Local Flavor at BBQ Ranch

Owner Faye Bland greets patrons with a smile and some down home cooking at Bar-B-Q Ranch. (Photo: Tyler Grove)

A part of Harrisonburg for the past 61 years, the Bar-B-Q Ranch is a place frozen in time. Apart from the wood-paneled walls and down-home menu, the Bar-B-Q Ranch is one of the few places to still offer curbside service to waiting cars. From the ancient neon sign to the many knick knacks decorating the interior to the old jukebox, the restaurant is a small piece of Americana, nearly hidden on northbound Route 11. Once noticed, however, it’s a place that is hard to forget.

Entering the restaurant, one instantly feels relaxed and at ease. Faye Bland has owned the Bar-B-Q Ranch for the past 24 years and has worked hard to make the restaurant feel like home. “It’s casual and everybody has a good time,” said Bland humbly, “nothing fancy.” From her collection of over 4000 pigs, many of which are gifts from loyal customers, to the three ceramic geese that she clothes according to the nearest holiday or season, Bland’s personal touch gives the Bar-B-Q Ranch a unique flair. But the relaxed and friendly atmosphere comes from more than just decoration.

Faye’s warm, welcoming personality is evident from the moment one enters the door, a sentiment that her loyal staff echoes loudly. “She is the most genuine woman that you will ever meet in your life,” responded Wendy Dove, who has worked at the Bar-B-Q Ranch for the past year. “You couldn’t pay me to leave,” agreed Barbara (last name withheld), a nine-month employee. Merritta Keplinger, who has been with the restaurant for 19 years, wholeheartedly agreed. Cook Emilio Quitanilla, a six year worker, and Norwegien hostess Berit Strawderman rounded out the day’s friendly staff.

The homey atmosphere would not be complete without the menu. As evident in the name, barbeque is the restaurant’s specialty. Coupled with Faye’s signature sauce and stacked with cole slaw, the sweet pulled pork sandwiches are some of the best I’ve ever tasted. Other traditional favorites like ribs and chicken add to the rather large menu. When I saw “fried pickles” written on the menu, I knew that I had to give them a try. The batter-dipped, deep-fried dill pickles were a great compliment to the pulled pork. The malted milkshakes made with real ice cream topped off the meal.

The food and atmosphere are what keep loyal customers reaturning. Robert Murr, Richard Tysinger, Noland Mchonee, and Wayne Fleisher are a few of the local residents that make the Bar-B-Q Ranch part of their daily or weekly routine. Three to four times a week was the least that these men visit the restaurant, while one reported coming every day. I really don’t blame them. In three years of driving home and back to Harrisonburg, the Bar-B-Q Ranch has always jumped out at me, however, I never actually dropped in until last week. I returned twice in the next three days and I consider myself a loyal customer in training.

A short drive from campus on northbound Route 11, the Bar-B-Q Ranch is closer than fast food restaurants and the food arrives just as quickly. With almost every sandwich on the menu under four dollars, it’s a much better deal for much better food, not to mention much friendlier staff. I highly recommend the Bar-B-Q Ranch for anyone looking to pick up a little local color and a good pulled pork sandwich.