Just the most amazingly consistent neighborhood eatery. For meat lovers, the best ribeye steak and ribs (according to my meat loving husband) and for me the best vegetarian platter and onion rings in Joburg.
Excellent as always ,food is so nice service perfect would rate the place 10 out of 10 .....
Consistently good service from everyone, amazing atmosphere and phenomenally great food and portion sizes.
Value for money too!
Debora Elizabeth Stevens
+5
Well i had some dinner there last week wow what a place so cozy and the food are brilliant i had ribs an was it huged and devine do yourself a favor and go and have some dinner there you won't regret it i guarantee you this is value for money!! It is in Cresta Gauteng.
Honestly THE best ribs I have ever eaten. Amazing service and the Portuguese sauce!!!!!!!
Growing up this was the best treat ever !! Celebrated my 16 th birthday with a Burger AND a Chocolate milkshake! So lovely to share the experience with my son yesterday and give him an insight into my childhood.
Took family to lunch for our wedding anniversary.
As usual, quick service, hot food, good size portions.
It’s what we’ve come to expect from TG.
Best Portuguese ribs ever !! Chips served does not have salt .. really surprising
Good vibe , busy .. old settings , long queues .. but food is worth it
Good grief! Those ribs! Best in Joburg for sure! Good service and lots of beers on tap. I LOVE this place!
Perfect for a Friday evening treat. Very busy, but settled down in the bar for a pre-drink. Fantastic and precise bar service. Waited 10min for a table, which was just enough time to settle into our drinks. Service was punctual and fast. Waiters are very attentive to diners.
Thundergun Steakhouse has such good food! They have so many good things on the menu and the place has a vibrant atmosphere! I tried their ribs, which were basted in a delicious BBQ sauce, and their onion rings are very good too. They have a kiddies’ area for tired parents who just want a nice meal and service is pretty good. Definitely recommend it for lunch or dinner!
Always great service and continuously great food after many years
The best place to have ribs in Johannesburg.
The ribs are made to perfection.
Absolutely amazing food and service.
I make sure that I visit the restaurant every time I'm in Johannesburg.
Both times we went there for a whole family reunion dinner, both times we all arteries the ribs special and both times they did not disappoint. Although we were a big table the waiter did not seem flustered, made everyone laugh and was really friendly.
Been wanting to bring my dad here for Years. He's been on the hunt for the best ribs in town. Eventually came for Father's Day, and what a treat it was. Could not fault one single thing. Service was good. Food excellent. Ribs and steaks are the BEST. Definitely worth a drive from the East Rand 👌
It’s not only the oldest steakhouse in joburg but the best as well. If you want a great piece of steak, ribs, or just a good old fashioned burger then this is the place to go. They are known for their ribs, never will you get a better rack of ribs!! There is no other ribs like theirs!! It’s affordable and you always know what you getting! Never disappointed but happy when you walk out always full! You definitely get your monies worth. It’s buzzing with people all the time. Never empty or quiet. Great service, friendly staff and managers. Always satisfied.
Thundergun has been a institution in the area and came here for our year end lunch.
For the meat lovers there is generous servings of ribs, steaks on offer.They also serve chicken,seafood and veg.I had Cajun chicken starter which was a meal in itself .I had chicken schnitzel for main and glad it was tender .Cherry hot pot was nice . Service is friendly and attentive.
Thundergun is a lovely restaurant with excellent food! Their ribs are delicious! I can't have ribs anywhere else now. The atmosphere is also great.
Went to celebrate TG 50th. We have been goinreg there for 48 years. Food is still the same high quality that we have come to expect. Our favourite is still their burgers althought the ribs and steak are also first class. Hope to be there for their 60th. .
The fiancè and I popped in for some comfort food. What a good decision, we ended up getting one meal at their 1968 price. Awesome service, awesome food, awesome atmosphere......... will be going back soon!
The RIBS!!! The service here is amazing and you never wait too long for your meal even though it's packed. There's a great vibe. I just didn't enjoy my milkshake, feel like it's poorly executed.
I also recently had the sirloin steak and it was cooked perfectly the way I like it.
Great family restaurant with very good home style food, they have been there forever and the service and standards are as great as they always were . Really a nice treat for everyone .
This place was awesome. The snails were amongst one of the best I’ve had. Friendly waiters ... real good food. My friend had the ribs which she raved about. I had the lamb chops which were okay. But overall a nice experience.
Great authentic old school steakhouse. Less frills and fuss and more amazing aged steaks! Steaks and ribs were top notch quality and prepared to perfection. Nice ambience with friendly staff and on the ball management.
We have been coming here since I can remember. I turn 40 in December so that's saying a lot. Never had a bad experience here in my life, and if I remember correctly, Gary Player and his family used to frequent this spot often too! Only problem is the limited parking but we'll worth waiting for a spot. 100% recommend!
Thundergun A PLACE THAT LIVES UP TO IT’s name.
I think that if you haven’t been here, you haven’t been to a rib outing in your whole life.... like ever.....
These ribs will make you come back again and again and again if that doesn’t say it then I don’t know what will.
Thundergun ribs are insane, Huge like O.M.W when you see them in front of your face type of deal.
They also have other amazing food such as their Sunday Carvery as a second option if you aren’t into ribs.
Yap you will Se the place is not modern, it’s old and lives up to where it comes from years back when they still could. Just Go there you will know what I mean afterwards !!
I must say, if you are looking for a good steak and ribs, this is the place to be. Service is quite effecient and the ribs.. oh.. the ribs. They are so tender, the steak knife just cuts through the meat like butter. The original sauces used to bast the ribs was absolutely amazing and not sweet. The cuts on the steaks were also great and they are just as amazing.
Rustic good old fashioned food!
What you order is exactly what you get, no frills or fancy garnish. Service is fast and the ribs are to die for! I personally prefer the beef ribs but the pork ribs are fantastic too!
I only wish the bar offered more for the ladies like cocktails instead of mainly hard tack and beer.
Can’t fault this old timer. Good food, generous portions and excellent service. It’s definitely the best steak house in town and everyone’s favourite
Best service and the food taste so good. Altough the food is pricey but its value for money. Will definitely be back for those scrumptious ribs.
If you’re looking for a scrumptious and hearty meal look no further than the thundergun don’t expect anything special in terms of decor but man can you expect a lot from the food here! The gigantic racks of ribs have always been a favorite in our family, their basting sauce is the best kept secret and their burgers are amazing. Great little low key family restaurant with pub style food that is absolutely to die for.
Had the pleasure of discovery this gem. They have the BEST ribs!!! They really don’t skimp on portion size either and you get the value for your money. Definitely one of my favorite place to eat!
Amazing, it's no a gourmet restraint but it's not meant to be, it's a great steakhouse. Steaks and ribs are incredible. Place made for meat eaters. The prices are very reasonable and nice big portions.
Decent ribs. Proper steak pub grub type vibe. Will be keen to try more of the venue. Place is packed and really popular. No frills, no fuss, just giant slabs of flesh.
Great Carvery and TBone steak! Service was very good and experience worth the while. For sure to visit this restaurant with all its history. Great place!
Hands down some of the best, if not the best, ribs in Johannesburg! We went as a group and were able to share the 1kg ribs between three people, though sharing is really difficult. Although ribs and steak are a definite speciality, the cordon Bleu chicken was cooked to perfection and basically melted in you mouth. The service is on point. The restaurant is modeled as a western steak ranch creating a cozy, welcoming environment. Don't look anywhere else when you have a rib craving!
I cannot believe I've lived so close to this restaurant all my life and only recently went for a meal. The experience was so great that I ended up going twice in one week!
From the minute you walk through the door at Thundergun, the experience is nothing short of fantastic. Absolutely wonderful staff keep the vibe cheerful, and the atmosphere overall is laidback and merry. Another selling point- the food arrives quickly even when the place is packed!
The great atmosphere is matched by the great food. So far I've ordered the Roquefort snails, prawn and halloumi kebab, saucy steak roll, chocolate mousse and creme brûlee and every one of them has been phenomenal. Side note: I also stole one of my brother's spare ribs and can recommend those, too!
Overall, I cannot recommend Thundergun enough. A wonderful meeting place for family, friends, and even date night.
Noisy and old looking.....exactly where you wouldn’t expect to find the best ribs you’ve ever tasted!!!!
We were there for our 1st time tonight and were completely blown away with the place. Staff are super friendly, service was quick & accurate and man were those ribs good? They were awesome!!!!
The jalapeño risoles made for a great starter but the poppers lacked that certain “something”.
I wouldn’t take the chocolate mousse or caramel desert again. Both seemed like a rushed afterthought with the mousse tasting like it came from a Moirs packet.
But let’s not loose sight of why you visit here: Those ribs!!!!!
We’ll definitely be back!
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I have rated this as one of the best gems in JHB. provides an excellent atmosphere with a separated sports bar section to catch the game and enjoy some drinks before moving into the restaurant which is family orientated and has become a tradition for many families. I was introduced to this place through my former boss when he chose to have his farewell function here and I totally understand why.I have spent two of my own birthday dinners here in addition and it has never disappointed. Every person I have taken to this place or recommended it to have always had good things to say.Now to get to the main attraction - I strongly recommend that anyone who visits here tries the ribs at least once and to date, the best ribs I have had in JHB! The very special thing about the ribs is that they come with an option of their in house famous Portuguese sauce that is an absolute pleasure when smearing it all over the delicious ribs. I always order the straight kilogram and it serves me for the next two days of eating - the quality isn't reduced by reheating either. Great history behind this place and I hope they continue for a long time.
Food was excellent, good portions of ribs for kids. Homely feel to the place. The place to come if you looking for an awesome hearty meal. Will definitely come again.
Unbelievable food 👌 I have been coming to this restaurant since forever!!
The restaurant is still the same - totally consist from the decor, management, food quality, flavours, service and smiling faces. This concept just works so well. It's a family favourite of ours for so many years. 🏅✌
They known for the unbelievable ribs and steaks.
Can't go wrong with any choice. Service if fast and sufficient.
Best Ribs Ever! noone can beat Thunderguns ribs! friendly service-staff always greet us with a smile!
will keep going back again and again!!
What it says is what you get... the best rib joint in town. I had 1kg of ribs and as much as I tried, I couldn't get through the lot. Thank goodness I got leftovers for the weekend. The ribs had absolutely nothing wrong - tender, tasty and best of all messy 😜. Moira had a a rump steak and that too was cooked to perfection.
To top it all the service received by both the waitron and management was magnificent
Food and service is excellent! Big order arrived quickly ! Only complaint would be the lack of Combos... The only combos are pork ribs with a steak, no other options, not even beef ribs . No option to have wors and ribs or steak, which other steakhouses provide. The fact that it's almost full every day of the week speaks for itself! Definitely worth going to if you want to experience a good steakhouse
Was introduced to Thundergun as a student in 2000 and we used to love their lunch specials. Decided to try the restaurant again with my wife many years later. The burger is still as good and the ribs are fantastic! They also make a great steelworks! Happy times.
The best steak in johannesburg. Worth every cent for the yummiest food. The restaurant is cleaned and the service is friendly and very efficient!
This place is old school and I love I can agree that it is the best ribs I've had. Awesome friendly service every time. Great side dishes too..
So we have planned on going to the Thundergun for a while. We normally turn around at the entrance because of the smelly smoke pub at the entrance.
Tonight was different and I was determined to go and see what all the fuss is about.
Arrived without a booking and in no time had our table. Drinks orders were promptly taken. Food orders also taken by our friendly waiter.
Our food arrived and OMFG we could hardly wait to tuck into our dinner. Son had the burger and loved it, daughter ordered the prawns and she raved about that also. My other daughter had the fillet steak and her word was....best ever. The wife and I had the ribs and I can only say...fantastic....falls off the bone, generous portions & that Portuguese sauce is the best.
Look don't come expecting a cheap meal. 5 of us R1000. It's really not bad all things considered.
Will I/we be back....for damn sure!
An amazing experience. I ordered a Rump Camembert which was perfectly prepared. The waiers are very efficient. A great atmosphere. There is a seperate bar too.
Bests ribs i've eaten. Generous portions and good vibe inside the place -
outside looks dodge and that's the only reason I haven't been there in a while. Everyone enjoyed their meaty meals - no complaints.
A very busy place on a Friday night! Ribs are delicious here! We ordered the 1KG portion and boy was that huge! Service here was also really good, constantly checking up on up on us etc. 😊 Charlemagne Olivier
Amazing ribs, fast service with a smile and packed the whole weekend for a reason! Make sure to book in advance.
A must for all rib lovers in Johannesburg :)
Best ribs in Joburg & the carvery is delicious too! Friendly staff & great atmosphere, although can get very busy & loud at times. The menu prices are a bit higher than the app shows, so this needs updating.
This place is an institution. It's been around since 1968 so you know they must be doing something right! They are famous for their ribs which come as uncut rack which makes them look seriously impressive. If you not in the mood for the best ribs in the country then they also do some great steaks and burgers (I recommend the monkey gland or bacon and cheese burger). Their starters are also quite a treat. I recommend their tempura prawns, crumbed mushrooms and their bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers! There is not much you can go wrong with on their menu and the service is always top notch.
What a treat! This was truly an amazing experience! The food, the atmosphere and the service were all top notch!
This is definitely a place that'll see us very soon again!
This is a very special restaurant for #KevFabFood - I came here with my folks and grandparents when I was a boy growing up...have not come for years and came tonight to celebrate the memory of my late mom! This fab restaurant is still just as special - decor has not changed, service still impeccable and food delicious - portions very generous - I can highly recommend the beef ribs and t-bone! Bravo to the team for keeping up such high standards! The busyness of the restaurant is true testament! Bravo to the team - we will be back and thank you for keeping my childhood memories alive 😇
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I have known about this restaurant for several months and have also avoided it, because I don’t generally go to Pub like places, they normally have bad décor and is dirty like hell. I finally decided to bite the bullet and have been there 2 times in 2 weeks. I was very pleasantly surprised. The waiters are super friendly, in fact they look like they enjoy their jobs and the environment. I take it they have been there for several years and know the ropes by now. Had the steak roll. The cut of meat was good and done as I asked. I had a mushroom sauce with it actually had mushrooms in it which I could see and tasted very nice. The burger bun was fresh, the tomato and onion tasted fresh and it was quite enjoyable to eat. Maybe a little bit too much pink sauce on the burger as it tends to make the bread soggy if I had to find some fault with it. The chips had an odd taste but Im generally not a chips person and once had the baked potato with sour cream which was also very enjoyable. My husband had the carvery and he was going on the whole time as what generous portion it was and how tasty it was. It was not a fancy carvery by no means. 2 veg, roast potatoes and roast meat but was done well. The place can get quite busy and when we phoned they said we don’t have to book perhaps because they know their table turnover is fast enough to handle all walk inns. The place is very clean, for a pub I must admit this. In fact I have been to fancier restaurants which was dirtier than this pub. Both times I actually took my serviette and moved it over the dido rail and both visits it came out clean. I just don’t like the colours on the wall, its too dark for me but again it is pubby like. The carpet is very worn and might need a change. Had the decor been slightly better I would have upped my score.
All and all a very good experience. That’s all we want, good clean places, good quality, good prices and good service.
I will definitely go back there if I am in need of a good steak from now on.
Lovely, warm and relaxed setting. Amazing service. Staff and owners were on the ball and extremely helpful and friendly! Their pork ribs are to die for - clearly their signature dish as dishes upon dishes of ribs rolled out of the kitchen. Definitely a must!
Still one of the best places to go in Joburg if you are looking for a great steak at a reasonable price! Always busy and always with great service. My only caution is that parking is a scarse commodity - so be careful where you park.
The first time my family and I came here, we ran into some good friend of ours by chance and we had an absolutely wonderful time. The food is amazing, especially the steak. Can't get anything like it anywhere else. The atmosphere is wonderful. You'll be leaving on a high from the buzz, wonderful food and fun you've had with your friends and family. Not only does the restaurant deliver in food quality and atmosphere, the staff is so friendly. Not once have I been there and had a server not smile and make me feel welcome. This is my favourite restaurant
Thundergun offers up some unique steak offerings that are done to your perfection. There jalapeno poppers are just as amazing. Whether it is for lunch or supper, the restaurant is busy. That is purely due to the amazing food that is served up.
Came here for st paddys day - didn't know we had to book as their website clearly states NO BOOKINGS, but other than that the night was enjoyable, food was still fantastic and service top notch.
The most unsuspecting spot. At first glance a tiny looking pub. But on entrance an old carpeted steak house that says home. But one does not go to Thundergun for vibe or decor. I had the ladies fillet with a Portuguese sauce. Heaven, tender, succulent and delicious. I had a taste of the ribs. Also absolutely delicious. Here is a place that you can get a quality meal at quality prices. Definitely the best piece of fillet I have ever eaten.
Took a bit of a whike to get seated but the food is great- the menu has a wide selection and is well priced too. The portion sizes are a pleasant surprise 😊
S. Dumiso Dexter Dhlamini
+3.5
Great food great service. Service isn't to as quick as possible but it's not inconveniently slow either. Recommend it to any meat lover. The quantities will shock you pleasantly
Took my granny, who 30 years ago was a regular, back to her old haunt for a pub dinner. She was delighted nothing had changed and received exceptional service when both managers came over personally to greet her, despite not knowing her, but after hearing of her longstanding history with their restaurant. This special touch made her evening. We all had the their world famous burgers, which are to date the best burger I have had in Joburg, far better than Hudsons or a similar burger joint. Portions were huge and excellent value for money, with nothing too much of an ask for example we asked for extra avo and the waiter brought half an avo to the table without fuss. We were all very impressed with the quality of the food for "pub grub" and the service we received.
Worth a visit for a wonderful, belly ache inducing huge dinner finished off by a signature sundae!
Always amazing. From the size portions, taste and out of this world bastings, it's always a pleasure visiting this restaurant. The service is what pushes my rating even higher. I've never found myself asking twice or felt like I wasn't there for the best.
Placed a takeaway order over the phone for pick up. The guy on the phone seemed distracted and I had to hold on for about half a minute. When he finally gave me his attention he was friendly enough...
The place seemed to have a nice pub like vibe and the staff were really friendly. I had the ribs that everyone is raving about and they did not let me down. They were awesome! Fall off the bone saucy goodness! I was glad I could enjoy them in the privacy of my house, it got pretty messy...
I'm definitely looking forward to returning here for a sit down meal or a drink next time.
Thundergun is definitely our favourite rib restaurant. They fill up quite quickly on weekends and do not accept bookings. The restaurant itself is divided into a bar/pub section and a relaxed family dining area. The service is always top notch, and they seem to have very efficient kitchen staff judging by the speed at which food is churned out.
Our favourite order is the lone ranger with the original basting. This is a kilo of fall-off-the-bone pork ribs, smothered in a sweet and slightly tangy barbecue basting. All the sides that come with the ribs are also well made, but the chips and onion rings are the favourite.
We have been frequenting this establishment for a long time, and it never disappoints. We will definitely be back for the amazing food and efficient and friendly service.
Un-friking-believable- the ribs were to die for !!! By far the best ribs in Johannesburg !!! I'm gonna have Rib withdrawal soon ! Chilled atmosphere but who cares the ribs ...
Best ribs in town! Visited Thundergun this evening for a take away. Ordered the Billy the kid 600g ribs.Ribs weren't overly basted. Amazing!!! The chips and onion ring that accompanied the ribs were just good. Lovely lovely atmosphere, the bar and restaurant was buzzing with people. The only reason they aren't getting 5 is because they lost my original order.
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Thunder Gun has been serving up steaks since it first opened in 1968, making it one of the oldest food establishments in Johannesburg.
It has a very unique unassuming location and the appearance you get from seeing it in the corner of the car park in the Barbecue Palala Centre is very "dodge". (Corner Beyers Naude and Lewisham Road, Blackheath, Randburg about a 1km up the road from Crests Shopping Centre).
But step inside...
As you enter you really feel like you have entered a time warp. You get this feeling you dismounted your horse and have two guns at your side thinking "I'm ready to draw on anything that upsets me!".
Upon entering at first it's a bit confusing, there is a restaurant on the left with just tables and tables and the right is the bar and more tables ;-( now what?
I feel like I should be hanging my hat and of to the bar!
The gentlemen behind the bar are always so keen to get u a beer and keep it topped up as your horse knows the way home.
The bar/restaurant has a different menu from the main restaurant and is more noisy and busy. After a few drinks. It's maybe time to sit down and have a "man" size steak!
So I sit and have a look at the menu and it's beeg and the selections are wow amazing.
I decide to go with a steak and all the regular extras.
The steak is done to perfection and the baked potato is amazing.
The place fills up very quickly and I have learnt a busy place with a quick turn over of customers means it's a very good place and good food rotation.
I watched the meals that were coming out of the kitchen and they were amazing. The ribs were spectacular. When I saw the prices I thought it was ridiculous but after seeing the portions being delivered it was good value for money, excellent value for money.
So what DUKES BURGERS does to BURGERS, THUNDER GUN does to ribs.
Comparison would be Spur's ribs supersized! X 4
T-bone steaks come in mini, super or extra-large sizes, sirloin with a mustard and rosemary rub more than fills the gap and the ribs are a feast on their own. Side servings of baked potatoes with sour cream or chips somehow find room on your plate.
The wine menu is eclectic and there is a wide selection of burgers, chicken dishes and even a traditional carvery to choose from. The deserts are pure nostalgia, among them the 1970s favourites Dom Pedro and Peppermint Crisp Sundae. Kids under 12 years old get their own menu.
So if you are a steak person especially into ribs, this is your place. It does not look like much but believe you me, it's another world beyond those doors.
You might want to book to be guaranteed a table here.
Saddle up....It's all guns blazing at THUNDER GUN Steakhouse.
Finally got to take a few mates there and after bragging about how good the ribs were they turned out to be even better
The service was outstanding, cold beer and great food
Love this place really an institution
Will see you soon
Quick update: after being going to this place for years and only really eating the ribs and steak I was convinced to try the burgers...now not being a burger guru I went for the cheese burger, when it got to the table the whole burger was Smothered in what almost seemed like packet sauce...so
My score still stays 4.5 just next week if I make a turn around there I'll
Go back to old faithful the ribs and/or steak
I unfortunately did not take any pictures but I LOVED my time at Thundergun. A friend of mine took me there to try out the Ribs and trust me they did not disappoint. They come with a good set of fries and onion rings so come hungry as you will leave completely satisfied. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. The basting that covered those ribs were absolutely delicious and the meat just fell from the bone. Just the way I like it. Staff are friendly and service is good. If you haven't been before then I highly suggest you go and give it a try. 🎉
Never disappoints. Apart form the raw uncooked onion rings and lack of options for steak marinades which arwr the only reasons I didn't make this rating a 5. The steaks were all amazing. I had a Mega T bone and it was juicy and tender to the last bite. The service recieved from Fungai was also incredible. Would really recommend this place to everyone.
Generous to say the least. Ribs could be basted better, it was a little dry. We appreciate that they cut the KG ribs for us to share and served it on two plates. Really great vibe. Homely and publike. Bigger than it looks. Great staff. Fun vibe for any day.
Service was not great. They bought the wrong drinks and did not bring dishes out together. The ribs were good but the baked potato had margarine when they offered butter.
Steak, ribs, burgers and cold beer. Very traditional 70s steak house with loyal regulars. To get a table arrive early. Always enjoyed the food, my only gripe would be no free steak sauce on the table. Tomato sauce just does not do the trick. Konichiwa
Very good rib eye stake. Awesome as always. Good company good food and good service. This is why we always come back to this place. Well worth coming but getting bit expensive.
Amazing ribs. We happened to stop by on a whim. We rarely ever venture into that area,but we heard alot about this spot.
It's tucked inside a strange shopping centre, you might even miss it.
Anyways the service n food was really great. They even have a carvery for R90 which most people cane for. We tried the ribs for mains and wings as starters. Both great.
The ribs were basted in a thundergun sauce as recommended by the waiter.
Ambience 6/10
Service 8/10
Food 7.5/10
Their ribs really are great and a must try for fans. The decor is a cowboy sort of theme. The seating inside differs from outside so depending on what mood you're in for you can sit in either place
These are the best ribs in town
We've tried the other dishes - the chicken and steak are great - but don't miss out on the ribs, it's just not worth it
So, the service is average and the setting is quite old and pub like...(perhaps they're going for an authentic vibe)... But the food is amazing. The ribs are probably the best thing on the menu (in my opinion) - I like it in the Portuguese sauce/style. They're cooked perfectly and full of flavour. It's difficult to find places that compare with this specific type of food in terms of taste. They aren't really cheap, but portions are big and yummy - so totally worth it. Come hungry :)
Friends have been telling my about the Thundergun for a while now and man were they right! We waited a bit at the bar before being seated but for such a busy restaurant, it wasn't nearly as long as I thought it would be so I didn't mind too much.
We ordered the camembert and fig spring rolls as a starter which were nice but nothing amazing but the ribs we had for mains were phenomenal! And I'm really not normally one for very meaty meals so that's saying something!
The decor looks like it hasn't been updated since it opened in 1968 but it's hard to see this as a negative given that it adds to the charm of the place.
I loved the casual dining atmosphere and will definitely be back again for those ribs.
The best rib joint in JHB!!!! Me and my friend done here last night and everything from the moment we entered was absolutely great!! Highly recommended!!!
My boyfriend took me to the unparalleled Thunder Gun Steakhouse for a pre-birthday dinner, and all I can say is that it was amazing! The service was warm, amicable, professional and fast. The food was exceptional. The overall experience was one to be repeated!
We started with the garlic snails starter, ordered it to share, and were pleasantly surprised to have it arrive on two dishes, equally split between them. I then had the ladies fillet mains, which was done perfectly to my tastes and honestly the best steak I've had in ages. My boyfriend had the 1kg pork ribs, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
The overall experience of fantastic service and even better food begs for another visit!
We enjoyed Sunday lunch at Thundergun and chose the buffet. It was outstanding. Roast beef, roast lamb and roast pork. Served with rice, roast potatoes, carrots, butternut and creamed spinach. Apple, mint and horseradish sauces available on the side. Wish the plates were bigger, wanted more. At R95 per person is it excellent value for money. (R85 on a Monday). Only complaint is that service was a little slow despite the fact that the restaurant wasn't full. Can't wait to go back and try the ribs.
One of the best steakhouses in jhb good service and to think I found this place in the fhm magazine few years ago will definitely be back again I like the vibe it's always though so you have to book in advance on a busy if you wana get a good seat
I have been to Thunder Gun a numerous amount of times and they never disappoint! The food is always great and the service is top notch. Definately not your average steakhouse!
Rhyse Pilsbury Crompton
+4.5
One of my regular spots. Best steak ranch in Johannesburg, possibly the best steak house in the whole of SA. Hearty and large meals. Tons of gloriously unhealthy sides. Tasty basting. Huge ribs. Tender steaks.
Never let's you down. Spoilt for choice and fantastic service. No wonder Thundergun has been the neighborhood favourite for decades ! I reckon they have the best Rib-eye steak in SA.
Steakhouse as a steakhouse should be. From ribs to burgers and then on to the steaks every meal cooked to perfection. The Lone Ranger ribs are most certainly made for the hungry. The Thundergun is all about meat and never fails. It is noisy and really warm, perfect for a hearty winters meal.
After all this time decided we needed to try Thundergun. I have been apprehensive about the look & feel of an old pub & grub. But once we were seated and felt the vibe around me it quickly becomes apparent that this is a very special local family treasure. But it is noisy and loud.
The service was excellent and as if orchestrated.
I had a Greek salad which was so fresh I could go back just for that. Fiancé had the jalapeño poppers stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon. I am happy to report that those devils brought tears to his eyes. First time something was too hot to handle.
We had rump steak one with with pepper sauce and the other was with Camembert. Perfectly executed and even the pepper sauce also had a bite to it.
We definitely are going back for the ribs! As well as for the Guinness on tap.
Oh yeah had a weeny banana pancake, it did taste better than it looked.
😊😊🙂 - ambience
😊😊😄 - service
😊😊😊 - food
Man oh man... The burger! I finished that plate in a minute and didn't regret a second! The onions rings were crispy and oozed flavor as well! Why the 3.5 rating you say? Well... I recently stopped smoking and I've always respected people around me even when I did have the habit. However the smoking section and the non smoking section are too close to each other and not very well ventilated. I don't have a problem with smokers but there needs to be a proper separation. For people who hate the smell of smoke I could see it being a hinderance. Waiter was a bit slow....
Probably the best 1kg of ribs I have ever consumed in my life. Starting with the Jelapeno poppers, which were so hot they made me cry, then moving on - swiftly at that - to the ribs. The holy grail of ribs. I ate and chatted. Thundergun is busy, so busy we had 3 waiters, and with a restaurant so busy it gets really loud. This is all fine on a Saturday night, all I wanted to do was eat ribs. Well worth the value. Service was quick - regardless of business. We were told to wait 20 mins for a table - it was only enough to get a drink at the bar. Value for money. Definitely worth a try!
Undisputed best ribs in Johannesburg, maybe even the world. Can't go wrong with a Lone Ranger for the super hungry and highly recommend a Whizz Gun Burger for those wanting something big, meaty and cheesy!!
After craving a good rack of ribs- pork is the only way for this craving to be met- I decided to see what Johannesburg had to offer in this arena , we didn't want mediocre Spur ribs... Anyways, I was told by a friend that Thundergun was hands down the best ribs in town , the kind that make you put both elbows on the table to ensure a good two hand grip is on that rib!! My boyfriend and I shared a 1kg rack with the Portuguese sauce on the side. The sauce is very garlicky but delicious!!! It's a cream based sauce. The chips and onion rings were not the main attraction, but it didn't bother us - the ribs were succulent and tender and melt in your mouth! Look at the size of them in the pictures... Not for the faint hearted!
Thundergun is probably one of the best steakhouses in Joburg. Food arrives promptly and the service is efficient. Highly recommend the fillet and ribs.
Best family neighbourhood restaurant I have been to in Joburg. Always well packed, and they dont take bookings at the best of times, but their service is superb, and the restaurant is big enough that you should only have a short wait.
They also have incredible steaks, possibly the best ribs, and amazing burgers. My mates and I make a twice monthly visit to Thundergun, and love it everytime!
Heard rave reviews from colleagues about the ribs at this joint - and they did not disappoint. Perfect for a boys night out. The 1kg Lone Ranger with the portuguese sauce on the side was delicious. The meat could easily be pulled from the bone and devoured by hand (the way you're supposed to eat ribs). Great flavour and the sauce complements it really well.
That being said, the seating was pretty uncomfortable (couches in the booth areas are extremely upright and have no cushioning at all) so you're eating in an awkward position for most of the night. Another thing, my dad, who worked as a chef for many years, spoke to one of the line chef's who mentioned that they work split shifts - not easily maintainable/sustainable in the long run (morning AND evening shifts). I do hope that kitchen staff get breaks and fair compensation for all their hard work.
We started off with the Jalepeno Poppers (filled with cream cheese and rolled with bacon) which were delicious! They have a real zing to them so enjoy ;)
For mains we had the Lone Ranger (1kg) with Portuguese sauce and a Rubbed Sirloin. Both dishes were very good. However, I found the garlic in the Portuguese sauce a bit over-powering. And for some reason our waiter had said it would be spicy but I didn't taste it at all? Perhaps it was a mistake. Will definitely be trying the original basting at our next visit!
The side vegetables with the steak was really tasty and seasoned well! The chips/onion rings portion that came with the ribs was rather small and disappointing. Nevertheless the food was good and I'll definitely be back.
Bookings are a must. Service was quick and waiters are friendly. Overall a good experience.
The decor hasn't changed in years but love the old school feel :)
You cannot go wrong ordering steak of any type.
My son was defeated by the bacon and cheese burger... Delish but huge!
Service is also incredible
Only reason they scored 4 was the wine list, could be better
I met with two mates for lunch
This was like a blast from the past to a genuine steak house of the 70's
The place was packed
When I say old school, it was even down to the lighting, which was pretty dark.
I ordered a medium rare rump and chips and was pleasantly surprised when it was right up there with some of the more modern restaurants who charge at least 20% more for the same plate of food.
The service was pretty good for a packed lunchtime sitting.
If I'm in the area around lunchtime I will give the thundergun another visit.
Had diner with my wife at the thundergun last night.
I had the 600g ribs and she had a 200g rump. The ribs were excellent, tender and well sauced, not too sweet and not overly fatty.
The steak was done perfectly.
Will be back for the ribs.
This old school steakhouse has been going for ages. It reminds me a bit of the longhorn steakhouse that was around when I was a kid. It's best to order the steaks and the ribs. I always order the massive ribs with Portuguese sauce. I think they have the best ribs in Johannesburg.
Came here for dinner tonight. The interior is very old school, and a little hot inside. We sat outside on the benches which was much cooler. The vibe is very home styled with a relaxed flair. I had beef ribs & chips. The portion of ribs was massive, but I do feel that the portion of chips (that were delicious) could have been bigger. The service was quite good & food came quickly. There was a massive line around 19:00, so come a little early to grab a table. Will be back for some burgers! :)
Have been frequenting this place since both and McEnroe played epic Wimbledon finals.
It is that old and it is that established.
What stands out here is the decor and the consistency of their magnificent ribs.
Have been eating the "Billy the Kid" portion since I was a young teenager all through varsity and beyond.
My personal Specialisation is pork ribs and there is no place anywhere in the world that I have visited that comes close.
Ribs are a result of the cut of meat, the marinade and the cooking style.
This is the true home or the perfect rib.
Order them with a decent bottle of wine and take your time.
Food was really nice! The staff are really friendly and the service is great! The vibe of the restaurant is really nice and overall it was a great experience.
I have been dying to try Thundergun steakhouse for ever and today was my lucky day sadly I feel like I'm stuck in the 1800's on a Texas ranch awaiting my cowboy the bar area leaves much to be desired. So for our starter we had jalapeños popers wrapped in bacon hrm I would like to know what happened to the cheese in the poppers I have eaten them before and the cheese oozes from it but it seems like someone somewhere somehow changed the recipe after a while out came our mains on a hot skilt I had a jalapeño filet with mash and onion rings a jalapeño sauce accompanied the dish and it was melt in your mouth tender and oh so delicious my boyfriend had a Maxician steak accompanied with tomato salsa and guacamole on the side he had mash and onion rings there was no space for desert but I would definitely go back to try their ribs apparently that's what they are famous for...
Read the good reviews and decided to invite a customer for lunch at Thundergun. We both ordered 300 g fillet. The fillet was so soft and tender - cooked to perfection. Meal served quickly.
Great attentive service and Thundergun is highly recommended with a nice atmosphere.
There food is here is gr8! U will not go wrong , gud restaurant, food and excellent service always. :-) Been there on many occasion even took families who were veri happi with food. We never had bad food or service there. Always friendly staff and they even knows us well. Even ordered take away one day and it was reali gud.
Amazing ribs and good service! The atmosphere of the restaurant is very family orientated and friendly. The booking policy of the restaurant that you can only book before 6 pm makes planning difficult as it gets very full. Overall an enjoyable experience!
This place most certainly lives up to its reputation - the ribs are absolutely out of this world.
The decor is old and really gives you that warm authentic steakhouse feeling.
I have been wanting to go here for a while and was not disappointed. I shared the 1kg ribs which were juicy and tasty. The rest of the table seemed to really enjoy their steaks. I will definitely be back. All I can say on the negative side is that the limp green beans should have stayed off my veg side plate.
Underrated steak place in a lesser popular area. Great place to go for a juicy steak, cold beer and watching sports. Relaxed atmosphere makes for a good night out with some mates.
Finally tried the famous Thunder Gun last night and it lived up to its reputation! Great old fashioned steakhouse with an amazing vibe and real honest good food! My little one had the kiddies ribs which was amazing and we opted for the steaks which were cooked to perfection and very tasty! Also the best Irish Coffees that I have tasted in a looong time! Be warned, even on a Tuesday night it was packed so get there early or make a booking!
Great spot 4 the best ribs and steak in jozi. Been going there since I was a kid. Food is always delicious. Love there old school style of plating on a hot skillet . I love their chips and onion rings.
We ordered the extra thick cut rump medium rare..came cooked 2 perfection. A must for any steak lover.
Awesome food, awesome service. By far the best steakhouse in Jo'burg. I won't lie when I got there it didn't look like much but as soon as you get in and see the food on offer you'll definitely sit down lol..for the burger people, try the Double Gun Cheese Burger, you won't regret it:)
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The Thunder Gun Steakhouse first opened its doors in 1968 so for over forty (40) years they have been known for their delicious ribs and steaks and as such, I was VERY excited to bring my family here!
We arrived after hail damage in the pouring rain last night for my table booking with my parents to find it had been crossed off as apparently someone claiming to be 'Laura' had said they "were here". Obviously, we needed to then be fitted in (despite making a booking) and Dave, looked around to find us another table (on a packed Monday night) instead of simply correcting the people who had claimed to be me and taken my table. Not the best way to start an evening and first visit!
When we were finally seated, we were greeted by a smiling and friendly waiter called Goodman to take our drinks orders and make some recommendations. Since it was Monday, we all decided on the Monday Carvery special and settled in to relax and dry off. Goodman was attentive and knowledgable about all things 'Thundergun' which I really liked. It wasn't long before we all had our carvery 'vouchers' and headed over to meet Onias at the carvery table to dish up. The carvery was excellent and Onias was also helpful.
Sadly though, to me, service really does affect your experience which is why I emphasise learning everyone's names and really paying attention... That being said, I don't mind that someone else claimed my table booking all that much.. But where the evening took a down-turn on this visit would have to be when the waiter serving the table next to us, decided without asking (after we had requested toothpicks and condiments for my Dad & our table) to just come past, remove the condiments straight off our table (before my Dad had had a chance to use them or say something) and walk off with them to one of his tables further down - nothing said, no apology or query or request.
I had to wait another ten minutes, then catch his eye and request them back so that we could finish our meal. Yet again, no apology but I did get an irritated look from him. It just leaves a bad taste in your mouth... That being said, I am hoping that I may have just picked a bad evening to get good service!
Despite lovely Goodman, and a decent carvery, Thundergun runs the risk of poor etiquette and service manners, so on this visit, Thundergun for me isn't all that!
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UPDATE Saturday 14 October 2017:
My partner brought me here for dinner for 'date night' and with both my past experience in mind and the fact that on Fridays and Saturday evenings, Thundergun does not allow bookings to be made we arrived at 6pm for an early dinner.
What a different experience!
I have been told on good authority (by many foodies), that Thundergun has the BEST ribs in Johannesburg and I like that they allow you the option of pork AND beef ribs as opposed to just one option. With faith in this steakhouse renewed, we left full and content..
Full review to follow..
Casper H. J Badenhorst
+3.5
Hands down the best ribs in town. There is no competition for this place or I am yet to find that place. Although the place isn't set in the greatest location, the name should give it away...this is no place for people looking for great decor or beautiful scenery. If you're looking for some solid eating of large quantities of tasty meat, you've found the right place.
Had family lunch there yesterday. Food and service are always superb. My son and I had the ribs which have to be the best by a country mile. The girls had fillet steaks which were tender and tasty. Desserts are home made and very tasty. Overall a good old fashioned steak house and one of our favorites.
We have been going to Thundergun for as long as I can remember and I have never had a bad meal/experience there. Went there tonight and between 3 of us had: halloumi starter, cajun calamari starter, Billy the kid ribs, chicken schnitzel and Granny's apple cake. Could not find a single fault with any of the dishes. Both the calamari and the halloumi were some of the most tender I've ever had! The rib and chicken schnitzel portions were huge and so so tasty. The apple pie ended off the meal perfectly. This place is always full, even at 8pm on a Sunday night! Service is great. Will keep continue eating here for years to come! Highly highly recommended!!! #ZomatoTopStar
Enjoyed a dinner at Thundergun because I really love steak and little gems that need to be tried out.
We sat in the bar area because it's their smoking section - and I have to say we were lucky to even get an open table as it was chock-a-block full on a Tuesday evening for dinner.
The bar area looks like a great place to have a drink with friends, or even an after-work pub/bar with work colleagues.
We were served by super friendly staff, and the manager even came to check up on us. The steak, sauce and all the extras like the chips and veggies were amazing and I was super happy to finally have a medium steak that wasn't over or underdone with great quality meat.
Will definitely be back for more.
Oh Thundergun! You just get me! Not only does the menu have a good range of options, but they are all cooked to perfection and served with a smile. I've been there in very large groups a number of times and have always walked away completely content. There's nothing particularly fancy or inventive about Thungdergun Steakhouse, which is exactly why it is completely fantastic, they make simple classics with a couple of twists, and they do it well. The ambiance is fairly simple and definitely has a rustic-cowboy-pub feel to it, but that's pretty much the exact atmosphere one wants to be in when going to town on a beautiful steak.
Well trained friendly staff, great lunch specials, outstanding carvery! The house wine is not brilliant (why do restaurants think wine by the glass can be poisonous & no one will notice?) but the food is great, service quick & prices very reasonable. Long live the Thundergun!
At first impression this restaurant looks rather dodgy, but the food was excellent! Portions are generous and the prices are reasonable too! Keep up the good work.
Their ribs are absolutely amazing and at a decent price too! Staff are friendly and efficient. Atmoshpere is good. The only downside is that if you come after 6:30, you wont get a seat. So try and get there at 6.
Julia Louise Domanski
+4.5
I just love this steakhouse. It has everything- the decor, the vibe, the ribs! Truly the ribs are the best I've had in South Africa. Tonight I had the Mexican steak (minus the mozzarella) and it was sublime. The rump melted in my mouth. I've also had a burger here before and it was fantastic. Portions are generous and well-priced! Classic desserts like sticky toffee pudding and bar one ice cream are winners too. Service can be slow when they're busy but otherwise a flawless dining experience when you're after a solid board of good meat.
It is what it is! They've been around for years. And for a reason. The ribs are great. Decor is old but when you go here you go because you want that good old reliable recipe.
One word: Ribs!!! Lives up to the hype. I'm sure the rest of the menu is also good but I really haven't bothered to look. Nothing pretentious. Food more than makes up for the location.
A honest to goodness steak house that serves great food and makes no pretense of who they are. The Jalapeño poppers wrapped in bacon was fantastic... The ribs was a bit on the expensive side, tasted great but the meat didn't fall off the bone. Whilst the whole rack looked impressive it could have been cut in half to facilitate easier eating.
Maybe I don't represent their typical clientele but they could expand their beer offer to include craft beer , Stella Artois or black label draft.
I had service but I feel for the money spent there the service could have been more attentive
Amazing! Best ribs, both pork and beef! Such an American flavour. Excellent portion size at reasonable prices. Bar creates good cool atmosphere. Casual feeling
Have been here plenty and never been disappointed! I can never order anything other than the steak because it is always perfection (particularly with the Portuguese sauce if you're a fan of garlic). Highly recommended to any carnivore haha.
This is the place to go for great steak. The sirloin was tender, delicious and cooked exactly the way I asked for it. The chips were the best I've had in a while. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
A place with a real "cowboy" vibe! The place was packed and parking was a bit of a mission.
The service was pretty impressive ... the second our drinks were done a waiter was there offering a refill.
My sirloin was excellent! And as you may have guessed from my previous reviews, I'm a bit of a creme brulee super fan :P and this creme brulee was one of the better ones I've had! I'm still on my mission to find the perfect one :)
Vanessa Patricia Shelver
+4
Haven't been here in a while, but from previous experiences the food is good and the waiters friendly. The ribs are their signature dish, very nice place.
Thunder Gun is one of the best places there is. It has been around for years, my parents used to go there when they were kids and the standard of service and food is just as good now as it was then.
Once again this old favorite has outdone itself. The food is always incredible especially the runs. The service is efficient without you feeling rushed and everything you walk in it's like going home. If you haven't been yet you definitely missing out.
Thundergun was a nice evening. Its an old classic joint that is known for their ribs and chips, no fine dining but old school slap bang steak and ribs. The service is incredibly fast and efficient. Will return annually.
Ok so everything you hear about this place is true. The ribs are just amazingly fantastic. The vibe is cool and is what it is. A tad bit far from sandton but worth I think. If you feel like big bad ass ribs definitely head to thunder gun.
When visit visiting this steakhouse you may want to book in advance as it can get really busy. This is one of the few steakhouses that accommdated quite well for vegetarians with their vegi platter. The portion sizes are good here as well as the service.
Our waiter was very friendly and able to assist relatively quickly with queries I had regarding which sauces are vegetarian. It would however be nice to see a vegi burger on the menu to have more variety even though this is not their target market.
This restaurant is not in one of my mostly visited areas but it is best enjoyed with family and friends and it a recommendation for meat eaters.
The first time I went here I had a steak...it was a good steak but I had to go back for the ribs. Last night I ordered the 1kg Lone Ranger with Portuguese sauce...rather ambitiously:-)
Didn't manage to finish everything but I luv'd the flavor of the ribs...did not disappoint!
"OMG, how have you not been yet?" was the natural response I got before I went to Thunderguns. It's a very pub-like vibe. Loud, big tables. Generous portions would be an understatement. Sevice too slow but food prepared quickly. The ribs were, well, ribs. Huge serving but no real major flavour difference, even with the Portuguese sauce option, from any typical rib joint. The steaks were well cooked and the prawn and calamari starters, fantastic. Value for money. Booking essential for dinner. Parking is a totally inadequate.
This place is an institution, my parents used to take us in the early '80s. I know go there with industry colleagues and mates. We normally eat the bar area or outside on the patio. Thundergun has arguably the finest ribs and hamburger in Johannesburg.
I have always found the value for money to be spot on.
Melinde Van Rensburg
+4.5
Firm favourite, food awesome, value for money and just an all round warm experience. Decor could do with an update, but maybe thats part of the charm. Staff are also always great.
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I was first taken to the original Thundergun (same venue) in 1974 when steakhouses were few and far between and can still remember how delicious, tender and huge the steak was (rump, I think?). Over the years the steakhouse changed hands a few times, and even name for a short while, with the quality varying from excellent to dreadful, so I eventually stopped going. Years later I heard that Paul and co had taken over (first as manager then as co-owner) and that the carvery, always something I am on the lookout for, was a must try. The carvery, choice of 3 or 4 meats, rice, roast potatoes, 3 or 4 veg and very tasty gravy, was really good and I still have it on occasion but don't find it quite as good any more. The beef, in particular, can be a bit unpredictable - sometimes sinewy - and the veg a bit watery.
For a change, after reading some of the rave reviews, I decided to try a sirloin steak served with creamed spinach (very tasty), soet pampoen (too sweet for my taste but then I just don't do sweet), sliced carrots (nice) and excellent homemade chips. The steak? Very tasty and grilled as requested but a bit chewy, even for sirloin. I've had better. I also ordered onion rings which are fried old style: also tasty but a bit too oily for my particular palate.
Overall, Paul and his partner run a good, no frills old style (decor and food style) family steakhouse with good service and reasonable prices (pensioners discount on Tuesdays).
Legendary status when it comes to steak, and anything that involves red meat! Great boys night out.. Can hardly go wrong with a thundergun steak!!
I'd heard about Thundergun Steakhouse on one of my social media platforms. We decided to give it a try a week ago. Well, it was AWESOME! It has this really cool bar - very Cheers like - in fact you get the feeling that there are many regulars! I had a fillet, which was very very good. Possibly one of the best I've had. SO had a burger which I'm told was awesome. We've actually been back twice! I would recommend booking for more than two.
Very old and dingy '70's steakhouse. Dark green upholstery and dark wood everywhere. This is the type of place you go back to time after time for the steaks - as easy as that. These guys are meat specialists. Parking is a challenge, the area is not great, but the steaks are superb.
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Back again - some of the best meat and ribs in town.
Was looking for the best ribs in Joburg and, after doing some research, decided to try Thundergun. Was NOT disappointed! I tried the point rump (which was delicious) and my partner had the 1kg ribs (which he did not finish!), we then shared the chocolate lava pudding, which was the perfect ending to a really great meal. The atmosphere was very old school and the managers were around, checking on the tables which was great to see. Will definitely be going back!
This place is not far from my place and I had been dying to try because it is always packed. The food is amazing and the portions are more then generous. The starter buffalo wings with blue cheese sauce is amazing, also try the ribs(it's what the place is known for) and the steaks are succulent. This place has been around for decades and by the looks of things and the way the food tastes it's not going anywhere anytime soon.
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Went last week for my son's birthday and as I remember the Thunder Gun from the 80s it has been going a long time. Decor is very 'western' theme as to be expected and tables are quite close to each other. We booked, thank goodness, don't suggest you just arrive, you may be disappointed or have to wait ! Ordered snails and poppers for starters - both good .. Loads of creamy garlic sauce with the snails but very strong 😊. Ordered the HUGEST ribs I have ever seen, my son could not finish them but rated them as ABSOLUTELY brilliant. I had the eisbein also HUGE and steak with avo for the others .. all really, really good! They clearly have the secret to a successful steakhouse - service was excellent - there appear to be a lot of waiters so you never feel as if you are waiting to be served and the place was packed - the managers (there was more than one) were really attentive too. I definitely recommend this spot - also good news is there is a bar so if you do have to wait, you may not notice the time .. order the ribs they really are very good.
Francois Marais Van Zyl
+4.5
This is the best place in Gauteng for cowboy sized steaks, ribs and burgers.
Not the place to impress your girlfriend on the first date due to the lack of atmosphere but cowboys don't have to impress their girls with décor and ambiance but with the size of their steaks, burgers, chicken and portion of ribs.
Service always good and owner/ manager Paul is always on the ball.
Thundergun - 4 decades of outstandingness & excellence in steaks and burgers. The ambiance is pure Cowboys and Wild West. I love their wall decor - check out the old menus from the 70's - great to look at the prices! A classic steakhouse.
Thundergun is an awesome place to visit. Ribs and steaks are incredible.the service is great.friendly service. You can go to the pub or restaurant section.just be sure Thubdergun is always busy. You wont be sorry and will go back
Sibusiso Fortune Ngwenya
+4.5
Went Sunday evening, was amazed at how quickly the place fills up and the quickness of the waiters. Wife had ribs/streak combo went for the 800grams T- Bone. Perfection will definitely go back...many times!
Christiaan Janse Van Rensburg
+4
Gives a typical steakhouse feel, has amazing ribs and good service. If the place is full, go and get an ice cold beer in the bar area while you wait for a table. Great place for a night with the guys. And definitely try the creamy peri-peri sauce..
Wow, the best ribs I have ever had in my life. They have a special Portuguese sauce that puts ribs on n different level. On our way in even the car guard told us about the ribs. The service is very good. The wine list is limiting.
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Thunder Gun truly is a Joburg institution, having been around since the 60's. There's a reason why they are fully booked night after night!
My friend and I got there early (even with a reservation it's better to get there between 6 and 6:30) and the restaurant was already buzzing with all manner of clientele - couples, families, grandparents who might very well have been coming back since it opened, and friends. Although it was chilly outside it was lovely and warm inside, even if you didn't get one of the coveted seats fully inside. We were immediately welcomed by a friendly waiter and later on the manager popped past to make sure everything was okay - I was really impressed by the genuine interest of the entire staff to make sure our meal was perfect.
We ordered our meals, a fillet and rump and before we could blink they were on our table. My steak was cooked to absolute perfection! I have a nasty habit of ordering a rare medium-rare steak which obviously confuses every waiter and chef I've ever attempted to order this from. But the guys at Thunder Gun are pros and got my rump just right. Steff's fillet looked delicious too. Our sides were all great but in my opinion my Madagascan Pepper sauce was better than her Roquefort sauce - just a personal preference.
Although it looks a little grubby and the decor is a bit dated, the entire restaurant is like stepping into a time machine. There's a real sense of authenticity in every meal and it truly is an experience to go there!
Great night out with my wife at Thundergun. Really, their ribs are the best in JHB. Fantastic! And the atmosphere is great. The authentic little English pub is usually filled with British ex pats and they pour a mean pint of Guinness.
Most definitely the best steakhouse in town!
Including the fillet, the burgers, the veggies 😍 my family and I go atleast once a month and we don't eat out often. Keep it up!
I don't ordinarily enjoy ribs, however the sticky sweet goodness that's basted on those ribs are AMAZING.
Also the side dishes are really good!! I love the western theme, it's so fitting based on the cuisine served :)
Nothing gets me salivating like Pavlovs dog than the thought of a steak here, always good and the popularity is proof of this, always very busy even on a Monday night, need get there early or come for the second sitting. Problem with a successful venue you are jammed in line like sardines with hardly enough room for waiter to get around, for me this is a negative. A side order forgotten as just too busy.
Tucked away in the corner of a centre, hides the best ribs in Johannesburg. Can't book on a Friday, but quickly enough got a table after having a drink in the bar. These ribs really have no equal. Very well priced!
Our first time at Thundergun was amazeballs!!!!! Friendly staff, warm atmosphere, quick turnaround time on orders and incredibly tasty food!!!! Definitely doing this joint again. Thank you Thundergun :-)
Jonathan George Georgiades
+4
Where does one start! The food is absolutely incredible. The ribs, the steaks and even the burgers! One can't go wrong. The alcohol selection is also great, with almost every beer on tap... Really good value for money. However, the decor is outdated and good use a make over. Also, they don't take bookings so the first come first serve rule applies. But while you wait, expect to wait in the smoking section.
Always busy with quick turnarounds,Thunder Gun is a familiar favorite. Eating on your own or with a huge table, the orders are quick and never wrong. Beef ribs usually run out by Monday, so be sure to call. They don't always take reservations but your wait wont be too long. Bar is smoking. Restaurant seating very snug so not always space for a baby, but customers will make space. Desperately needs a revamp. They accept and charge corkage. Thanks for reading my post. Please feel free to follow me or comment below.
One of my favorite steakhouses!
Brought our own wine thanks to the corkage, and ordered the rump steak with veggies, accompanied with a greek salad.
For desert i had a Irish coffee.
Will be back again.
Great service. Great food. Friendly staff. Will definitely be going again. The only complaint is the parking area is to small and cramped.....
All round great experience, friendly waiters, you dont have to wait too long for your food, decent prices. The steaks are decent but perhaps not a 5/5 as i have seen in some reviews. Still would recommend it.
Food art!! This was the best steak we've ever had. Super fast service, great atmosphere, personal attention to every guest from the manager.... The best steak house ever. This is going to be our new favourite spot.
Succulent ribs. Absolutely divine. Ribs 1kg, They really know mens portions ?. Only down side was the side dish of chips and onion rings. Not at all impressed with those portions. ?
A firm favourite. Best ribs in Johannesburg. The carvery is really good value for money. It's always busy so go early as they don't take bookings. My only gripe is that the smoke from the pub area permeates the restaurant making it quite unpleasant during busy times.
LOVE! These guys know steak and they know it well. Old school cool, no fuss restaurant with friendly staff and a family style vibe. The sirloin steak is always perfectly cooked and their onion rings are delicious.
This steakhouse has been around a while, even though changed hands, has kept to serving amazing pork ribs
Don't be mislead by the out dated decor that is well over due for a revamp... This hidden gem is worth the drive and the interior because there is no where else that I can compare the quality of the ribs too...
The Best ribs in town.... pork and huge and delightful! And the steaks are always delicious and perfectly cooked...always full and always worth the wait..never had a bad ecperience in the 10years iv been going..even the fish and veggies are yummy...home cooked satisfying meals...
Second time visiting thundergun and still not disappointed. This time we had the vegetable platter and the steak and rib combo. All very tasty! The steak was a little chargrilled in places but all in all it was still good value for money and left with a full stomach. Good service, good food and good prices. What more could you want.
This restaurant is renowned for its ribs and they don't disappoint. The portions are very large. The decor is simple and staff are prompt. Parking can be a bit of a problem.
Awesome food and great service. Didn't really like the decor, feels a bit outdated. Can't have everything I suppose. The ribs and steaks are probably the best I've ever had!
Been going to Thunder Gun for 12 years now. Allways friendly and they don't forget your name. James is the best when it comes to keeping you happy while you eating. Mmmmm the ribs is the best. Thanks to Paul and his team for a great steakhouse.
I can see why this restaurant has been around for so long and why it is always busy. An old style steakhouse with great food and excellent service. And a decent wine list which isn't always the case at a steakhouse. The prices are very reasonable. This well could become my once a week place for dinner.
Missioned all the way from Linksfield to this legendary Steakhouse and we left satisfied. The ribs and sides are a definite must. Great atmosphere
Awesome experience! Although very busy, we barely sat down with drinks when asked if we'd like to be taken to our table.
Fast and proper service, starters (poppers & prawns) were great. Initially got served a cheesy garlic loaf instead of the prawns, but that was a mere misunderstanding, probably because of mumbling the order on my part.
The manager asked if everything was in order, and rectified the problem, but instead of removing the loaf, told us to enjoy it solong, untill the prawns arrived.
Thorougly impressed. Prawns portion was way more than specified on the menu, which always goes down well.
Main course arrived swiftly after the waiter asked if we'd like to wait a while or have the mains immediately after starters.
Amazing steak, definitely top 3 on my list in this metropolitan. Dijon honey sauce complimenting it nicely.
Proper food, good atmosphere, on the ball management and staff, good price and overall quality.
We'll be back soon!@
I'm not much of a red-meat eater so I was surprised to find myself (hesitantly) ordering ribs at Thundergun. I ordered the ladies portion (Mary Lou's - babe with an attitude) as to not overwhelm myself - firstly, it was HUGE! Where do they even grow pigs that big?! Needless to say, I finished the ENTIRE rack of ribs. It was too delicious for words. Their chips and sides aren't anything to rave about BUT the BEST ribs in Joburg by far!
To be honest, I've never sat down and eaten here. Authentic, dodgy pub setting with a great selection of beer and cubicles.
Must say they probably hold the title for best ribs (even though there are a few contenders for this title), their mammoth ribs with onion rings are simply delicious.
Decor is old style dark steak house, warm and inviting.
Atmosphere is calm and relaxing.
Service was very good.
If you looking for a typical decent steak chips and creamed spinach and sweet pumpkin mashed and a good salad.
Sunday buffet is really good.
Prices are reasonable!
Very few restaurants can claim to have been open since 1968. This one can.
A mid-month Wednesday, no specials, and there is a queue at the door. Prices aren't low bit service is high, food is perfect and the wine is reasonable. A Joburg institution.
Where do I begin?!
The RIBS, best RIBS in Joburg.
Whenever I'm in the mood for ribs, this is the only place I think of. I've been loyal Thundergun patron for a good couple of years now - been eating ribs here since I was a lighty in 7th grade.
This restaurant is unpretentious, no frills, no fine fancy decor - just good old sticky ribs, medium rare steaks, crispy onion rings and greasy chips.
I love this place and will always recommend it to everyone.
Alexis Assimacopoulos
+4.5
Yet another wonderful gem hidden inside the city of Joburg! It's a nice time travel back to the 70's and the food is fantastic! The toilets could use some upgrading but otherwise an amazing restaurant- visit when you feel like being nostalgic (or want some GOOOOOD meat)
Been frequenting this restaurant since 1973, as this was the favorite hangout of Randburg Hoërskool then. The ribs are still the best ribs in Joburg and the old world cowboy atmosphere just helps to relax. But beware space is limited and you must be prepared to go early or wait!!
Came here for a birthday recently. Really lovely restaurant with good staff. The portions are gigantic and tasty. I'm sure it's a great place for sports lovers and families.
I love this place for an unplanned pub dinner after work with a good friend and some wine. Everyone told me about the ribs, but I wasn't blown away, I really enjoyed the steak though. It gets quite busy but well worth it.
Quite possible the best ribs in Johannesburg. Nice thing is that they come a lot quicker than expected implying they're already cooking by the time you arrive. Always pick the most popular dish and a full restaurant shows that dish to be awesome!
Always a winner...
The food, as always, was amazing!!!! Even though now very uncomfortably full..
Not too sure if it's a Thursday thing.. But was packed.. Definitely make a booking next time!
Excellent steakhouse where one can enjoy a hearty meal and fantastic service. A real gem of a place and one of our local favourites. They make a great monkey gland sauce.
It's always a pleasure going here. Food and service is always brilliant, hot and fast. Management always greet, follow up and engage in conversation. Well done. Thunder gun can proudly wear one of the top statehouse restaurant in joburg.
This place was recommended by a friend for the ribs. And we weren't disappointed. Great selection of meat and good Guiness! Definitely gotta try the ribs!
This restaurant doesn't look like much from the outside and it is in a little shopping center in what feels like the middle of nowhere.
However, the ambiance is that of a really old fashioned bar and good old down to earth steak house. As well as the decor, it reminds me of an old fashioned steak house - alot of wood and green accents.
Anyway onto the food. I didn't have the steak, but my husband did and he said it was delicious, perfectly cooked.
I had the ribs, which were juicy and yummy. I really enjoyed their bbq sauce...sweet and sticky and just perfect.
The service was surprising good for such a full restaurant. Our food did take a while but our waiter made sure we had enough drinks and our glasses were never empty for long.
Overall it was a pleasant experience and I was actually surprised by how good the food and service was. I would recommend a visit!
Dustin Andrew Ramdass
+3.5
I was taken out by some good friends. We had man sized appetites, a thirst for beer and wanted a place to just chill. Well we found it!
A proper man's pub! (but families go here too)
Good selection of meat and game to choose from...decent service and great Guiness ! It made our night!
If it's meat and a pub you want...that you will get!
This is a Great Choice of Steakhouse, never disappoints. I have been here on a few different occasions and each time has been great.
*Incredible service
*Amazing Food
*Cold Beer
Definitely worth every cent !!
Great Steak house!!! I had a delicious Egg and Bacon Burger which was massive and filled me up (I couldn't even finish the chips) and my SO had a Lady Fillet which I took a bit of and, lets just say these guys know what they are doing when it comes to steak.
They have a great old-school pub vibe, the kind of place that reminded me of the show Cheers with the "where everyone knows your name" kind of culture, many regulars and old friends get together for a drink ,and some good food.
The parking doesn't seem adequate (best kind of problem for them I guess) but seriously after 7pm you'll have to park across the road.
Their food is always brilliant, and I get a kick out of the cheesy cowboy decor. They don't take bookings in the evening though so be prepared for a bit of a wait, and it can get a bit hot and crowded around payday weekend, but it's worth it.
If youre scratching your head for a great surf and turf spot, then look no further......holding up the trophy for JHB best rib joint.....it will leave you wiping the sauce off your cheeks with their man sized portions......will take you back to your carnivore roots
I've been coming here since 2002 , the food has never disappointed. Best ribs I have ever had!
Great place!
Old school decor, great quality meat, amazing portions!
Service is always good and consistent.
I always enjoy my dinner here!
Ribs delicious but fail on the sides - chips and veggies
THE best ribs I have ever eaten!!! Can't get enough. Interior reminds me a little of Spur and on weekends it's always full so hard to get a table as they don't do reservations. Waiters always friendly though and managers attentive. The steak/fillet is also good but not nearly as good as those ribs!
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I've been there on three occasions.
My ribeye steak was tough in parts but tasty. ... Maybe not matured enough?
Second time i went i had the eisbein. It was deliciously crispy on the outside but i thought a bit dry on the inside.
The third time i had the chops. I ordered them medium well. They were well done but nevertheless very tasty.
One of the people I was with had the rump steak which she raved about.
I can't really complain about the decor as it is a steakhouse and it looks it. I find it a bit dark and gloomy and almost depressing but obviously the other patrons don't. I wonder how it would look if they brightened up the lighting a bit?
Service was good and the manager tops.
Wine prices very reasonable and food prices the slightly below the norm.
Not quite certain when I'll be going back as don't live in that area.
NB Since writing the above I have been back!
I ordered the spare ribs and I strongly recommend you do to in preference to other items on the menu. I would give them 41/2 out of 5.
They were outstanding.
I still rate the restaurant 3.5 to 4.0.
Perhaps I should favour 4.0
If not the best steak house in South Africa, Thundergun is a brilliant restaurant with a great bar!
I adore Thundergun. Its simple in a good way. You know its consistent. Always good food. The waiters aren't a bunch of teenagers so the service is consistently good as well. I love the buffet as its just the right size and the meats are never dried out. Absolutely delicious. Yummy food. Good, honest grub. Great quality. And good puddings too.
If you want meat, and good meat properly grilled, this is the place.
Tasty, and they know how to do a piece of cow medium-rare
Absolutely hands down, the best ribs in Joburg! I hear the steaks are awesome, but I have never given up my fix of ladies ribs in order to actually test that.
Wonderful for specials occasions, relaxed dinner with friends and even dates, because if a man can't fall in love with you over a meal like, with your face covered in delicious sauce, then he's never going to ;)
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Thundergun could become a Heritage Site it has been around for so long. When you arrive to Thundergun you soon realise that you have arrived to an old school Steakhouse with the pub feel!
They do not allow bookings on weekends which almost stopped us from going but we decided to get there a little earlier than the usual dinner time. They were already full and were told we would have to endure a 25 minute wait - as we were expecting it we were ok with it and proceeded to the bar for a drink, about 10 minutes later we were told our table was ready. We were elated!
The menu was a truly old school steakhouse style - great starter variety where we tried the crumbed mushrooms (yum) and the potato fries (nice and cheesy and bacony).
We all opted for the ribs as the reviews raved about them and we saw an endless amount of ribs leaving the kitchen. Us men each had the 1kg portion and the ladies chose the much smaller portion. The ribs where phenomenal! Many previous reviews have said they were best they've had, not sure if I agree, I also can't think of where I may have had the best ribs ever (maybe I haven't found the place yet) but can't say whether they are the best! Don't get me wrong they are delicious but nothing about them tasted different to other steakhouses. What I can say is that the quality of the ribs is the best that I have ever had!!!!
Dessert was the time for some old school traditional sweets... We had some banana pancakes with bar one sauce, pecan but sundae and chocolate brownies.
So in a nutshell, would I recommend Thundergun? Yes! Good food, awesome atmosphere and great value for money. Go experience a bit of Johannesburg's heritage.
Old skool!
You come here for the Ribs. I have been a regular patron since 2000 and the quality has never changed. Full length ribs are the order of the day - not these butchered half-size specials you get elsewhere.
The onion rings are stringy and crispy, and with a cold Amstel on tap to wash it all down, you'll never need another cholesterol test again!
Therina Van Der Walt
+4.5
We are a group of friends who try out at least one new restaurant every month, so as to keep away from always going to the same old place. A lady who works with me suggested that we try out Thunder Gun as she had been there a few weeks before. As per her account, she ordered the ribs and finished it all... this already says a lot as she is just a tiny tiny person.
So off we went and what a great night we had! Half of us had ribs and the other half burgers and every person at the table left completely satisfied and stuffed like a Christmas turkey! The food really was so good that we couldn't stop eating until we'd all but licked our plates clean! I, of course, scored great points for being the one who chose the venue for our monthly "Meet & Eat" and Thunder Gun definitely has 12 more fans to add to their long list of die-hard fans.
I would recommend Thunder Gun to anyone, and you can really have anything on the menu as everything is great! Just be warned, after having Thunder Gun ribs, all other ribs will forever be ruined for you!
After years of searching for the best ribs in Joburg, I believe I have found them at Thundergun. This restaurant has been open for decades an with good reason. The owners/managers are extremely at this restaurant and one can see that some of the waiters have been here for years as the know what they are doing. The decor is extremely dated but that just adds to the charm in my believe. I would be surprised if it has been changed since it first opened. The food is served in massive portions so prepare yourself. The ribs are by far the best that I have had in SA and the value for money cannot be beaten. Definitely book if you decide to go on a weekend as is gets packed. Alternatively you can always call ahead for a take away. A must for anyone who loves ribs.
Being a steakhouse, I have heard wonderful things about the steak here, but I have never tried it because I always go back to the ribs. They are the best ribs in Joburg, possibly even in the country. So delicious. I think you would be safe with any meat order here. The staff are friendly and service is fantastic too. I dont know anyone who has just been once.
I had an absolutely fantastic experience at Thunder Gun Steak, Rib, and Pub! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a cozy atmosphere. The staff was attentive and friendly, making me feel right at home.
Now, let's talk about the food. The ribs were cooked to perfection, juicy and flavorful. The ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender, and the pub-style dishes were a delightful surprise. The menu offered a great variety, catering to all tastes.
The ambiance was perfect for a casual dinner or a special occasion. It's a place where you can enjoy a great meal and relax with friends or family.
I can't recommend Thunder Gun enough. It's a true gem, and I'll definitely be returning for more delicious meals in the future! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Had a Sunday roast craving and Thunder Gun delivered! DELICIOUS 😋 Reminded me of old traditional carvery’s on holiday. So so good! Crispiest golden roasted potatoes, pork roast with crackling, lamb beef roast. Green beans, butternut, carrots, loads of gravy and the required condiments of apple, mint and horseradish on the side. R155 per person is such good value for money 💰
(Dine in only, no soggy bags.)
Bookings only taken at midday and then it’s first come first serve for walk ins thereafter.
it's been going now for 55 years , so it doing something right. The staff are top of the their game and it is a real family atmosphere. a joburg institution
We popped in to try the ribs after seeing a Facebook post about the restaurant and we were not disappointed!! The ribs were absolutely delicious, I had the pork ribs and my hubby had the beef ribs (he's not a fan of fatty meat), we thoroughly enjoyed our food and the atmosphere was cute and quaint. The only 'compliant' that we have is that the portion of veg/sides served with the ribs are tiny, some more veg would be great.
We will definitely be back and will highly recommend.
We had a fantastic experience at Thunder Gun.
We ordered Billy the kid, which is a full rack of ribs. It is marinated in a delicious barbecue sauce that leaves you wanting more.
The chips are super crispy, and they come with a portion of onion rings.
For dessert, we tried the volcano cake with ice cream. It was absolutely incredible!
Definitely recommend for a family outing or date night.
Love love love!!!! Ribs- too die for!!! The best I have had, huge portion sizes and absolutely delicious! I DO NOT understand why other customers say it needs a face-lift when it's success for being around for such a long time not purely not based on how fancy the place is but by the delicious meals prepared and the amazing service. The whole western theme is such a vibe and you don't find establishments like this anymore. Loved the relationship of regular customers chatting across from tables and the engagement from the manager. Personally-I don't think you need to change a thing as this restaurant is what u call a gem! They have amazing specials so make sure u try them out. They do have secure parking and seating available inside and outside the restaurant.
Amazing service and good food. The portions are huge and well worth it. Will definitely be back. Thank you Heath for the great service
Still one of the best ribs in town. No matter how much time passes, (I'm talking over a decade) their food remains fantastic. We are and will remain repeat customers. Thank you for the fantastic food and experience.
The staff were legitimately the friendliest I've ever met!! Not only was the service outstanding, but the food was delicious. The rib portion sizes were on another level altogether!!! Also, I'm really happy about how amazing the milkshakes were. Great value for money, great food. Definitely recommend.
Excellent food. Sunday carvery is best with really generous helpings. Nice bubbly vibe too. Not ideal for small children.
Went back and enjoyed a very tasty rump with mash and mushroom sauce. So good! They have a Wednesday special - order a 200g steak and get an upgrade to a 300g free. The staff are really friendly and have great sense of humour.
Great location, right next to a busy thoroughfare. There is a lot of parking with controlled access that has informal carguards so your vehicle is always safe. The pub itself has that authentic 'pub' atmosphere that so many try to attain but fail. There is no loud music so conversations are natural and there is no need to shout. There is a wide variety of draught beers on offer and the alcohol offering is extensive. Food takes a while to arrive but is quite tasty.
Good service, ribs were tasty but slightly dry, overall good experience. Will return for the eisbein but iv had better ribs if im being honest.
Awesome steak house. Food is well prepared and excellent ..... Always full. Service was good, friendly staff and waiters
I wanted my steak prepared in a different way (dietary restrictions) and my instruction was followed perfectly ❤️😍
Honestly a surprise in a very positive way.. from the street it looks rough, but this place is a gem .. a lot more spacious inside than one would think, and the atmosphere you could think of as adult spur.. if spur lost the kiddies section this is what it would become. Food is amazing and for anyone feeling carnivorous this place will not disappoint. They have a wide range of meat cuts and specialties and event nights that will guarantee smiles on everyone's faces. The only drawback here is the parking is tight and limited but still definitely worth the effort for a semi casual evening/lunch out. Definitely looking forward to being back
Nice experience. Had the carvery on Sunday. Food was good. Unfortunately the service needs attention. We waited about 10 minutes to get a menu after being seated and no waiters. Feels a bit rushed. Saw some delicious steaks and ribs going out, so will be back to give those dishes a bash.
Quick and easy collection. Best ribs in town. They're definitely my new rib place, and I would recommend to anyone. Delicious onion rings and chips
The level of excellence in the meat that they serve for the price is unmatch. Whether it is the award winning ribs or the huge selection of great steaks. You can not find better meat. Great for a date, family, or if you just want to treat yourself. My favorite restaurant and everyone should experience it.
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