Banzai Burger at Red Robin: Full Review, Calories, Price and Copycat Recipe
Want to see everything else on the menu first?
Read the Full Menu for Red RobinIf you love burgers that taste a little bit different from the usual cheese-and-bacon lineup, the Banzai Burger is worth your attention. It's one of Red Robin's most talked-about Gourmet Burgers, and it swaps out the typical smoky flavors for something sweeter and more tropical. In this guide, I'll walk you through what's actually on the burger, how it tastes, what it costs, how many calories you're looking at, and whether it's worth ordering on your next visit. I'll also share a detailed copycat recipe so you can make it at home.
What Is the Banzai Burger?
The Banzai Burger is one of Red Robin's Fan Favorite Gourmet Burgers, and it's built around a thick, fresh beef patty brushed with a sweet teriyaki glaze. Red Robin tops it with a slice of pineapple that's grilled fresh, a layer of melted cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, a slice of tomato, and a spread of creamy mayo. Everything sits inside a soft brioche bun. It's part of Red Robin's wider Gourmet Burger lineup, and it comes with your choice of side, with Bottomless Steak Fries being the classic pick.
What sets the Banzai apart from a standard cheeseburger is the balance of sweet and savory. The teriyaki glaze soaks into the beef as it grills, and the pineapple caramelizes just enough to bring out its natural sugar. It's a burger built for people who want something a little more adventurous than ketchup and mustard.
Taste Review: Is the Banzai Actually Good?
I tried to look at this burger the way a first-time guest would, and it holds up. The first bite gives you sweetness from the teriyaki and pineapple, then the cheddar and mayo bring it back down to something more familiar and savory. The lettuce and tomato keep it from feeling too heavy, and the brioche bun is soft enough that it doesn't fight with the toppings.
A few honest notes from testing and from reading through guest feedback:
- Sweetness level: It's noticeable but not overpowering. If you don't enjoy fruit on a burger, this may not be for you.
- Juiciness: The patty is cooked to order, so ask for medium if you like it juicier, since a well-done patty can dry out slightly under the glaze.
- Balance: The cheddar and mayo do a good job of cutting through the sweetness instead of adding to it.
- Texture: The grilled pineapple has just enough char to avoid tasting like a canned fruit topping.
Overall, it lands closer to a 4 out of 5. It's not going to replace a classic cheeseburger for everyone, but it's one of the more distinct options on the Red Robin menu and it delivers on the sweet-and-tangy flavor it promises.
Burger Extras and Customization Options
Red Robin lets you build on the Banzai in a few ways, and knowing your options ahead of time makes ordering a lot easier.
Popular add-ons
- Island Heat Sauce — a sweet and spicy sauce that plays well with the teriyaki glaze.
- Fried Jalapeño Coins — for a bit of heat against the sweetness.
- Avocado — adds a creamy layer that pairs nicely with the pineapple.
- Caramelized onions — deepen the savory side of the burger.
- Fried egg — turns it into a heartier, richer version of the original.
Dietary swaps
If you need to adjust the burger, Red Robin can build it as a lettuce wrap instead of a bun, or serve it on a gluten-free bun. You can also ask to swap the beef patty for a turkey patty or a veggie patty if you'd rather keep the meal plant-based. Since toppings and preparation can change slightly by location, it's a good idea to double-check with your server about any food allergies before ordering.
Banzai Burger Calories and Nutrition
Calories can shift a bit depending on the exact bun, side, and any extras you add, but here's a general breakdown based on standard preparation. For exact numbers at your location, Red Robin's own allergen and nutrition page is the most reliable source.
| Item | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|
| Banzai Burger (patty, bun, cheese, pineapple, toppings) | 950 – 1,000 kcal |
| Banzai Burger, no bun | ~790 kcal |
| Bottomless Steak Fries (side, regular serving) | ~370 kcal |
| Side Salad (lighter swap) | ~100 kcal |
On its own, the burger sits close to half of a general 2,000-calorie daily guideline, and that's before the side is added. If you're trying to keep the meal lighter, swapping the fries for a side salad or steamed broccoli is an easy way to cut a few hundred calories without changing the burger itself.
Allergen-wise, the Banzai contains wheat, gluten, egg, soy, and milk from the bun, mayo, and cheese, with possible cross-contact with sesame depending on the kitchen. Always confirm with staff if you have a serious allergy.
Banzai Burger Price
Red Robin prices vary by location and change from time to time, but the Banzai typically falls in the mid-range of the Gourmet Burger lineup, usually between $14.99 and $15.99. It's priced close to the Guacamole Bacon and All-American Patty Melt, and a bit less than loaded options like the Royal Red Robin or Bleu Ribbon.
| Burger | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Keep It Simple | $13.89 |
| Red Robin Gourmet Cheeseburger | $14.49 |
| Banzai | ~$15.19 |
| Guacamole Bacon | $16.39 |
| Royal Red Robin | $16.79 |
Every Gourmet Burger, including the Banzai, comes with a side and a Bottomless refill on fries or select sides, so you're getting a full meal for the price rather than paying extra for fries separately.
Is the Banzai Burger Worth Ordering?
Ordering
If you like sweet and savory food, or you've already tried most of the classic cheeseburgers on the menu, the Banzai is worth ordering. It's different enough to stand out, the portion is generous, and the price sits right in the middle of the burger lineup rather than at the top. It's a good pick for anyone who wants a change from the usual bacon-and-cheddar combo without stepping into something too unfamiliar.
It's a less obvious fit if you strongly dislike fruit on savory food, or if you're looking for something budget-friendly, since the Tavern Burger line offers smaller, cheaper options that are easier on the wallet.
Copycat Banzai Burger Recipe
You don't need a trip to Red Robin to enjoy this one. Here's a detailed, step-by-step version you can make in your own kitchen, using ingredients most grocery stores carry.
Copycat Banzai Burger
A homemade version of Red Robin's sweet and tangy teriyaki burger, topped with grilled pineapple and melted cheddar.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 canned or fresh pineapple rings
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- Butter or oil, for the buns
- For the teriyaki glaze:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Make the teriyaki glaze first. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens into a glossy glaze. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into patties slightly wider than your buns, since they'll shrink a little as they cook. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat a grill or a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the pineapple rings with the tablespoon of brown sugar and grill them for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until caramelized grill marks appear. Set aside.
- Cook the patties for about 3 to 4 minutes on the first side. Flip, then brush generously with the teriyaki glaze. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, brushing with more glaze, until the internal temperature reaches your preferred doneness.
- In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar on each patty and let it melt, either with a lid on the pan or under a broiler.
- While the patties finish, lightly butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast them in a dry pan until golden.
- Spread mayonnaise on both halves of each toasted bun. Layer shredded lettuce and a tomato slice on the bottom bun, then add the cheesy teriyaki patty.
- Top each patty with a grilled pineapple ring, drizzle with a little extra teriyaki glaze, and close the burger with the top bun. Serve right away with fries or a side salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Banzai Burger runs approximately 950 to 1,000 calories with the bun, cheese, pineapple, and toppings, not including the side. Without the bun, it drops to around 790 calories.
Prices vary by location, but the Banzai typically costs between $14.99 and $15.99, which is in the middle of Red Robin's Gourmet Burger price range.
Yes. You can ask Red Robin to swap the beef patty for a veggie patty or grilled portobello, and the rest of the toppings, including the teriyaki glaze and grilled pineapple, can stay the same.
No, it's not spicy on its own. The teriyaki glaze is sweet rather than hot. If you want heat, you can add Island Heat Sauce or Fried Jalapeño Coins.
Bottomless Steak Fries are the classic pairing, but sweet potato fries, onion rings, or a side salad all work well if you want something different from the default.
Explore More Red Robin Menus
If the Banzai has you curious about the rest of what Red Robin offers, here are a few more menus worth a look: