Why Spur Is South Africa's Favourite Family Restaurant
Spur Steak Ranch has long held a special place in South African family life. With its Native American-themed décor, outdoor play areas, and a kids menu designed to delight children, it's consistently one of the top choices when families eat out. But what exactly is on the kids menu, and how does it all work? This guide covers everything parents need to know.
Who Qualifies for the Kids Menu?
The Spur kids menu is generally available for children up to 12 years old, though this can vary slightly by branch. It's always worth confirming the age limit with your server when you arrive, particularly for older children who may be on the cusp.
What's on the Spur Kids Menu?
The kids menu at Spur is designed to be fun, filling, and nutritionally balanced — at least as far as restaurant food goes. Most options come as a combo that includes a main, a side, and a drink.
Popular Kids Meal Options
- Mini Burger – A small beef or chicken burger, usually with chips and a cold drink.
- Hot Dog – A sausage in a bun, a firm favourite with younger children.
- Chicken Strips – Breaded chicken tenders with a dipping sauce, served with chips.
- Mini Wors & Chips – A South African twist featuring boerewors sausage with chips.
- Pasta – A simple pasta option, often in a tomato or cheese sauce, for children who prefer lighter meals.
- Mini Ribs – A smaller portion of Spur's signature ribs, making kids feel like they're getting the full experience.
- Grilled Chicken – A lighter, healthier main option for health-conscious families.
What Comes with the Kids Meal?
Most kids meals at Spur are served as combos. A typical combo includes:
- A main dish (from the options above)
- A side — usually chips, corn on the cob, or a small salad
- A kids drink — often a flavoured soft drink, juice, or milkshake (branch-dependent)
- An activity sheet or colouring book to keep little ones entertained while waiting
Spur Birthday Perks for Kids
One of Spur's best-known features is how they celebrate children's birthdays. If you visit Spur on or around your child's birthday, they may receive a complimentary treat — typically a small dessert or ice cream — along with a song from the staff. This tradition has made Spur the go-to birthday restaurant for countless South African families over the years.
To make the most of this:
- Call ahead and let the branch know it's your child's birthday.
- Confirm what the birthday treat includes at that specific branch, as it can vary.
- Some branches may have specific rules around birthday bookings, especially for larger groups.
The Spur Play Area
Many Spur branches feature an outdoor or indoor play area for children. These typically include slides, climbing structures, and sometimes ball pits. The play area allows children to burn off energy before or after their meal, making the dining experience significantly more relaxed for parents.
Not all branches have the same facilities, so if the play area is important to your family, it's worth checking with your local branch ahead of time.
Spursationals Loyalty Club for Kids
Spur operates a kids loyalty programme — often called the Spursationals Club — where children can earn rewards and receive special perks on their birthday. Signing your child up is free and can be done in-restaurant or via Spur's website. Members typically receive birthday benefits and occasional promotions throughout the year.
Tips for Dining at Spur with Kids
- Book ahead on weekends — Spur gets very busy with families, especially Saturday lunchtimes.
- Request a table near the play area if you have very young children.
- Kids meals are generally good value, especially as an all-in combo deal.
- Ask for kids' activity sheets as soon as you sit down to keep children occupied.
Final Thoughts
Spur's kids menu isn't just an afterthought — it's one of the most well-developed children's dining experiences in the South African restaurant industry. From the variety of mains to the birthday traditions and play areas, Spur genuinely caters for families in a way few other chains match.