If you are wondering about the name it means 'crazy' in Spanish, and perhaps that's a nod to the people behind Loco, Play Braamfontein, who might have found themselves questioning whether it is still worth fighting to make their dreams of cool Braamfontein come true.
A little detail here. Play Braamfontein is the visionary force behind the original Neighbourgoods Market and 99 Juta Street, The Beach and an immense street art drive that changed the fortunes of this student neighbourhood and gave it a hipster shine, at a time when Joburg was still riding high on the city's post-2010 World Cup whiff of excellence.
Fast-forward to a decade later. With mayoral candidates dropping faster than the rand to dollar exchange and a Covid-induced coma that drained students from the neighbourhood, Braamfontein is in need of more than tender loving care if it is to regain its cool footing and move forward. Play Braamfontein has a plan for this and, following the opening of the Playground Saturday market (2022), Loco is another step up the ladder.
Thankfully some people are loco – and we all get to benefit from it.
Nestled under the Playground Market space, you'll notice Loco from the pink balustrade and countertop overlooking the street, and the string lights that create a delightful after-dark welcome. The interiors are playful and fun. A black and white striped ceiling, wooden cacti, that signature pink on the tiled tabletops, cheeky wallpaper, and glass wraparound doors give you a street and neighbourhood view – and place you in eye-line of a gorgeous floral mural emblazoned with an injunction to smile!
The menu is designed as an all-day affair – breakfast, lunch or dinner is served, and the cappuccino here (if that's all you have time for) gets top marks.
In the kitchen is chef Minnienhle Manzini, whose pedigree includes time spent working at DW Eleven-13, a much-awarded former fine-dining establishment. You might recognise chef Princess Bulelwa Mbonambi at the front of house (formerly at Thunder Walker downtown), and this is the kind of place where you can expect to be greeted with warmth and familiarity on a return visit, as if you were long-lost friends.
The food is easy eating, simple and tasty fare inspired by Mexican cuisine. Each time we visit we order the fish taco and the vegetable taco – these can get a little messy to eat so if you are more of a cutlery fan, friends highly recommend the breakfast burrito, the bowls, and for those who favour beans, the quesadilla. The corn riblets are a flavoursome and chewy starter. For dessert, the cinnamon- and sugar-dusted churros dipped in dulce de leche are a must.
We think the prices here are reasonable and you can easily dine well for under R200 a person (May 2023).
Tequila fans will enjoy sampling from a hand-picked selection of around 30 (and counting) tequila and mezcal brands, ranging from R40 to R400, shooters to sipping. We love the signature cocktails that lend a festive air to any occasion, including the Loco team's favourite drink that combines tequila with the flavours of aloe and lavender. Our personal favourite though is the Paloma. Try it and let us know.
Loco has a generator, so perfect for an uninterrupted, everyday dining experience.
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