The Thirsty Scarecrow on Annandale Road in Stellenbosch sports a vast pub-grub-style menu tailored to the fun-loving young crowd, says Greg Landman.

Food

Starters include superb Dutch bitterballen with Dijon mustard, fried calamari with fresh lime and salsa verde, and cheese croquettes with garlic aioli. If you have a hankering for German sausages at their best, try the unbelievable trio of bockwurst, bratwurst and wiener with sauerkraut and mustard.

The Thirsty Scarecrow. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

For something even more substantial, try the beef and ale pie with hand-cut fries, or the slow-roasted barbecue beef brisket with Swiss cheese, slaw and a soft bun, which will have carnivores weeping with happiness. The sociable eaters can order platters of meat or cheese with ciabatta to share with likeminded pals.

The delicious oval thin-based pizzas – with beer in the dough giving them a nice light quality – are topped with imaginative things like biltong, avo and blue cheese. Try one called the Kickin’ Chicken, with peanut sauce, toasted cashews, coriander, and a splash of chilli to give it that extra little kick.

The Thirsty Scarecrow. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

If you are able to resist finishing off with the deep-fried Oreos, then you’re not really trying.

Drinks

A small but well-priced wine collection is joined by a great selection of some of the best local craft beers and much sought-after imported bottles.

The Thirsty Scarecrow. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Service

Service swings along at a great pace.

Ambience

Overlooking the famous fields of the Mooiberge Strawberry Farm, the long deck with its eclectic bar and steel tractor seats faces outwards to the view and the distant mountains. There are also many other intriguing areas where friends can hang out in a group, but bear in mind this is not the place for a quiet tête-à-tête or a quiet, romantic lunch.

The Thirsty Scarecrow. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

And…

If you don’t want to really eat (why on earth not?), go for sundowners and order a plate of salty or sweet snacks to devour while watching the sun go down.

Eat Out reviewers dine anonymously and pay for their meals. Read more about our editorial policy here.

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