Willow Ranch

4.1 (1k reviews)

ModerateBarbeque, American

Open • 7:00 am - 9:00 pm

Updated 1 month ago

Add Review

Call

Directions

Website

Willow Ranch Photos

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

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

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

+971

Willow Ranch - Minestrone soup - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

Business Info

Health Information

View Health Score

Willow Ranch Popular Dishes

Plow Boy Sandwich

16 Photos35 Reviews

Beef Ribs

20 Photos50 Reviews

Baby Back Ribs

12 Photos32 Reviews

Willow Ranch menu photos

Menu photo 1 Willow Ranch Buttonwillow, CA

Menu photo 2 Willow Ranch Buttonwillow, CA

Menu photo 3 Willow Ranch Buttonwillow, CA

Menu photo 4 Willow Ranch Buttonwillow, CA

Menu photo 5 Willow Ranch Buttonwillow, CA

Menu photo 6 Willow Ranch Buttonwillow, CA

Menu photo 7 Willow Ranch Buttonwillow, CA

Menu photo 8 Willow Ranch Buttonwillow, CA

See all

WILLOW RANCH ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

106 Photos

Outside

76 Photos

Moderate noise

Casual

Outdoor seating

Good for kids

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Willow Ranch

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.

Start your review...

Browse more easily on the app

Reviews With Photos

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!

See all

Jon V.

9 years ago

Willow Ranch is essentially the best and only place you should eat while you pass through Buttonwillow, CA, and with this last trip, Steven took serving to a whole new level! The food is always amazing, but he took all of our orders, 14 of us one night and 18 on another and everything was exactly as ordered, and he wrote nothing down, the man is a steel trap! Best service we've had. That said, the BBQ is always really good, clam chowder Fridays are always my favorite nights because it's probably the best I've had, even at coastal restaurants, who would have thought!? Keep it up guys, we visit 3-4 times a year! read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

Jon, our team's full of folks who love serving our guests and are…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Layne J.

236

4 years ago

Well this was a little strange. As usual the food was good. I cam in this morning and had the mushroom and cheese omelet with a side of bacon. Either the Mexican lady cook doesn't get it or the waitress didn't understand me. I got teeny cut up pieces of bacon in one of those tiny plastic cups. Why couldn't I get regular slices of bacon like anywhere else? read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

You can always count on us for fast, friendly service, Layne! We're…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Angelica A.

6 years ago

We ordered two deep pit salads and a slice of peach pie. The deep pit was cold, probably because it sat in the window with a lot of other orders for way too long. We sent it back and it was still cold when we got it back. They didn't even bother to freshen it up because my salad dressing was still on it :( The pie was ordered to go and when I opened the container up... I had wet mushy pie. Not even cooked all the way. Good thing I didn't get it with ice cream, I never would have noticed the raw wet dough, barf. read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

Angelica, I'm so disappointed to hear we've left you with anything…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Vasiliy M.

Elite 19

761

617

1954

9 years ago

Price did not match the portion. For $16, I was expecting a bit more than what you see in the picture. Willow Ranch is probably the best food you're gonna get in Buttonwillow and they do have really amazing BBQ sauce, but I was still hungry after eating here. Additionally, the chicken breast looked and tasted like it was taken out of the freezer :( read more

Willow Ranch - $16 for this... - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

K T.

5 years ago

This place was a fantastic stop for people attending buttonwillow raceway. Love the vibe inside the diner and our server was super attentive and helpful. The food is classic american diner food and does not disappoint. read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

When in Buttonwillow, always get our BBQ! We're so glad you enjoyed…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Angela M.

7 years ago

If I could give 0 stars I would. Unfortunately, I have to give an undeserved 1 star. The service here always sucks! There's no nice way of putting it. I love supporting small hometown business but I do not appreciate bad hospitality. You will wait a good 15minutes just to be seated even when the place is empty, and another 15-20min for the waitress to come around to take your drink order and you better be ready to order when she finally does decide to bring you your drinks because you won't see them for another 15-20min and don't even think about a refill on your drinks because they don't come around until it's time to serve you your check. If you need a fork, sauce or maybe some good o'l napkins you'll have to catch the buss boy or a random worker to get you the items you need. In our case we had to ask a gentleman sitting at the bar if he could hand us a to go box and the waitress with blonde hair and a bad look on her face only came around to give us our check. This place is still around only due to politics. DONT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY ON THIS ESTABLISHMENT. You will get better service at the McDonalds around the corner. read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

Angela, we're sorry to hear this about your visit, but we always try…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Dustin S.

7 years ago

The food was really good. The deep pit shredded beef was really good. My only gripe, I asked for pepperjack on it and it came out no cheese. The waitress takes it back and the kitchen tells her it's on the bottom. Who does that? Who puts the cheese on the bottom of a sandwich? We all got way too much food. But it's a great bbq stop on i5 read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

Dustin, we really appreciate the kind words! We're glad we could…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Angela B.

6 years ago

What a fantastic experience, even with COVID restrictions! Highly recommend. The service was outstanding,,,friendly, fast, efficient, and thorough. All this from a single person (greeter, hostess, waitress, bus-boy, COVID-cleaner, all of it) wearing a mask and a good attitude. The ticket said 'floor supervisor-Angela." Kudos to you for a job superbly done!!! The outdoor banquet area, set up to meet COVID restrictions, was very pleasant and inviting. The food was excellent. Honestly, the BEST restaurant ham I've ever had. It tasted as though we cooked it at home ourselves on the Traeger! My husband's eggs were cooked to perfection and his breakfast tri-tip was hot and tasty. The iced tea was delicious and came in a nice BIG glass. Great job Willow Ranch and staff,,,,we will definitely be back! read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

Angela, you'll always be greeted with a smile when you join us, and…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Leah S.

5 years ago

Best BBQ around! Super friendly, clean and delicious! My favorite is the tri tip salad

Business owner information

Angela C.

We're so glad you think our BBQ is the best around, Leah -- thanks!…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Vincent L.

336

9 years ago

Our usual stop when driving from Chico to LA during school breaks. The staff are quite friendly, and I enjoy the home style cooking. The food is extremely filling and oh so good for a bunch of starving carpoolers. It's a bit funny to think about how all the times I've been here I forgot to review. Well, here it is! Sadly, this is my final semester and I do consider on doing a final stop here when heading home after graduation to put an end to a 4 year tradition. read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

Vincent, thank you for taking the time to review us! We really enjoy…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Phil H.

16 years ago

Great Food, my wife and I drove out from Bakersfield, Heading to the Little Red Wagon for breakfast thought we would try something new (to us). I have heard and read good reviews of this place and there BBQ sauce and had to try it. I ordered the, Deep-Pit Beef Deep-pit Certified Angus Beef®shredded beef piled high on a French roll with our homemade BBQ sauce or salsa on the Side. $8.99 I tried it first without the BBQ sauce the meat was very flavorful then I and the sauce mmmm good the sauce at first was sweet but as I savored the flavors it was awesome, the sauce enhance the flavors in the meat while added some great flavors of onion. My wife order the, BBQ Certified Angus Beef®Tri-Tip Thinly sliced BBQ tri-tip piled high on a French Roll and served with your choice of our homemade BBQ sauce or salsa. $8.99 Same here we tried it first without BBQ sauce and it had the great Santa Maria Tri Tip BBQ flavor. Here comes the awesome sauce and mouth watering great flavors. The meat is of high quality, and they know there stuff on BBQing. Thanks for a great lunch Willow Ranch........ we'll be back to try something else soon....... Lets not forget the BBQ sauce, it is great we bought two bottles to take home to our son which is a BBQ sauce connoisseur. will let you know more about it later. Total bill with the two bottles of sauce and tip $35.00 for two. read more

Willow Ranch - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jeffrey N.

5 years ago

Food is astronomical! The decor is clean with a rustic environment. Heather & Alissa were absolutely wonderful!!! They hands down made the experience remarkable and deserve a raise for all their hardwork. Will definitely be coming back just for their hospitality :) read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

Jeffrey, from delicious barbecue to our restaurant design, we only…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Debbie K.

Elite 19

117

219

985

9 years ago

I honestly don't know why I don't come out here more often. The food is really good, their barbecue is amazing and the prices are incredibly reasonable. Unfortunately I did not post any pictures because I was so hungry I started digging into everything really fast! Their combo plates are so big you can CLEARLY get a two combo meal and share with someone. The ribs are big and juicy. The brisket was so tender you could pick it apart with your fork. Chicken was moist. Hubs said the clam chowder was "really good!" We will be back with huge appetites,! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Robert G.

5 years ago

5 stars to their Plow Boy Sandwich. The sandwich has three types of meat and is one of the best sandwiches I have ever tasted. You need to have a big appetite to finish this big sandwich. read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

Robert, there's nothing quite like a Plow Boy sandwich for big…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Maddison O.

8 years ago

I absolutely loved the food. Also, I literally had the best waiter! No kidding. Not just because he gave me a free pickle (because I'm a pickle freak) but because he was such a nice and genuine Guy! I would go back just because of the service! Thank you Steve, for being awesome! read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

So glad you enjoyed your food and Steve's service, Maddison! I'll be…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sharon C.

7 years ago

I love this place found off the beaten path. The breakfast burrito is full of meats and so hearty. The Plowboy sandwich and omelette are so good and their soups are also so delicious! The reason I didn't give it five stars is due to the prices being raised but the food has stayed the same quality under new ownership. read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

It's a pleasure to see that you love our breakfast burrito, plow boy…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Bill D.

6 years ago

I always stop here on my drives up and down I5. Not much for decoration- something like a 70's diner. The food is outstanding. Stop and eat if you're driving by. read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

Bill, we're happy to be your go-to stop on your way up and down I-5.…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Terry G.

8 years ago

What a hidden treasure! My wife and I came out here by accident. We were at a swim meet and drove to button willow for lunch. Just off interstate 5 at the highway 58 interchange. The restaurant was quite clean and the waitress was very engaging, pleasant and efficient. We both had steak and was very pleased with the portions, quality, and service. You can't go wrong spending your meal time at the Willow Ranch BBQ restaurant! Will most definitely return! read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

I'm so thrilled that you and your wife enjoyed a great time at our…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Robbie R.

452

7 years ago

Everything we had was amazing. Highly recommend. They smoke all their meat onsite and make their own bbq sauce.

Business owner information

Angela C.

Robbie, we love servin' up smoked meat and homemade BBQ sauce for our…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Nicole A.

5 years ago

What a great spot to stop for lunch with the family on our road trip! Food was better than your average diner or chain restaurants, with plenty of variety. Soup is delicious! Kids menu w crayons was a nice touch! Service was friendly and portions generous. read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

We're happy you stopped by on your family road trip, Nicole! You can…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

vanessa l.

6 years ago

My family and I went to Willow Ranch on Sunday. I was craving some good ol' Beef ribs after watching The American Barbecue Showdown on Netflix. I order a small platter of 2 beef ribs, we also got the 3 item combo platter. For our platter we got Tri-tip, Brisket, and Deep-Pit beef. The best part of our dish was the Deep-Pit Beef. It was just OK. read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

Vanessa, the best days are spent enjoying BBQ with family! We totally…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Annabel G.

10 years ago

AMAZING FOOD & CUSTOMER SERVICE! I was coordinating a trip for about 50 people and had pre-ordered our food a couple months in advance. We have stopped to eat there the previous two years for our annual trip with a similar sized group and Willow Ranch is always wonderful in receiving our group. The staff is absolutely phenomenal to work with. I needed to make a menu change the day before to include a vegetarian option and they were very accommodating in providing what I needed. We ordered pulled pork sandwiches, cheeseburgers and veggie burgers with fries and drinks. All the group members were raving about the food and have requested that we continue to stop at Willow Ranch every year! The restaurant set up buffet style for us, with all condiments on the side so everyone could customize their orders. They had a special outdoor space set-up for our group on a gorgeous day. I have already arranged with the manager that we will stop by to eat there again next year, both on our departure and return trips! Can't rave enough about this place! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Brian D.

10 years ago

Stumbled into this place when I stopped to charge my car... awesome BBQ, had the chicken & ribs combo, had to take half home but both were fantastic. Only ate half because a truck driver at the counter told me he'd been driving up & down hwy 5 for thirty years and this was the best place to eat on the whole stretch and their apple pie was especially good. So I saved some room & boxed half my dinner, he was right, best pie I've had in a while. Just a great roadside eatery! read more

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

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Heidi A.

7 years ago

Oh my goodness... this is without question one of the best restaurants I have ever eaten at. We had a group of 7 and we all ordered something different. Every one of us were very happy with our food and when we shared to try each others dish we were amazed by how tasty and juicy it all was. I will forever make it a point to stop there when traveling the 5 freeway. Sooo yummy!!! read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

Heidi, This review made our day, and we'll be sure our staff knows…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Laura G.

6 years ago

Really good barbecue food! The menu is quite extensive with something for everyone. Easy access to the highway makes it a restaurant that I will bookmark for my future travels through the area. read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

Laura, there's nothing like enjoying BBQ on a road trip, and we're…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Tammy R.

4 years ago

This place did not disappoint! EXCELLENT! This is the new must stop on any road trip on the 5! Made for a good birthday lunch and the pie was yummy too! read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

Tammy, thanks for stopping by and allowing us to be a part of your…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kendra H.

6 years ago

On 2020/09/25 I was looking forward to picking up some good BBQ for my lunch. However, I walked out after 10 minutes when both servers ignored me and instead warmly greeted and filled the order of the couple who arrived after me. I usually order big and tip generously. I will stop again in Buttonwillow, but only because I enjoyed the Indian food nearby. read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

Kendra, you should always be greeted warmly here, and we sincerely…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sharon P.

5 years ago

Sweet little restaurant. Clean, nice staff and good service. Food was good ole American faire.

Business owner information

Angela C.

Sharon, I'm so glad you were able to stop by for a bite! I'll be sure…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Izzy L.

110

7 years ago

I've been here twice now and the service has always been prompt and friendly. I consider myself a BBQ snob and while the beef ribs tend to be a little dryer and chewier than is optimal, they are still good. However the real star of the show is the brisket which was some of the best I've ever had, and I've had a lot- Exquisitely tender and perfectly fatty. I'll be back every time I travel between LA and Portland. read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

Izzy, we appreciate the shout-out on our brisket! We can't wait to…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Andrew P.

104

7 years ago

Decent barbecue. I don't drive I-5 much, but this seems like a great find around miles and miles of only fast food chains. It will become a regular stop for me on my LA trips. read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

Andrew, thank you for the kind words! We'd love to welcome you back…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Davie L.

9 years ago

Very slow, we are here about 1 hour, the main dish is not served yet. If you are trying to catchup the driving, it not a good choice. Anyway, the food is good. read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

I'm sorry we didn't move as quickly as you'd have liked this time,…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Panda B.

6 years ago

The portion are good and big but the food is to greasy and salty but thats just my opinion

Business owner information

Angela C.

Panda, we always want to cook up quality food and good portions, but…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Monica F.

7 years ago

On our way home and we had planned to go to Harris Ranch but we would have gotten there right at closing. I went on Yelp and found Willow Ranch. WoW!!! The food was amazing. I never would have known that this place was right off the freeway. Everyone was super friendly. My mom and I shared the mushroom swiss burger and garlic fries. Good thing we did because just eating half was very filling. Love love love the way the fries was hot and had a slight crunch. I don't like cold soggy fries. My dad had a deli sandwich. It was piled high high high with ham. The ribs and steaks that were coming out look delish. Next time this will be the place to try out when we want some BBQ. read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

Monica, we're so glad you could enjoy a burger with us on your way…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kelley L.

6 years ago

A beacon in a sea of crappy highway fast food! Fresh, huge portions, and worth every penny. The bbq sauce is amazing. And during COVID-19, they even brought right out to our car. Will always choose places like this over a chain. read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

Kelley, we're thrilled we could fill your BBQ cravings while on the…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Maldoror G.

9 years ago

Ridiculous. Beef ribs, literally cut to the bone on all four in this order. Zero meat on any of the ribs in this order. I'll never eat here again. Total rip off. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Rigo T.

4 years ago

My cousin doesn't think you did it on purpose and doesn't blame you. When he gets his hospital bill he might change his tune!

Business owner information

Angela C.

We take every necessary precaution to ensure our food is safe for our…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

James G.

Elite 26 All-Star

591

1050

9 years ago

I found this place when I made a random stop for gas. I go there every time I go through the area. An extensive menu and GREAT BBQ. Service varies from very good to a bit slow but it is always friendly! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Brandon B.

7 years ago

Best little secret in town! Worth the drive if you're a BBQ fan. Awesome ribs! Everything I've tried has been really good, And don't forget to get a bottle of sauce on the way out. read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

Brandon, we're thrilled you joined us for some BBQ while in…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Nate B.

8 years ago

Awful customer service staff was rude and slow I kept having to ask for refills on my drink it was super slow when I was in there but it took forever to get my food and drink I would understand if it was busy but there was only 3 other customers in there never came over to ask how my meal was when I finally got my check after asking for it i waited 10 minuets and then walked to the front counter to pay but waited another 5 minuets there the food was very bland I wasn't impressed I'd never come back and I don't recommend anyone to come here Hmm more laid back well When I'm paying good money for a meal I spent $75 dollars I expect to get what I pay for good service that's what I'm paying for right??? If I wanted laid back I'd have a BBQ my house but now that I know you want to leave your customer alone and be laid back I'll go else where for a meal read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

I'm sorry that we couldn't satisfy you with our food or customer…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Chris G.

8 years ago

Just do yourself a favor and get the Plow Boy. Definitely one of the best if not the best sandwiches I've had! read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

Great recommendation, Chris! We're delighted to see that you love it,…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Page 13 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

View question details

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!

You might also consider

Harris Ranch Resort

3.6(3.6k reviews)

75.3 mi

•$$$

Harris Ranch: My Mandatory I-5 Stop…read more I've been stopping at Harris Ranch for years whenever I drive between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Now that I drive an EV, this place makes even more sense. Charge the car, stretch your legs, and get a serious steak before getting back on I-5. You also know you're getting close before you even see the sign. You can smell the countryside. And by "countryside," I mean cows. Lots of cows. For steak, I usually go big. Porterhouse, Ribeye, Prime Rib - I don't come to Harris Ranch to order a tiny piece of beef. What keeps bringing me back is consistency. The beef is excellent, the seasoning doesn't try to overpower it, and the kitchen is remarkably accurate with temperature. Rare is rare. Medium rare is medium rare. Medium is medium. After many visits over many years, that kind of repeatability gets my attention. The Ribeye is especially worth mentioning. On the larger cuts I've ordered, they preserve a generous ribeye cap instead of trimming away the best part. If you're a ribeye person, you already know. There is also a second stage to my Harris Ranch routine. Before leaving, I stop at Harris BBQ by the travel center and buy brisket for the road. Their brisket has a Texas BBQ influence but its own California personality. The cuts are big and thick, with dark bark, a visible smoke ring and plenty of smoked-beef flavor. The sauces and sides are different from what I normally associate with Texas BBQ - cornbread, jalapeño flavors and a little California mixed into the system - but it works. So after all these years, my Harris Ranch road-trip SOP is pretty simple: Charge the EV. Eat a big steak. Buy brisket for the road. Continue to San Francisco or Los Angeles. Service has always been friendly, and most importantly, the food has been remarkably consistent from visit to visit. Dr. C - I-5 Field Inspection Beef Quality: PASS Doneness Control: PASS Ribeye Cap Retention: PASS Brisket Smoke Process: PASS Process Repeatability: PASS Country Aroma: EXTREMELY AUTHENTIC Final QC: 5/5 - Approved for Continued Operation.

Amidst a sea of rows and rows of pistachio & almond trees and acres and acres of farmland and…read morecattle, a reprieve from a view of dry empty lands and a break from highway 5's endless hypnotic monotonous paved black roads with white dashed lines. Literally an oasis! It even has a Tesla charging and gas station. Finally, something to see, a small store with a Harris Ranch meat counter and baked goods, treats for the kids and a chance to stretch your legs!! Clean restrooms in a traditional tiled ceramic floors decor to pictures of one of my favorite animals, horses! Looked forward to breakfast and was pleasantly surprised a a very comprehensive menu, I'm glad we made it in time for breakfast because I really enjoyed the corned beef hash and eggs with Pico De Gallo the only way to eat it, even had more meat than potatoes, nicely seasoned. Becca over the top great service! That's everything isn't it, especially these days with higher prices, if I'm going to pay, I hope the service meets the prices. In this case very good overall service. In store and restaurant. I included both menus since they only serve breakfast until a certain time. Picked up some Harris Ranch beef jerky, BBQ sauce and hard candies imported from Germany I(I think) Next, back on 5 next stop Gilroy from what I understand the Garlic growing capital. I love garlic so we have to stop:-)

Photos

Nice little nook in the hotel lobby.

Porterhouse/T-Bone.

See all

Chuckwagon soup

Don Pepe's Bar & Grill

3.4(91 reviews)

9.7 mi

•$$

Taco Tuesday at Don Pepe's is quite the social affair if you sit in the bar. Lots of happy locals…read moremeeting friends for tacos & cocktails. A disc jockey is playing requests and dancing happens. The bar staff is busy but efficient. I got there for happy hour prices. I ordered their delicious house Margarita on the rocks and the taco special is 3 tacos for $3. The tortillas are hand made right at the taco counter. They have asada, chicken & carnitas. They are fresh and yummy. Definitely check out their Taco Tuesday.

Really delicious authentic Mexican food If you haven't had…read morethe pleasure you should put it on your bucket list

Photos

Cocktail Lounge

Pepperoni pizza

See all

The Burger Den

1.0(1 review)

14.1 mi

Worst Burger ever... Dry, old , and a very horrible flavor…read more It had no cheese or sauce and the bun was burnt. They have nerve calling themselves a Burger restaurant.

From the owner: With a focus on high-quality ingredients and big, bold flavor combinations, The Burger Den is…read morecookin' up the classics you expect--and the crafty concoctions you don't--and then partnering with your favorite delivery apps, so you never have to leave your couch. And since it's brought to you by Denny's, the people who invented America's diner (and stay up as late as you do), you know you're gonna find the tastes you want when you want it.

Photos

See all

IHOP

3.9(188 reviews)

5.0 mi

•$$

Just a shockingly good experience. Great ambiance, great service. I'm just honestly surprised a…read morerestaurant stop IHOP was this amazing. Had an omelette with my wife, and we both raved about how much better this was than most expensive brunch options in our hometown. Highly recommend, you will be amazed. The only downside is that the bathrooms are very clean, but need to be heavily bleached to get rid of the unpleasant smell.

If you find yourself heading out of town going west on the 58 and you're hungry then stop at IHOP!…read moreIts next to a gas station and there is plenty of parking. We were seated right away and staff was great. Food was delicious! My mom loved her country fried steak, my omelet was delicious! And both our meals came with pancakes which were fluffy and sweet!

Photos

IHOP

See all

IHOP

The Botanist

4.4(459 reviews)

21.8 mi

•$$

What can I say? Soooo glad we stopped here at The Botanist for lunch today on our way to Paso…read moreRobles. My husband commented that it made him want to move to Bakersfield which made our server Emily laugh. Limited parking in back and some street parking. We walked in without a reservation at 11:15 on a Friday and were the first customers of the day. Great decor, dim lighting, vintage looking furniture which does not sacrifice comfort for artistry. Our cocktails and meals were spectacular: Botanist Fashioned: 5/5-the brown sugar cinnamon syrup added a spicy bite to each sip which was unexpected and fun. Watermelon Sugar High:4/5-refreshing with watermelon juice freshly made in house and an ice cube with mint frozen in it. Seared cauliflower: 4/5-great appetizer for 2. The crispy chicken sandwich and the Botanist smash burger:5/5-Both had super flavorful pickles and toasted buns which always add a lovely crunch to each bite. If you're ever in Bakersfield and are at least 21, this place is well worth it! We'll hopefully be back someday. Highly recommend!

Great drinks Service…read morewas mid no customers. Dark lighting good for couples. Good spot for a cozy connection.

Photos

Old timey decor in the restroom waiting area.

The mash!

See all

Pineapple Mint Fizz

Eureka!

This isn't my first time here, but I will say their dishes have changed. Didn't want any alcohol so…read moreI settled for the passion fruit lemonade and it was very refreshing. They gave me a sample of the lavender iced tea but I wouldn't order it. Outside seating is great if you want to hear the conversation because it is loud and noisy inside, just super busy. The burger I ordered wasn't the same as in the past but they did make it to my liking with only giving me half the cheese, so that was super great. The Ahi poke stack was fresh and very delicious. Fries were seasoned perfectly. This place is has great customer service, because shrimp tacos were go off the menu after a certain time and our meal time was 7ish, so they catered to my friend and made the shrimp tacos. I didn't try the shrimp tacos but was told they were pretty good.

Was very excited about this place, but unfortunately it was pretty disappointing. The inside is…read moresomewhat of an upscale sports bar which was fine, and the people inside were lively including the wait staff. We started with the Korean Beef "Frachos" which were easily the highlight of our entire meal. The spiraled fries were crispy, covered in a delicious sauce, tasty toppings, and the beef was tender and well-seasoned. If you are coming here I would definitely recommend getting these! Unfortunately our excitement, for what we thought would be a great meal, died there. First off, they must be using unfiltered tap water to serve because it was disgusting! I get it, water is free and I've never been one to complain about water, but we were so disgusted by it that we were shocked it was even being served. We ordered two burgers. One was a bbq bacon burger which was not bad, nothing I would go out of my way for, but I wouldn't have complained otherwise. The second burger was the bacon jam burger which was drowning in what seemed more like runny pancake syrup than a bacon jam. It leaked from the burger all over my plate and made the burger inedible. For my side I got the charred green beans, and I guess I should have taken the name at face value because they really meant it. They were completely burnt black throughout which turned to bitter powder as I took my first bite. Easily more char than green bean. The service was fine. Our server was nice, but I think they could sense my displeasure with our meal because we counted 11 table stops to make sure we were okay in the less than 1 hour that we were there.

Photos

See all

The Placery - At The Hyatt

2.7(6 reviews)

25.1 mi

No food as the kitchen was closed my whole visit. Had a nice drink at the bar but was really…read morelooking forward to food.

First and foremost, this has probably been the worst service at the hotel bar I've ever had at a…read morehotel and that's coming from a guy that travels 48 weeks out of the year for work. The rooms themselves were great, my issue was with the bar. I'm supposed to be here for a few weeks for work but I will be going to the Marriott from here on while I'm in the area. My wife joined me this week for the travel, we decided to check the bar and restaurant out since we were both wanting to try it out. Our first order was their chocolate old fashion (regular od fashion with only chocolate bitters) and know creek. Bartender informed me they didn't have know creek and I made it 2 of the chocolate old fashions. When we got the drinks, it was basically makers mark with a splash of chocolate bitters over ice. I'm a bourbon fan and she made both those "old fashion drinks" in under a minute and they tasted like whiskey on the rocks. Wife hated it and I took her drink. I then ordered for her Titos and cranberry. Bartender said they were out of titos and she settled for Grey goose and cranberry. It was measured properly and very red, so can't complain but come on, you're going to charge us for Grey goose since you're out of titos but can't give it an extra splash? We looked at the menu and ordered the chicken Ceasars with NO chicken (there's a reason I'm making it clear that I said "no chicken") for the wife since shes vegetarian and I ordered their sampler platter. Bartender informed me that their fryer was broken and said I can order burgers and sandwiches, so I settled for chicken and bacon sandwich. A few minutes go by and the Bartender then said that they were out of lettuce and only had arugula salad. My wife then asked for the tomato soup since shes vegetarian and we were then told that the soup is no longer available and that it hasn't been removed from menus. So my wife settles for the arugula salad without chicken and a side cheese pizza. After bringing our food out, it was served in to go plates. I had chips for my side since the fries couldn't be made do to the fryer not working and my wife git her pizza and her chicken Ceasar arugula only salad....with chicken in it. So luckily she could pick the chicken out and we tried topnotch let it ruin our night. While eating, the Bartender was talking with a coworker who was off work and they were talking about how they hate customers who do this and who do that, very unprofessional since we weren't the only ones at the bar that night. During this time I asked for 2 waters and she brought out the 2 waters but didn't take my first empty old fashion glass or my wife's empty cranberry and vodka glass. She didn't even ask if we wanted another one. So we get the bill, $77.94 for the microwaved food, wrong order, bad drinks, etc. Terrible and has now made me cancel my booking for the remaining 2 weeks I'm here.

Photos

Nothing like a bowl of SPLASH chowda with one of the 13 craft beers featured at Gallery

Nice veranda patio to enjoy cocktails and food

See all

Hotel host trivia night once a month

Ranch Grill

4.7(11 reviews)

18.3 mi

Great service and atmosphere! I wish I could remember the waitresses name, she was so nice and…read morefriendly. The atmosphere of this place is wonderful and inviting, with beautiful paintings as well. Food was delicious and flavorful, I really like that they offer both Mexican and American food, so unique and well done. My husband has been here before but I have not, and so it was such a nice experience, will come back soon, Taft has great local food.

Excellent lunch spot. Fast and polite service and absolutely delicious food. Not pictured are the…read morebiscuits and gravy, which were also excellent.

Photos

Ranch Grill Exterior

Fried tacos (I'm not sure if on the menu but they do offer it, my husband got them so good

See all

French dip sandwich

Black Bear Diner Arvin

3.5(867 reviews)

38.4 mi

•$$

Natalie and Ishmael . Great people and great service. Thank you for doing what you do and taking…read morecare of your customers the way you did on our visit.

We stopped by last Thursday, hoping our friendly pup would be welcomed--we got the red carpet…read moretreatment! On our way home today, when the restaurant was full, we still got the smiles and the genuine hospitality. These ladies were tired, having worked for hours, and yet their kindness and eagerness to make us at home was outstanding. The taco salad was delicious--fresh, tasty and so generous. The blackberry cobbler was perfect--not too sweet and offered with or without ice cream and whipped cream. Our pup was offered water and our booth was perfect for all 3 of us. After driving all day, we could not have asked for a better experience. Happy birthday to Erika, who was working and smiling on her birthday. Thank you.

Photos

See all

Tita's Pupuseria Truck

4.1(131 reviews)

0.1 mi

•$$

Stopped to get gas off highway 58 and spotted the sign for pupusas and had to give this truck a…read moretry! It's located directly across the street from the Shell gas station. I was greeted by the friendly hostess at the order window and the menu was nearby to see the extreme variety of meats that you normally don't see at restaurants in the bay! If you haven't tried before, order the cabeza, tripa and lengua tacos! I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Full of flavor and beef that just melts in your mouth. I'd drive back a hundred plus miles just to have these again. The papusas are worth a try if you haven't tried before. They're a solid choice and I'd go with the pork and beans if you're a first timer. It's a bit hot out in Buttonwillow during the summer but they do have a bit of shade and few tables as you enjoy your authentic tacos!

If this gem is in your way stop and order! The food is sooooo delicious. Made to order by the…read moreladies in the back! It didn't take too long, shorter than waiting in an in and out line that's for sure. We have a permanent food stop on all our trips back home from so cal!

Photos

Packed as usual.

Asada fries

See all

Shaded eating area

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

48 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

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

See more unrecommended reviews

Willow Ranch - bbq - Updated September 2026

Browse Nearby

BEST of Buttonwillow, California Restaurants near Willow Ranch

BEST of Buttonwillow, California Coffee near Willow Ranch

BEST of Buttonwillow, California Things to Do near Willow Ranch

BEST of Buttonwillow, California Desserts near Willow Ranch

BEST of Buttonwillow, California Sushi near Willow Ranch

BEST of Buttonwillow, California Pizza near Willow Ranch

BEST of Buttonwillow, California Ramen near Willow Ranch

BEST of Buttonwillow, California Smoke Shop near Willow Ranch

BEST of Buttonwillow, California Casino near Willow Ranch

People found Willow Ranch by searching for…

Disneyland Restaurants in Buttonwillow, CA

Must Try in Buttonwillow, CA

Everything in Buttonwillow, CA

Chicken Fingers in Buttonwillow, CA

Outdoor Restaurant in Buttonwillow, CA

5 Star Restaurants in Buttonwillow, CA

Wagyu Burger in Buttonwillow, CA

Hamburger Steak in Buttonwillow, CA

Pick Up Food in Buttonwillow, CA

Mediterranean Food in Buttonwillow, CA

Cheap in Buttonwillow, CA

Cute Dinner Places in Buttonwillow, CA

Breakfast and Coffee in Buttonwillow, CA

Light Dinner in Buttonwillow, CA

Clam Chowder Bread Bowl in Buttonwillow, CA

Patty Melt in Buttonwillow, CA

Fun Lunch in Buttonwillow, CA

Dinner and Cocktails in Buttonwillow, CA

Free Birthday Meal in Buttonwillow, CA

Mom and Pop in Buttonwillow, CA

Dinner Buffet in Buttonwillow, CA

Vegetarian Buffet in Buttonwillow, CA

Celebrity Restaurants in Buttonwillow, CA

Vegetarian Pizza in Buttonwillow, CA

Best of Buttonwillow

Things to do in Buttonwillow

Browse Brands

Brands by name

Browse Articles

Articles by date

People who viewed Willow Ranch also viewed

Bakersfield Barbecue Company

4.3

(194 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

3.7

(135 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

(570 reviews)

•$

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

(123 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

(172 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

(364 reviews)

•$$

Generous serves of tasty nachos and enchiladas. We'll be happy to return. The Monterey Jack cheese…read moreon the nachos was perfection; the waiter was nice; bathrooms were clean.

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.

Willow Ranch

Willow Ranch Photos

Business Info

Willow Ranch Popular Dishes

Willow Ranch menu photos

WILLOW RANCH ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Willow Ranch

Reviews With Photos

More info about Willow Ranch

Payment methods

Food & Alcohol

Indoor Amenities

Outdoor Amenities

Other Amenities

Ask the Community - Willow Ranch

You might also consider

More businesses like Willow Ranch

Harris Ranch Resort

Don Pepe's Bar & Grill

The Burger Den

IHOP

The Botanist

Eureka!

The Placery - At The Hyatt

Ranch Grill

Black Bear Diner Arvin

Tita's Pupuseria Truck

48 Willow Ranch reviews that are not currently recommended

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

48 reviews that are not currently recommended

Willow Ranch - bbq - Updated September 2026

Browse Nearby

People found Willow Ranch by searching for…

Related Searches in Buttonwillow, CA

Trending Searches in Buttonwillow, CA

Best of Buttonwillow

Browse Brands

Browse Articles

People who viewed Willow Ranch also viewed

Bakersfield Barbecue Company

Scrambled

So Cal Grilling Company

Salty's BBQ & Catering

Tita's Pupuseria Lonchera

Woolworth’s Luncheonette

Milt’s Diner

Original Hacienda Grill

Carla's Cafe

Idle Spur Cafe