Old-school Roadhouse

The Rainbow Team
Apr 6, 2015
2 min read

You’re driving home and all of a sudden a craving hits you. What to do, the supermarket is long closed?? Not to fear, fast food is here! Nowadays you don’t even have to lift your bum out of the car to get the food, the wonders of drive-through. But the concept is not as modern as you may think. Ever heard of a roadhouse?

Pretoria has one of the oldest roadhouses in the country, The Lollipop. It arrived in town in 1935 as part of the Doll’s House franchise, and in the 1960’s it changed over to The Lollipop. This familiar landmark in Church street is still as popular as ever. With a wide range of meals to choose from, your every craving will be satisfied. Choose from monster hamburgers, pizza, steaks, chicken, salad, breakfast and much more. Prices are very reasonable, ranging from R13 to R95 for a meal. A 500ml milkshake will cost you only R12, a definite bargain stop-over.

Just like in the movies, your food will be hooked over your window on a tray, and you can enjoy your meal quick-quick in the convenience of your car on your lap. Or step out for a bit of fresh air and sit in one of the booths. A recent addition to the parking lot is shaded parking for the day-time munchers.

If you like the idea of eating at a roadhouse, explore some others in town. Casbah is another favourite, with branches in Gezina, Annlin and Colbyn. It also hosts a wide-range menu similar to The Lollipop’s.

Another old-school fast food spot you can’t go wrong with, is Varsity Bakery in Lynnwood road. This convenience shop has been visited by numerous late-night munchie overwhelmed students. With its easy accessible location, it’s a good spot to remind yourself of when an emergency meal is needed as it is open till late night. Try their footlongs and toasted sandwiches.

So be a bit daring and instead of the usual franchise fast food meal, go original with a meal from one of the off-beat joints in town. There’s plenty more of those hiding away in the corner cafés!