Harris Ranch Country Store

You know when a place is cool, but so disorganized, inefficient, and has such bad customer service you consider never returning? That’s this store! Great arrangement of things and car games and road snacks for kids. We also bought some yummy steaks on our way down to Joshua Tree that were delicious. However upon stopping by on our way back up the 5, it was crowded and a complete mess. If we hadn’t had promised the kid a cookie we would have bailed, but we were committed.
There’s a line for people ordering meat and then they are handed the meat to go stand in line and buy it, unfortunately the meat buyers kept cutting in front and being rung up ahead of the people waiting patiently in line with non meat items. There was also a few employees just standing behind the counter chatting and not helping manage this situation, which definitely increases the irritation. The people behind us became irritated and just asked to be helped at a different register since they weren’t purchasing meat which wasn’t occupied by a cashier. The woman behind the counter said no problem, and didn’t even seem to notice that this would mean the customer would be cutting in front of the entire line of people who may or may or have been purchasing meat. Then a line of all new people started lining up behind the customer who was allowed to cut and the established line was left to figure out how the (bleep) to make a purchase. We finally switched lines. There were no signs indicating how this process worked or how to purchase items. I tried to tell the cashier when we finally got to the front, and she didn’t even acknowledge or address that she allowed the people at the end to cut in front or that no direction was offered. Awesome. Thanks. Do not come here on a busy day. There is no organization or customer service to speak of.

Bought Tri– tip, some pie and rolls from the country store the other day. Girl put the raw meat in the bag with pecan bread. I had to tell her to bag them separately. Very disappointed.

I’ve made many, many trips up and down the I-​5 and have stopped at different restaurants, food joints, and gas stations along the way. Harris Ranch is undoubtedly my favorite rest stop. It’s a little more than halfway from LA to Norcal, the restrooms are clean, my dog loves their packaged bones (stay away from the hoof-​looking one unless you don’t mind the smell of manure), and their fresh-​baked cookies are a win. I ALWAYS pick up their cookies. They’re 99 cents each, and my go-​tos are the white chocolate macadamia nut and chocolate chip. Not a fan of the coffee, though.
I finally brought home a Harris Ranch steak this past trip, and I was surprised by the reasonable prices. The guy behind the counter recommended the bistro filet ($ 9.99/lb) because of its tri-​tip flavor. I cooked it the other night, and it was tender and juicy. The meats are pre-​packaged, so my steak came out to $ 6 (woot!). You can have them pack it for the road for $ 2, and it comes with a reusable ice pack.
Side note: The Shell gas station is about 20 cents more expensive than the gas stations on the other side of the freeway, but they sell Harris Ranch’s cookies.

A cool little shop in the Harris Ranch restaurant. The bakery was okay, but the butcher counter was totally worth the stop. Bought a Ribeye and New York Strip. They cooked up great on the grill. Will definitely stop back.

How dare some of these fools yap about this place being a terrible rip off. All places like this are touristy because it’s actually in a place where people pass thtough. That’s how small town folk make money. Hell, I don’t even care if it is a big company behind a country curtain.
I love stopping here on my way back home to see family. It’s not just this country store even though I really like it because they have a lot of neat stuff and yummy treats.
I’ve eaten at the restaurant and I enjoyed my meal. The bar is very cozy and I love going there too. It’s a nice place to walk around to get a break from a long drive.
A few years ago I bought my mother a beautiful brass fairy that I found here at the country store only when I shipped it to her the box arrived empty. Someone stole it. Someone else must of thought it was nice too! I called and it was only one of a kind thing. I was so sad. It was very pretty. Needless to say I was super pleased to find something else yesterday. It may not of been the same thing but it also had its charm. I also like their sauces. Next time I’ll bring a bigger cooler so I can get some meat at the deli counter.

What a rip off. Shoulda went to Murray Farms, which is an actual FARM GROWING THINGS and selling them.
This place bills itself as a ranch-​butcher, and I guess it is, but the meat in the case looked brown to me. The snacks and specialty items they sell were exorbitantly priced and not very unique to the area for the most part. Silver Palate, I think, which I can get back in L.A. I saw popcorn priced at $ 12.00, a small package of corn nuts was $ 7.00. I was desperate for a gift for someone back home, and this was the last stop before Grapevine, so I bought a $ 10.00 jar of local honey, had to. Other than that, lots of kitschy, tacky gifts.
The place is a total tourist trap, well-​heeled travellers buying overpriced stuff mixing with road-​weary drivers looking for the bathroom. They do have free electric charging stations for Teslas. That should tell you a lot about the clientele who eat at the adjacent restaurant. MINO. (Money Is No Object)

I like the Harris Ranch Country Store, they sell meats like a butcher would as well as deserts as a fresh bakery does.
I bought a peach pie. The customer service was excellent. They’d apparently run out of the peach pie in the display case, but the young lady went to the restaurant area to seek out one for me and came back victorious, mission accomplished!
I like the fact her professionalism and enthusiasm to go above and beyond the call of duty rather than be complacent with a situation resulted in such a positive experience. I see a great future for that young lady known on my receipt as #864 on 05÷07÷15. She’s a superstar!!!
The pie was good and cost $ 17.95, coming in a sturdy box, it’s presentation quality and would make for nice gift too.
All of the deserts looked awesome.
I’d come back here again to try something, and even if I eat at the Harris ranch restaurant, I’d buy something here «to go» for later on since I’m in the area and the opportunity is too good to pass up.
Parking is easy here too of course.

Amongst the hours and hours of farmland between the SF-​LA highway route of the I-​5, the Harris Ranch property is a nice pitstop alternative to the fast food chains and gas stations down the street. The place (ahem, restrooms) is clean and gives off a cozy, welcoming vibe.
The Country Store is immediately in front of you when you walk through the double doors, restrooms are to the left, restaurant and bar are down the corridor on your far right past the meat counter and small lounge area. Other reviewers seemed to love their coffee and cookies, but I found them both to be average in taste. Nevertheless, it was nice to stretch my legs and look around at the random items (birthday cards and keepsakes, beef cuts) sold throughout the store.

Having driven past Harris Ranch for years without stopping, I finally made a visit and explored the Country Store.
I opted for some raw almonds from the dispenser on the wall, noting that they were grown on the Ranch, and wow! Super fresh!
If I wasn’t already caffeinated, I might have sampled the coffee.
Like Sunny L. As others have said, the items in the store seem a little pricey, but could make nice souvenirs (local wine, pasta, candy, beef jerky) and the cuts of meat looked really good and fresh. There are kid-​oriented items, too, like candy tarantulas and a few toys.
Despite the crowd, parking is ample and spaces are thankfully large. Plus, you can charge a Tesla.

Pit stop on the way home form San Diego. Definitely very quite. The meat looks very delish. I would stop by here for odd and end gifts for the grandma in law. She loves rooster/​cow/​farm misc. things.

At the time we passed through, it was $ 12.99/lb for the filet tail & $ 16.59/lb for the bone-​in rib eye. We were anout 1.5 hours away from home but it was very hot out, so we also got the optional $ 2 traveling packaging. It kept everything nicely cold!
A fun little stop but I didn’t see too many items in the shop that caught my eye. There was a ton of random knick nacks & toys as well, which didn’t exactly fit in, but I’m sure works great for those who forgot their kid’s toys. (Think: super long car ride.) There were also lots of jars of jams & vintagey looking condiments lining two walls… but I’ve seen those at other locations.
Overall, the pastries & candy looked good but the meat is the main item to stop in for. The prices are not so spectacular nor is it any fresher tasting than Omaha steaks that I need to come here. My Hubs does a good job cooking both; might be back or might not.

Driving from Sac to LA back and forth on the I-​5 freeway, I always see Harris Ranch therefore finally, my bf and I decided to stop by this ranch and give it a try. Upon arriving, the parking lot was full and while walking into the building, it was filled with customers.
Contemplating to dine here or to take it to-​go, my bf decided to purchase the fresh rib-​eye steak to-​go. We were worried that we can’t keep it fresh, however, they provided an ice pack that lasts about 8 hours in the shade. My friend bought their beef jerky and i thought it was alright. When we brought the steak home to cook, it was very tender and fresh. I would definitely come back here and dine next time and oh yeah, buy some togo rib eye steak as well!

Good place for a pit stop off I5. It’s an oasis with air conditioning. Clean indoor restrooms. Super cute gift shop with a bakery and meat counter. They also sell coffee. The bakery has tons of treats: cookies, lemon bars, pies, pastries, etc. My favorites are the pecan drop cookie, apricot pastry square, and house made beef jerky. The gift shop also has a postage stamp dispenser and a mailbox, it’s functional and oh so retro. Downside: there is no indoor seating for folks to eat their gift shop snacks. Plus Harris Ranch is a working cattle ranch, so if you have an ultra sensitive sense of smell – don’t stop here. But your loss if you don’t.

The one place I look forward to stopping at while driving down the never-​ending I-​5! The location is quite ideal since it’s about 3 hours from the bay, and 3hrs from LA. It’s the absolute perfect place to fuel up and grab a tasty snack (that isn’t junk food from the gas station) & coffee for the long drive. Once you smell the cows. you know you’re there!
Over the years, I always tell myself I’m going to try a different pastry the next time I stop by there, but I usually always end up getting the strawberry napoleon. It always catches my eye in the pastry window and definitely satisfies my sweet tooth. From the flaky, buttery puff pastry, to the creamy custard filling, and glazed strawberry slices. you really can’t go wrong. The strawberry pie is also delicious! Piled high with tons of fresh strawberries and fresh whipped cream, it’s the perfect treat to bring if you’re heading over to visit someone.
The rest of the store is divided into the meat section where you can pick up hearty steaks and ribs for the grill, a coffee section (although I do wish their coffee packed a bit more caffeine for the long drive), and other household and kitchen items including a wide variety of unique jams that are worth a try!

We just so happened to be driving home from a brief trip to LA, directly to our friends’ house for a potluck BBQ. So this was the perfect spot to pick up some meat to contribute to our meal.
Harris Ranch is nicely located about halfway between LA and the SF Bay Area. Basically, there’s nothing… nothing…nothing…then Harris Ranch on the right (or left, depending on which direction you’re driving)…then nothing… nothing nothing… some more. This is a good place to stop, not only to pick up meat to go, but to grab something to eat at their restaurant and/​or for a bio break.
During this particular trip, we chose a ready-​to-​grill tri-​tip, with a chipotle marinade. I expected it to be spicy but the marinade was a bit more on the sweet side. I’m not complaining because it was delicious. (Some of that has to be attributed to our friend’s excellent grilling skills.)
They pack your order up with an ice pack so it is ready to travel for up to 8 hours.

This place is an interesting respite for those making the long drive on the I-​5 on the way to the Bay Area or LA, depending on your direction. I’m disappointed in the selection of local products. They carry a lot of «handmade» products shipped in from other places.
However, they do have a butcher shop so you can pick up cuts of olé’ Betsy after she was slaughtered for your personal consumption. I mean, you’re at Harris Ranch. The cows are grazing on the fields right over there.

You’re toodling down the I5, or maybe not toodling. Maybe more like hot footin it. When you realize you smell something… bad.
You check yourself. Nope.
You check your hubby. Nope.
And that’s when you realize you are nearing the cattle pens. Malodorous essences that stick in your delicate nostrils. It is then you know you are also nearing Harris Ranch, purveyor of the by-​products of that transient bovine community.
Sitting in the middle of nowhere, an oasis but with smell. You probably need a leg stretch, a potty break (and this one is a good one), and maybe something to satisfy the shrinking stomach.
Lovely grounds, colorful Mediterranean tiles, garden fountains, conference rooms, the adjacent inn for respite, and a restaurant for carnivores and vegetarians alike.
Their Country Store is yet another tease. Cutsy gifts, snacks, glamorous pastries, red meat. Something to pick up for that loved one that you (smack your forehead) nearly forgot.
We followed Mike V’s sage advice (see his review of 7÷16÷2012) and danced our way out of the store with a brown wrapped package of shrink-​wrapped steaks, ensured to be fresh because of the ice pack they provided. So cool. And they are currently dry aging for the ultimate bbq in a few days. Tough life isn’t it?
And no doubt, we shall return.

I enjoy this place very much. On the way home from SoCal; I dropped by with my entourage to see what’s cracking at the Ranch. Yum, Meat is on sale!
Picked up a pack from the all so friendly staff that has been servicing all these customers all day. Packed with ice, the meat was good from here to Sacramento. Put it on high on each side for 3 – 5 minutes and you are set. Great place to visit!
Definitely a quick stop here is recommended :)
Pros: Staff, Products, Fresh
Cons: Busy, pretty pricey
Stars: 4.5

This is one of my favorite pit-​stops driving from/​to NoCal.

On the way driving back home, it is now like a ritual to stop at Harris Ranch Store, buy some fillet mignon and dine at home on the day to complete the long travel.
No worries about carrying no ice-​chest in your car. They would vacuum seal the meat and put it in a very thick brown bag with a free reusable ice-​pack for you even if you only bought a tiny piece or two. I was told the ice pack should keep the temperature for up to 8 hours in a shade.

I miss the good ol’ days when I left UCLA after work to race up to Harris Ranch on my way home to the bay area.
If i was running late they used to pack the slab or half-​slab or rib-​eye and/​or tri-​tip for me and have it waiting at the restaurant (they don’t do this anymore because people started ordering and never picking up. thanks for ruining it people!)
Then I’d strap their customized travel-​ready 10lb package of meat and ice packs to my tank (crotch rocket) and race home while trying not to lose hold of it past the windmills.
(although i can only imagine the hilarity had it come loose and like a huge USDA choice beef bomb exploded across the windshield of some terrified driver)
I’d pull in to Mom and Dad’s, hand off the slab of rib-​eye to Dad (I would not be allowed in without it) and pass out for the night.
(1) over 50% of all the ice packs in my house are Harris Ranch ice packs.
(2) the BBQ marinade is amazing. here’s a fun trick I learned from a Midwestern mom with four kids I let go in front of me in line 8 years ago: get two tri-​tips or a few baseball steaks, divide into two of their vacuum-​sealed bags, split a full bottle of marinade between them, have the counter seal them with the marinade inside. air goes out completely and sucks marinade into every square centimeter of the beef. 24 hours later… mouthwatering amazingness.
(3) W.N. is crazy and likely a competitor. Harris Ranch is the best. From the Rib-​eye to the ground beef, from the baseball to the tri-​tip. and the rubs and marinades are unmatched.