DRAKENSTEIN: POTCH STUDENTS’ FAVOURITE HANGOUT

Megan Grobler

@megan.gro_bler

Located on North-West University’s (NWU) North Campus, Drakenstein Restaurant, more affectionately known amongst NWU students as “The Draak”, is the perfect place to wine and dine without worrying about your bank account. With its charming, lively atmosphere, four-and-a-half star rating, and low prices, it’s no wonder students gather at the Draak daily to blow off some steam after a long day of classes.

Breakfast is a breeze at the Draak, with prices from R35 to R65. Options include the Draak budget breakfast (R49) or the breakfast waffle (R65), which are both served with coffee or tea. If you’re looking for a quick bite before your next class, the Draak’s appetisers are the way to go. Priced between R65 and R85, you can rest assured that you will get your money’s worth, options such as fried halloumi sticks, crumbled mushrooms and nachos. 

If a meal with a friend after class is what you’re after, the main meals, ranging from R40 to R145, are the ideal choices for students on a budget. The Draak has a variety of main meal options, including pizzas, burgers, salads, toasted sandwiches, seafood, grilled meat, and baskets to satisfy any taste palate. 

If you and your group of friends are in the mood for dinner and drinks at The Draak, the Draak Meaty platter (R680) is worth considering, which serves up to 10 people. You can also create your own platter by selecting four different types of meat, which include 200 gram steak strips (R45), 375 gram chicken strips (R55), 450 gram buffalo wings (R65), a Frankfurter (20), 125 gram calamari (R40), or 600 gram ribs (R120). Dessert options include ice-cream with Bar-One sauce (R45), a waffle with ice-cream and syrup (R55), and a waffle with ice-cream and Bar-One sauce (R77) – perfect for anyone who’s in the mood for a sweet treat.

There is also a variety of drink options at the Draak, which includes coffee or tea (R20-R38), milkshakes (R35-R52), a double Don Pedro (R55), or alcoholic drinks, priced from around R25 for a glass of wine to R65 for a brandy special. The Grape Escape is a fan favourite at The Draak, which is a mix of grape Fanta and rum (R20 for a single shot and R40 for a double shot). Finally, the current food and drink special at the Draak is a steak burger with a 300ml Pleazer soft drink for only R69. 

Compared to most restaurants in Potchefstroom, Drakenstein Restaurant is one of the more reasonably priced amongst them. Whether it’s a date night, a casual gathering with friends, or a quick meal and drink before class, the Draak has something for every student.

A picture of the pub side of the Drakenstein Restaurant (Source: Megan Grobler)

Edited by Isabel Burgers