My family of 5 stopped by on our way home to the SF Bay Area. Plenty of seating at about 415-430pm on Monday, Memorial Day. Bathrooms were clean. Food came out pretty quick. Willow Cheeseburger: My 10 year old boy got this with an extra patty, lettuce, and cheese. He finished the entire burger. He says it was good. It looked juicy. Deep Pit Beef: Shredded beef sandwich that came with the sauce on the side, which I appreciated because I'm not a sauce person. The sandwich without the sauce was seasoned well, but it did need that sauce so I put some on and that made the difference. The sauce is sweet and flavorful. Plow Boy: my husband had this. He says that it was a bit salty, probably due to the bacon, but otherwise it was good. Could have used more jalapeños. Fish n Chips: 15 year old daughter ordered this and it came with a choice of soup or salad, got the minestrone. The soup was delicious, she prefers smaller pieces of the vegetables, but it's not a deal breaker. Ate it all. Pretty standard fish n chips. Seasoned well, not too oily, crispy, filling. Kids Pork BBQ ribs: 8 year old daughter ordered this. Sauce came on the side of the three ribs. She ate one rib, liked it. Took the rest home. Fries came with each meal and they were crispy and well seasoned. The male server (Steven?) was very nice, helpful, attentive, just a great employee. Would definitely recommend and stop by again. The pie selection looked tasty, but we were all very full. read more

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This restaurant pleasantly surprised me! It's in the middle of nowhere on I-5 so I really did not expect much but their food was really really good. I also liked how clean and cute the inside of the restaurant was! Plowboy sandwich was everyone's favorite Service was really good, and their portions are huge!! Everyone got to take food home. They have their own parking lot too! Definitely returning to this spot. read more

Willow Ranch - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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The cook ruined someone else's steak and literally took it back to grill it more. A big sign that mine was going to undercooked as well. Our server knew and was understanding about the steak. Hopefully I don't get sick with the 2-3 bites I had. (Literally ate the 1 and only safe looking end of it) read more

Willow Ranch - Top serlion - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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Wait staff was very friendly and helpful. Food was very good. I had the pastrami sandwich which was maybe the best pastrami I have had in a long time. Has a hometown feel to the restaurant . read more

We were driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles and ready for a lunch stop when we found this restaurant at the Buttonwillow stop on I 5. Friendly service and tasty food. I had the brisket sandwich that came with a generous serving of potato salad and a side of BBQ sauce. My guest had the willow burger with the same salad. We could not figure out the unique flavor in the salad but enjoyed it all the same. The burger was cooked perfectly and the condiments were just right. Yes, we'll return on our next trip south! read more

Willow Ranch - Brisket sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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Came here on the way back to LA from NorCal. I didn't want fast food, this looked a bit better, I wasn't expecting too much. I was completely wrong. The service was fantastic, everyone we encountered was friendly, prompt, and attentive to drinks and condiments. The bathrooms were very clean and properly stocked. We ordered a brisket sandwich, and an another multi meat bbq sandwich with jalapeños, this was fantastic. (Can't recall the name). It was their best seller though. Their house BBQ sauce was tangy and bright. Onion rings w/ranch were great as well. I'll be making my way back here whenever I'm on the 5fwy. It's much better than any stops at Bravoland that's about an hour north. read more

10 stars each for both of our waitress's tonight! They were very enjoyable tonight. Our dining experience was 10/10 , me and my wife came in tonight and enjoyed our dinner. Our waitress took our drink order and quickly returned with them. Then she began taking our order for food. My wife ordered the pulled pork sandwich with fries. Very well put together and laid out on her plate. Looked really good. Ketchup and bbq sauce brought with it. I ordered the bbq burger with cheese made it a double. This also was well put together and looked really . The taste of both of our meals was perfect! we are so glad we stopped in tonight. Upon finishing our meals we were asked if we wanted dessert, we declined but we did get Togo cups!! 10/10 experience read more

Willow Ranch - Double cheese burger with bbq sauce on the side. - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

We went for breakfast and they are a bbq restaurant. I am sure their bbq is really good! Quick service. It's a large restaurant! read more

On our way headed to Modesto from LA and we stopped in at Willow Ranch for a quick bite. Great place to stop in and grab a delicious bite during your travels to or from Southern or Northern California. We had the dog and the Airstream and thought indoor dining might not be the best option plus we wanted to get back on the road as quickly as possible, so we decided to order online take out. Ordering online was super easy. I even got a call from the chef giving me options on how I worked like my food prepared. Super thoughtful! The food was delicious. It was also filling but not heavy. I went in to pickup the food and the hospitality was very nice. We finished up our meals and got back on the road in no time. Great dining experience! read more

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We stopped here randomly on a long road trip through Cali. It was lunch time, we were in the middle of nowhere so I jumped on Yelp and found this hidden gem. We were skeptical at first, but I trusted my favorite app and no regrets were had! This unassuming little diner seemed like the place to be at lunchtime because the lot was full. It looked like your classic road side diner on the interstate. I could tell this was a local hangout because everyone seemed to know each other. That being said, the staff was super friendly to us from start to finish. We were a large party and got a little mix of everything. I didn't know what to order and when that happens, I let the waitress pick for me. She said I had to get their signature Plow Boy sandwich. This thing was piled high with pastrami, brisket, bacon and all kinds of other yummy goodness. I would dare to say, this is probably one of the better sandwich creations I have ever had. To this day I still crave that sandwich. Sadly, I don't know if or when I will ever be in that area again. If I am, I will without a doubt stop in here again! read more

Came here on the way home from San Francisco and so glad that I found it and decided to stop in, was definitely not disappointed! Quick, friendly service, food and drinks came out fast and everything was delicious! The margarita was a bit on the sweet side but still good. Love that it's right off the highway too. read more

Willow Ranch - Top sirloin steak with mashed potatoes - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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The food was great service was fast bathroom clean. But the best part of the Willows was Steven our servicer He was friendly outgoing and very helpful in making decisions about what to eat good choices dessert was so yummy he helped picked that out too. Thank you read more

Ambiance was comfortable, and music was at a good volume to allow talking. The selections were ample. We ordered the Tri-tip Salad and Willow Dip with sweet potato fries. Everything was tasty and well-prepared. Portions were just right. Service was excellent; staff is well trained and conscientious. What a great stop on our road trip--highly recommend! read more

Ordered the salmon. Friends ordered BBQ and the half chicken. Came out quickly. Flavor and the way it was cooked was perfect. Ice tea actually go refilled and waitress was wonderful read more

This is based purely on the quality of the food. It was during lunch and during the holidays so some grace for this. The service was slow and they didn't seem to be super busy. The food quality though was good. We had tri-tip salad, kids sliders, and the plow boy w/coleslaw (a little soggy), and side of onion rings. The food was good. Small inconspicuous location. Overall would come back. read more

Willow Ranch - Kids sliders - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

The service was perfect they didn't hesitate to serve us. The food came out less than 15 minutes read more

Willow Ranch - Willow burger was amazing no other words to describe this burger - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

My expectations when On the road at truck stop areas are low. Most adjacent restaurants are dirty overpriced and give you sub-par food. The Buttonwillow exit on I-5 is the exception. THIS is a destination! I'm the middle of nowhere hidden down a side street is the most amazing restaurant. You notice when you go in because it's clean. Then you get your meal. Omg. This place is the real deal. Last night I ordered a sirloin steak. I received 12 ounces of amazingly aged and cooked meat. I had the vegetable soup first - homemade and amazing. The. Steak potato roll and beans. I honestly couldn't finish if all my fiancé had the three item bbq. It was also melt in your mouth amazing. We have previously had burgers. Also incredible high end meat cooked by someone who knows what they are doing. Take my money please. Such amazing food read more

Willow Ranch - PotAto beans and roll - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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Family favorite for many years..I used to host visitors from across the world and it was beloved by everyone. My brother used to lunch weekly for over 20 years. Parents stop there on there way coming and going. read more

Willow Ranch - Front of restaurant - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

Excellent dinner and service. We stopped on a road trip from LA north and couldn't have been happier. Very chill environment, good prices, best onion rings I've ever had. Will definitely be returning! read more

Excellent BBQ!! We always stop here to eat along the way north or south. But when we are thinking about great BBQ, we get a little tempted to make the 4h drive to eat some of this restaurant's food. Huge glasses of really clean ice water. Really great service too. Lots of sincere smiles to make the experience even better. Clean and supplied bathrooms as well. read more

Omg!!!! So we we're driving on the 5 & it was a bit windy wanted to sit inside for a bit, so we found this cute sit down place, so clean, the waitress was on top of it, very friendly!! The food was delicious!! I had the eggs Benedict & that sauce was sooooo tasty! Luv that my hash browns were crispy! My husband's ham & eggs with country potatoes was no disappointment for him. Lol read more

Willow Ranch - Eggs Benedict with crispy hash browns.. - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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Food was good, clean and quick for a sit down restaurant. Portion sizes were just right. The place is charmingly rustic but it's the service that makes this place special. Our waitress was friendly and attentive and even joked with us. That's not something we experience often. Thank you to all the staff! read more

What a nice surprise and great find! Has that down home feel. Great service Fantastic food. Bought some BBQ sauce to try at home....can't wait read more

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The food here was super basic and nothing tasted fresh. My burger patty was rubbery and had zero flavor. Unfortunately, no one in our party of 7 enjoyed their food although the service was great. Plenty of parking while the restaurant is a bit dated. read more

Willow Ranch - The Ranch Burger - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

Expensive, chintzy portions, poor quality. I spent $32.00 on a 3 item combo plate. The brisket had more fat than meat, the hot link was a thin hot dog The portion size of the beans was ridiculous, 2 Tsp in a to go cup, mashed potato was barely a spoon sized serving. The peach cobbler was all dough, only 1 peach. & $8.00 with ice cream. I feel ripped off and cheated. I won't be going back. For the Expensive prices they charge I expected much more read more

Food is great, especially the barbecue sauce and waiters and waitresses are friendly. I have recommended this restaurant many times.

Driving up from San Diego to Bay Area, we stopped by for lunch totally unexpected, great BBQ. I had brisket. Tender, moist, really good. Stop by this place! read more

Awwee Sugar, Honey, Iced, Tea!! Yes sir! This place was great! I was passing through and stopped to get something to eat. I was tired of the usual stuff... subway, MCd's, etc.. I got me a tri tip sandwich annnnnnddd yep! It was on point. Definitely worth the $ and surprisingly not to expensive. The cashier was super chill. As I sat and waited for my food. It gives off a real "at home" vibe. You can for sure bring the kiddos if you have any. I definitely would recommend stopping by. I should've taken a pic but sorry folks it's all gone read more

Had the baby back ribs. They were tough and dry. The membrane was left on and felt like I had a leather strip on the back of the meat. No rub, no smoke flavor. Very bland seasoning. I've had the tri tip, it was excellent. It's a must go to. I've also had their signature burgers, they are over the top. Nachos are a must! The portion size is insane, they're a meal of their own. Try the sweet potato fries with maple syrup on the side. It's an east coast thing. Staff is amazing and always friendly. Very comfortable seating and atmosphere. My only complaint is the baby backs. I love my falling off the bone, melt in your mouth, tangy sweet BBQ, baby backs. Take a trip to Memphis, Nashville, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, you'll understand what I'm saying. read more

"We are family" was playing in the background and the TV was tuned to football with the volume down. Nice break from the road. Good burger. Excellent fries. Terrific service. Clean and homey. read more

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Great bbq sandwiches. Definitely casual and good for families. It took us a little while to pay but friendly and polite service. Great find! We'll be back. read more

Headed to Southern California and saw good reviews on this BBQ joint. The staff welcomed us, was friendly and attentive. Ordered the ribs and the plow boy sandwich. Both more than met our expectations for good barbecue. The plow boy is an impressive sandwich with all my favorite meats. The ribs were perfectly cooked. Took home half the ribs and had them for dinner. The outside is understated and The inside looks like an old school dinner. However it is all about the food and service here. I would definitely recommend this place and if I am back in the area would definitely eat here again. read more

I've actually come here 2 times before when traveling to and from Norther and Souther California and I am finally writing a review because I feel that the waitress that runs this restaurant is such a pleasure and actually she is the one that has made me want to come back. The restaurant has a ranch theme with cute cow and pig displays and nice old photos. The bathrooms are clean. The food is pretty good. I had a French toast combo breakfast with perfectly done poached eggs and flavorful sausage that has that salty and snappy texture you want in a meaty sausage. The French toast was crispy on the outside and didn't wow me but it was good and scratched the itch for French toast. My daughter built her own omelette and she loved every bite. She liked that you can use egg whites I definitely go for the food and the friendly waitress and not so much for the regulars that seem to stare at you when you come in and eat. Kinda makes you feel awkward but then again I'm not there for them I'm there for the yummy breakfast. The prices are also good and better than Harris Ranch read more

Willow Ranch - French toast with poached eggs and sausage - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

Driving the 5 stopped for breakfast. Ordered corned beef hash. It was homemade and amazing 2 eggs over medium and house potatoes! Potatoes were homemade as well and excellent! I will be back again! read more

This is like the old-fashioned diners of my youth! I sat at the bar watching the Dodger game, and the servers chatted here and there, were very friendly. The place was almost empty on a Sunday about 7pm. I ordered the brisket dinner, and the meat was tender, juicy and flavorful. The mashed potatoes were strange, almost hard, and I wondered how they could be so amazing on the meat but muff the mashers. The salad was really good, though, great ranch dressing! I wouldn't order the chili side again; kinda watery, not much body or flavor. I would stop here again and try something else. The menu is extensive, and there were several main dishes that looked tasty. read more

Willow Ranch - The brisket dinner! - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

Food is very average and pricey for what it is. It's a somewhat tired place. The worst part is that it's incredibly slooooow. For a place off the freeway where everyone is heading somewhere else this stop is maddeningly frustrating. Unless you have an hour and a half to spend here you should really avoid it. read more

You have to buy the Willow Ranch bottled BBQ sauce, it's so awesome to take home. The food here is typical roadside diner food. It's good quality, a diverse menu with something for everyone and when you're traveling from Nor Cal to So Cal or vice versa, it's a great choice to make, selecting Willow Ranch as a solid place to eat. The service was friendly and when we went there was no wait and it was very comfy cozy. read more

Willow Ranch - Homemade chili - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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Found this randomly on way home to LA. Super friendly staff. Good choices the menu of burgers, sandwiches, steaks, and seafood. Quiet diner ambiance. Lots of parking. Little man loves his burger and garlic fries. I had the "Plow burger" and could taste the different meats in it. Definitely on our places to stop on way home. read more

Willow Ranch - Kale and Parmesan soup - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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I ordered the brisket plateand my son ordered the sirloin (med well) baked potatoes, and a side of pilaf. Chili beans and roll came with the meal. Service was not the best but I heard other customers getting great service, so I guess it's a luck if the draw. When you walk in its welcoming with a kind of incandescent lighting. Now let's get down to the food. I chose to get a salad instead of a soup and kept finding multiple withered pieces of lettuce. The baked potato has an incredible amount of sour cream on it, had to remove a lot of it. The beef brisket was mostly fat, but had no smoky flavor on it, no Bark, as if it were cooked in the oven instead of a smoker. As soon as we were done eating the waitress never checked back in with us for our bill so we walked to the front so we can pay. Oh yeah, the outside smelled like a sewer spill, that should of been the warning of things to come. read more

Willow Ranch - Sirloin plate cooked med to med/ rare instead of med/well. - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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Nasty food, the chicken tasted old...like cooked a week ago and barba sauced poured over it $75 bucks down the drain...service was ah...not good..drove to it to try first and last time read more