Once upon a time, it was sushi restaurants that caused the major arguments among Cape Town’s dining public. In recent years though, burgers – and the best places to find them – have become the most hotly contested cuisine type. So when a new burger spot called Boston opened on Buitengracht last week, Katharine Jacobs hastened to check it out.

The exterior at Boston in Cape Town.

Food

Inspired by the owner’s time in Boston, this menu is anchored by a selection of burgers. There’s Da Matt (R71) – named for Boston boy, Matt Damon, and served with a pure beef patty, mayo, red onion, tomato, pickles and salsa – and Da Bird – named for Boston-born basketball player, Larry Bird, with grilled chicken, jalapeño, guac and tomato (R69). All burgers are served on brioche buns and come with shoestring fries – which make these guys fairly affordable, compared to other burgers of their ilk in the Mother City.

A burger and chips from Boston in Cape Town.

So how do they taste? The fillings are great – crunchy pickles, crispy smokehouse bacon and gooey aged cheddar grace The JFK. The brioche buns are a nice touch – but unfortunately the meat juice made mine a little soggy. (Perhaps some butter would help insulate the bun?) The patties are medium thickness, and pure beef, but ever-so slightly gristly. The shoestring fries are nicely cooked, but incredibly salty with an over-generous paprika-salt seasoning. (I’d suggest they dial this back a notch and allow patrons to add more if they choose.)

We also sampled the baby back pork ribs, which are basted in a sticky plum and bourbon sauce, and hit the spot nicely.

Baby back pork ribs from Boston in Cape Town.

For dessert, we demolished the cheesecake – a fridge version topped with sweet, passion fruit coulis – in 30 seconds flat. There’s also cherry pie – which sadly was sold out on the day we visited.

Drinks

There are milkshakes – the Oreo version goes down a treat – but note that these are a fairly thin version, more milky than ice-creamy – if that’s what you’re after. If you’re after something stronger, try the Irish shake with Baileys. There’s also a full bar with all the standard beers and ciders.

A view of the bar at Boston in Cape Town.

Service

It’s very early days – we dined here less than a week after the opening date – so it’s not surprising they’re still struggling to find sufficient staff. For the time being, you might need to be assertive and ask for what you need.

A view of Buitengracht Street from the inside of Boston in Cape Town.

Ambience

The restaurant’s narrow front is maximised with windows, which open onto Buitengracht and offer counter seating. Inside, grey walls and designer light fittings make a trendy setting. Photos of Boston celebrities and other Americana add a bit of character and specificity.

A large bar, high tables with stools and two televisions suggest that this could become a popular spot for catching the rugby.

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Photos of Boston celebrities add to the decor at Boston in Cape Town.