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10 of the best and authentic roadhouses across South Africa

Food24
Food24 by Food24
March 30, 2017
in Food News
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10 of the best and authentic roadhouses across South Africa
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(Image by Something Good in PE)

The roadhouse is a popular American tradition that spread to South Africa around the 40s. The concept was made popular also in pop culture in stories like On The Road and Easy Rider. Traditionally the purpose of the roadhouse was to provide food and lodging for travelers, and they’d usually be situated on a main road. As things got more developed, roadhouses started serving food to people right in their car, offering a quick stopover for human fuel. 

Although South Africa’s roadhouses don’t all stick to this traditional formulae today, many still serve food on those grid trays attached to your car window, which offer diners a great sense of nostalgia and novelty.

Here’s our guide to authentic roadhouses across the country:

The Doll House Roadhouse, Johannesburg

This roadhouse gets it name because of its physical appearance. From the outside it resembles a doll house offering a slightly eerie, mystical quality to the facade which has made The Doll House iconic, dating back to 1940. Perhaps no longer in its peak condition, the Doll House does however still serve the same food from way back when, like burgers and double thick milkshakes. Although it is slightly dilapidated, it still holds its old charm and is worth stopping by for the old school drive-in service.

The first in our “culinary” adventure! #pops #oldmansdayout #memorylane

A post shared by Wayne Oberholzer (@wayneobie) on Mar 11, 2015 at 4:13am PDT

Casbah Roadhouse, Pretoria
Like most roadhouses, Casbah has been around for quite a few decades, witnessing the changing landscape of its Pretorian surroundings. It’s own features haven’t changed much besides consistent maintenance that has kept the roadhouse in ship shape. Enjoy fast food like hotdogs, schwarmas, fish and chips, burgers and more!

“Do you want something from The Roadhouse?” #MeetAlberton __________________________ #Alberton #AlbertonTraveller #Casbah #Roadhouse #FoodPlaces #Colours #Retro #Neon #City #Urban #UrbanExplorer #OldBuildings #Explore #ExploreMore #ExploreEverything #DriveIn #DriveThrough #Life #Overcast #rainy #AreYOuEvenSeeingThisHashtag

A post shared by Brett Magill (@brett_magill) on Mar 10, 2016 at 2:48am PST

Wembley Roadhouse – Athlone, Cape Town
Wembley is a Cape Town institution with a huge following of loyal customers from in and around Athlone. It’s a destination roadhouse where customers visit not because they’re passing by but because the food and Wembley experience is that good. They offer the real roadhouse service with food ordered from your car. The food is what makes them special. They haven’t Americanised their menu, rather offering local cuisines like toasted steak sarmies, a selection of salomis, traditional Cape Malay dishes and also an extensive seafood selection.

Wembley Road House .. My dinner destination for the night .. Hidden Gem of Cape Town … Really good Indian Food at such reasonable prices ?? So @suniltenniscoach im glad ur wish for Cape Town was fulfilled on your first day here ?? PS: Cape Town, Im back home ?? #WembleyRoadHouse #Athlone #Indianfood #IndianSpice #instafood #Delish #HiddenGem #FoodGalore #CapeTown #CapeTownMag #Whopper #Dinner #dinnerWasServed #Yum #CapeTownImHome #LastFewDaysHolidayForMe #ExploringCapeTown#SouthAfrica

A post shared by Dhashnie Pillay (@dhashnie_pillay) on Jan 5, 2017 at 12:16pm PST

Uncle Harry’s Roadhouse, Randfontein
Lit up like a Christmas tree, Uncle Harry’s is your quintessential roadhouse that is unmissable with its multi-coloured signage. Just off the R28, Uncle Harry’s has been open since 1974 and is still serving up its classic grub from burgers to steaks to pizzas and also a Sunday roast. So if you’re heading past Randfontein, pullover and enjoy the liveliness of Uncle Harry’s.

Something about a road house at night that makes@you feel like you’ve traveled back in time?? #uncleharrysroadhouse #randfontein

A post shared by Vincent Andrews (@vino8701) on Mar 16, 2017 at 11:27am PDT

Burger Box –  Krugersdorp, Benoni, Birch Acres and Rustenberg
Burger Box embraces the traditional Roadhouse concept where customers can choose to sit inside, eat in their cars or take away their food. The first branch started in Krugerdorp just after roadhouses had taken off in a big way in the US. The Krugersdrop branch is now over 60 years old and still going strong with customers flocking for a taste of their great burgers, pregos, hotdogs and breakfasts.

Roadhouses still really amuse me. The whole concept of driving into a parking lot and just cooling off until your food is ready is so weird. I seriously love them though I am looking forward to my supper tonight #findingjozi in other news, this is my last Instagram post from my old iPhone 4S. Really looking forward to my 5S that should be here tomorrow. Gold nogal!

A post shared by Shahil Juggernath (@shahilj) on Feb 9, 2014 at 8:34am PST

The Fireplace Roadhouse, Boksburg
The Fireplace opened in 1958, and is another roadhouse that keeps things classic. Order your food from your car and eat off a steel grid tray placesd on your window. It’s a time warp of note, with the restaurant sitting in an arched mid-century building, offering the ultimate drive-in movie scene. They are well-known for their pizzas, steak options, burgers and mammoth milkshakes.

The Apple Bite Roadhouse, Edenvale
The Apple bite is an Edenvale gem with retro signage and a retro experience. They are highly regarded for their incredible wood-fired pizzas as well as their English breakfast, pregos and soft serve ice cream.  On Sundays they also offer a roast for lunch.

@agent_rabbit soon ??

A post shared by Amber Smith (@bam_zom_bie) on Mar 23, 2014 at 9:32am PDT

Something Good Roadhouse, PE
Something Good was featured on our guide to great outdoor restaurants since they sit on a large patch of green that overlooks the sea. It’s not your typical roadhouse, in that it doesn’t offer the full drive in service but you can get take aways, however once you see the location, you’ll more than likely want to spend some time. The menu features classic and gourmet fast food like pizzas, stacked burgers and toasted sarmies. Also don’t miss their killer milkshakes and soda floats.

Windmill Roadhouse, East London
The Windmill Roadhouse is a landmark in the area, with a giant windmill perched on its roof, kind of like Moulin Rouge but with significantly less lingerie. Windmill has been open since 1946 making it one of the oldest roadhouses on the list. They still keep to the original formula, serving great combo meals that offer good value for money like the burger, chips and a coke deal for R49.90. They’re also known for their ‘brekkie on the go’ which is super budget friendly.

I miss this place……anyone willing to take me out???

A post shared by Gwazimpundulu (@gwaziman) on Sep 15, 2016 at 2:50am PDT

Kota Joe Roadhouse, Boksburg and Edenvale and Wonderboom
Kota Joe is a modernised version of the old roadhouse, focusing on fast food and over-the-top shakes. You can enjoy the authentic roadhouse experience where service meets you right at your car door. Kota Joe has brought the roadhouse into the 21st century offering customers a vibrant and fun-filled experience from the seat of your car.

Taking roadhouses to the next level! #KotaJoe

A post shared by Kota Joe (@kotajoesa) on Oct 7, 2016 at 7:30am PDT

Keep it cool. #IcedZooShake #KotaJoe

A post shared by Kota Joe (@kotajoesa) on Nov 5, 2014 at 6:33am PST

Tags: Food24GuideRestaurantsRoadhouseRoadhousesRound-upSouth Africa


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