Harris Ranch

One of the greatest unknown dining destinations in California is Harris Ranch...

Known for it's fine cuts of beef and pungent aroma, Harris Ranch delivers classic American fare on the side of the 5.  If you have never visited Harris Ranch, it is located on the east side of Interstate 5 approximately half way between Sacramento & Los Angeles.

As well as serving as a full-functioning ranch, the property also includes a restaurant, inn & air strip.  You can get breakfast, lunch, dinner or anything in between at the ranch, which offers three unique dining areas.  The most common is the Ranch Kitchen, which serves all three meals, The Steakhouse, which only serves dinner and requires reservations, and my personal favorite, The Horseshoe Bar.   Menu

The Bar is the best place for the traveler to dine, as there is no wait and relatively fast service.  You can catch a glimpse of the sports that you have been listening to in the car on one of the many flat screen TV's encompassing the room.  There is a large Horseshoe shaped bar at one end of the room which is lit by a giant chandelier that is made of antlers.  The only problem is that children are no longer allowed in the bar, which means longer waits for the family in the Ranch Kitchen.  It's not your typical bar, I don't think there is a house within 10 miles...

Most of my visits to Harris Ranch occur in the late afternoon to early evening so I am partial to the California Burger, which I will explain later.  But, if you are lucky enough to make it to Harris Ranch in the morning, don't miss breakfast.  One of my favorites is the Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs, a speciality of the Ranch.  Along with a "Texas-Sized" piece of Chicken Fried Steak smothered in Gravy, you get Two Eggs, Hash Browns and Biscuits.  I highly recommend it to provide you with energy for the remaining 200 miles of your drive.

You can never go wrong with Steak & Eggs at the Ranch.  Depending on your appetite and wallet size, you can take your pick from a Filet to a Porterhouse!

Hands down, my favorite dish at the Ranch is the California Burger.  Everything in it was raised and farmed on the ranch.  It starts out with 1/3 pound USDA Choice Natural Black Angus Beef topped with Crispy Bacon, Guacamole, Jack Cheese, Lettuce, Red Onions & a Tomato!  I usually go with a side of Sweet Potato Fries and a House Salad to start off the meal.  Even the fresh baked roll and homemade honey butter that comes with the salad are to die for!  During the winter months I will substitute either Cream of Potato, or another homemade soup for the salad.

Here are a few of my other favorites:

• Steak (NY, Filet, Rib-Eye)
• Prime Rib
• Sandwiches (Tri-Tip, Rib-Eye Dip, Prime Rib)
• Chicken Fried Steak
• Pot Roast

Once you have filled your belly, it's time to fill your shopping bag...

You can purchase any cut of beef available on the menu in the Country Store, which is located near the entrance to the restaurants.  Along with the meat, there are sauces, marinades, baked goods, assorted candies and travel goodies.  The meat is placed into vacuum sealed bags, which are then put into brown paper satchels with ice packs.  This way your meat is guaranteed to stay cold for up to 8 hours.