Why Spur's Starters Are Worth Ordering
At Spur Steak Ranch, the meal begins long before your steak hits the table. The starters and sides menu is packed with shareable plates, classic comfort bites, and fresh salad options that suit every appetite. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or settling in for a leisurely dinner, knowing what's on offer helps you plan the perfect meal.
Popular Starters at Spur
Spur's starter menu covers a wide range of flavours and textures. Here are some of the most popular options you'll find at most branches:
- Potato Skins – A Spur classic. These crispy baked skins come filled with a choice of toppings like cheese, bacon, and jalapeños. Perfect for sharing.
- Onion Rings – Thick-cut, golden, and satisfyingly crunchy. Often ordered as a side, but hearty enough to serve as a starter.
- Chicken Strips – Lightly breaded chicken tenderloins served with a dipping sauce. A crowd-pleaser for adults and kids alike.
- Calamari – Available either fried or grilled, Spur's calamari is a popular lighter starter, often served with a lemon wedge and tartare sauce.
- Nachos – A loaded sharing platter with chips, cheese, salsa, and sour cream. Great for groups.
- Soup of the Day – A rotating daily soup, usually served with a bread roll. Ideal for colder months.
Spur's Side Dishes Explained
Sides at Spur are ordered separately to accompany your main meal. This gives you flexibility to customise your plate exactly how you like it. Common side options include:
- Chips / French Fries – The most popular side. Available in regular or large portions.
- Onion Rings – As a side rather than a starter, these pair especially well with burgers and steaks.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled or steamed, a lighter option that kids tend to love.
- Side Salad – A fresh green salad with your choice of dressing. A great way to balance a rich main.
- Baked Potato – Loaded with butter and sour cream, or topped with cheese and bacon for an indulgent option.
- Pap – Traditional South African maize meal. Available at many branches and a popular local favourite.
- Mushrooms – Sautéed in garlic butter and often served as a topping or side for steaks.
How to Get the Best Value from Starters
If you're dining as a family or group, sharing one or two starters is far more economical than everyone ordering individually. Platters like nachos and potato skins are specifically designed for sharing and represent good value per person.
If you're on a tighter budget, consider skipping a dedicated starter and adding a side salad or onion rings to your main instead — this gives you variety without the added cost of a full starter round.
Tips for Ordering Starters at Spur
- Ask your server about the daily soup — it changes regularly and is often a hidden gem on the menu.
- If children are joining, chicken strips work well as a starter the whole table can enjoy.
- Starters arrive fairly quickly, so don't over-order if your mains are coming soon.
- Check whether your chosen branch has any starter specials running, particularly on weekdays.
Final Thoughts
Spur's starters and sides menu is generous, flavourful, and well-suited to South African family dining. Whether you're after something light before a steak or want a spread of shared plates, there's no shortage of options to kick your meal off right.