Ranch House Cafe

We've passed Ranch House Cafe probably 1 million times. Seriously. But we're always in a hurry to either to get Mammoth, or to get back to our normal life in the desert. But on every pass of the Ranch House Cafe we had noticed a parking lot loaded with tractor trailers, campers, and pick up trucks so we figured the food must be either amazing or terrible. 

On our latest trip we had gotten a late start out of town so by the time we got to Olancha, our bellies won out and we stopped in. Truthfully, there's not much else to eat unless you want a bag of Takis from the gas station. So we asked ourselves, how bad could it be?

Let's just say, this was a really nice surprise. Its simply comfort all around. Comfort food, comfortable staff, comfortable place. Sure, the building is rustic and the bathrooms aren't new. The decor isn't exactly modern with its plaid curtains and farm implements rusting outside the window. 

But if you are looking to fill your belly, have a laugh with a friendly server, and enjoy the only shade within what feels like 1000 miles, this is a great stop. Everything is clean, the food is good and the staff is very welcoming. Its a diner, so don't expect gourmet fare, but the BLT is just what a BLT should be and my family loves the burgers. And don't miss the iced tea.

Ranch House Cafe
441 N. Hwy 395; Olancha, CA 93549
760-764-2363
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