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Thundergun Steakhouse

4.5
·6k reviews·Randburg, South Africa

Johannesburg's legendary steakhouse, famous for massive portions of ribs and steaks at unbeatable prices. A true local favorite!

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, better service

CrowdLow
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Thundergun Steakhouse - Image 1

Thundergun Steakhouse

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, better service

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Johannesburg's legendary steakhouse, famous for massive portions of ribs and steaks at unbeatable prices. A true local favorite!

4.5
(6k reviews)

"Generous portions at an affordable price, this is the spot for a hearty meal!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Order the Ribs (with caution)

The ribs are famous, but some find them tough. Still a must-try for the experience!

💰 Generous Portions, Great Value

You get a lot of food for your money. Consider sharing if you have a smaller appetite.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Legendary Ribs

The Legendary Ribs

Main Dining Area

Generous portions of pork ribs, a signature dish that draws crowds. Taste the local favorite!

Reddit
Hearty Steaks

Hearty Steaks

Main Dining Area

Steaks cooked to perfection, a classic choice for steak lovers. Enjoy a satisfying meal.

Reddit
Generous Portions

Generous Portions

All Tables

Don't expect to leave hungry! Portions are massive, offering great value for money.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Ribs Reign Supreme (But Manage Expectations)

Thundergun Steakhouse is famed for its ribs, often called the best in Johannesburg. However, some diners find them a bit tough to get off the bone. While the portions are generous and prices affordable, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience with the ribs themselves. Reddit

Service Can Be Hit or Miss

While many praise the amazing service and quick food delivery, others report extremely slow service and even pushy requests for tips. It seems the experience can vary greatly, especially during busy periods. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, better service
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, quick bites
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Date night ideas

🎯 Order the Ribs (with caution)

The ribs are famous, but some find them tough. Still a must-try for the experience! Reddit

💰 Generous Portions, Great Value

You get a lot of food for your money. Consider sharing if you have a smaller appetite. Reddit

⏳ Be Patient with Service

Service can be slow, especially on busy nights. Factor in extra time for your meal. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great for Groups

The place is perfect for big groups and celebrations. Plenty of space and a lively vibe. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Order the Ribs (with caution)

The ribs are famous, but some find them tough. Still a must-try for the experience! Reddit

💰 Generous Portions, Great Value

You get a lot of food for your money. Consider sharing if you have a smaller appetite. Reddit

⏳ Be Patient with Service

Service can be slow, especially on busy nights. Factor in extra time for your meal. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great for Groups

The place is perfect for big groups and celebrations. Plenty of space and a lively vibe. Reddit

🌶️ Sauce on the Side?

If you're unsure about the Portuguese sauce, ask for it on the side to control the flavor. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Thundergun Steakhouse is celebrated for its incredibly generous portions and affordable prices, making it a great value. While the ribs are a signature dish, diner experiences can vary regarding texture and sauce. Service is also inconsistent, with some praising it highly and others reporting significant delays. Reddit

"Overall quite an average meal, even slightly disappointing given the fact that its voted best ribs in Johannesburg. Keep in mind that I went out today specifically looking for ribs.

I had the 600g ribs with Portuguese sauce and I added the vegetables, which consists of carrots, cream spinach and pumpkin.

The ribs were okay, it was a bit of a fight to get the meat off the bone, which I think shouldn't be the case anytime ribs are involved. I'm not saying it should fall of the bone, but it shouldn't be chewy/dry.

The Portuguese sauce actually made things worse. You pay more for it and they just throw it over the normal bbq ribs that you would get anyway. The added sauce did nothing for the ribs besides provide a conflict of flavours that was hard to make sense of.

The vegetables were also a bit of a let down. The carrots were actually decent, not soggy and all the flavour wasn't boiled put of it. The cream spinach was the most enjoyable out of the vegetables, it was nice. The pumpkin however was completely watery

The Place is great, perfect for big groups and the service was amazing even though they were so busy."

Kyle Pillay

"If you’re looking for generous portions at an affordable price, this is the spot! The pork ribs I ordered were absolutely massive, I couldn’t even finish them. The food came out surprisingly quickly, and the wait wasn’t long at all. The atmosphere is pleasant, and overall, it’s a great place to enjoy a hearty meal without breaking the bank.

Highly recommend visiting, you won’t regret it!"

siyathemba cya

"Our first visit and a great restaurant. The atmosphere is friendly and cozy. The food is delicous and filling. Great specials and the staff are amazing. We really enjoyed our visit. Will definately be back again."

Duwayne Pieters

What People Like

Generous portions
Affordable prices
Lively atmosphere

What People Dislike

Inconsistent service
Ribs can be tough

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Thundergun Steakhouse is located in Johannesburg. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is the most common method. Parking availability can vary, especially during peak hours. Reddit

Information on direct public transport routes is limited. It's advisable to check local transport apps or consider ride-sharing services for the most convenient access. Reddit

From Northcliffe, driving is likely the most straightforward option. Use a GPS navigation app for the quickest route, which should take approximately [insert estimated drive time based on location]. Reddit

Yes, there are parking facilities available. However, during busy periods, parking can become limited, so arriving early is recommended. Reddit

Travel times will vary greatly depending on your starting point in Johannesburg and traffic conditions. Weekday evenings are generally less congested than weekend evenings. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend evenings or if you're visiting with a large group, as the restaurant can get very busy. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but Thundergun Steakhouse is typically open for lunch and dinner. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date hours. Reddit

No, there is no entrance fee to dine at Thundergun Steakhouse. You only pay for your food and drinks. Reddit

Walk-ins are often accepted, but you may face a wait, particularly during peak dining times. Booking ahead is advisable to guarantee a table. Reddit

Thundergun Steakhouse often has great specials, particularly on their generous portions. Inquire about daily specials when you arrive. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Thundergun Steakhouse is most famous for its ribs, often cited as the best in Johannesburg, and its incredibly generous portion sizes. Reddit

The menu features a variety of steaks, ribs, burgers, and other hearty meals. They also offer sides like vegetables and salads. Reddit

Many diners rave about the ribs, but some find them a bit tough. They are a signature dish, so it's worth trying them to form your own opinion. Reddit

Portion sizes are famously large. Many reviewers mention not being able to finish their meals, highlighting the excellent value for money. Reddit

They offer a standard BBQ sauce and a Portuguese sauce. Some diners suggest asking for the Portuguese sauce on the side if you're unsure about the flavor combination. Reddit

🎫 ⭐ Onsite Experience

The atmosphere is generally described as friendly and cozy, with a lively vibe, especially when it's busy. It's considered a great place for big groups. Reddit

Yes, the generous portions and casual atmosphere make it suitable for families. Kids often enjoy the hearty meals. Reddit

Service can be inconsistent. While many praise the amazing service, others report very slow service and issues with staff attentiveness. Reddit

It can be a good option for a casual date night, especially if you enjoy hearty food and a lively atmosphere. However, if you're seeking a quiet, intimate setting, it might not be ideal. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a popular spot for celebrations and big groups due to its festive atmosphere and ample seating. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the impressive size of the ribs and steaks! The lively atmosphere also makes for great candid shots of friends and family enjoying their meals. Reddit

Yes, taking photos of your food and the general ambiance is perfectly fine. Just be mindful of other diners. Reddit

The lighting is generally warm and inviting, typical of a steakhouse. It's usually sufficient for food photography, but might be a bit dim for capturing sharp details in low light. Reddit

The massive platters of ribs and steaks are incredibly photogenic due to their sheer size and presentation. Reddit

Visiting during off-peak hours might offer more opportunities for unobstructed shots of the food and interior. However, the lively atmosphere during peak times can also make for dynamic photos. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Thundergun Steakhouse is a solid choice for families. The generous portions mean even the hungriest kids will be satisfied, and the casual, lively atmosphere is forgiving of a bit of noise. The menu offers familiar favorites like ribs and steaks that are generally kid-pleasing. Reddit

Be prepared for potentially slower service during peak times, so bringing a few small distractions for younger children might be helpful. The overall value for money makes it an accessible option for family outings where you want to ensure everyone leaves full and happy. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Thundergun Steakhouse is a fantastic find. The affordable prices combined with massive portion sizes mean you can enjoy a filling meal without overspending. You might even be able to share a main course or have leftovers for another meal. Reddit

Focus on their signature dishes like the ribs or steaks, which offer the best bang for your buck. While service can be a variable, the sheer value makes it a worthwhile dining experience for those watching their expenses. Reddit

👫 Couples on a Date

Thundergun Steakhouse can be a fun spot for a casual date night, especially if you both enjoy hearty, classic steakhouse fare. The lively atmosphere can be engaging, and sharing a massive platter of ribs or steaks can be a bonding experience. Reddit

If you're aiming for a quiet, intimate dinner, this might not be the best fit due to the bustling environment. However, for couples who appreciate good food, generous servings, and a vibrant setting, it's a great option. Consider going on a weekday evening to potentially enjoy a slightly more relaxed vibe. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ribs: A Johannesburg Legend

Thundergun Steakhouse has built a reputation on its ribs, often crowned the best in Johannesburg. Diners consistently mention them as a must-try, drawn by the promise of succulent, fall-off-the-bone meat. The thundergun ribs are known for their generous size, ensuring you get a substantial portion for your money. Reddit

However, the experience with the ribs can be varied. Some patrons find them to be a bit of a struggle to eat, with the meat being tougher than expected. The thunder gun menu offers different sauce options, including a Portuguese sauce, which some feel can overpower the natural flavor of the ribs. It's a dish that sparks debate, making it an intriguing culinary adventure for any visitor. Reddit

When ordering, consider asking for the sauce on the side if you're unsure, allowing you to control the flavor intensity. Despite the mixed reviews on texture, the sheer popularity and generous serving size of the thundergun ribs make them a signature item worth experiencing. Reddit

Navigating Service and Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Thundergun Steakhouse is often described as friendly, cozy, and lively, making it a popular spot for groups and celebrations. It’s a place where you can expect a bustling environment, especially during peak hours. This vibrant setting contributes to its reputation as a great spot for a casual night out or a family gathering. Reddit

However, the service at Thundergun can be a point of contention. While many guests have reported amazing service from attentive staff and management, others have experienced significant delays and poor attention from waiters. Some reviews even mention uncomfortable interactions regarding tips. It's advisable to go with patience, especially on busy nights, and to communicate clearly with your server. Reddit

Despite potential service hiccups, the overall dining experience is often salvaged by the delicious food and the restaurant's ability to accommodate large groups. The staff's effort to manage a busy restaurant is evident, and many visitors still find the overall experience enjoyable due to the food and ambiance. Reddit

Value and Portions: A Feast for the Wallet

One of the most consistently praised aspects of Thundergun Steakhouse is the value for money. Reviewers frequently highlight the generous portions that come with every order. It's not uncommon for diners to be unable to finish their meals, suggesting that sharing a dish or ordering a smaller portion might be a wise strategy for some. Reddit

The thunder gun steakhouse menu offers hearty meals that are designed to be filling. Whether you're ordering ribs, steaks, or other main courses, you can expect a substantial amount of food. This makes it an attractive option for those looking for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. Reddit

This focus on large servings and affordable pricing has cemented Thundergun's reputation as a go-to spot for a hearty, no-frills meal. It’s a place where you can indulge in classic steakhouse fare and leave feeling completely satisfied, both in stomach and in wallet. Reddit