After the Argentina v Germany match, in which Argentina performed dismally in the penalty shootout, Germany took the game and are headed to the semi’s. As an Argentinean supporter for that specific clash, I was heartbroken that they lost. Even though it probably was because they had to use their reserve goalie who had only had 4 international caps behind his name on arrival at the box. So, as it would seem clear at that point, the obvious thing to do would be to devour something nice, something filling, something, something. A burger! What better way to grieve over the disappointment of the Argentinean side. We were watching the game at the Cape Milner. I was told that down the road, a place called Arnold’s, serves a great burger. Not a gourmet burger, just a burger. PERFECT! We hit the street and made way to Arnold’s.
We arrived, we were hungry, we were in the mood for a burger, we knew what we wanted!
The waiter came to the table and we promptly ordered 4 plain burgers. Remember, it is not a gourmet burger restaurant, hence we did not expect gourmet burgers. They are BURGERS, not huge, not tiny, they are, however, delicious. Imagine this: Sunday afternoon, couple of friends, beer (a good couple of course), hunger, rugby. What could better compliment this than a good ol’ fashioned home made burger. Lettuce, tomato, 400g beef patty! Fat Albert’s only has 200g AND THEY DARE CALL IT ‘FAT’. The taste that comes to mind when imagining this scenario is, may I say, fantastic? Exactly! Arnold’s served a fantastic non-gourmet burger. They aren’t pretentious, they don’t try to be la-di-da.
Moving on now, the burgers arrived and they were presented, well, they were presented on a plate. A white plate. It was good enough for a non-gourmet burger. They came with scrumptious deep-fried potato wedges. Speaking of which, upon it’s arrival the manager spotted that we did not have enough on our plate and that he would get us some more. Unfortunately he did not do so, it seemed to have slipped his mind, which is maybe a -1 on my scale. Nonetheless it was good.
Bite after bite we could not believe the value for money, for R30-00 we had received a deliciously made, home-made style burger which was fat in size and great in taste! The wedges were limited but as I previously mentioned, there was an attempt to better that situation. The attempt however, failed.
Needless to say, my experience at Arnold’s was of a pleasant nature. I have had better burgers, don’t get me wrong, but then it was at a place that claims to serve gourmet burgers, in which case I’d expect better. At Arnold’s however, it was value for money, sheer value for money! We even received a free bottle of wine because were a table of 2 or more. I have no comment with regards to the wine.
All and all, I would give Arnold’s a 7 out 10 rating. Mainly because of the value for money aspect. The atmosphere definitely helped achieve that ranking.
-S
Technorati Tags: Arnold’s, Burgers, Cape Town, Non-Gourmet, Restaurants, Table Mountain
July 7, 2006 at 2:55 pm
What I can comment on is that it didn’t try to be anything that it wasn’t, as you’ve said in your review. It was good and plain and simple and wonderful. The wine was a tad bit shocking, but hey, that’s free wine is it not?
I very much like the outside atmosphere of Arnold’s as well. Especially since you are on one of Cape Town’s most awesome streets, Kloof street! I can recommend it.
July 9, 2006 at 12:50 pm
i don’t eat meat so I can’t comment on arnolds burgers but the place as a whole is right on the spot. the breakfasts are cheap good and filling too.
an institution in any town dwellers eating habits.
July 23, 2006 at 6:00 pm
Ek gee hulle 8 uit 10 simply because they didn’t try to be something wat hulle nie is nie. Thanks dat julle my voorgestel het aan die plek. Ek sal beslis weer ‘n draai daar gaan maak.