McDonald's Stellenbosch Drive-Thru — Restaurant in Stellenbosch Local Municipality

Forget what you think you know about McDonald's. My recent sit-down visit to the Stellenbosch branch was genuinely impressive and completely defied the usual expectations of fast food. If you're looking for a quick, hassle-free meal, this is the one to hit. It stood out to me for a few key reasons: the unexpected transparency, how sharp the staff were, and the seriously high level of cleanliness. What truly set this visit apart was the Open Door Tour we had pre-booked as a group. Walking into the heart of their operation—the kitchen—is a move that screams confidence. It showed they have nothing to hide. The kitchen was not the chaotic, greasy scene one might expect. It was spotless, highly organized, and surprisingly calm, even during a busy period. Every station, from the grill to the wrapping area, was meticulously maintained. Seeing the crew follow hygiene protocols with such rigor and precision instantly built a high level of trust. It was a fascinating look at the logistical challenge of fast food done right, and it certainly reassured me about the quality and safety of the food. The staff at McDonald's Stellenbosch are a massive asset. Both during the kitchen tour and in the main dining area, the team was consistently professional and friendly. They weren't just going through the motions; they were engaging. Crew members confidently explained their roles and processes, showing a high degree of knowledge that comes from excellent training. When ordering and receiving our food at the counter, the service was polite, efficient, and came with genuine smiles. It’s clear the management has fostered a positive work environment, and that energy translates directly to a much better customer experience. It felt like they genuinely cared about their jobs and the people they were serving. The level of cleanliness across the entire restaurant—not just the kitchen—was amazing. The dining area was immaculate, the floors were spotless, and every surface looked recently wiped down. This attention to detail elevates the whole experience from a quick transaction to a comfortable meal. And now, for the part we all joke about: the ice cream. I can confirm that the ice cream machine works at McDonald’s Stellenbosch. While it seems like a small detail, the fact that they keep this famously temperamental piece of equipment in perfect working order is a strong indicator of their overall commitment to maintenance and operational reliability. If they can keep that running, you know they're focused on keeping everything else in top shape, too. In short, the McDonald’s Stellenbosch team is operating at an exceptional level. The willingness to be transparent, the quality of their staff, and their dedication to a spotless environment make this a fast-food experience you can truly...

I had an incredibly disappointing experience at this McDonald’s, and I feel compelled to share it.

On a previous visit, the self-service machine double-ordered one of my items, forcing me to pay for more than I intended. This time, I decided to give the machine another try, but it was equally frustrating. I struggled to customize my order and eventually gave up, deciding to order directly from the teller.

As I approached the counter, a security guard—who doesn’t even work for McDonald’s—shouted at me to return to the machine, even after seeing me walk away without completing my order. Despite explaining that I preferred ordering at the counter, the staff refused to assist me, insisting I use the machine. I had to justify my choice to them, which was unnecessary and made me feel disrespected. After much back and forth, they reluctantly allowed me to place my order at the counter.

When my food arrived, I discovered the chicken strips were ice cold while the chips were hot. I asked the staff to feel the chicken strips, and they confirmed they were cold. I returned the entire meal, including the chips I had started eating, and they eventually replaced everything.

Throughout this ordeal, the attitude of the staff was dismissive and unprofessional. To make matters worse, I witnessed a delivery driver complaining about how poorly he was treated by the staff, echoing my own experience.

I shouldn’t have to explain or justify myself as a customer to be served properly. The staff’s attitude only changed when they thought I was recording the situation, which speaks volumes about how they handle customers.

This McDonald’s needs serious improvement in both customer service and food quality. My experience was unacceptable, and I won’t be returning...

Moral of my story? I probably should've just used the drive-thru. To my detriment, I opted for a walk-in order. Was immediately annoyed it appeared that orders could only be placed via those touchscreens, which require you to download the app. I'm not THAT dedicated to your food, sorry McD's. Stood lost for a moment until I saw a solitary till point. No clear 'order here' signage or anything. Got my order placed, was entertained by a drunk student accusing the staff of stealing his phone. Just marching about in the kitchen, dripping with entitlement. There was no security, management done very little to manage the situation. Was a VERY awkward vibe for every single person in the restaurant. Finally got our food, wasn't too stoked that our Quarter Pounders were packed in Veggie Burger boxes. (Had already driven away before discovering this - imagine they were actually veggie, I'd have declared war). Not sure if it was because of the drunk student incident, but my 7yr old could put a burger together better than they did. Will prolly opt for BK the next time I'm in the...