Build-Your-Own Burgers & the Best Waffles in Town – Stacked Diner is the Business! [Review]
“Come back soon. Like tomorrow… or something.” These seven simple words are etched on the wall at one of my most favourite new finds in Cape Town and after finishing what can only be described as a stellar meal, I’m pretty convinced I will want to come back tomorrow… and the next day. I’ve said it in the past and I’ll say it again – delicious, uncomplicated, down-to-earth food makes me go all giddy inside. I enjoy a fine dining meal as much as the next person but give me a good burger, a decadent shake, and a moreish dessert and I’ll be as happy as a squirrel on a trampoline. And in true diner style, Stacked Diner does burgers, shakes, and waffles oh-so-well. The only difference is, coupled with the Kloof Street spot’s fresh and trendy minimalist decor, at Stacked you can still feel like you’ve got something to Instagram about. What more could a Millennial foodie ask for?
But enough of this superfluous banter, if there’s only one thing I want you to know about Stacked it’s that their waffles are the best in town. I’m not kidding around here, people. You need to visit this spot, and even if you haven’t had dinner yet, you NEED to order the waffles. Forget all that nonsense about not having dessert for dinner, you’re a grown woman and life is too short to listen to naysayers and health nuts who are hell bent on keeping you from a delight such as the Stacked Diner waffles. On my first visit to Stacked, I was foolish enough to share my waffle with four other people – yes FOUR! After my first bite I immediately regretted my decision and for a moment considered ordering another one all for myself.
There are 3 varieties of waffles on the menu – Classic (with Maple syrup), Nutella (with Nutella sauce & strawberries), and Caramel (caramel & candied pecan nuts) – and they are all served with either ice cream or cream. The waffles are also priced incredibly well. You’re looking at just R15 for a 2-stack Classic waffle and R35 for a 4-stack Nutella waffle. My friends and I ordered the 4-stack Caramel waffle (R28) and it was divine. I was blown away by how soft and fluffy the waffle was inside. And as with all good waffles, there was just the right amount of crispiness on the outside. And, when coupled with the ice cream, caramel, and crunchiness of the pecan nuts, it was pure magic in my mouth. The portion sizes are also massive so it’s probably a good thing I didn’t order one all for myself.
Now that we’ve got the waffles out of the way let’s talk about the burgers. I’m a real sucker for create-your-own burger spots – because everyone likes to feel like they’re calling the shots every now and then. The menu is simple – choose a basic burger such as the original (R40), Cheese (R50), or Cheese & Bacon (R60). Then spice it up by choosing from a list of FREE toppings and sauces to add to your burger. Toppings include burger basics such as onion, lettuce, and tomato and more gourmet choices such as grilled mushrooms, Sweet Chilli Mayo, pickled red onion, and Chipotle tomato relish. You can also add extra toppings such as cheese, bacon, and avo at an additional price.
I ordered a basic cheese and bacon burger and then added gherkins, house mayo, caramelised onion, lettuce, and tomato. I finished off my order with a side of twice crisped Stack fries (R15) and crispy onion rings (R12) – a great life decision if I do say so myself! The fries were perfect and I love that you can choose from three different seasoning options including Rosemary salt or chilli salt. Of course, the burger was also beyond delicious and while everyone is all about the gourmet burger at the moment, there’s something special about enjoying a classic burger with all the traditional trimmings. I also love the burger patties at Stacked and it definitely helps that they are 100% free-range, grass-fed.
If burgers aren’t your thing, then you can also go for a 100% pure pork foot long flat-top dogs. I love the sound of the Chilli Cheese Dog (topped with chilli mince and grated mature cheddar – R35). For those looking for something on the healthy side the menu also offers a variety of salads or a bunless burger with a side salad. And, if you’re going for breakfast (another must!) then you can enjoy a basic egg and bacon breakfast roll (R25), classic breakfast (2 eggs, bacon, and toast – R40), a variety of French toast options (starting from R20), and a variety of flapjack options (starting from R20). They also serve breakfast all day, which is a real win in my books!
As for drinks, you can wash it all down with one of their yummy hand-spun milkshakes (choose from flavours like Strawberry, Cookies & Cream, Choc Mint, Turkish Delight, and more – R37), or speciality drinks like the Bos Ice Tea Slushie (R25) or Homemade Frozen Lemonade (R25). If you’re looking for some tipple then you’ll love the variety of G&Ts on the menu. We tried the Morello Cherry G&T (R50) and the Classic Mojito (R50) and were pleasantly surprised – it’s not often that a casual restaurant has interesting, well-made cocktails on the menu!
Find Stacked Diner at 60 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town. The restaurant is open every day from 07:30 – 22:00 for breakfast. lunch, and dinner. For more information say Hi to Stacked Diner on Facebook.
