided into four families: Smash, Parrilla, Pollo, and Vegetariana.

The Smash burgers are thin, crispy-edged patties pressed on the griddle, perfect for stacking up two or even three. The Parrilla line goes the opposite way, offering thicker, flame-kissed patties with that unmistakable charred taste. The pollo burgers (chicken burger) bring variety with sweet chili, sriracha, or buffalo-style sauces. And then there’s the Vegetariana, made with quinoa, spinach, and carrots—a solid option that feels like a real burger rather than a token vegetarian choice.

The star of the menu is the Universal burger, available in every family. With lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and the house “Universal” sauce, it’s a solid introduction to what they do best. From there, we branched out to bolder flavors:

• Okla Smash: caramelized onions, mustard, tomato sauce, pickles, and a juicy patty.
• BBQ Parrilla: crispy onions, smoky BBQ sauce, pickles, and bacon.
• Asian Chicken: sweet chili sauce, sriracha mayo, carrots, and daikon radish.
• Buffalo Chicken: tangy buffalo sauce with cole slaw and pickles.
• Vegetariana: a quinoa patty topped with cheese, tomato, lettuce, onion, and the house sauce.

We also liked the flexibility of choosing sencilla, doble, or triple. And trust us—unless you have a very small appetite, you’ll want to go double. One patty is tasty, but it can get lost under the toppings and sauces.

Food Universal

Flavors and the Magic of the Sauces

The first bite of our Okla Smash told us everything we needed to know. The bun was soft but held its shape, the patty was juicy and seasoned just right, and the onions gave a rich, sweet depth. But what truly made it shine was the sauce—tangy, balanced, and clearly crafted with care.

We also tried the BBQ Parrilla, and the difference was clear. Where the Smash was quick and sharp, the Parrilla had a smoky, flame-grilled taste that reminded us of backyard barbecues. The crispy onions added crunch, and again, the sauce tied everything together with a perfect smoky-sweet balance.

One of our friends ordered the Asian Chicken, and we stole a bite. It was bright and playful: sweet chili meeting creamy sriracha mayo, cut with fresh carrots and daikon. It didn’t feel heavy, even though it was still indulgent. Another table nearby had the Buffalo, and just watching the dripping sauce made us want to come back for it.

The sauces are what separate Universal de Hamburguesas from the pack. Each one feels like it was designed specifically for the burger it’s on, not just a generic dressing. From the creamy Mil Islas to the tangy Buffalo, the variety keeps you curious.

Our only critique—echoed by other diners—is that the cheese can sometimes fade into the background. A sharper cheddar or stronger flavor could balance the richness better. But order a double or triple patty, and you won’t notice the issue as much.

The Dining Experience

The vibe here is casual and perfect for hanging out with friends. Groups gather around tables, music sets a lively tone, and the décor is simple without being bland. It’s the kind of place where you feel comfortable staying after the meal, sipping a soda and chatting.

Service works on a self-service model: we lined up to order, waited for our tray, and grabbed sauces ourselves. It’s efficient, and we didn’t mind it, but we did notice one small detail—like some reviewers, we found it strange that they add a suggested tip even though you’re doing most of the work yourself. The friendliness of the staff makes it easier to accept, but it’s something worth noting.

What impressed us most was the balance between speed and quality. Even at peak hours, the food came out without feeling rushed or sloppy. And unlike some fast-food spots, the vegetables tasted fresh, the fries were crisp and well-seasoned, and nothing felt “industrial.”

Friends Burger

Standout Recommendations

After trying a few options and seeing what others ordered, here are the combinations we’d recommend:

• Okla Smash Double: for onion and mustard lovers, simple but incredibly satisfying.
• BBQ Parrilla Double: smoky, rich, and layered with bacon and crispy onion.
• Asian Chicken: a fun surprise, light but flavorful, perfect if you want something different.
• Vegetariana: better than expected; a real burger experience without meat.

On the side, don’t skip the pepinillos fritos—crispy, salty, and addictive, especially with honey mustard. The papas enqalladas are a crowd-pleaser too, loaded with cheese and sauce. For dessert, the giant cookies are a must. The white chocolate macadamia was our personal favorite, gooey in the center with a satisfying crunch on the edges.

Our “ideal combo” ended up being: a double Smash Okla, pepinillos fritos to share, and a cookie for dessert. It was filling, flavorful, and balanced.

Value and Critiques

In terms of price, Universal de Hamburguesas sits comfortably in the middle range for Bogotá’s burger spots. A single burger starts around 23,800 COP, while a double can reach 39,900 COP, and sides or desserts add up. But given the quality of ingredients and the generous portions, it feels fair.

The main critiques we’d give:

• The cheese could be stronger to stand out more.
• The autoservicio plus suggested tip is a bit inconsistent with the format.
• During peak hours, lines can be long.

But honestly, these are small things in the bigger picture. The positives—fresh ingredients, bold sauces, good vibes, and a meaningful mission—far outweigh the negatives.

Final Impressions

Leaving Universal de Hamburguesas, we didn’t just feel full; we felt satisfied in a deeper sense. The food was fresh, flavorful, and fun, but the story behind it gave the whole experience more weight. Knowing that our meal supported a project offering second chances made us appreciate every bite even more.

Universal isn’t perfect, but that’s part of its charm. It’s lively, imperfectly casual, and full of heart. The burgers hold their own against the best in Bogotá, the sauces make us want to come back, and the atmosphere makes it a place we’ll want to recommend to friends.

In a city filled with burger options, Universal de Hamburguesas stands out because it offers more than food—it offers meaning. We left with full stomachs and a small reminder that comfort food can also change lives.

And as we walked out that night, we couldn’t help but smile. A good burger can make your day, but a good burger with a purpose? That can make your week.