Some of the best (& quirkiest) burgers in town

Love Is burgers, events + karaoke nights

Last updated: 3 October 2023

This unassuming burger joint conceals weird and wacky burgers, weekly wine tastings, and wild karaoke nights. It’s the kind of place where you and your friends are regulars and the barman knows your name. It’s Love Is. 

It’s located around the corner from Village Idiot. Image: Love Is

THE INNER CITY HANGOUT

The owners, who were inspired by Central Perk from the hit sitcom Friends, have created a regular hangout for friends (or coworkers) on the corner of Loop and Riebeek. 

You’ll see friends catching up on the L-shaped leather couch, colleagues enjoying happy hour at the bar, and couples sharing a heart-shaped pizza on date night.

The exposed brick walls and high ceilings lead your eyes to the cheeky “Feed me burgers and tell me I’m pretty” red neon sign. Large windows overlook the bustling city streets and highrise buildings, just like Central Perk. 

Love is hosts regular live music and loves their Jazz evenings. Image: Love Is

SOME OF THE BEST (AND QUIRKIEST) BURGERS

The burger names on the menu were conceived at a braai with friends after a couple glasses of wine. Just got dumped? There’s a burger for that. It’s made with tequila and lime basting to soothe a broken heart. Or if you’re feeling a little spicy, there’s the Love Bite topped with chilli cheese bombs. 

There are 12 burgers for every taste and occasion, including bestsellers like the Love Crunch with a Southern fried chicken breast, and You’re the Cheese Bomb to my Burger, which is topped with a deep fried cheese bomb and bacon.

If you want to try more than one burger, you can also order three mini sliders. Image: Love Is

FOOD IS THEIR LOVE LANGUAGE

The whole menu is love-themed, and there’s loads of other options besides the burgers. Like tapas to share with friends, sweet Southern fried buffalo wings, biltong jalapeño poppers, burger sliders and meatballs. 

Or if you’re going out for date night, there’s love-themed pizzas to share like Marry Me (shaped like a heart) or My One & Only (salami and feta).

The Marry Me pizza is great to share on a date night. Image: Love Is

A FIRST THURSDAYS AFFAIR

On First Thursdays, Love Is turns into a creative hub for local talents, where artists like Jozelle Mclea showcase abstract Mother Nature-inspired paintings, and pop musicians like Leigh Hondy serenade the restaurant. 

Sometimes there’s also paint and sip evenings hosted by the Offering Studio and creative artist Lisa Nell. To see upcoming First Thursdays events, keep an eye on the Love Is Instagram page. 

The drinks specials may vary according to the month. Image: Love Is

THERE’S KARAOKE AND WINE TASTING NIGHTS

Every month Love Is has something special and wild in store. Fridays are wine tastings and regular live entertainment. Grab your Monica, Chandler or Joey and listen to musicians like Harry Hannies or Travis Tucker. You might even get some pop, rock or indie music. Each guest gets three wines to taste (like Villiera and Spier). Book wine tastings via Quicket.

Book your slot via Quicket. Image: Love Is

Saturdays are karaoke nights – great for friends night out or a birthday celebration. There’s an infinite number of songs to choose from, four microphones available and an open dance floor where everyone can bust out their moves. Book karaoke tickets via Quicket.

There are four microphones available on karaoke nights. Image: Love Is

YOU CAN HOST A SPECIAL EVENT HERE

All of this makes Love Is such a vibe for a birthday shindig, year-end party or bachelor/ette. The venue can host 30 to 35 guests seated and 50 guests standing, and there’s a variety of platter options you can choose from (including their iconic burgers). Plus, you can rent the karaoke machine. 

Email Love Is to get in touch about your event. Image: Love Is

Love Is the corner that everyone should know about and potentially fall in love with. 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LOVE IS

Love Is Burgers is open: Thursday to Saturday; 12am - 10pm
Find it: 16 Loop Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Book: Karaoke or wine tasting via Quicket; venue hire via hello@loveisburgers.co.za 
Contact on: 067 332 3558, @love_is_burgers

By Lara van Zyl

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