Willow Ranch

4.1 (1k reviews)

ModerateBarbeque, American

Open • 7:00 am - 10:00 pm

Updated 1 month ago

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Willow Ranch - Ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

Willow Ranch - Nice decor - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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Willow Ranch Popular Dishes

Plow Boy Sandwich

16 Photos35 Reviews

Beef Ribs

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Baby Back Ribs

12 Photos32 Reviews

Willow Ranch menu photos

Menu photo 1 Willow Ranch Buttonwillow, CA

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WILLOW RANCH ATMOSPHERE

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Outside

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Moderate noise

Casual

Good for groups

Outdoor seating

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Halle P.

Food 8/10 My party ordered the: -Deep Pitt Sandwich -Two Combo Platter (brisket/tri-tip) -Brisket Dinner The Deep Pitt Sandwich came with a small side of baked beans which were solid. Ordered the sauce on the side, but would order sauce on the sandwich next time. Both the Two Combo Platter and Brisket Dinner came with the brisket meat which was extremely tender and delicious. We ordered the sauce on the side which was a good recommendation from our server so we could control the amount of sauce. Meat was good both with and without sauce. The tri-tip was also very tender with a subtle smoky flavor. All the meals came with a soup or salad, but we switched it out for two corn bread muffins which had a nice taste, but were a little dry. They included a little side of butter though. The Brisket Dinner and Deep Pitt Sandwich came with a side option and we chose fries which were nice and crispy. Overall my favorite was the brisket meat! Service 9/10 Service was great. Server came to check in multiple times and was very friendly and helpful with all of our questions and gave excellent recommendations. Ambiance 7/10 Went around 3:30pm on a weekend. Was nice and quiet. A great place for a sit down meal. Aesthetic is Western country diner. Would recommend to a friend!

Evie D.

So I am not exaggerating when I tell you that the trip-tip sandwich is fantastic! The meat is tender and well-seasoned, quite lean but still unctuous. One gets a generous portion and the sandwich was big enough for my husband and I to share with a side of tasty sweet potatoe fries (a bit extra - or you can get plain potato fries for no extra charge). We also got a side of the creamy coleslaw which is ok and even better if you add salt and a dash of malt vinegar (it needs acid imo). I didn't take a photo of the sandwich because so many other yelpers have already done so. But trust me it's worth the stop. Service is super warm and friendly, the place is spotlessly clean, and I am a fan. We liked the sandwich so much we ordered another to go for lunch the next day. I only wish I had room for pie! They offer a wide selection of pies and I've gotta think they are yummy too. Next time.

Lyane P.

The family stopped off at Willow Ranch on our way to San Francisco. We arrived at 4:00 and got seated right away! The server was very friendly and attentive and had good recommendations since it was our first time. We ordered the 2 item Combo with brisket and tri tip (with the bbq sauce on the side), a Brisket Dinner and a Deep Pit Beef Sandwich. The brisket was oh so good! It was so tender and flavorful and melted in my mouth!! The tri tip, which was thinly sliced, was also very tasty. The meal came with fries which were crispy and hot out of the fryer. We also received a cornbread muffin with the meal, which was a bit dry. I did not try the sandwich but others in our group liked. Decor was western and "down home."

Gabby P.

This place was yummy! We visited at around 5PM and it wasn't crowded, and service was quick. We got the brisket dinner, the tri tip and brisket combo plate, and the deep pit beef sandwich. The sides were really good too. Fries were crispy, the chili beans were yummy, and the cornbread was sweet. The serving sizes are pretty small, but I had an enjoyable experience! I would go back again.

Vish E.

Mar 15 2026 - 3.5 stars 4 stars - restaurant cleanliness, decor, nice wooden vibe 4.5 stars - service - friendly, smiling staff, ready to answer any and all questions 3.5 stars - food, chicken sandwich, onion rings and fries were very good The ribs were dry, over cooked ? Not sure but saving grace was the BBQ sauce - if only the ribs were a little moist and juicy ! This is a good spot to stop when driving to or from LA along the I-5 Kid friendly ! We will be back !

I loved this! A 'Saltine' container brought to the table. When did you ever see this done?

Tom B.

In my never ending quest for places to eat along the I-5 corridor between No. Cal and LA I read about this place and thought I'd try it out. It's way back past all the newer fast food joints and gas stations but worth the trek for a true diner experience, and not some chain restaurant. It's not exactly brand new sparkling shiny, yet clean and seemingly well maintained. Staff were very courteous, friendly and efficient. Being 'on the road' I didn't have a lot of time to linger and they did get me in and out in sufficient time. Looking over the menu, which has most of the diner choices on would expect I chose the house special Tri Tip salad, accompanied with water and coffee. It took little time for the salad to arrive and it was well prepared with crispy greens, a variety of veggies and strips of tri-tip. The meat was delicious without any fat, grizzle or toughness. It had 'regular" size salad, quite adequate for lunch. A container of salsa came with it that I found tasteless and watery. It came with a good size container of blue cheese dressing, my selected choice. They also brought a complimentary size container of their specialty BBQ sauce, that was amazing in flavor. The coffee was good. Overall a good experience at good prices, but expect that this is a basic diner with basic food. But, hey, far better than a chain burger place.

Robbie R.

I'll tell you what, this Buttonwillow area by the freeway is super easy to get fuel, coffee and get some food too. Just get off the 5 freeway and you're here, look for the big TA truck stop. This is a good spot to fuel up the gas guzzler suburban too. Willow ranch is supposed to have some good BBQ and other road foods. Every body on my crew said they'd like to stop here for dinner before we push on through Bakersfield and out to Vegas. We get seated easy and look over the menu as our drink orders are taken. I may have to make a Starbucks stop before we hit the road again, good thing I saw on right nearby. We all mostly ordered teh ribs, since that's what this place is famous for, though one person got the pastrami sandwich, I think that's what it was. The food cam out in short order, so the service was good and efficient. The ribs were pretty good, tender and tasty, no complaints. Just that no rib places still serve the real standard cut ribs with the full length still attached, I like the meat lollipop at the end, not St. Louis cut or baby backs. The expense account is paying, so it's all good here! I paid the bill and off we go ... well, I think to the Starbucks for get some coffee for the road first, than it's back on the 5 freeway, cursing at 75 mph!

William S.

Steak was absolutely amazing. We will get back to that. My server was a sweetheart. Very nice and very attentive. She earned every penny of her tip and some. The atmosphere was casual and calm. Very comforting. Now back to the food. The salad, which I forgot to photograph was great. The Jalapeño Poppers were molten lava. If you get them, let them cool a few minutes. I blistered my lip with the cheese AFTER my server warned me. Baked Potato, Beans and Dinner Roll were good. The STEAK, oh my god, the STEAK. One of the best tasting steaks I have ever had the pleasure of eating. Not only was it cooked to perfection, the flavor was sublime. I very highly recommend this place.

Kat E.

Got gas and decided to get bbq from willow ranch. Spacious restaurant with plenty of parking. We walked in and seated immediately. Got suckered into getting a michelada thx to their window advertisement Pic and it was surely delish. We ordered the 3 item bbq combo with tritip brisket and ribs that came with corn bread and a salad. We also got ground round steak smothered in gravy with mushroom and onions. Deeeelicious and our server was super kind. Strongly recommend this spot

Jillian G.

Amazing brisket sandwich and Philly cheese steak! Service was quick! You can tell it's a good spot because all of the local workers were here for lunch! Yum!

1/4 BBQ chicken plate with BBQ sauce requested on the side.

Carolyn F.

An evening stop along I-5 at Buttonwillow to refuel, we saw Willow Ranch BBQ. We were glad we decided to stop for a dinner break at 7.30 PM. As other reviewers wrote, the Plowboy sandwich was tasty and filling. The dinner plate of BBQ chicken was perfectly moist with a crispy skin and more delicious with the house-made BBQ sauce. Service by Jeff was on point. The restaurant has a olde time diner feel: warm, friendly & casual.

Miguel R.

On a road trip, my friend Denise and I were looking for a convenience store in roads that were not paved with cement nor were they in the center of a chic boutique and a hits-the-spot every time boba shop. Yes, we were basically on dirt roads that saw a few scattered homes here and there, and visible old school phone towers (the brown kind) connected with wires (where crows sit on a row) existed, and not much else. We drove around in some circles, looking for this fabled store and found nothing, not even a Bigfoot. We noted how the moment felt like we were on an Iowa highway because we saw expansive fields and experienced a Middle-America atmosphere. I wanted a small stalk of wheat in between my teeth. As we drove, we saw this place and decided that this joint would replace the store we were looking for. At this point I started to listen to Carry on My Wayward Son by Kansas. If you know, you know. As soon as I entered I felt like I had stepped into a diner in the middle of nowhere, the type of spot where brothers talked about saving people, hunting things, you know the family business. My friend Denise did not know what I was talking about and when I tried to introduce the world to her with corny prompts she decided not to play along. Still for a fan the experience was nothing but a win!(chester). I cannot remember the person who helped us but she was a server who reported that she had lived in the surrounding area for most of her life. She was deepening the believe that we were on a route diner neglected by city reality. During this visit, I had fried okra for the first time in my life. It was weird to taste but not in a bad way. More like I had never tasted this texture before in my life. The texture that I had not tried before in my life was a gooey vegetable. Like the texture of the outside was exactly as advertised--- fried goodness. The actual okra was the gooey part. I do not want to sound crass, truly, I do not, but it did feel like enjoying something slimy, and I will leave it at that. Again, not wrong, just weird But I will not get it again. The server- the homegrown one- gave us fried pickles and these were much more to taste. Like, I i have had fried pickles before and I loved them but I had some that were not for me. But these, these, were pickle spears fried to brown goodness, and the mixture hit green- which does not mean go, more like Hulk enjoys, instead of smashes. It was a simple dish yes- green spear pickle fried but sometimes the goodness of a county fair is exactly what a roadtrip snack should be. The fair came to my table and I am not mad at that. On this trip I did have the Willow Dip which I feel is a close cousin to a french dip. What this place did well, at least I think, is putting it on an onion baguette. I am not sure if onion baguette is a middle-of-nowhere bread, but, I allowed it because the taste of the bread was, like tailored made for me, I am a sucker for onion, and not just because it gives me sexy breath. The food was standard, solid fare. Everything was just good nothing wrong with it, all good with it. The sauces were tasty, and added smoky sweet flavor that was welcomed. So this elevated the dish by addding a hickory taste. It did not save the dishes, but did make them better. The decorations were texas heavy. I should have taken more pictures. But sometimes the imagination allows for a space to feel more than at it is.

Sampler platter (substituted chicken strips for all buffalo wings), onion rings, mozzerella sticks

Diane T.

Came here tonight on our way back to the Bay area as promised, and again was greeted warmly by a different hostess. Seated again in the same corner booth we had the first time we came, so already it felt familiar and homey. Tonight, Steven was our server. Super nice, friendly, makes you feel like you've known him for a long time, chatting with him in the first 5 minutes. Love that these servers make you feel so comfortable...is it the Buttonwillow charm? LOL I digress. Tonight we ordered the medium rare Ribeye steak with loaded baked potato, salad, two item combo with tri tip and brisket, mashed potatoes with beef gravy, chicken and dumplings soup, jalapeno poppers, country fried steak, corn bread, fries, salad, and Big Hoss with onion rings. The Ribeye was outstanding! So juicy and tender! Their salads are always so crisp and fresh. The baked potato was great, loaded with all the good stuff! The tri tip was super soft and tender and the brisket was tender but not as much as we thought it would be. A tad dry. The chicken and dumplings soup sadly only had one little piece of chicken but had pretty good flavor. The Big Hoss was not as big and meat filled as the previous sandwiches we had ordered there, but was still really tasty, as we do love some good pastrami. My chicken fried steak lacked the crispiness I was looking for, and it wasn't because it was drenched in gravy (because all CFS are). Although this CFS was drowning, fighting for its life in this gravy. When I cut into it, the batter fell off the steak on the side, in a soggy hot mess. And this was one of the dishes we were REALLY looking forward to... since CFS is one of our favorites, anywhere we go! The fries are always good and crispy, as are the onion rings. The jalapeno poppers were really big and crunchy and pretty good with their ranch. The stars of the night were definitely the Ribeye steak and our server Steven. But it's been decided, we definitely love Willow Ranch. We even left there purchasing a bottle of their house made BBQ sauce, and one of their snap back hats. We shall return for one of their amazing, tender steaks, BBQ, sandwiches, and Buttonwillow charming hospitality!

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Kim P.

3 years ago

We were in the road through California and stopped for lunch. We ordered the street tacos, some chicken and rice soup and a BLT. We weren't looking for anything special or especially delicious but honestly the food was not good at all. The BLT was ok but the soup was very salty and the street tacos weren't really worth eating. They were lukewarm when they arrived at the table and soon were cold and flavorless. All in all we would have been much better off just driving through the Taco Bell in the next block. read more

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Angela C.

We sincerely apologize for your unsatisfactory experience, Kim.…

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Eric M.

3 years ago

Placed online order and received in 5 business days. These guys have the best bbq sauce. Thanks guys!!! read more

Willow Ranch - Bbq sauce - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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Rosemary G.

3 years ago

We had lunch here today. The food was absolutely delicious and the service was great! Rod and I had a pulled pork sandwich and grilled chicken salad. We didn't have to wait a long time for our food. read more

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Angela C.

We're happy you enjoyed your lunch, Rosemary! Your satisfaction with…

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Amy P.

4 years ago

Wonderful place! Staff was friendly and quick. Food was out of this world fresh and delicious. We bought a bottle of their bbq sauce and can't wait to use it! Restaurant was very clean and well decorated! Will stop in next time we are passing by. read more

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Angela C.

Glad you took a little piece of our heaven to enjoy at home, Amy!…

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Josue A.

4 years ago

Got the Plow Boy and it was incredible. The BBQ Sauce is good too. So good we bought a bottle to go. read more

Willow Ranch - Plow boy with fries - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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Angela C.

Josue, it sounds like you were blown away by our delicious menu,…

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Jozie S.

7 years ago

Food was delicious! Service was good and fast! I would have given it a 5 but the server wasn't super friendly and our order got messed up. Other than that great experience! read more

Willow Ranch - Tri-tip and deep pit beef. - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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Angela C.

Jozie, we're pleased to hear you loved your meal and received prompt…

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Jackie G.

6 years ago

Bbq here is really good. Now that they have dine-in if you're traveling on hwy 5 & want good bbq this is the place to go. Portions are generous & our waitress (I think her name is Melissa) was awesome. Definitely support them! read more

Willow Ranch - Tri-tip - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

Willow Ranch - Large 4 piece beef rib dinner. Really good ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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Angela C.

Jackie, road trips always call for BBQ around here, and we're so glad…

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Pat S.

Elite 24

5 years ago

The morning waitress is racial! Would take her time serving me, never asked me if I wanted more coffee, slammed my plate on the table, didn't ask if I wanted condiments, and took forever when I asked for the bill. I should have stormed outta there quicker than quick. I hope Mike the manager reprimands her for her disloyalty to customers! read more

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Angela C.

Our staff does not discriminate, Pat. We're sorry if our service did…

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Alex P.

4653

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224

7 years ago

This is about the only none fast food spot in town. So the choices are pretty slim. This is kind of the racers go to spot. They have a very large menu of food and drink it's pretty pricey. Think of it as a steak house prices. This is a Truck stop town so again try to not set up the bar very high. I was super hungry after my 3 hour drive so I ordered the rib-eye steak 12oz as I'm a growing boy; It asked for med-rare as I like it nice an soft. It was fine just not out of the world it's a bit chewy; it was just a very average steak for 24 bucks. The staff was pretty busy and nice enough. There is not much to pick around this place so you are pretty limited. I would say it's the best place in town; but that's not really saying much. Good Parking, Nice Staff, Lots of Seats, Tons of choices, Average at best food. It's fine just not something I would go out of my way to go to. If you are stuck in the area it's the go 2. Just not a check list item for me; or go out of my way to check out. Just keeping real people read more

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Angela C.

Alex, we appreciate you stopping by and leaving us a review. We're…

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Tammy T.

3 years ago

We stopped here for an early dinner on the way home to Sacramento, and the food was really good, and the service was excellent.

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Angela C.

We're glad you enjoyed our food and service, Tammy. Our aim is always…

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Bill W.

4 years ago

Horrible food and overpriced. The owners of this catastrophe know only too well that their business is entirely from people driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco or visa-versa. Just average food - most of it likely from a Sysco truck... Very nice service, which always makes it hard for me to complain, but hey, it's 2022, and there no excuse for ripping off people with crap food - ESPECIALLY when your in a truck-stop of a town. Boo! read more

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Angela C.

Bill, we put a lot of love into everything we serve and always make…

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Ryan H.

4 years ago

This little hidden gem is downright magic. Service was phenomenal and the food was next level. Some of the best ribs I've ever had and the homemade ranch dressing was spot on!! Must for any bbq fan read more

Willow Ranch - Full rack - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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Angela C.

You can't wait homemade ranch like ours anywhere else, Ryan! Thanks…

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Andrea M.

7 years ago

On our way to Monterey and found this restaurant on YELP . So informative to find reviews on Yelp, thank you all who post. The restaurants food was GREAT (Pulled Pork BBQ & Tuna Melt Sandwich), although the service and cleanliness have a lot to be desired ‍. There's nothing worse than sitting there for like 15 min waiting for the waitress to take your order (drinks and food) and then asking the help for something (a straw in this case) and get totally ignored, lol luckily I had one in my backpack. Oh! And It wasn't busy either, oh well ‍ our tummies are full and we have another 2 hours on the road. read more

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Angela C.

Andrea, we really appreciate the kind words on our BBQ meals like the…

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Shelley Q.

3 years ago

Don't read the reviews this place was aweful! I was so sick! Got the recommended plow boy and it was small burnt pastrami barely any beef maybe 2 small strips, no onion ring and greasy! French fries couldn't even eat one so oily and soagy! Husband got chicken wings , no meat practically all skin , he choked down! Travel all the time to Tahoe from Orange County 1st time here! Never again! read more

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Angela C.

Shelley, it's unfortunate that our plow boy and chicken wings didn't…

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Ruben B.

4 years ago

The Plow Boy is a great sandwich and the BBQ sauce is the right mix of tangy and sweet.

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Angela C.

Our tangy and sweet sauce will always leave you wanting more, Ruben!…

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Erika M.

128

4 years ago

This is one of our favorite establishments to dine at and had no idea they also do catering! Willow Ranch catering really out did themselves with my daughters wedding! The food was amazing, the service was outstanding and Christian was so wonderful to work with! I highly recommended them for any of your catering needs! read more

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Angela C.

Erika, thank you for allowing us to cater for your daughter's…

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Dan N.

124

5 years ago

Used to be awesome place to eat when at track or passing through. NO MORE!!! After decade of visiting, I will no longer be coming here. Service is HORRIBLE. Older lady that used to work there was super-efficient and fast. The young kids that replaced her are clueless and takes forever. It doesn't take walking for 2-laps around entire restaurant to find empty table, they should know off top of their head which booths are available. Not to mention getting orders completely wrong. This happened twice now. In 10-yrs with older lady? Never! She got it right every time! Goodbye Willow Ranch, it was great when it was good, but that place is gone forever. read more

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Angela C.

I'm truly sorry you didn't receive the same attentive and friendly…

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E H.

137

4 years ago

This is a good spot for a quick meal during a road trip to/from LA on the 5; it's definitely one of the better tasting restaurants in the area. We had the BBQ tri tip and brisket and they were both pretty good! Service was very friendly too which made for a nice experience. read more

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Angela C.

We're happy to hear you enjoyed your meal with us! You can't go wrong…

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M P.

4 years ago

This place is pretty good when you're on the road. The service was excellent. They were quick and prompt. I ordered the French Dip Sandwich and my dip was way too salty. The sandwich was very good though. I also ordered the split pea soup and that was delicious as well. read more

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Angela C.

M, we appreciate the excellent review! Be sure to come back our way…

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Jacob B.

Elite 21

118

210

5 years ago

Sitting off the I-5 freeway among several fast food places, the Willow Ranch is a welcome stop for more flavorful food. Came for lunch and had the Plow Boy Sandwich. It had tons of meat, a nice spicy twist, and came with a side of fries. I could only finish half of it, but the other half was a tasty treat for dinner back home. My friends each got the Plow Boy Omelet, which looks amazing if you happen to be in a breakfast mood. Super attentive and friendly service in a diner type setting. The Willow Ranch would make a good stop if your traveling the state on I-5. read more

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Angela C.

Jacob, nothing beats a delicious lunch full of our Plow Boy and tasty…

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Will F.

8 years ago

Always hard to find good food of 1-5 in in central CA, think this place is new or I have missed it before but it is excellent. Can only vouch for the Tri Tip salad but it was all good fresh ingredients and the Tri Tip was spot on. Excellent service, price and quality, also fast. Definitely worth the stop. read more

Willow Ranch - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

Willow Ranch - Trip Tip salad, full size 14$ real good - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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Angela C.

The tri tip is a great start, Will! We're delighted to hear that you…

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Nora S.

5 years ago

They refused to wear a mask as mandated by law. Total disrespect, and total stupidity I would not eat there if it was the last place to eat. The one star is too generous, but there was no minus star option. I am disgusted! read more

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Pete F.

4 years ago

Went for lunch. Pulled pork, tri tip, brisket sandwiches. All excellent. Great onion rings and Potato salad. Topped off with peach cobbler. Basic place (very traditional BBQ restaurant where time stood still for 25 years) excellent food, excellent service. Highly. Recommend. read more

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Angela C.

It's hard to top a combo of great-tasting options like that, Pete! We…

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Victor D.

Elite 21

327

6 years ago

This place is good. The food taste was delicious but they had a flustered services - You just definitely try their biscuit - This is a once in a while breakfast or brunch spot - read more

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Angela C.

Victor, tasty BBQ is what we're all about, and we're glad you enjoyed…

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Don W.

Elite 21

265

317

1838

8 years ago

This is a great little BBQ/Diner that feels like it hasn't changed much since the 70s. Classic American comfort food -- in other words, lots is meat and deep fried foods. The room is smokey from the kitchen, which will make it hard to breathe if you are sensitive. Beware of choosing this place if you see a full parking lot and/or tour bus, because it can be overwhelming to the staff. The day I went was a Sunday during lunch hour and the place was packed. Even the locals that were there said they've never seen it so busy. The host was apologetic & very polite. We were sat at a table near the front, but it took a while before someone took our order, and even longer before our meal arrived (about 30 min) We shared the Grilled Chicken Salad & the appetizer combo. The salad was less than fresh, and the chicken was overcooked & dry. The sampler plate was good, but it's hard to fail when everything is deep fried. The fried mozzarella sticks were crisp & chewy. The fried zucchini was hard to identify as a vegetable. The chicken strips were more breaking than chicken. The onion rings were very good. The chicken wings were ok. If your choice for lunch is this place or Subway, you can flip a coin and be equally satisfied with your meal. read more

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Angela C.

I'm glad you stopped by for lunch, Don, but I wish we'd made a better…

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Andrea M.

Elite 18

819

625

1380

7 years ago

The plow boy omelette was the best carnivorous option here! If you're going low carb pass on the onion rings included. This was by far the best Leto breakfast I've ever had. read more

Willow Ranch - Wine list - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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Angela C.

The plow boy omelette is a wonderful choice, Andrea! We're thrilled…

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Bobby Y.

Elite 26

629

519

124

9 years ago

Straight ahead, well-executed BBQ. The mesquite BBQ chicken I got for lunch was perfectly cooked, juicy and delicious. The house BBQ sauce is a bit on the sweeter side so, on the bright side - it can handle a self-serve drench in Tabasco for that spicy/sweet BBQ effect. Willow Ranch also has their own spicy BBQ sauce, but that would end up being 2 sweet + 1 spicy = imbalanced. Do the Tabasco drench! The little cup of chili beans / chili that comes included on the side is the same slightly overstewed and thickish, monotone style I've encountered at other Bakersfield barbeque joints - not my fave, and at least it wasn't crazy salty like the others', but I understand if it's a regional style and locals love it that way. I personally would avoid ordering an actual cup or bowl of it. Stick to the BBQ! House salad was good, nothing spectacular but certainly fresh and I was happy to have it. Definitely double down on the BBQ chicken - get the biggest serving available - the half chicken is literally a chicken cut down the middle. You'll eat it all and still want more. It really isn't easy making chicken this good - *worth every penny* in case you think $17.99 is a lot for half a chicken... Service was very friendly, prompt, and attentive. Looking forward to coming back on my next Vegas to San Francisco run! read more

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Debra H.

4 years ago

The times I have visited this restaurant, I received the best service. Food was so tasty. It wasn't under cooked or over cooked. I look forward to to visiting this restaurant again when my Arizona family is visiting. read more

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Angela C.

We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your visits here, Debra! There's…

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VJ C.

235

7 years ago

Northbound 5 exit 57 turn right then left behind Shell station before TA station. Huge. Excellent food and service had brisket sandwich with potato salad spouse had hearty breakfast bacon sausage 2 eggs pancakes they sell their BBQ sauce regular & hot read more

Willow Ranch - Hearty breakfast and brisket sandwich 2/2020 - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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Angela C.

There's nothing better than a brisket sandwich with a side of potato…

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N T.

3 years ago

Stopped in for lunch during our trip to San jose. More of a diner than BBQ joint. We came in right before lunch hour rush and place quickly got full. The kitchen got backed up and took about 30 min to get our meals. I had the plow sandwich with fries and it was delicious. Kids menus were also very reasonable priced $5-$7 (w/o drinks). Waitress was a bit overwhelmed so service was a little slow but understandable. Probably not a good option if you're looking for quick lunch at rush hr. Wished we had chance to try the other bbq items. read more

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Alicia V.

3 years ago

Everything is good Ives tried a little bit of everything here. Plow boy good. My new favorite is the pulled pork salad.

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Angela C.

Thank you for coming in, we appreciate your business! We look…

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Robin H.

157

101

7 years ago

We hesitated stopping in at this place for breakfast. It's old school look. But I'll tell you what.. the food was really good. In fact it was the hottest breakfast food we've ever had. Everything tasted delicious. The bacon was thick and very flavorful. Only weird thing was the eggs Benedict Hollandaise sauce looked very yellow and curled, my husband said it was good and he ate everything. Waitresses were very friendly and attentive. Coffee was great the bathroom was clean. In fact the restaurant was clean. read more

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Angela C.

It's customers like you that make it easy to love what we do, Robin!…

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Rickey T.

5 years ago

Wow! Amazing BBQ! I ordered the brisket, beef ribs and the bbq chicken. Had the side salad, baked potato and also started with the fried pickles. Everything was outstanding! The brisket and the chicken were amazing. The beef ribs were excellent but I had a lot of fat on mine. (It happens sometimes). Wine and beer by the glass was reasonably priced. And both the host and my server were as nice as could be. Portions were large so had the rest for lunch the next day. This is the gem of button willow. I will stop here ever time when driving up or down the 5. read more

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Angela C.

Rickey, from brisket to ribs and BBQ chicken, you truly can't go…

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Beckie S.

7 years ago

We stopped in here because we heard it was the place to go, "Locally owned with the best BBQ". I'm sorry, but this place was not good. I ordered the tri-tip dinner w/loaded mashed potatoes and "meat" sauce. Tri-tip was overcooked, mashed potatoes were straight out of a box, and the "meat" sauce was some weird chili. Go somewhere else. read more

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Angela C.

Beckie, we appreciate you giving us a try, and we're sorry that it…

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Amy C.

3 years ago

Stopped here during our trip to Morro Bay and sat on the patio because we had a dog with us. Staff was so nice when we asked for an unseasoned burger patty for the dog! Everything tasted great and the patio was surprisingly comfortable despite the hot temperature outside. Definitely will stop here again read more

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Cathy B.

7 years ago

The burger was good...my bf had the plow boy and loved it. I substituted onion rings for fries and wish I hadn't. My bf fries were great my onion ring I didn't eat but a few....they were subpar...they need to work on their batter. read more

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Angela C.

Cathy, we're glad you enjoyed your burger and could eat some of our…

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Ed R.

4 years ago

Stopped in here due to the high ratings. Wasn't impressed by the barbecue, probably a day or two old. Wait Service was so so. Prices don't equal what you pay for here. read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

We'd never want you to leave disappointed with our barbeque, Ed. You…

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Emerson H.

5 years ago

Saw a write up about this place in an article about socal bbq so was very excited to make a pit stop on a long work road trip. The service was excellent as were the portions unfortunately the BBQ was super mediocre. I got the 3 meat meat plate with brisket, pit beef, and baby backs. The ribs came with 7 bones which is an awesome portion for a combo but were almost shockingly disappointing. Super tough and absent of any rub and just the slightest smoke flavor, mall chains do a better job and Ive had way better at gas stations in the central valley. Ditto on the Brisket. Zero bark, covered in untrimmed fat that had zero smoke or rub flavor and was reheated on a flat top "gasp". Pit beef was pretty good smokey and served with out sauce. Also the plate came with no bread so had to buy a 2 dollar order of white bread to have somthing to eat my 35 dollar bbq plate with. Ironically the best part of the meal was the tiny ramekin of ranch beans which came with the plate, tender, rich and flavorful. Also I would be remise not to note that I loved the bbq sauce. Sweet and peppery with strong notes of onion and garlic... really good. If only the meat was worthy of the sauce. Front of the house was great servers were fast and friendly. Cant speak to the rest of the menu but I'd avoid the bbq. read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

Emerson, we appreciate you coming by to give us a try after seeing an…

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Lotraine H.

7 years ago

This was amazing accidental find. What a fantastic place to eat. Steve our server was awesome. Food!!! WOW. Had the Hoss and the Plow Boy sandwiches. So yummy!!! The entire menu looks so good. Will definitely come back when traveling through Buttonwillows. Been through here many times over the years but now will be a regular stop!! read more

Willow Ranch - Having the big hos and the plow boy!! AMAZING. - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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Angela C.

We'll be sure to let Steve know that you enjoyed your visit,…

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Craig W.

3 years ago

Very good food, large portions, beautiful courteous waitresses, reasonable prices. I will definitely eat here again if I ever find myself in the neighborhood again. read more

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Page 9 of 26

27770 Lagoon Dr
Buttonwillow, CA 93206
Directions
(661) 764-6605
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.willowranchrestaurant.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Willow Ranch open?

Willow Ranch opens at 7:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Willow Ranch close?

Willow Ranch closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Willow Ranch closes at 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu, Sun 7:00 AM - 9:00 PMFri-Sat 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Willow Ranch take Bitcoin?

No, Willow Ranch does not take Bitcoin.

Does Willow Ranch take credit cards?

Yes, Willow Ranch takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Willow Ranch have catering options?

Yes, Willow Ranch does have catering options.

Does Willow Ranch have a drive thru?

No, Willow Ranch does not have a drive thru.

Does Willow Ranch serve alcohol?

Yes, Willow Ranch serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Willow Ranch allow dogs?

No, Willow Ranch does not allow dogs.

Does Willow Ranch have TVs?

Yes, Willow Ranch has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Willow Ranch have bike parking?

Yes, Willow Ranch has bike parking.

Does Willow Ranch have outdoor seating?

Yes, Willow Ranch has outdoor seating options.

Does Willow Ranch have parking?

Yes, Willow Ranch has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Willow Ranch wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Willow Ranch is wheelchair accessible.

Does Willow Ranch have free WiFi?

No, Willow Ranch does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Experience Buttonwillow's Best Dining - Willow Ranch. Discover Willow Ranch, the top restaurant in Buttonwillow, CA, located in the heart of California's Central Valley. Enjoy a warm ambiance, delicious menu, and outstanding service for a dining experience to remember. Savor farm-fresh flavors, from crisp salads to juicy steaks and seafood dishes. Our inviting atmosphere is perfect for family dinners, date nights, or special occasions. Conveniently near major highways, we're the ideal stop for travelers and locals alike. At Willow Ranch, guest satisfaction is our priority. Visit us in Buttonwillow, CA, and taste the best of the Central Valley. Book your table today!

History

Established in 1998.

Our restaurant was started by a farmer who wanted to share his love for cooking with the community. We're continuing that tradition today by serving meals that are fresh and made with a lot of love. Thanks for dining with us all these years, Buttonwillow!

Meet the Manager: Mandy B.

When you want to enjoy good ol' American cooking, we invite you to stop by our place. We have some delicious burgers, breakfast items, and drinks to serve you.

More Info

Health Score

Ask the Community - Willow Ranch

Do they have tvs to watch soccer?

Yes

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Gluten free options?

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

Do they have outside seating?

Yes, but it was so hot I can't imagine anyone wanting to. Check the weather!

View 6 more answers

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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Emarciano P.

249

3 years ago

What a delightful dining experience we had at Willow Ranch! From start to finish, everything about this place was exceptional - the food, the service, and the overall atmosphere. Our family ordered an array of dishes, and each one surpassed our expectations. The ribs and tri-tip were perfectly cooked and packed with flavor. The fish n chips were a crispy and fresh delight, and the Plow Boy with brisket, pastrami, bacon, and jalapeño was an explosion of deliciousness! To top it off, we indulged in a trio of mouthwatering desserts - the coconut cream pie, peanut butter cream pie, and peach cobbler. It was the perfect ending to an outstanding meal. The service provided by Abbie was outstanding. She was not only accommodating but also incredibly patient, ensuring that all our needs were met. She was prompt in attending to us and consistently checked in to ensure we were enjoying our experience. The ambiance of Willow Ranch added to the overall enjoyment of our meal, creating a warm and inviting setting for a family gathering. We were so engrossed in savoring the scrumptious food that we completely forgot to take photos! That's how delightful everything was. In conclusion, we highly recommend Willow Ranch to anyone seeking an enjoyable dining experience during their commute across the Highway 5. The combination of delectable dishes and top-notch service from Abbie truly made this restaurant a standout gem. A big thank you to the whole team at Willow Ranch for an enjoyable evening! read more

Sally J.

17 years ago

It's just too bad that there are so many pessimistic and cranky people in this world, such as Mortiche W (or whatever the heck her name is!) Willow Ranch has been our I-5 stop for over 6 years and WE LOVE IT! It's not only the food , but the staff and the wonderful hardworking family that owns it. On any given day, you can find the owners and their daughters, grand kids, nieces, nephews and numerous other relatives working their tails off and they do a fabulous job!! We have never had a bad experience at Willow Ranch!!! The food is to die for and the BBQ sauce is the best I have ever had. In fact, they ship the BBQ sauce all over the US, so it must not be that bad!! MORTICHE- You were clearly there on a bad night......do you ever have bad days?! We have stopped there on weekends and they do get a little crazy due to the Raceway events, but how about a little compassion?! Do you have nothing better to do with your time than bash honest, hardworking people just trying to make a living for themselves and their family?! Oh and you had to throw the whole "racism" spill in there.....it's people like you that racism even exists in our country!!! HOW DARE YOU!!! Like someone would really not wait on your table because of your race??...........You've got some sheep balls (hehehe) for even mentioning that in a food review....PATHETIC!! read more

My N.

7 years ago

Literally writing this post as we are leaving. Honestly I am not one to post on Yelp even though I am its avid user to find places to eat. But I was so pleased with our meal that I believe the world should get another person's vouch for this amazing establishment. Stumbled upon this place when we were going to get gas from our drive from SF to the OC. I had no expectation, just looking for a meal that wasn't fast food. We walked in and we warmly greeted and seated immediately. Our server Steve is probably one of the nicest servers I have ever came across: kind, attentive, quick and patient. That is saying a lot because we dine out a whole lot! My bf ordered the plowboy: sandwich with tri-tip, pastrami, onion rings and jalapenos. I ordered the three meat bbq combo. I chose the baby back, beef ribs and had Steve choose for me: between tri tip or brisket. I got the brisket. All of it, the whole meal was amazing. Everything from beginning to end was beyond what we had hoped for. The food had the perfect char and smoke. Their housemade bbq sauce was so good I had to buy one. I hoped that one day I will stumble upon this quaint amazing restaurant again. (I might have to just drive back for it.) Definitely a must stop! Thanks again Steve and the Willow Ranch family! read more

A L.

17 years ago

I researched this place from my Droid on a trip back from Disneyland with the family. I reviewed responses from Yelp and saw positive and negative. I was able to go there with a clear understanding what to look for and what to avoid. Food was great...awesome ribs (I had a full rack), overflowing portions. All 5 of us were happy with the food. Wait staff was also good and attentive as we had a 4 and a 2 year old with us. My only gripe with the place is the bathrooms were slightly better than a porto-potty and they have some sort of satellite radio blaring in the bathrooms. The speakers in the bathroom must be connected to the kitchen as you don't hear the music in the eating areas. Annoying and even worse in a stinky (pee smell) bathroom - men's and women;s were like this. I would stop again for the food...worth it versus going to a drive thru along I-5! read more

Leland H.

15 years ago

On of the best places to stop for real food on this stretch of I-5. Home style food, home style service by the local girls, but the selection and price makes it a good buy. The food is good quality nothing culinary critics would talk good about but this is the best stop in the area for non fast food non corporate going to stick with you kinda grub. Perfect for road trips. I ate in the middle of dinner rush received a meal for 3 plus 1 kid in under 20 minutes and with no complaints, great experience, cost 52 bucks plus tip, very affordable great value to cost. Will be stopping again, and if anyone wants to know the BBQ is tasty, my ribs could have been a lttle more tender, but the mesquite flavor and char was to my liking with a sweeter sauce that kept me biting for more till it was gone. read more

Rho M.

3 years ago

We were feeling hungry and stumbled upon Willow Ranch BBQ. Upon entering, we were warmly greeted by a fantastic hostess with a delightful personality. Although it was early and there weren't too many people inside, we were promptly seated and offered drinks. When our waitress arrived, we already had our minds set on the tri-tip sandwich, as it had been recommended by the hostess. It lived up to her recommendation, delicious as ever. My husband also indulged in the lemon meringue pie for dessert, and I couldn't resist a taste. Our waitress was incredibly friendly too. I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to anyone passing through or residing in the area. As we sat there, more and more patrons began to arrive, making it clear that this is the place to be. read more

Erica N.

1 year ago

After more than 20 years of being a loyal customer, I'm sorry to say I won't be returning. The service was disappointing--while I sat waiting to place my order, the young waitress prioritized other tables, even taking the order of someone who arrived after me. Eventually, the manager stepped in to take my order. Unfortunately, the food didn't redeem the experience: the chicken was undercooked, the baked potato arrived cold, and the brisket was shockingly fatty. Not once was I offered a water refill. The only follow-up? A question about whether I wanted a box for leftovers--which I declined, as there was nothing worth taking home. I'm deeply disappointed and will be sharing this experience with others. read more

Melissa B.

11 years ago

A friend of mine told me about this Yelp app and boy am I glad she did! Driving back and forth from LA to SF can be pretty exhausting! I really wanted something good and not fast food so I searched the area and found Willow Ranch. I was ecstatic to find this place just off the I-5, it's very clean and I received great service. I was seated immediately and I couldn't believe how big the menu was! There were so many things to choose from. I had the tri-tip salad and it was amazing! I ordered a little side of their homemade BBQ sauce and it was phenomenal, I took a couple bottles to-go. I will definitely be back to this fine little establishment. read more

martin r.

15 years ago

Me and my friends went by here on our way home to Buttonwillow. We were kinda hungry during that time and all of us voted for a BBQ. We saw Willow Ranch lying on the road so we decided to stop by. Now we are a massive group since we just came home from camping, and we are comprised of 8-12 people so we really needed some good quality service. They sent as an individual to accommodate us, which we greatly appreciated! I ordered for a super steak and BBQ, which is one of the best I've ever tasted for a long time! The sauce was somewhat salty though, but tasty nonetheless read more

Jessica P.

16 years ago

Well, been to the Willow Ranch quite a few times, bout 5 to be exact. The food is really good if you like steak dinners, my favorite thing about this restaurant is their delicious bbq sauce. Had a few of my relatives that live down south taste it, and now they ask me to take some every time I go visit them! The only down side to this restaurant is that all dinners are pretty expensive, but must say it is worth it. :) read more

Violet G.

5 years ago

Did trackday @ Buttonwillow and went to this place with the gang as tradition for past 10-yrs. This place has seriously gone downhill! Whatever happened to the old-time staff? These new young kids are untrained and horrible at their jobs. None of our orders came out correct. Quality of food has gone downhill as well. I guess everything has an end-date. We won't be coming here again! read more

Damion F.

11 years ago

I'm not much into BBQ but that's not all they have here. I decided to get a chicken mean and I'm actually enjoying this as I make this review. It pretty good, enjoying my meal and the service. Good people I see around and it's clean. Has a bit of an odd smell but I'm guessing it's good food if I'm not mistaken. I bit pricy but if it hits the spot then it's worth the bucks. read more

Jon M.

15 years ago

If only all restaurants were this good! A locals hangout and even the sheriff's department eats here. OK, it's kind of a hole in the wall but the food is outstanding. Tri tip sandwich = excellent Burger = excellent Pulled Pork = excellent Friendly accomodating service. We got 4 sandwiches for the road and dinner. Can't wait to go back. read more

Teresa S.

11 years ago

Traveling down the I-5 can be pretty grueling but we were so surprised to find this place hidden at a truck-stop!! It was delicious! Their brisket was perfection! Portions are huge and prices are very reasonable. They have homemade BBQ Sauce which they sell by the bottle and it is probably one of the best sauces I have ever had! read more

Raul P.

7 years ago

The food here is amazing, I drive all the way from Bakersfield just to have lunch here a couple time a month. Their bbq sauce is the bees knees. The plow boy sandwich is very yummy. I also recommend their steaks. I enjoy coming here because the staff is always nice. the girls sure are attentive. read more

Cas m.

14 years ago

This is the one of two places to eat on the I-5 worth stopping for between Sac and L.A. (H / R the other). The service can be disorganized and slow but if you are not in too much of a hurry this place has real food and very good prices. Very clean too! I get the salads or the ribs! LOVE IT! read more

Eric S.

8 years ago

If you come out to ride the track and are in need of a dam good meal come here !! Best food you will find in Buttonwillow ca hands down ! Brisket is on point ! Definitely the fire !! My server Johanna was a ton of help and knew exactly what to recommend ! See y'all on my next track day ! read more

Matt W.

1 year ago

Willow Ranch BBQ was exactly what we were craving. The brisket was incredible--tender, smoky, and packed with flavor. Sides were tasty too, especially the mac & cheese. Super chill spot and dog friendly, which made it even better. Definitely coming back next time we're in the area! read more

Maksym H.

2 years ago

Had a great experience at this restaurant! I tried the burger, and it was absolutely delicious. The service was excellent--friendly and attentive staff. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal. Highly recommend! read more

Jessica A.

7 years ago

Surprisingly good. It's in the middle of nowhere but great place to stop when on a road trip instead of fast food. Quick service and fairly large portions. I ordered the half salad with tri tip and it was plenty of food. Server was nice and super attentive. read more

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Willow Ranch - bbq - Updated September 2026

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Bakersfield Barbecue Company

4.3

(193 reviews)

•$$

Best bbq in Bakersfield hands down , been a fan since they opened as bubbas !!! Can't go wrong with…read moreanything on the menu !!!

I had a hardcore craving for BBQ meat and this craving needed to be coddled. I came here to Yelp…read moreand asked its wise advice for the best in Bako and look where it lead me. Our visit was at the end of the day, so some of the meats were sold out. I was sad, but adjusted quickly and ordered a double meat plate with brisket and deep pit. Mac and cheese and beans were the sides I chose after some consideration and adjustment knowing okra was sold out for the day. The worker who greeted us and took my order was so knowledgeable about their menu and let me know what's up. The ambiance is lovely, the patio especially. On a nice day or evening it's just perfect. My meat plate was so bomb, you guys. The brisket was exactly what my soul needed. Their BBQ sauces are a dream come true. My deep pit was also so so good. I ate until I was on the brink of meat sweats and I have absolutely no regrets. I will be back here. Like, today. So good. Yelp never steers me wrong.

Scrambled

4.3

(222 reviews)

•$$

Me and my wife came here on a last minute decision. What caught our attention was the reviews and…read morelet me tell y'all. They did not let us down! Food was amazing it was super packed especially because we came 2 hours before closing but even with it being full their service is super quick and attentive. I In a big chilaquiles guy and honestly these might've been the best ones I've had in town. A little spicy but definitely worth it. 10/10 recommend! God bless all of you!

This is my second time dining at this establishment. During my first visit, the customer service…read morewas outstanding, contributing to a pleasant diner atmosphere. I had the salsa verde chilaquiles, which had a nice kick to them, and the eggs were cooked perfectly to my preference of over medium. However, on this visit, the beans were cold and seemed like an afterthought on the plate. The tres leches dessert was just okay, and the country potatoes were soggy. Additionally, the eggs were overcooked this time. Overall, I'm still undecided about this establishment.

So Cal Grilling Company

3.8

(134 reviews)

•$$

Happy Hour Review- Always looking for new Happy Hour places to add to the rotation and found one…read morehere. I guarantee you will not leave hungry from here, not sure you can tell from the pictures but it was a lot of food. Everything was good but my favorite was the pulled pork taco, the meat was tender and the coleslaw was a better pairing with this taco then the tri-tip. We had micheladas and they refreshing and only $5!!! Biggest improvement would be that the service kind of scattered and food was getting delivered to random tables before finding the right one. When I am hungry and it is happy hour will keep them in mind.

Not a fan. I've been here several times hoping a different food choice will peek my interest. But…read moreit never hits. I've tried the kickin chicken grilled cheese, a burger, and the hangover burger with various sides like the garlic mashed potatoes, sausage links, and the chile verde Mac and cheese. I really wanted to like it since I'd waited for this place to open and hyped myself up for it for so long. But I think after my last visit I won't be returning as it doesn't sound appetizing anymore. Also I dislike the AI generated photos on the menu.

Salty's BBQ & Catering

4.0

(792 reviews)

•$$

It's not often that a restaurant already known for being amazing opens a new location and somehow…read moreexceeds the expectations--but Salty's did just that! I tried out the drive-thru, and even with several cars ahead of me, I was out in less than 20 minutes! Salty's had a nice vibe that attracts and welcomes customers. The service was great, and I left feeling happy, excited, and ready to dig in. We got the 1/2 lb tri-tip dinner with green beans and potato salad, along with the ¼ chicken & rib combo with coleslaw and chili beans. And WOW... everything was absolutely delicious! Honestly, and surprisingly, I think it was even better than the original location! If you're craving some seriously good BBQ, Salty's needs to be your next stop!

Such good bbq. The food options are all good. Went with the 2 meat combo plate. Bigger portion…read more Well worth it. Brisket and tri tip. Good stuff. The spicy Mac was a side and that did not disappoint either. Service was quick for the amount of people ordering and in line waiting. Love the smokers outside and overall smoke production from them cooking. Adds to the expierence of bbq.

Tita's Pupuseria Lonchera

3.9

(571 reviews)

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This was a find if you like authentic dive Mexican food, which we do…read more It's a food truck with a stand-up tent next to it shading picnic tables. Lots of locals stop because the food is good and not crazy expensive. The only downside was that on a very warm summer day at noon-ish, there were a number of flies trying to find some shade too. IIRC, they prefer cash, and charge a bit more to process cards, so be aware of that. We understand why and had no problem with that policy. Overall, we'd gladly stop back and give them our business. The food is much better than a corporate drive-through fast-food restaurant.

Pupusas were so good. We were the only customers at the time so food came out pretty quickly, very…read morehot and fresh. There's something special about the coleslaw that came it, so good! It was spiced and vinegar-y, cutting through any heaviness from the pupusas. There's plenty of seating by the food truck under a tent, making it feel like a very simple meal. This was a great pit stop off the 5!

Woolworth’s Luncheonette

3.8

(121 reviews)

The last Woolworth diner in America! This place is meticulously restored to the old diner feel,…read morebeautiful chrome, mirrors, and service with a smile like the old days. We had hamburgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes. Everything was done well, and the kids had a great time. Absolutely coming back with the family again!

I was looking forward to coming here but was sorely disappointed!…read more When you enter, there is no signage about if you're meant to find a seat or order first. We waited in line to sit at the vintage countertop, only to realize people were also paying there after eating. Truthfully, service was so nonexistent that I was glad to have paid upfront. The line to order was long, but it moved by fine. We ordered a cup of water and it seemed the only water available to customers was from a small jug behind the hostess. I watched the poor girl have to run to the kitchen to fill it up multiple times during our visit. When it's 90 degrees, there should really be a more reliable water situation. She should not have had to do that. We sat at the counter. Drinks came out quickly. Food did not for almost an hour since the time of entering. When it finally came, the substitution I had ordered was not done which was disappointing after such a long wait. The other meal we were waiting on did not come for about 15 more minutes. I asked a server walking past if she could check on it. She brought it right out and told us she had checked right when it finished up. She offered a complimentary second mimosa for the wait, which was very kind and much appreciated! Other than the wait and substitution mishap, food was good and seemed reasonably priced for the portions. I wanted to buy some merch from their merch stand up front after the meal but no one came by while I was standing there. I'm not going to beg to spend money, so I left. Overall, this place could be great but it leaves much to be desired. They seemed severely understaffed and I felt so bad for the staff who were running about trying their best to keep up with a very busy restaurant. I hope this place can improve because I would hate to lose it.

Milt’s Diner

4.4

(171 reviews)

•$$

Food was incredible! We are French tourists visinting the American West, at this place was the best…read moreof our trip. And the service was amazing! I highly recommend!

Visiting from France. We received a very warm welcome and prompt service. The retro atmosphere was…read morereally nice. The waitress, Kate, was delightful, attentive, and patient while taking our order. The dishes fully lived up to our expectations and the establishment's reputation. I recommend it.

Original Hacienda Grill

4.2

(363 reviews)

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Found this amazing spot on Yelp. Easy off and on freeway access. Pearl took great care of us. Food…read morewas hot and delicious. Homemade chorizo breakfast burrito, best I've ever had. Hubby had chicken fried steak, beans and rice. Delicious. Clean and cozy.

This is a pretty good joint this was my first time going here, this service is excellent the staff…read moreis on top of their game, the chips and salsa are amazing!!! The food is delicious and has good flavor, the restaurant is small and compact, they do have a large outdoor seating area, they can do better on their adult drinks they are not to strong mostly juice. I will be returning to this restaurant go and check them out.

Carla's Cafe

4.8

(238 reviews)

•$$

Carla's was rated so high at 4.8 we back tracked 5 miles off of 99. We thought the food was as…read moregood as you can get. It was definitely great home style style cooking and was crowded with locals. We added Carla's to our contacts as the place to stop on our way from Long Beach to Sequoia.

First time here for about 3 years today we ordered the chicken fried steak with a pancake side and…read morethe ham and egg breakfast with the additional pancake as they were out of biscuits when we arrived.The food was good overall, the chicken fried steak and the pancakes stood out has the best offerings to ham steak was a little thin but not super salty it had a good taste but not necessarily a "ham steak" all in all they offer a great selection. I hear the burgers here are very good and seen a lot of people with the burger in their hand mostly construction workers that were there at the time .The portions were smaller than I expected for a country cafe, but just enough to almost leave us satisfied. The coffee had a unique taste. I wasn't a fan at first, but after my second cup, it really grew on me and turned out to be a very good cup of coffee. Be sure to arrive before 9:30 a.m. because they can run out of biscuits by then. We arrived at 10:15 and by time they took our order we were told they were out of biscuits. The dining room is also small, seating only about 20 people at most. Carla's Cafe is a little out of the way for me, and probably for most people, but it's well worth the trip. Overall, I'd give Carla's Cafe 4 out of 5 stars. I'm looking forward to coming back and trying a few more entrees.

Idle Spur Cafe

4.8

(98 reviews)

•$$

Food was great and the service was great! I was very surprised due to the location and building…read more It's a must try!

What a pleasant surprise, we were debating if we should do fast food off the highway or somewhere…read moresitdown and glad we did! Service was friendly, food took a bit of time but after we tried it, we knew why. The ribeye steak was the best steak I have had in awhile, so fresh. Also got the bacon burger which was equally yummy. BLT with avocado and bacon was okay, probably would have been better if my kids didn't take all of the bacon? Haha. Definitely worth the stop for some delicious food and friendly service.

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Willow Ranch - bbq - Updated September 2026

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