
Thundergun Steakhouse
Johannesburg's legendary steakhouse, famous for massive portions of ribs and steaks at unbeatable prices. A true local favorite!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better service

Thundergun Steakhouse
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better service
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Johannesburg's legendary steakhouse, famous for massive portions of ribs and steaks at unbeatable prices. A true local favorite!
"Generous portions at an affordable price, this is the spot for a hearty meal!"

🎯 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Legendary Ribs
Main Dining Area
Generous portions of pork ribs, a signature dish that draws crowds. Taste the local favorite!

Hearty Steaks
Main Dining Area
Steaks cooked to perfection, a classic choice for steak lovers. Enjoy a satisfying meal.

Generous Portions
All Tables
Don't expect to leave hungry! Portions are massive, offering great value for money.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ribs Reign Supreme (But Manage Expectations)
Service Can Be Hit or Miss
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Date night ideas
🎯 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.
⏳ Be Patient with Service
Service can be slow, especially on busy nights. Factor in extra time for your meal.
👨👩👧👦 Great for Groups
The place is perfect for big groups and celebrations. Plenty of space and a lively vibe.
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!
💰 Generous Portions, Great Value
You get a lot of food for your money. Consider sharing if you have a smaller appetite.
⏳ Be Patient with Service
Service can be slow, especially on busy nights. Factor in extra time for your meal.
👨👩👧👦 Great for Groups
The place is perfect for big groups and celebrations. Plenty of space and a lively vibe.
🌶️ Sauce on the Side?
If you're unsure about the Portuguese sauce, ask for it on the side to control the flavor.
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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].
Yes, there are parking facilities available. However, during busy periods, parking can become limited, so arriving early is recommended.
Travel times will vary greatly depending on your starting point in Johannesburg and traffic conditions. Weekday evenings are generally less congested than weekend evenings.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
No, there is no entrance fee to dine at Thundergun Steakhouse. You only pay for your food and drinks.
Walk-ins are often accepted, but you may face a wait, particularly during peak dining times. Booking ahead is advisable to guarantee a table.
Thundergun Steakhouse often has great specials, particularly on their generous portions. Inquire about daily specials when you arrive.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Thundergun Steakhouse is most famous for its ribs, often cited as the best in Johannesburg, and its incredibly generous portion sizes.
The menu features a variety of steaks, ribs, burgers, and other hearty meals. They also offer sides like vegetables and salads.
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.
Portion sizes are famously large. Many reviewers mention not being able to finish their meals, highlighting the excellent value for money.
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.
🎫 ⭐ 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.
Yes, the generous portions and casual atmosphere make it suitable for families. Kids often enjoy the hearty meals.
Service can be inconsistent. While many praise the amazing service, others report very slow service and issues with staff attentiveness.
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.
Absolutely! It's a popular spot for celebrations and big groups due to its festive atmosphere and ample seating.
📸 📸 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.
Yes, taking photos of your food and the general ambiance is perfectly fine. Just be mindful of other diners.
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.
The massive platters of ribs and steaks are incredibly photogenic due to their sheer size and presentation.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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.
👫 Couples on a Date
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ribs: A Johannesburg Legend
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.
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.
Navigating Service and Atmosphere
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.
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.
Value and Portions: A Feast for the Wallet
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit