Barrel & Blues

I don't know how the food tastes as my wife and I are waiting for 90 min for 2 burgers, and as we are still waiting, I have spare time to write a review...The restaurant is empty, no queue... this is a joke. I could have bought meat at the supermarket across the street myself, started a wood fire, and did a burger at our BnB by this time...

A great place with a lively atmosphere. Has a pub inside with indoor and outdoor seating. Pizza was great. The burger with potato wedges and onion rings is wonderful. You will likely offend someone by trying to eat the burger! Service is friendly and quick. They also have a large selection of drinks and cocktails. Very popular spot. Play area for the kids too.

As a fellow biker, the Macs we met there were really nice and welcoming. The service was very personalised and I felt at home right away. The Monday burger special is really good value.

Loved it, nice location and the staff is so kind. Special shout out to the owners, so helpful and understanding to my needs. Comfy and efficient room. I would come back

We popped in for a drink and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Our waitress Jackie was lovely. It was the Monday night burger special so we decided to stay. Sadly, we waited close to 2 hours for food. When it arrived they had run out of beef burgers so we were presented with very dry chicken burgers and no other option. The ran out of tomatoe sauce and the general communication from management was very lacking. Other tables were also getting frustrated. It was a sad way to end a wonderful start.

The interior of the venue is interesting, with a bar area and a dining area on the other side, both with large windows and tables.The background music is a mix of popular tracks, including some rock numbers, which creates a lively atmosphere that appeals to a mixed crowd of young and old. Can't comment on the live artist. We arrived after the performance.The waitress, barman and rest of the staff was very friendly despite being pretty busy. A nice change is that you did manage to get drinks reasonably fast at the bar, even with plenty of patrons.It is not instant food, but it doesn't take hours, so it does allow oppertunity to just chill, have your drink and observe the crowd, mess about on your phone, or put that away and take the oppertunity to just chat with your companions.The venue has a fun vibe, with interesting decor, including messages from patrons and photos of past live performers on the chalkboard walls inside. It's a popular spot for bikers and has plenty of live performances.If you are alone, read the dozens of messages from patrons on the blackboard if you are sitting inside. Some are interesting, inspiring or just people that had a good time. Otherwise, view the B&W photos lining the walls of live performers that have crossed the threshold of the venue in the past. Some good shots.The menu has reasonable prices and offers a range of options, but if you are looking for something light to eat, or a salad, you may struggle. No fish on the menu, but there are Prawns. Unfortunately no Chicken Livers. Settled on two pizza's. Zorba the Greek at R95 and Giovanni Botha at R100.Pizza's was good. Love the thin base. Would have loved a smear of tomato and thyme, cream cheese or basil underneath the Chilli Corn Crane Mince Topping on Giovanni Botha to take the edge off, but that is a personal preference. If you like spicy food it is good, but have some Rennies handy if you have a sensitive stomach.It may be worth inquiring about the backpacker's accommodation they offer. All in all, a nice place to go for a drink or a night out. Love the parrot outside.Not sure if it started as a roadhouse. The website indicate Barrel & Blues Roadhouse. Could be an awesome place for the Swellendam Camera Club to go take photos at one evening during a live performance.If you are a WorkAway and Couchsurfing volunteer or working nomad, it can't do any harm in dropping them a message to ask if they take on volunteers, working for a few hours per day for food and accomodation. There is WIFI. Many backpackers is quite happy to take volunteer workers on, but not all of them. I am unsure if they do.A nice evening out. We did not keep the receipt when we left or really cheched the bill, but when we calculated the amount a day later, we did establish we were overcharged quite a lot for the pizza's, and we were billed again for the drinks we had already paid for at the bar when we arrived.Probably just an honest mistake, but it affects my rating. The food and service was good, but check your bill before leaving.

Literally the thinnest crust I’ve ever had on a pizza but is it ever good! Toppings were all good, and the chilies on the side was a thoughtful touch. Now we could share with those who couldn’t handle the spice.

Great food, fantastic service. Love the atmosphere.

Absolutely loved this Lil diner, food was good and affordable and the staff were great. Lovely atmosphere and food was quick for a stop over on the road whilst travelling.

I did not sleep. Only ate and drinks.Pizza was perfect.Good selection of wine