Driving up the 5 freeway can be extremely boring, except for when I stop at Willow Ranch! I always make a stop here whenever I drive to Nor Cal. This is a great spot for BBQ and the BBQ sauce they serve there is the best (they sell it by the bottle too). It's not too tangy and slightly sweet - it's perfect for my palate.
There are so many things I love about this place. Could it be the divey diner-like setting and the smell of BBQ as soon as you walk in? Or maybe it's the attentive service you get (our server was Steven and he was super friendly). The crowd is definitely mixed, but it's a large restaurant and there's a lot of seating.
I'd recommend the BBQ mix plate. I personally love their brisket and hot links. Sure...I feel like I have to run 5 miles to burn off the calories from eating here, but it's totally worth it!
The rib-eye steak is overcooked and mushrooms are excessively salty (I can stand more salty food than most people but even I cannot stand salty mushrooms like this). The deep pit salad has the same problem: beef is toooooo salty and I cannot finish it  (although I never waste food like this)
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