Knysna, but not the Knysna you think
Locals help us uncover the hidden treasures of this Garden Route gem




| Panoramic views of the beach Open daily from 8am to 8pm | |
![]() | 028 316 1516 |
![]() | 1 Atlantic Road, Onrus, Hermanus |
![]() | http://www.milkonthebeach.co.za |
![]() | info@milkonthebeach.co.za |
![]() | Milk on the beach |
![]() | milk_onthebeach |
Last updated: Friday, 9 May 2025
The Waffle Shack is a childhood dream come true: Playing games on the beach, munching on a loaded hotdog, then licking sticky fingers after a visit to the build-your-own-waffle bar. A day here is everything a kid could want. And a parent, too, because there are sushi platters, Corona buckets and boozy slushies.

The Waffle Shack is downstairs from sister restaurant Milk on the Beach. Image: Milk on the Beach
The Waffle Shack is on Onrus lagoon. Its wooden deck overlooks the water, so you can watch the beach action from your seat – or take your food to picnic on the sand.
The stools are funky candy colours, with bright splashes of décor and a cool dog mural. Pooches are welcome, too.

The Waffle Shack sits over Onrus Lagoon. Image: Milk on the Beach
With toppings like Smarties, Jelly Babies, Flake, Kit Kat, Oreo pieces, Milky Bar and Bar One sauce, there’s everything a kid could want.
There are also loaded fries – and loaded hotdogs – if you’re in the mood for carbs. For a Plain Pavement Special you can choose a frankfurter, Russian or cheese griller.
The American Pitbull is a Russian loaded with smoky BBQ, slaw, gherkin and onion. The Mexican Chihuahua is a cheese griller with jalapenos and nachos; the German Shepherd adds sauerkraut, German mustard, crispy onions and spring onions to a frankfurter.

Loads of toppings to choose from. Image: Milk on the Beach
If you’d prefer something light and fresh, the salmon poké bowl has ginger, sushi rice, edamame, avo, wakame salad, sesame, crispy onions and sriracha mayo. Tuna poké swaps out the sriracha with wasabi.
Waffle Shack’s sister restaurant upstairs is known for its sushi, but you can also get your fish fix downstairs. The sushi platter for one is filled with favourites – California salmon rolls, salmon roses and fashion sandwiches.

There’s salmon, tuna and vegetarian poké bowl. Image: Milk on the Beach
There’s a slushy machine, so of course there’s boozy slushies. The mango margarita is a top seller. The strawberry boozy slush is another popular choice, as well as the Corona buckets and Old Harbour Lager on tap.
The Waffle Shack also offers wine, and for a longer list, try its sister restaurant. It has local labels like 7even Sauvignon Blanc (green tropical fruit aromas, grapefruit and fig on the nose) and HPF Posmeester, a Merlot with aromas of raspberries, blueberries, and hints of milk chocolate.
You’ll find the restaurant, Milk on the Beach, upstairs from the Waffle Shack.
The Waffle Shack at Milk on the Beach is open: Daily, 8am - 8pm
Find them: 1 Atlantic Drive | Onrus River | Hermanus
Contact them on: 028 316 1516, @milk_onthebeach
By Lorraine Kearney
---
Our team's top picks at The Waffle Shack.
Eat fresh fish and sushi on the beach at Ducthies.
Check out this sundowner spot by a tidal pool.
Learn about what you can do in Hermanus.
Find more spots to explore this weekend.
---
Loved discovering this? Make sure you get our popular weekly newsletter. Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.
Knysna, but not the Knysna you think
Locals help us uncover the hidden treasures of this Garden Route gem
Filini at Radisson Cape Town Foreshore
Tiramisu martinis, lasagne crocchetta and more
Cape Town’s top African drumming ...
A layered story of South Africa’s musical traditions
What locals don’t know about Table ...
Cape Town’s highest bar (no ticket needed), free tours + more
Fridays at East City's Harrington Street
Bar hop in one building, from happy hour to live music
Things to do at Spier Wine Farm in ...
Everything you never knew about Spier unpacked by us
Jazz nights at Dutchies by Grotto Beach
6pm to 8pm every last Friday of the month
Rum, brandy & gin tastings with your ...
Unusual cuts prepped in-house and a curious gin atomiser
Norval Foundation, the art museum with ...
Unmissable summer exhibitions, picnics amongst the sculptures, & more
Thailand's full moon party comes to ...
3 days with top DJs, laser shows, and poolside fun
Two Oceans Aquarium's free beach ...
Every 3rd Sat of the month in Milnerton, Muizenberg, or Blouberg
The hidden seaside bistro on the ...
Inventive small plates best explored with a wine pairing
Reasons to visit this beach-side family ...
DIY waffles, loaded hotdogs, poke bowls, right on the beach
Meet 100 bronze life-size figures at ...
From famous heroes like Mandela to forgotten ones like Autshumato
Shimansky Diamond Experience at The ...
The diamond showroom where you can polish your own stone
Everything you need to know about Ceres ...
Cherry products and picking, foam party & live music as the sun sets
Amazing cocktail & food specials at ...
Daily happy hour, free starters & welcome drinks, and more
Ficks, Hermanus’s tidal pool ...
Just as wonderful at night & during the cooler months
The café creating space for ...
It’s hidden in Hermanus. Here’s how to find it