Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue
- Cuisine: Barbecue (Vegetarian options available)
- Meal Style: Table Service, All-You-Can-Eat
- Meal Seatings: Lunch and Dinner
- Character Dining: No
- Location: Disneyland – Frontierland
- Reservations: Accepted, but not Required
- Price Range: $$ (15 to $35.99)
Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue Review
Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue is located in Frontierland near Big Thunder Mountain. Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue is designed in a western ranch style with a variety of attractive scenery including an outdoor petting zoo as well as a 
walk-through cabin. If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the park, then the Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue is a good option for you. This area is set apart and has its own atmosphere. You can really feel like you set foot in the some little southwest town. It is a very friendly atmosphere over here at Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue.
One good thing about Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue is the stage. When we went, they had some guest participation sketches and my son was able to go on stage with the other kids to participate, which he loved. Being a parent, when my kids are happy, I’m happy. So, his joy gave me a ton of it. You are seated around the stage, however if you want any privacy then you can sit on the back side of area. In the busy season it can be quite hard to find empty tables, so make sure that you reserve a single or family table before you arrive at the park.
The last time we visited Disneyland we decided to eat at the Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue. I was happy they brought it back, as Disneyland used to serve good Barbecue where Rancho del Zocalo is located now. Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue décor is in a natural style, it gives off a friendly vibe and it has some decent food. When we entered we were greeted by a very friendly hostess and she guided us to our table. The waitress that served us was also very nice. Being Disney, the level of the staff always seems to be pretty good. One of the nicest things about this outdoor restaurant is that the tables are shaded; so you can enjoy the outdoor air, but still not fry in the California sun.
Drinks are served in stylish mason jars and they are refillable. This is an all you can eat restaurant and we were delivered a ton of food. The food coming consisted of bucket of meat (this included ribs, sausage, and chicken breasts), baked beans, Corn on the Cob, Cole slaw and Corn Bread. Being a carnivore, I enjoyed the ribs the best.
Most people will visit Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue to enjoy the juicy barbecue chicken and ribs but if you don’t like barbecue then you can still enjoy some of the other food items on the menu. Aside from the non-meat side dishes, Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue also offers a vegetarian skewer, for those herbivores out there. Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue serves a variety of food options; you can choose any according to your mood.
Big Thunder Ranch Menu
When it comes to dessert, there is a variety of items which include strawberry shortcake, flourless chocolate cake, seasonal fruit cobbler, seasonal pies, chocolate chip cookie bake, and Ranch Hand Sundaes. These are priced separately from the meal purchase.
Since I have moved from Los Angeles, I have become a barbecue aficionado. I have made my own rub and sauce and have my own smoker. Due to my changing tastes in barbecue, I do think this restaurant could use some improvements, and I don’t consider this amazing barbecue. However, Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue is one of the few Disneyland restaurants I did enjoy. I probably wouldn’t eat there again, but it was a good experience.
