The best beach day at this summer lounge

Boozy milkshakes, flammkuchen, sushi + more at Dutchies Summer Lounge

Last updated: 22 December 2022

Summer dreams of languid lunches with cocktails, sushi and sandy toes are made here at this beach bar and eatery. Set across the street from its sister restaurant, Dutchies Summer Lounge is just the sizzling spot you need for the best beach day. This marks the final season of the Summer Lounge, so locals and visitors – soak up every minute of the sunny goodness.

You don’t even need to walk off the beach to access the Summer Lounge. Image: Dutchies Summer Lounge

DISCOVER THIS SECLUDED SPOT

The Summer Lounge is right on Grotto Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Hermanus. It’s an easygoing spot you bumble into after a morning of sightseeing, surfing or swimming (no reservations required), and stay till the sun sets. 

Central Hermanus can get pretty packed, especially during the holiday season, so the Summer Lounge feels like an escape to paradise. By 12pm the lounge is buzzing with locals and visitors. 

It’s just a 10-minute drive from Hermanus. Image: Dutchies Summer Lounge

The view alone will make you want to stay all day. White two-seater pellets are scattered across the beach with pops of orange chairs and blankets, mimicking its sister restaurant’s main colour scheme. Guests lounge in the shade under Coca Cola and Diemersdal umbrellas, while the Cruz cushions reflect the glow of the sun.

The Summer Lounge’s laid-back, summer vibe is what makes it so popular. Image: Dutchies Summer Lounge

KICK YOUR FEET UP WITH A COCKTAIL

The official mood at the Summer Lounge is “feet-in-the-sand and cocktail-in-hand”. This season’s favourites are the brand new boozy milkshakes introduced to the menu this year. 

There are four adult shakes to choose from, each made with a liqueur: The Jango (mango flavoured), Cookies and Crazy, Save the Rhino (coffee liqueur) and Marshmallow Dreams. Other popular orders this year are the classic Pornstar Martini and Aperol Spritz. 

And of course, there’s a great variety of summer rosés, sparkling wines, sauvignon blancs and Hermanus’s very own Old Harbour Lager.

The Summer Lounge serves refreshing mocktails, too. Image: Dutchies Summer Lounge

TRY THE CRISPY FLAMMKUCHEN  

You really don't have to have a blow-out budget to relax at this beachside restaurant. The flammkuchen (German-French version of a pizza) pairs well with any drink and is great for sharing among friends or family. 

Best sellers include the classic bacon and onion as well as the sauteed chicken. There’s a vegetarian option too. For those who want a taste of the sea by the sea, try the fresh-off-the-boat sushi and oysters.

The flammkuchen are made in a wood-fire oven. Image: Dutchies Summer Lounge

Lounge all day and watch one of the legendary sunsets glow a flaming pink and orange. Then, if you’re still not ready to head home, cross the street to sister restaurant Dutchies, with its umbrella alley and heartier meals.

FIND THE SUMMER LOUNGE (FROM HERMANUS SIDE)

The Dutchies Summer Lounge can be a little tough to find, but that makes it an even sweeter discovery. Here’s how to get there:

• Drive down 7th Street in Voelklip
• Turn left on 10th Avenue (You’ll see the Grotto Beach sign)
• Drive straight down until you find some parking spaces
• There are different parking spaces available next to the beach
• You’ll find the lounge across from Dutchies at the entrance of the beach

Grotto Beach has some of the best sunsets in the Western Cape. Image: Dutchies Summer Lounge

WHEN + WHERE TO GO

Summer Lounge is open: 2 December - 28 February, 11am – 9pm; closed on New Year’s Day
Dutchies is open: Daily, 9am - 9pm
Find it: 1 Grotto Street, Voelklip, Hermanus
Contact on: 028 314 1392, Instagram: @dutchiesrestaurant

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