Loved this place! We've driven by a million times each time saying "we've gotta try it next time" and finally got the chance to. The staff is awesome and the food is good. I got a rack of ribs that were finger licking good. Surprisingly the clam chowder is good too for a restaurant that does bbq. There is plenty of seating and looks like the have a cool bar area that I would totally take advantage of if I was a local. We'll definitely be stopping in again. read more

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Excellent food, got the ribs. Portions are large! Could not finish, so it was two meals for one! Second time for dinner, will be back. read more

I'm impressed! Stopped here randomly while traveling, and it has surprisingly good food for a restaurant in the middle of nowhere. I had the tri tip salad - the meat was perfectly seasoned and very tender even if it was well done. Wife had the salmon which was excellent as well. This is a good find read more

My husband and I stopped here on our way to Cambria with our dog. We were greeted & sat quickly. They have a great selection of food. Emily N was our server and she was fantastic. Very attentive, sweet, quick to get our order & always kept our waters full. The reason I gave 4 stars is because our food wasn't that great. I got the nachos with chicken & the chicken was a tad dry and the nachos came out cold. They were still tasty. My husband ordered the pastrami sandwich with garlic fries and he said it was underwhelming but tasted ok. Overall a cute, roadside stop to checkout. We definitely want to try their breakfast, next time! :) read more

Willow Ranch - Nachos with shredded chicken - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

Stopped by here on the i5 as we were driving back to the Bay Area from LA. Decent food spot, they have outdoor seating if you have pets and you're able to park right next to the porch. Although it wasn't absolutely amazing, it was a pretty good experience for its location and what it offered. Our server was extremely communicative and pleasant to deal with, giving us suggestions and constant updates on whats happening in the process of bringing our order out. I don't think I will be back next time due to other nearby restaurants in the area, but it was worth a try and I was pretty satisfied! read more

Willow Ranch - clam chowder - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

A wonderful place to eat in the roadside oasis that is the Buttonwillow exit off of I-5.... Everyone was very friendly . I was asked whether I wanted a table or a booth, I chose to sit at the counter. Service was very fast. I chose to have the deep pit pulled pork. Once I put in my order, my food came quickly. It was delicious! There was a good portion of the pulled pork, and it was tender. It came with a wonderful, smoky barbecue sauce. It came with a delicious Roll, and perfectly fluffy, mashed potatoes, which were also very good. I chose the cream gravy over the brown gravy, and it was creamy and also delicious. It came with a cup of their chili beans, which were good, but they reminded me more of refried beans, than chili beans. That was not a problem. I also liked them. Food drink and tip, and the price was very reasonable. The food was just as good as Harris Ranch up the road, without having to pay Harris Ranch prices I would stop by here again when passing by on the 5. Thanks. read more

Willow Ranch - A delicious meal. - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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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Mariela was sweet and warm when greeting me. She got my ice tea and salad out immediately. I also tried their IPA beer it was refreshing. The Ribeye was delicious and cooked perfectly medium rare! The chili beans were my favorite and will definitely stop on my way to Sonoma again! read more

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Stopped by on a long trip. Got a big surprise the place was very clean and the food was very fresh and delicious. I needed to write this review for people on a long journey unsure of places this far from home. COME AND EAT HERE!! You wont regret it. I loved it! The services was nice and friendly, food was delicious, and most importantly the whole place was really clean. read more

I found Willow Ranch on yelp. It's off the main exit and tucked back, so we would have never found it on our own. We do the drive from Nor Cal to So Cal fairly often. So it's nice to find something new (to us.) It is a legit diner with yummy bbq. Plus the service was great. Everyone was super friendly! I had the half portion of the tri-tip salad and it was plenty of food for me. They also have a full bar, so I randomly paired it with a mimosa. My kids were bummed that they didn't have Sprite. They had Mac and cheese with fries and a water. My husband had fish and chips. We will be back! read more

2 stars because the service was good and the portions were generous. My friend ordered the brisket and it was pure fat and overcooked. Not marinated a bit but the bbq sauce on the side was tasty. I ordered the fried chicken salad (regular size) with balsamic on the side and it was fairly tasty and extremely filling. Large place, quick seating and the staff was friendly. read more

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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I ordered the grilled chicken salad and thought it was exceptional. My sister got steamed vegetables and said they were exceptional. The server was attentive to any requests or needs we had. The place seemed clean and nicely quiet. Would stop by again. read more

The food was excellent. The service was fantastic. We didn't even know this place was in Buttonwillow. Will remember this place the next time we come through. Open for all meals.... Even had a bar! 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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Very clean with wonderful staff. It's a plus 3 for sure. I had the bbq chicken plate. It was good. The salad was fresh and the blue cheese dressing was great. My dinner came with mashed potatoes and I chose brown gravy. Very tasty. The chili beans were good too. The chicken had a nice bbq sauce and was tasty but it was dry. Not sure it wasn't just heated up. My husband and grandson both got the shredded bbq chicken sandwich and that's why the 3. The sandwich was served on a fresh French roll mounded with dry almost ground looking chicken. The bbq sauce was served on the side in a little paper condiment cup. That's right the chicken was not mixed with bbq sauce before serving. The huge amount of chicken couldn't be moistened with that small Amount of sauce even if you tried. A bbq chicken sandwich needs to be served with bbq sauce mixed in with it before it's put on the roll. I've never seen anything like this. I know the girls would have brought more sauce but it was very messy as it was with trying to mix the small amount of sauce with the chicken. I would go again. It ask for them to prepare it differently read more

Always my go to spot on the highway between the bay area and L.A.....they have a full variety of food if you don't care for bbq but the bbq is bomb read more

Looked up and decided to try this place on the way back from LA. The ambience is like a slightly nicer diner and everything is very clean and well kept while being cozy. The staff was really friendly and gave great recs for food. Tried the plow boy sandwich and the fried chicken salad and really enjoyed both. The plow boy sandwich was definitely worth it. The meats were all tasty and the French roll it was in was good. It was recommended to put the jalapenos on the side and I'd definitely agree. The chicken was definitely the centerpiece of the fried chicken salad as everything else is no frills but the fried chicken was solid. Would definitely like to stop by again if we ever are passing by read more

Willow Ranch - Fried chicken salad - Barbeque Near Me - Buttonwillow, California

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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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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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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

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

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

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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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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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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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

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

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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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

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

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

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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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

Came here because my coworkers talked it up and we were in the area. I ordered the Brisket sandwich with garlic fries. I was hungry and very excited for my food! When my plate arrived, I was a bit jealous of the others in my party because I should've gotten what they ordered - the Plow Boy. They're sandwich looked so good, with the cheese and jalapeños tucked in between the brisket, bacon, and pastrami. The only reason why I didn't get it was because I'm not a huge fan of pastrami. But it looked good! Now, I know brisket has some fat in the meat, but my serving had a substantial amount of fat. I had to remove huge chunks of it. The first half of my sandwich was good, but the second half left me feeling heavy. My plate (and fries) was super soaked in grease. I will admit, the barbecue sauce was AMAZING. It made the sandwich for sure. It was so good, I was glad to see that they sold them in bottles. The customer service was great! Loved that they offered wet naps for after your meal and drinks to go. If I'm ever in the area again, I will definitely try the Plow Boy. read more

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