You probably know where Arcade is. It’s the pumping, flamingo-pink lumo spot on upper Bree, with people perpetually spilling out onto the pavement. The bar-restaurant hybrid with a New York theme is particularly popular on First Thursdays, when the vibe goes from buzzing to bursting. Offering burgers, pizzas, salads and a wide range of cocktails, now available all day, this spot is the place to be in Cape Town.

One of the salads at Arcade. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The inspiration for Arcade struck owners Niki Reschke and Marco Picone while travelling abroad, and many of the burger names are reminiscent of their adventures. There’s the Brooklyn burger, which comes with the standard 200g organic free-range beef patty, topped with fior di latte mozzarella, streaky bacon, avocado, pickled red onion and lemon olive oil. The idea was inspired by the pickling trend prevalent in NYC at the time.

The North West burger at Arcade. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

There’s also the North West burger (named after rapper Kanye West’s daughter), the McQueen (named after various McQueens – Steve McQueen, Lightning McQueen and Alexander McQueen), the Butter (named for its decadence, with smoked barbecue sauce, caramelised red onions, marinated roast peppers, and roasted garlic oil making an appearance), and the Happy (which tickles Marco when he hears someone say they just ‘had a happy burger’).

The McQueen burger at Arcade. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The best name probably belongs to the Church burger, however, named so because it’s so utterly sinful. Think toppings of cream cheese, battered onion rings, pickled cucumber, chilli and tomato salsa. All burgers come in a sesame-seed brioche bun and are served with regular fries, sweet potato fries or salad. You could also go for one of the many gourmet salads like the Dandelion (feta, pickled cucumber, wild tomato, red onion, micro herbs, Maldon salt and lemon vinaigrette) or the Communion (roasted beetroot, rocket, grilled butternut, Danish feta, grilled radishes, pine nuts, basil and Asian dressing).

The Pablo pizza from arcade. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

If you’re not in the mood for burgers or pizzas, you could opt for one of Arcade’s café-style meals or a pizza. Any option is ideal for lunch, when you can pair it with a light cocktail from the large variety on offer. The Monarca comprises Bombay Sapphire Gin stirred with Martini Bianco sweet vermouth, fresh basil and star anise. The impressive-looking Day & Light is a refreshing mix of Boschendal MCC Rosé, Martini Rosso, cucumber, strawberries and a dash of salt.

The Monarca cocktail from Arcade. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

If you’re in an adventurous mood, opt for the Bare Necessity. Created by Arcade’s general manager and cocktail magician Johnny Bezuidenhout, it promises to transport you to the Caribbean. Made with a splash of Bacardi Carta Negra dark rum, fresh orange, pineapple and coconut juices, along with Arcade’s secret Jungle Juice, it’s a fruity drink that packs a punch. Also try the Jameson’s Sours, a local twist on the original whiskey sour, starring double-shaken Jameson Irish whiskey, lemon, sugar and egg white.

Arcade’s Jameson’s Sours cocktail. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

As for the experience on one of Cape Town’s most popular restaurant strips, Niki can’t stop raving about it: “I love Bree Street. It’s the closest thing we have to Europe.” Arcade thrives off the street’s energy and adds to it.

Arcade’s piña colada cocktail. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Go have lunch at Arcade Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11.30am and stay for a roaring nightlife experience.

Arcade’s panko-crumbed tempura chicken. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.