Willow Ranch

4.1 (1k reviews)

ModerateBarbeque, American

Closed • 7:00 am - 9:00 pm

Updated 1 month ago

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

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

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Willow Ranch Popular Dishes

Plow Boy Sandwich

16 Photos35 Reviews

Beef Ribs

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Baby Back Ribs

12 Photos32 Reviews

Willow Ranch menu photos

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WILLOW RANCH ATMOSPHERE

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Moderate noise

Casual

Good for kids

Outdoor seating

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Halle P.

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

Evie D.

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

Lyane P.

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

Gabby P.

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

Vish E.

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

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

Tom B.

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

Robbie R.

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

William S.

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

Kat E.

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

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.

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!

Miguel R.

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

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

Diane T.

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

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Juan G.

123

8 years ago

Breakfast here last week was good! Dinner today and it's even better! The tri tip with their own barbecue sauce is delicious! So nice to have a restaurant like this one across from the TA truck stop! read more

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Angela C.

You can't go wrong with the tri tip, Juan! We're delighted to see…

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arlene n.

Elite 24

183

219

9 years ago

I've been here several times for lunch, dinner and breakfast and never been disappointed. I've tried the tri tip and Philly cheese steak sandwich, with great fries and fresh salad but our all time favorite is the juicy beef brisket! Perfectly seasoned and cook to perfection it just melts in your mouth, breakfast is tasty too with big portions like the biscuits and gravy omelettes are huge. Our favorite stop between socal and bay area. Just one thing needs improvement the water is not the best so I just add some lemon. read more

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Angelica V.

8 years ago

I hardly ever leave reviews, especially good ones. But this place deserves it!! Stopped by on my way back from LA, and it's probably the best decision I've made this year! I got the brisket dinner, my husband ordered the pulled porked sand which. Let me tell you, HANDS DOWWWWN, best BBQ I've tried, EVER. The brisket was so tender, juicy, it just freaking fell apart. The pulled pork sand which was also delicious ! Everything I've tried was amazing! The mozzarella cheese sticks, tortilla soup, potato salad, even down to the dinner roll, was delicious . They make their own barbecue sauce , and their own sweet tea Let's just say I'll gladly drive past Texas Roadhouse , and come straight here next time !! read more

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Angela C.

There's a lot of great barbecue out there, Angelica, but we're glad…

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Ann C.

102

9 years ago

Had no idea this place was here! Beer battered onion rings are fantastic..huge menu...I ordered the plow boy sandwich (brisket, pastrami and bacon sandwich) ..so yummy..this is definitely my new pit stop! read more

Willow Ranch - Plow Boy sandwich and onion rings.. - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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Angela C.

Thanks for such a great review, Ann! I'm so glad you loved the plow…

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Jasmina V.

9 years ago

This is a hidden gem. Such a lovely place, very cozy, super clean and quiet. The food is amazing and their special home made BBQ is so yummy. Service is great and fast. We got there 15 minutes before closing but were greeted and served with patience and quality. read more

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Angela C.

Another gem here is yourself, Jasmina! I'm thrilled you love the BBQ…

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Sam T.

15 years ago

Decided to eat here after a weekend of partying in Anaheim. BIG MISTAKE! After getting the bbq chicken, 2 hours later i was vomiting left and right. I am still in recovery mode after getting food poisoning from this place. For those who have ever gotten food poisoning, it is one of the worst ordeals you can go thru! If you decide to eat here, BEWARE! read more

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Barry H.

14 years ago

Great country food & BBQ. Low key and old fashioned. Portion sizes are very reasonable. More than the sum of its parts. read more

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Di L.

13 years ago

I'd have to agree with someone before me: it's good but only 4-5 stars regionally. Decent brisket, my husband's dish, and I enjoyed my deep pit pork salad. I had it with a side of BBQ sauce instead of dressing. The BBQ sauce was really good: i'd give it 4/5 stars, the service 5/5, but the iceberg and out-of-a-bag stuff keeps my overall at a 3. Definitely stop if you're hungry on the I-5! read more

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Cassie L.

11 years ago

Awesome food love the char on the brisket and the bbq sauce is dynamite! Mashed potatoes made from real potatoes are a comforting and much appreciated alternative to the instant garbage I find at most of the other restaurants we visit. Also great gravy. Killer green bean recipe, off the charts flavorful and made with fresh beans, making for a satisfying crispness, waaaay better than the salty canned green beans with that soggy overcooked texture, I really appreciate freshness. The chili beans have great flavor. If you get the two item combo you will go home with half, very generous portions at very reasonable prices. Hopefully next time I save room to try a dessert, but I've been here twice and I've filled myself to bursting each time before I even considered dessert. My boyfriend of seven years and I are truckers, and we will return next time we visit this part of California. - Cassandra read more

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Adri S.

112

11 years ago

This place is super yum! I just had a full plate of ribs! Staff is super friendly and accommodating. Huge portion of food! read more

Willow Ranch - Yummy ribs! - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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Joseph C.

237

8 years ago

If you are on your way to or from LA and San Francisco and have cravings authentic southern style BBQ then you should definitely stop by and my personal favorite is their juciy baby back pork ribs!! Good lord they were good lol ! And if your a first timer ask for buddy Steve and if he's around you should be in good hands lol! read more

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Angela C.

I'm so glad you enjoyed your baby back pork ribs, Joseph! Those are…

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Kaitlynne D.

9 years ago

Great food and great service. The wait staff was very friendly and accomidating. Our food came fast, was super fresh, and delicious. We got the kids mac and cheese, Plow Boy sandwich, chicken strips, and the kids hot dog. The sandwich was a little greasy because of all of the meat but I just didn't eat that part of the bread. Fries were crunchy and great. Would definitely go back and highly recommend. read more

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Dan L.

275

8 years ago

This place is definitely a diamond in the rough, middle of nowhere, food was great, the little cup of bbq sauce was a little stingy (in their defense I didn't ask for more) read more

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Angela C.

Glad to hear that you found us, Dan! It was a pleasure having you in,…

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Larry A.

8 years ago

I have left reviews in the past and I'm leaving another rant. The PoBoy sandwich is one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. I'm from Massachusetts, lived in NY, currently an over the road truck driver. I travel the 48 states (I drive, not fly) and cannot find anything like it. If your driving by and like meat with spices and flavor, you should absolutely try this sandwich out. Even the steaks are good, but for now I'm sticking to the sandwich. FYI, my wife ordered a steak last time and she loved it. The sandwich without tip will run you around $16.00 but very much worth it, they have yet to skimp on the meats. I'm full. read more

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Angela C.

We love hearing from you, Larry! It's always a pleasure to see that…

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Ashley J.

8 years ago

Love love love this place! We stop every time we are passing through. My favorite is the "Plow Boy" and I'm not usually a fan of sandwiches. But this sandwich is amazing. It's huge, very flavorful with a good kick of heat! read more

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Angela C.

We love love love welcoming you in, Ashley, and we appreciate the…

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Chris R.

9 years ago

Stopped in on a trip up north. I expected a lot less just because of where the town was, but I've gotta say that this is probably one of the best restaurants that I have ever been to. Everything was super clean, the staff was friendly, and the food was great! It came out really quick too. I got the Plow-Boy sandwich, which is just the best thing ever put on a bun. All the fried stuff was perfectly fried too. I go through this town maybe once every three months, and I always make time to stop here to eat. read more

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Alex R.

9 years ago

The food is very good here try the plow boy sandwich it is amazing and the staff here are very friendly, I would recommend anyone to try this place read more

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Alexei M.

6 years ago

I got the ground steak (would be a Salisbury steak at other places) with a baked potato and hamburger pasta soup. The steak had a really odd aftertaste. The soup and the potato were good. What mortified me however, was the amount of staff I saw with their masks down below their noses or visitors wearing no masks. And mind you, this wasn't while they were eating, this was while they were paying at the counter and talking to the employee. The staff had no interest in enforcing this, and seemed to ignore the issue. The girl at the counter was really kind and service was quick, so one star for that I guess. Businesses need to be more conscious of the pandemic going on. read more

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Angela C.

Alexei, the health and safety of our community is a top priority, and…

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Lisel S.

8 years ago

If you are looking for fine dining with friendly service and outstanding delicious food, then this is the place for you. Everything was amazing. we had opted for the Top Sirloin dinner, which was every bit as good as a nice juicy Filet Mignon. Good Beer and wine selections. Highly recommended, and is hands down the best establishment in the area. read more

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Angela C.

We're so glad that you enjoyed your Top Sirloin dinner, Lisel! Thanks…

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kathleen b.

8 years ago

making the loooooong trip down I5 from Santa Rosa to Orange County we decided to stop in Bakersfield for food. When we got off the freeway, the signs said Bakersfield was 22 miles to the left.... we both said "no way" . All that was at that exit was a gas station, a few fast food places and Willow Ranch BBQ restaurant. Since we didn't want fast food we decided to give this place a shot. WOW! we were glad we did. One of the best meals we had all week. The place looks like a typical hole-in-the-wall roadside restaurant minus the grease. very clean. lots of choices on the menu. We decided to split their 2 item platter and chose the port ribs and tri tip. it was awesome. Although the ribs didn't fall off the bone, they were tender and juicy. The tri tip was great too. The best part: the BBQ sauce! it was some of the best i've ever had. They sell the stuff there and online and we bought a bottle to take home. We also each had a side salad - also very good. We're not big fans of iceberg lettuce so we were pleasantly surprised to see a nice mixture of higher quality greens - romaine, red leaf, etc. so then we decided to have some dessert - blackberry pie a la mode was amazing. Service was also very good. The server was young but very knowledgeable and accommodating. We will definitely make this place our go-to stop when traveling that loong lonely route in the future. read more

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Angela C.

I'm so glad you decided to give us a shot, Kathleen! It's great…

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Huey T.

8 years ago

Among the best BBQ I've had. I try many BBQ restaurant but I found this one and few others around California my favorite BBQ places. Though, not all their dishes are good but at least the BBQ is really. I try the steak and sandwiches, these are just O.K. I love French dip but it was so disappointed here. Other than that pork or beef ribs are really good and big. Other places, including some of well known BBQ restaurants in Texas can't match BBQ here. I'm from bay area but every time I go to LA always stop to have my favorite BBQ plate. read more

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Angela C.

Wow, Huey. It really means a lot to hear that you enjoyed our BBQ so…

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Becca A.

Elite 19

176

9 years ago

Great portion sizes! My mom loved the Lite Fair chicken she got, said that it had amazing flavor. My dad thought his turkey club was just okay. I liked my country fried steak and the gravy was great! The mashed potatoes were a little too dry for my taste and way too salty. I really liked their raspberry vinaigrette that I got for my salad. I had to wear oxygen because of my health and it was difficult getting my portable oxygen into a bathroom stall, so it wasn't an ideal bathroom but it would work for the average healthy person. But just know if you're in a wheelchair or require a disability stall, they don't have one. read more

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Angela C.

We're so happy you all enjoyed your meals, Becca! That said, I'll be…

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Leticia L.

8 years ago

We were soooo hungry when we came across this awesome place on our drive back home.My sister ordered a ribeye and I got the combo meats, and to be honest, I'd make the drive from Corona just to eat that BBQ sauce! Brody was very patient from the beginning and explained some menu items we were confused with. Even saying not to be sorry. Brody just made the meal 10x better with his patience and knowledge. read more

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Angela C.

I'm so glad you and your sister enjoyed your meal at our place,…

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Tyler S.

139

8 years ago

On our drive home from LA we looked to see if there was a Cattleman's along the way and saw this place with good reviews. Delicious! The rib eye was juicy, tasty and perfectly grilled. Good cole slaw is hard to find and it's great here. Love the crispy fries and polished it off with amazing peach cobbler. Definitely worth the stop! read more

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Angela C.

Cole slaw is always underrated, Tyler! It's a pleasure to hear that…

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Cindy A.

136

8 years ago

The food was good and plentiful. The service friendly, and they kept my glass of Diet Pepsi filled, which made me happy. The atmosphere is very much a family cafe truck-stop style, without the the semi's. read more

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Angela C.

You can always depend on your glass staying full here, Cindy! Thank…

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Ann C.

7 years ago

Our new go-to stopover for our road trips from the Bay Area to SoCal. Food is consistently satisfying, the staff unfailingly nice, and prices are fair for whatever you get. Their menu offers a good variety of choices and they hit the spot when you've spent hours and hours on the road. Just look out for signs of food coma setting in when you get back into your car to complete the journey. read more

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Angela C.

Ann, we're honored to be your go-to road trip stop! Glad we could…

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Geri M.

135

7 years ago

We stopped here on our way to SoCal. It was a hot day and we had our dog with us. We had a spot out on the road to park our SUV and trailer. Everything was delicious! read more

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Angela C.

Geri, thanks for making us a part of your trip to SoCal! So glad…

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Chloe D.

8 years ago

I stopped here on my way home from LA and had the French dip and it was so good. The service was great and the waiter Steven was so awesome and made sure we always had what we needed. Prices are great and so is the food so it's worth a stop. read more

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Angela C.

I'm so pleased to read you enjoyed your French dip, Chloe -- thanks…

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Melinda C.

9 years ago

We were excited to stop here on our way out of town, we live about 10 miles away. We have came before and I believe this is a random bad experience or it's going down hill. I had a burger "best burgers" is not the case, cheese wasn't melted and definitely looked like a pre-made patty. Husband had a patty melt, bread was dark yellow at best for the toasting/grilling, onions were like steamed, not grilled and again beef patty was not fresh. And the fries...... this isn't a pub/ brewery/ hip place, beer battered fries have got to go!! Bring back the old school fries back! Hope next stop is better read more

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Angela C.

Melinda, I'm disappointed we let you down this time -- what you…

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Kim S.

8 years ago

I would give this place five stars except for it's hard to give a diner/family style restaurant a perfect score. A stop off the highway with authentic bbq is just what the Dr. ordered on July 4th! Brisket is melt in your mouth delish, also tasty homemade bbq sauce and they make their own ranch and blue cheese salad dressings, so additive free! Service was great and the ice tea refreshing. Clean and comfortable with tasty homemade bbq and super friendly staff. What more could you want? read more

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Angela C.

I'm so glad you enjoyed your brisket and our homemade BBQ sauce, Kim!…

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Crisp Y.

206

9 years ago

Been here a few times and waited an hour or longer each time for my food. It's all good that food takes a little while but the restaurant is so understaffed that all the waitresses are constantly apologizing and super stressed out. On top of that the food is reaallllyyy just okay. I've gotten a few things, fried pickles being my favorite, but nothing has really made me say yum. Just middle of the road kind of place read more

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Angela C.

We appreciate you taking the time to leave this review. We wish we…

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TB A.

10 years ago

One of my favorite places on I-5. Being an over the road truck driver I don't get many chances to get good BBQ. This place has plenty of big truck parking around. I stop to eat almost every time I am passing through. I usually get the brisket or tri tip. Excellent customer service. A must stop if in Buttonwillow. They make and sell their own BBQ sauce. It's some of the best BBQ sauce I've ever had. They have regular and spicy. Good stuff. read more

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Frankie P.

179

8 years ago

You don't expect to find some where on I5 that has good breakfast but this place is the spot! Good breakfast burritos and it's right next to two gas stations that are usually 30 cents cheaper than near the outlets or in the grapevine. read more

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Angela C.

So glad you found our breakfast burritos, Frankie! Can't wait to see…

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Kristin R.

8 years ago

Don't know how their other meals are, but breakfast was not too good bacon and eggs were very underdone. Also bought some of the BBQ sauce, flavor was ok, but made me sick. I won't be going back. read more

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Angela C.

I'm sorry that you didn't enjoy the breakfast or the BBQ sauce,…

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Cypress S.

8 years ago

Starving after a full day at Universal Studios heading back to the Bay Area. Not willing to detour out to Bakersfield so pickings were extremely thin. Came across this restaurant, ordered the BBQ wings, baked potato and steamed veggies. What a wonderful surprise to have delicious bbq (sauce was amazing!) and filling food. Thank you for a wonderful stop! Now we can continue on to the Northbay! read more

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Angela C.

I'm so glad you stopped by our place, Cypress! We really appreciate…

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Dotty L.

8 years ago

Really great menu with lots of tasty offerings. Very good sized portions and everything tasted great. Would definitely recommend. Dry dark parking lot at night. It didn't keep the restaurant from being busy. Seemed popular and we can see why after eating dinner there. read more

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Angela C.

We enjoyed having you in, Dotty! We hope you'll stop in again soon.…

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Mark B.

9 years ago

I believe that other people had good food here, but we did not. Everything seemed like it came from a food service. The worst were the buffalo wings. The staff were friendly and it seemed like they had happy regulars, so maybe just choose whatever is most recommended in other reviews. Not sure what else to say :-( read more

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Angela C.

Mark, I apologize for us dropping the ball on your meal this time.…

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Ashley A.

Elite 18

9 years ago

It's a quaint place to pull off from an afternoon of highway driving. The sandwiches are crazy big and from my husbands take - extremely good. The staff is very kind and helpful in suggesting menu items and grabbing whatever it is you need. read more

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Angela C.

We're all happy you could stop in, Ashley! It's wonderful to know our…

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Emily M.

7 years ago

Worst experience of my life. I get it, I'm vegan. I can't eat everywhere. But DO NOT assure me you are making me something vegan and put mayonnaise on it. When I asked it to be remade, I HEARD the waitress tell the cook who said "what she wants it again!? And then I get my new sandwich and it has SHREDDED CHEESE ON IT. I'm so beyond done. Screw this place read more

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Angela C.

Emily, you're exactly right to expect our staff to be kind and…

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Jim H.

8 years ago

Will be stopping here every time we are traveling from the Bay Area to LA. Great brisket sandwiches, nice clean restaurant, great service, piping hot food and quick. What a great find! read more

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Angela C.

You can't go wrong with a brisket sandwich, Jim, and we're delighted…

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Page 18 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!

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Emarciano P.

249

3 years ago

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

Sally J.

17 years ago

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

My N.

7 years ago

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

A L.

17 years ago

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

Leland H.

15 years ago

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

Rho M.

3 years ago

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

Erica N.

1 year ago

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

Melissa B.

11 years ago

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

martin r.

15 years ago

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

Jessica P.

16 years ago

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

Violet G.

5 years ago

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

Damion F.

11 years ago

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

Jon M.

15 years ago

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

Teresa S.

11 years ago

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

Raul P.

8 years ago

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

Cas m.

14 years ago

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

Eric S.

8 years ago

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

Matt W.

1 year ago

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

Maksym H.

2 years ago

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

Jessica A.

7 years ago

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

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Willow Ranch - bbq - Updated September 2026

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Bakersfield Barbecue Company

4.3

(196 reviews)

•$$

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

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

Scrambled

4.3

(222 reviews)

•$$

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

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

So Cal Grilling Company

3.8

(136 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)

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Woolworth’s Luncheonette

3.8

(124 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.

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Willow Ranch - bbq - Updated September 2026

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People found Willow Ranch by searching for…

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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