Bootlegger Franschhoek — Restaurant in Stellenbosch Local Municipality

As a Franschhoek local (and really just generally when I frequent a restaurant often) when I walk in and get asked “can I get your coffee ?” even before I sit down, it counts major brownie points!

The second thing I love is the genuine smile in a waiter/ waitress’ eyes when they welcome you back.

The third thing I love is my coffee a very certain way - the almond milk must be steamed with cinnamon and two sweeteners and made warmer than usual without being burned and just the right amount of foaminess on top… and my breakfast order is also specific.

It’s safe to say I am a specific type of customer - they type that knows what she likes and won’t be happy with anything less. And service is everything!

Bootlegger Franschhoek, from day 1, has delivered their A-game on making me feel welcome, acknowledged and like a valuable customer.

Even though I have had various waiters/ waitresses serve me in the early stages of their opening, the Barista remembered my specific instructions on my coffee the first time, and I have never had to repeat myself - not even to new baristas starting. As new staff start, the settled staff teach them abt the likes and dislikes of the regulars. I have noticed this to be true of other regulars, and in case you wonder… the regulars are the hard sells, because they measure you frequently - if they don’t get consistent service, they will tell you! (especially in this valley)

Have they always gotten it right to be 5 stars on everything? No, but not one restaurant ever does. Do they take the feedback and use it constructively? Every time.

So while every person’s experience differs, I can highly advise anyone who experiences a less than 5 star experience on the following - if you are willing to give constructive feedback in a respectful manner, they will make the effort to better their shortcomings.

To the woman who complained about the waitress not knowing what chocolate is in the croissant… you are lying through your teeth in your account of the experience. You know it and so does every other person who witnessed your disrespectful and quite frankly appalling treatment of the waitress. Your party were all apologetic of your behavior when you left after making a scene (and all because the waitress and the manager respectfully told you they did not know what make of chocolate was in the croissant, because they order it from an outside bakery).

Really? You would write a dishonest review and impact a business, because you did not like the answer? Says a lot.

Anyway - highly recommend Bootlegger Franschhoek. Service is friendly, food is fab, staff are warm and welcoming and the coffee…...

We haven’t been to Bootlegger and were eager to try it. We walked in as a family of 5 (including my German husband, first time in Franschhoek). We asked the waitress which chocolate was in the croissant, whether it’s milk or dark chocolate and the waitress tells us “it’s a chocolate sauce” I then asked “is it milk or dark?” she ignored my question several times and expected me to be satisfied with her answer as she repeatedly told me that “it’s a chocolate sauce”. Eventually she tells me “I don’t know” with a straight face and with no will to find out. I then told her that she should know and should find out. The waitress then goes to the kitchen, comes back and says that they don’t bake it there so they don’t know. Again, with a straight face. I told the waitress that if they serve it, they should know.

The waitress then tells the manager that we are being rude to her and the manager then comes over to us and asks “is there a problem here?” And says that the waitress told her that we are being rude to her. At this point, my husband calmly explains to the manager what I wanted to know and that the waitress ignored me and didn’t know. The manager completely ignores my husband then asks me why I had told the waitress that I once too was a waitress and it is their duty to at least find out what’s being served to the customers.

I told them I would like both their names, manager and waitress and that we no longer want our order. When I told her we are leaving, she told me “you can leave” and she hadn’t given their names. Both manager and waitress seem to have taken things personally instead of professionally.

To the owner; please review your managers skills dealing with customers, body language and choice of words as this not only cost you business from 5 people but also a few...

From the moment I stepped into Bootleggers in Franschhoek, I knew I was in for a treat. The ambiance was inviting, with a cozy, yet sophisticated atmosphere that perfectly set the stage for what turned out to be an exceptional breakfast experience.

The menu selection was impressive, offering a variety of dishes that catered to all tastes. I decided to indulge in their signature breakfast, and I was not disappointed. The meal was a delightful blend of flavors and textures, with each ingredient tasting fresh and meticulously prepared.

What truly set Bootleggers apart, though, was the exceptional service. The staff were not only friendly and attentive, but they also had an in-depth knowledge of the menu, providing recommendations that were spot on.

The coffee deserves a special mention too. It was expertly brewed, rich in flavor, and the perfect complement to the meal. It's clear that Bootleggers takes their coffee seriously, and it shows in the quality.

Overall, my breakfast at Bootleggers in Franschhoek was nothing short of wonderful. The combination of delicious food, outstanding service, and the pleasant ambiance made it a memorable experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-notch breakfast spot in Franschhoek. Bootleggers truly knows how to start...