So it’s looking to be the ‘summer of the burger’ in Cape Town, with new spots to get your fix of this staple springing up all over the city. Our latest lunchtime mission took us to Boston on Buitengracht Street, sandwiched between hip neighbours I Love My Laundry and Mars Music.
The food
The choice of six burgers isn’t exhaustive but pretty much ticks all the boxes from classic to gourmet, with two chicken options (nothing for vegetarians though). Each one is named after a famed Bostonite, including Da Matt (or is it Da Martian?), Uma, Jacky O and Da Bird.
On the day in question we opted for The Wahlburger (beef patty, mayo, truffle mushroom, swiss cheese and pickles) and The JFK (beef patty, mayo, pickles, aged cheddar and smokehouse bacon), which the owner tells me has been their most popular seller so far; ‘Capetonians and bacon hey – what do you expect?’
I reckon we have also been spoilt in Cape Town lately with hulking, soccer ball-sized burgers accompanied by heaps of fries, because when our orders arrived, both my lunch date and I made small noises of disappointment. But we were reminded that bigger isn’t always better – Boston’s burgers are such a class act in terms of flavour, that they don’t need shock tactics to truly impress.
The patties were juicy and delicious, and the whole affair comes in a brioche bun, which adds that little something extra, taste-wise. Burgers come with a small side of shoestring fries, which is especially nice when you consider that many places are opting to sell them separately these days.
If you’ve somehow wandered into Boston not in the mood for a burger, the menu also offers breakfast, salads, ribs and wings, while milkshakes (of the milky variety, not ice cream in a glass), cherry pie and a decent fridge cheesecake round things off for dessert. The bar has you covered for wine, beer, cider or something a little stronger.
The vibe
Large streetfront windows and outdoor seating make Boston an inviting spot if you’re tooling around Heritage Square looking for a bite. Inside, things are casually stylish – all grey walls, swish light fittings and framed photographs of famous Bostonites.
Seating is at high tables with bar stools, or a handful of regular tables towards the back – more comfortable perhaps and with a view of the open kitchen, but you do lose the light a little.
The verdict
Spoilt for choice as the CBD is when it comes to grabbing a burger, Boston is definitely on my list of places to return to for the actual quality of the burger. Which, when you think about it, is all that should really count.
OF NOTE
Where 63 Buitengracht Street, CBD
Trading hours Tuesday and Wednesday 7 am – 10 pm, Thursday and Friday 7:30 am – midnight, Saturdays 9 am – midnight, Sundays 9 am – 9 pm
Cost Burgers start at R69 and go up to R85, with an extra R33 if you’d like to double up on your beef patty
Contact +27 21 424 0082, Boston on Facebook
Photography courtesy Boston
