Open since 1993 in the iconic “Die Bult” section of Potchefstroom, the Die Akker Koffiehuis claims to have been the first place in Potchefstroom to serve cappuccinos. “Die Akker” means “the oak tree” in Afrikaans, presumably named for the avenue of stately oaks (the longest oak tree avenue in South Africa) on which the restaurant stands. A colorful emblem above the front door portrays a half-wreath of oak leaves with two acorns at the centre. 
 
Die Akker conveys the feeling of an old-fashioned European coffee house, with dark wood-paneled booths and vintage black-and-white photographs of old Potchefstroom and its trees. Dishes clink quietly in the kitchen at the back, and a consistent hum emits from the booths, most of which seem to be occupied even at the quietest times. Die Akker is clearly a community gathering place with tables full of retired couples, business colleagues, school children and their parents, athletes, and university students, all coming and going at a steady pace throughout the day and evening. 
 
The menu at Die Akker focuses on a range of traditional dishes, with South African favourites like English breakfast and skilpadjies with mieliepap in the morning, and sandwiches, burgers, bobotie, steaks, and pies in the afternoon and evening. Die Akker also has a modest wine and beer menu and an enormous selection of milkshakes. Die Akker is known for its coffee (not surprising given its Koffiehuis name), which its sources from local Potch roastery Common Ground. Common Ground coffee beans can be ordered from the Die Akker web site.
 
The “Akker Specialties” page includes in list of “Akker Krakers” (the waitress isn’t sure where that name came from) — toasted paninis with a variety of fillings, served with a side of chips or salad. The chicken prego kraker is surprisingly flavorful with hot, tangy chunks of chicken bathed in prego sauce with vegetables and shredded cheddar cheese. Other choices in this category include the beef prego kraker and the fried chicken kraker with bacon, mushrooms, mozzarella and honey mustard sauce.  
 
Die Akker has a semi-outdoor section at the front of the restaurant, with windows that fold all the way open on sunny days (which is most days in Potchefstroom) and a wide wooden bar facing out onto the street. There couldn’t be a better place on Die Bult to sit and watch the world go by with family or friends after an exam or sporting event, munching on a burger or a plate of chips and sipping a beer or a chocolate milkshake. Make Die Akker your next stop on a day like that.
 
Die Akker Koffiehuis is located in Die Bult at 86 Steve Biko Avenue, Potchefstroom. Call 018-294-5038 or email akkerkoffiehuis@gmail.com. Open 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday, and 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday.