Hamburgers are no stranger to this site.  We’ve done many reviews of the humble hamburger and if one thing is becoming abundantly clear, its that Cape Town is rapidly becoming a hamburger destination.  There’s quality hamburger joints all over the city bowl and its outskirts now, and for a burger connoisseur like myself its the equivalent of Nirvana.  The problem, however, is that as a burger producer, you have to do something pretty special to set yourself apart from what is becoming very crowded at the top.

Saints in Kloof Street seems to have found the recipe.  Yes they do burgers with interesting toppings like smoked mozzarella and source only the best meat, but that you can get anywhere.  What they do is give you choice.  Not in the sense that you have pages and pages of burgers with different toppings (there’s 2 pages in the menu with 12 different preconceived burgers) but in the sense that you can design your own hamburger from scratch.  Listen to this:  You can choose between 4 meats (on the preconceived menu there’s 3 additional meat types), 5 types of bun, 8 different cheeses, 8 different toppings (like bacon, onion and pineapple) and 9 different sauces.  You can build your burger with any combination available.  But… and this is quoted directly from the Verimark television advert… THATS NOT ALL.  You also get the option of choosing between 4 different sides and 4 different side salad options.

Saints is owned by Roumen Angelo, formerly the MD of the Cafe Sofia group, meaning  he brings many years of restaurant expertise to the table.  Initially he wanted to call the restaurant Angels (a play on his name), but one afternoon some Hell’s Angels pulled in and politely advised him to change the name.  He’s not in the business to make enemies and subsequently changed it to Saints.  The Angels are now regulars, regularly pulling in on their hogs for a couple of beers and a burger.

Other than quality food, the biggest draw card of Saints is the interior and more specifically the rock and roll theme.  Tables are hand made and printed on them are rock n roll memorbilia.  The walls are adorned with photos of the masters of rock and I saw photos of Pink Floyd, the Stones and Jimi Hendrix to name a few.  At the downstairs bar there’s a jukebox that is for patrons use, free of charge.  Roumen tells me “it has a lot of songs on it”…  The ceilings are decorated and even the beer taps are hand made.  It’s a matter of pride for Roumen that the beer taps are made locally, and not imported, yet another bit of detail that’s gone into the decor of Saints.  Other small details, like naming dishes after famous Rock songs and having the last stanza of Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin stenciled on the stairs leading to the upstairs area, sets Saints decor apart from anything I’ve seen in quite some time.

Speaking of beer – Saints supports the local craft beer market and you can get a variety of beers on tap.  A great way to get to know the different beers is to do a sample beer tasting – 6 beer tasters for R30.  These include 4 Camelthorn beers, a Triggerfish beer and an Everson’s cider.  With variety like that, there’s no doubt there will be something for everyone’s taste.

We had a quick introduction to Saints last week, grabbed a burger, tasted some beers and left.  I have a feeling we’re going to be spending a lot more time there.  Its more than just a burger joint – the menu is quite diverse, just showing again the many choices they offer.  Go grab a bite and enjoy the masters of rock.  I can’t think of better company than Ozzie and a fresh cheese burger.

Twitter – @saintsburgerjnt
Facebook – Saints Burger Joint
http://saintsburgerjoint.wordpress.com/
021 424 0030
84 Kloof Street, Cape Town