By Gugulethu Tshabalala
There is something about Hazelwood Village that feels effortlessly social. Tucked away in Pretoria East, the precinct has quietly become one of the city's go-to lifestyle destinations, lined with restaurants, bars and cafés that spill over with energy once the workday ends. On any given weekend, the streets buzz with conversation, clinking glasses and the unmistakable sound of people finally switching off from the pressures of the week.
With countless options to choose from, we settled on Taso's Bar & Grill, a spot that has carved out a reputation for its lively atmosphere and a crowd as diverse as the city itself.
The atmosphere instantly transported me back to varsity days in Braamfontein, where every table tells a different story and laughter becomes part of the soundtrack.
From the moment we walked in, the energy was impossible to ignore. The restaurant was packed wall-to-wall, filled with groups celebrating birthdays, old friends reconnecting and couples easing into the weekend. There was a particular warmth to the chaos, the kind that makes you feel immediately welcome even in a room full of strangers.
In many ways, Taso's captures the spirit of modern adulting perfectly. After a week dominated by deadlines, emails and endless video calls, there is something quietly comforting about gathering around a table with good company and simply existing in the moment. The evening became less about the food and more about the ritual of slowing down. It helped, too, that the girls had made the drive all the way from Johannesburg for a Saturday well spent.
On the Plate
Naturally, burgers were the order of the night. The beef patty, while decent, lacked the rich, flavourful punch one hopes for from a grill-focused establishment. It was satisfying enough, but not the kind of burger that lingers in the memory long after the last bite. The chips, however, were another story entirely. Crispy, well-seasoned and dangerously addictive, they redeemed the meal without hesitation. Overall, the food lands at a respectable 6 out of 10: enjoyable for a casual night out, though not quite the standout reason to make the trip.
A Note on the Bar
One noticeable drawback was the drinks menu, or rather, the absence of one in any practical sense. Prices were not listed, which can quickly become frustrating for diners trying to keep within a budget. To compound matters, staff members struggled to provide pricing from memory, leaving a little too much guesswork involved when ordering. In today's dining culture, transparency matters, particularly for younger professionals carefully balancing social lives with monthly budgets.
The Verdict
Taso's may not serve the best burger in Pretoria, but that is not entirely the point. It is a place people visit for the atmosphere: loud, energetic and unapologetically social. Yes, it can feel overcrowded at times, but perhaps that is also part of its charm. It is the kind of restaurant where the mood carries the night, where conversations stretch longer than expected, and where good company becomes the highlight of the meal.
For anyone seeking a vibrant weekend hangout in the capital, Taso's Bar & Grill delivers exactly that: good vibes, familiar chaos and a reminder that adulting, occasionally, comes with its own quiet rewards. And the best part? Our total bill came to around R700 tip included, which for a full Saturday night out in Pretoria East, feels more than fair. Your wallet will leave just as happy as you do.
