The Cape-born chain has opened up in Jozi – but do the burgers measure up? Top Billing presenter and Celebrity MasterChef contestant Lorna Maseko-Lukhele goes undercover for Eat Out at the first Hudson’s outpost in Joburg.

If you know anything about me, you’ll know I love a good juicy burger that’s super saucy and has tons of cheese. There are four burger joints that Joburgers rave about and Hudson’s is one of them, so despite a lukewarm welcome, I was positive and excited to taste their trademark burger.

Food

The Works Burger at Hudson’s. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

I ordered The Cheese, which is a beef patty topped with tomato relish, onion marmalade and cheddar cheese, with their side disco fries, which come with more cheese. Of course I had to have a few extras in my burger like I generally do… I asked for the extra avo (which they recommend), extra cheese, extra bacon and extra mayo, which I then discovered on the table. (That was a big plus for me; you can never have enough mayo!) I was in burger heaven at this point. I also ordered some cheese poppers as a side. Yes, I have a big appetite.

A burger with potato wedges. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

To be honest, I couldn’t fault the burger or cheeses poppers – they were all absolutely delicious. Fresh, juicy and using a great combination of flavours, they hit the spot for a hungry girl. Sadly, the disco fries were quite cold and the cheese was a bit stodgy, but I enjoyed the burger and poppers so much that I didn’t care.

Drinks

My mojito was really refreshing. They also have craft beers on tap and thick milkshakes.

Cocktails at Hudson’s. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Service

What a pity the beautiful brunette waiter didn’t say, “Hello, my name is… and I’ll be your waiter for today.” She just put the menus down and scuttled off to another table. Maybe I’m old-school like that – but it would have made me and my friend feel welcome. She came to check if we wanted anything else – which is what you’d expect – but a smile would have been the cherry on top. Yes, there’s a fine line between over-friendly and cold, but the people that get it right can bring warmth to a place – even if it’s ‘just’ a burger joint.

The interior at Hudson’s. Photo courtesy of the restaurant. 

Ambience

The decor is really understated, with strong wooden touches. It’s easy to relax: you know you’re at a burger joint and are about to have a great meal. Even in the afternoon, Hudson’s is a vibrant place. We had a table outside and it was nice to feel the whole Parkhurst vibe from where we were sitting.

The restaurant’s exterior. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The verdict

I would recommend the food at Hudson’s to anyone. I can’t wait to try their chicken wings and ribs next time I’m there!

Eat Out critics dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Read our editorial policy here.

Have you tucked into a burger at Hudson’s in Parkhurst yet? Let us know what you thought.