Gibson’s: Gourmet Burgers + Pimped Milkshakes at the V&A Waterfront

The yellow-and-black retro décor, comfortable bench seats and zesty yellow chairs set the scene at Gibson’s, a funky diner that serves award-winning burgers, ribs and shakes. There’s an element of sassy New York style but the surroundings are pure Cape Town, with loads of alfresco seating for Table Mountain and harbour views, and a side helping of people-watching.

Inspired by the top burgers of Chicago, New York and Las Vegas, the Gibson’s team set out to create the optimum burger recipe. Another ace up their sleeve is the expertise of their sister restaurant, Belthazar, next door (whose master butcher really knows their beef). The result is a solid selection of 35 different gourmet burgers: hand-crafted, pure beef patties are char-grilled, lavished with smoky secret sauce, and a variety of extras (perhaps cheese, bacon or mushroom sauce), and sandwiched in home-baked brioche buns. For simple beef appreciation, we particularly enjoyed the tasty Wagyu burger. Gibson’s is also loved for its top-quality beef and pork ribs… and we spotted an intriguing onion “blossom” at the next table as we left, which we’ll have to go back for.

Shake it up

The milkshake menu has a world-record-breaking 230+ different shakes – literally… they feature in the Guiness World Records – which could take a while to read through in detail. They run the gamut from chocolate fudgy nutty, to fruit-inspired fantasy, and take in vegan, frozen yoghurt, and adults-only shakes that are practically cocktails. If that sounds like brain-freeze overwhelm, the servers are excellent at helping with the decision-making: name a flavour preference and they’ll give you a top-five shortlist.

My chocolate nemesis Freek shake was piled high with pretzels, Oreo cookies, wafers and sprinkles and served admirably as a long, lingering dessert, with such generous quantities of ice cream that it was more like a Sundae.

With friendly, efficient service, a top-notch location and a chilled ambience, Gibson’s is your go-to for a casual and comforting bite at the Waterfront.

Good to know Every Monday, there’s a ribs special: a free beer with pork or beef ribs. On Wednesdays, it’s chicken-wings: a free beer with every plate of wings.
The Slick group loyalty card covers Gibson’s and next-door Belthazar. You get 10% of your bill credited to use on your next visit.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact 087 357 3465, contact@slickrestaurants.com
Where to find it Shop 157, Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

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