Review: The Ranch, North Ryde

by Jacqui Owens

A few Sundays ago, for the first time, I went to The Ranch, North Ryde. We went for lunch and had 2 kiddies in tow, aged 1 and 3. As soon as we stepped in the door I could see my 3 year old eyeing off all the activities they had on offer, while my 1 year old made a beeline for the Kids Corner (apparently she likes arcade games..?).

We found ourselves a seat and lucky we did it quickly because the place was filling up fast! As I had a look around I could see that there were about 5 different things that kids could do, but what I could see wasn’t even the extent of it! This particular Sunday was “Superhero Sunday” so the following was on offer, all free:

Jumping castle
Arts & craft corner
Shade covered play area
Arcades room (“Kids Corner”)
Colouring in competition wall
Superman (superhero changes monthly)
Face painting
iPads for kids

I was blown away! I was even more impressed to read that they have a different range of offerings depending on which Sunday of the month it is, whether it’s lunch or dinner or a Saturday. Sometimes they have crab racing, sometimes kids eat free, sometimes they have giant board games or even a petting zoo. Like, come on! Can you get any more kid friendly? I must give a special mention to “Superman” who made a stellar effort to walk around the restaurant and round up all the kids for the outdoor activities which involved parachutes, games and other fun.

I also noticed there were quite a few kids parties happening which is a genius parent move given all the activities available to the kids.

In terms of menu options, they were plentiful – hubby and my Dad enjoyed the $12 Sunday roast and were impressed by the value. They also noted that the beer was nice and cold. SO IMPORTANT apparently. The kids menu was equally plentiful and had all the usual suspects that my kids love – spag bol, fish and chips, chicken dippers, pizza etc.

Overall, service was quick, staff were friendly and the kids were happy as pigs in mud. What’s not to like! Next time we will make sure to book as The Ranch is very popular and I can see why!