The hipster scene finally hit Pretoria. That is not to say the capital city didn’t have its fair share of moccasin-clad indie queens who knew every band before they were famous, but it’s only once a city gets a Williamsburg-style restaurant where quirk is a commodity that the infestation is complete. Pretoria was ready for Lucky Rodrigo and judging by the crowd on a Friday night, the hipsters weren’t the only ones looking for this particular combination of great food, a fun vibe and craft beer on tap.

Food

Don’t let the name fool you – Lucky Rodrigo is not a Mexican joint. Simple, classic American diner-style dishes are exquisitely prepared and served quickly, even on a busy night. With a menu consisting mostly of burgers, Lucky Rodrigo tried a new approach with a focus on individual preferences. Instead of a traditional burger menu where options are limited to whatever the chef likes, here diners can construct their own delights. Start on a journey towards nourishment by choosing a burger core of beef, grilled vegetables with a hash brown and halloumi, or a grilled or fried chicken breast. Scan down the menu to identify the toppings that will turn your burger into an expression of your latent inner-chef and sit back while somebody else makes it happen. It’s brilliant in its simplicity. You won’t regret adding onion rings to your order. It’s difficult to finish a small burger, so bring a monstrous appetite if you’re planning on ordering a large one.

Before you get to the business of burgers, however, be sure to try the unbelievable jalapeno and cheese spring rolls. The portion is big enough to have as a main meal, but sharing it means you don’t have to miss out on the burgers. End off your meal with the vanilla ice cream, butterscotch sauce and malva pudding. It’s the only dessert, because it’s the only one you’ll ever need.

Wine

Remember the quirk we mentioned earlier? The quirkiest and most ingenious part of dining at Lucky Rodrigo is the wine. Pay a very reasonable R35 for a 500ml box of Robertson red, white or rosé. It’s like a juice box for grown-ups and more than enough wine to get you through the night. Craft beer lovers are spoiled for choice, with Jack Black pale ale and draft on tap. And tee-totallers (or the recovering) can indulge in a delicious Steri Stumpi with their meal.

Service

The service is as good as can be expected when a restaurant is about 50% over capacity. The waiters are friendly and familiar, but tend to get swamped at intervals. When things get crazy, it’s best to just order a drink at the bar and wait for it to pass. Don’t expect a seat without a reservation on a Friday night.

Ambience

The small space is filled to the brim with interesting and fun décor like Singer sewing machine tables, pot plants dangling from the ceiling and surprisingly chilled out fish in a tank above the bar. There’s not a lot of space inside, so it’s best avoided on cold nights unless you plan on drinking more than one wine box and sitting outside. The persnickety would do well to avoid the bathrooms.

By Kristia van Heerden

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