Willow Ranch

4.1 (1k reviews)

ModerateBarbeque, American

Closed • 7:00 am - 9:00 pm

Updated over 3 months ago

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Willow Ranch Popular Dishes

Plow Boy Sandwich

16 Photos35 Reviews

Beef Ribs

20 Photos49 Reviews

Baby Back Ribs

12 Photos32 Reviews

Willow Ranch menu photos

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WILLOW RANCH ATMOSPHERE

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Outside

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Casual

Moderate noise

Good for groups

Good for kids

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Reviews With Photos

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 !

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

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

David D.

Great place for BBQ meats and more. I always eat here on my way from Palm Springs to Carmel. It is just at the half way point. Ideally located for me. And the food is always excellent. I have had breakfast here as well as dinners. The food has always been so good. Even my grand daughters love it !!!

Dianne V.

Stopped by here on our way home from up north, we normally stop at another big steakhouse but it was a crazy busy zoo over there, and prices had gone up a whole lot! We found Willow Ranch and decided to give it a try! We were seated right away, they even had room for our little dog who traveled with us. Our family of 6 had a wide range of food options and everyone loved their meals. We received them quickly, and had plenty of leftovers.

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Leah S.

5 years ago

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

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Angela C.

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

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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

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Angela C.

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

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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

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Angela C.

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

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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

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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

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Angela C.

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

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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

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Angela C.

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

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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

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Angela C.

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

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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

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Angela C.

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

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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

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Angela C.

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

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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

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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.

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Angela C.

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

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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

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Angela C.

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

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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

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Angela C.

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

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Annabel G.

9 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

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Brian D.

9 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

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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

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Angela C.

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

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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

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Angela C.

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

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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

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Angela C.

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

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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

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Angela C.

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

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Sharon P.

4 years ago

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

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Angela C.

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

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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

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Angela C.

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

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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

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Angela C.

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

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Davie L.

8 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

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Angela C.

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

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Panda B.

6 years ago

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

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Angela C.

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

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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!

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Angela C.

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

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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

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Angela C.

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

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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

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Angela C.

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

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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

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James G.

Elite 26 All-Star

571

906

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

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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

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Angela C.

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

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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

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Angela C.

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

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Chris G.

7 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

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Angela C.

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

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Eddie P.

4 years ago

I went there looking for barbecue, unfortunately I went in the morning. I thought I could try anything that was on the pit, like ribs, ect. Their breakfast menu only offers traditional breakfast items, but no bbq. It wasn't busy there but took over a half hour to place my order, when my order arrived it was only a sad excuse for chicken fried steak with a small puddle of gravy in the middle, the remainder of my order came minutes later. It was made of real beef, beat- up , and breaded. It came out gamy, and chewey. Every else was fine. The overall experience added over an hour to my travel time. read more

Business owner information

Angela C.

We'd never want you to leave disappointed with your meal, Eddie. You…

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Luiz S.

3 years ago

great food and service. so far, best place to stop on i-5 between LA and SF

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Nivedita D.

186

5 years ago

The food here was pretty good. Got the bbq sliders and pulled pork sandwich with garlic fries. The BBQ sauce was very good! A good stop for lunch en route. However, the service is slow.. so stop here only if you have time to spare. read more

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Angela C.

Thank you for stopping by to see us, Nivedita. We appreciate your…

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Nancy B.

7 years ago

Always make this stop knowing they will have those beef ribs I love and can't always find. Great prices and always friendly service. Haven't been for breakfast but I know you can't go wrong with lunch or dinner!! read more

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Angela C.

Thanks for making us a must, Nancy! Come back and see us for more…

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Kevin G.

8 years ago

Heading southbound on the 5 fwy , we had passed up a cornucopia of fast food joints 19 miles back. Found this on a google search it was 7:30 on a Sunday night, they're open till 9. My vegetarian daughter had zucchini fries, awesome, and veggie sandwich, I dove into a Plow boy, bacon,pastrami and tri tip sandwich Delicious. My wife had pulled pork with homemade bbq sauce, outstanding. We then shared a peach cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream ( on the recommendation of a regular) , just sumptuous . Seating and initial service was slow, however, the food came out quickly and hot. We will stop again on our next travel trip,to try more items from their extensive selections. read more

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Angela C.

Thank you so much for bringing the family to our place, Kevin! I…

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Martha P.

Elite 26

103

231

9 years ago

Chicken fried steak was delicious and the plow boy spicy but so delicious. Service and cleanliness is awesome. Will be back soon.

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David B.

4 years ago

Long day driving, ended at the truck stop next door. Steven was my server & highly recommended the brisket sandwich. It was perfect with the house bbq sauce. I will defiantly be back next time in the area. Excellent Service & Food!! read more

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Angela C.

We're happy to hear you enjoyed your brisket sandwich, David! Come…

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Paul F.

8 years ago

Who would expect such an excellent BBQ in the middle of the Central Valley (I5 corridor) next to a large truck stop. We shared a brisket sandwich and the pleasant staff split a single side order for. The half order of fries was the size of a single order elsewhere crisp, seasoned and delicious. The slaw was sweet and good. The meat was tender flavorful as was the mild sauce. Unfortunately we are only able to eat here during trips between Northern and Southern California. Wish it were closer to home. It looks like the place was recently spruced up and was very clean. However the seating needs refurbishing. read more

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Angela C.

I'm so glad you enjoy our restaurant, Paul! It's a shame that you…

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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

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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

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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 …

49 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

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

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

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Tacos El Paraiso

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Willow Ranch - bbq - Updated August 2026

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Tacos El Paraiso

49 Willow Ranch reviews that are not currently recommended

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

49 reviews that are not currently recommended

Willow Ranch - bbq - Updated August 2026

Best of Buttonwillow

People found Willow Ranch by searching for…

Trending Searches in Buttonwillow, CA

Browse Nearby

Browse Brands

Related Searches in Buttonwillow, CA

Browse Articles

People who viewed Willow Ranch also viewed