it's the goto place for a medium priced steak in the grass valley/nevada city area. the menu is pretty simple, mostly steaks, chops, halibut and burgers. not a fancy place, its rustic and local. read more

Me...on my birthday last night @ "The WIllow", a once fav go-to place for a steak I will NEVER, EVER step foot in or patronize again!!! My Mom REALLY wanted to take me out with the family for a steak, so... we went. So, we're all gathering in the parking lot and my Mom goes in ahead to let them know we've arrived... it's early @ 5:30pm (Saturday), hardly any tables occupied at all and I enter the restaurant to the sounds of the owner (whose name escapes me, nor do I care to know it now after this fiasco...) being unconscionably out-of-line with how he's berating & embarrassing my Mother in front of everyone in the restaurant about the reservation and some mix-up on the date, not dropping it and every time she tried to say something, him talking over her unkindly (where upon I wanted to leave immediately but family said to 'let it go', despite his moments later explaining he had PLENTY of available seating for us until 7pm, when the "Real" crowd starts coming in...? What a pleasant & grateful comment from the owner of a restaurant you're about to patronize... is the verbal abuse extra, or included in the tip???) :/ Willing to chill and let it go (only because of family insistence), we were seated, laughed a bit about it and ordered drinks (where I ordered "2" Bloody Marys, simply because I understand how often challenging it is there to get a second drink. I only ever received but "one"... even after twice mentioning having not received the second BM. Anyway, our waitress was a sweetheart, smiling and very quick at taking our orders. Unfortunately, the final problem occurred when I received my steak (where I ordered a Rib-Eye) and received a New York. I KNOW my cuts of steak, and especially what I've received as a Rib-Eye at the Willow before... and this was NOT a Rib-Eye... though it was pointed out to me soon by the owner, "the ridge", which makes it a Rib-Eye...? Quote: "I cut this just this morning, it's clearly a Rib-Eye, can't you see the ridge, right there? I mean, it IS only a 14oz portion you ordered but, it IS a Rib-Eye." He then copped this same disrespectful attitude with me that he had earlier with my Mother and got condescendingly sarcastic about the steak I was served. Well, I'd HAD ENOUGH! This, and especially his grandstanding belittling of my Mother earlier was all the arrogance from a restaurant owner riding the coattails reputation of the former owner's reputation I could take! The thing that got me most in his comment (besides the rest of it) was his implication that I was somehow "cheap" in having only ordered a 14oz Rib-Eye "portion" (at $30, mind you)... though their menu only states "RIB-EYE" on it, NOT Rib-Eye portion, or a mere 14oz Rib-Eye... so I'd ordered the ONLY Rib-Eye offered. However, I held my tongue despite fuming at this stage; I did NOT raise my voice and did NOT get in his face (as I should have) or call him out publicly on his unprofessional behavior, primarily so as not to ruin the evening for everyone... which, according to most my family, I did anyway by not simply "letting it go". Honestly, I'm SICK & TIRED of letting poor behavior go unchallenged!!! Especially when I'm paying for it, or someone I know is... it's poor business, it's inexcusable and it's just plain rude! However still, after 10-15 minutes past and it was clear to the owner I was not going to eat my steak and he approached me again, I chose to be passive aggressive by calmly telling him how I felt about his earlier behavior toward my Mother & now his attitude with the steak and that I was DONE, lost my appetite and was NOT interested at all in a meal. He seemed to suddenly realize what he'd done but, Instead of listening to me (a fed-up and already upset customer), he responded by coming up behind me every 5 minutes the rest of the meal (repeating my name, Dennis Dennis Dennis, incessantly...and I go by "DJ", NOT Dennis...everyone knows it) trying to convince me to take another steak, another piece of meat, let him soothe me in some way, going on & on and further irritating the situation instead of simply heeding what I'd told him; that my mind or appetite wasn't going to change once he'd crossed that line he should not have in the first place! Still, he insisted on doing everything in his power to make a public scene (again) in painting me as some sort of stubborn bully to the rest of the patrons in the room, and to my family... all of whom, remember, were there for MY Birthday. *ugh* The evening wound up with the rest of the staff kindly singing Happy Birthday to me when they brought our scoop of Ice Cream and, the owner announcing (so all in the restaurant could hear, conveniently) that he'd comp'd all of the Rib-Eye orders (I have no idea how many others ordered one). I found out later that my little brother left quite a hefty tip for the wait staff so, I genuinely hope THEY got it and NOT the owner, who initiated the entire mess in the first place. read more

Saturday - May 21, 2016 -- My wife and I had never heard of The Willo until our good friends, who live in neaby Brown's Valley, took us there for dinner. Our friend, Bill, had made reservation three days prior and it was a good thing he did. We arrived at 6:30pm, 15 minutes prior to our reservation time. The place was packed !! It was a classic mountain roadhouse restaurant, lots of wood beams, a funky bar with all kinds of signage, waitresses with pencils behind their ears, the works. It was loud, but not deafening. The owner,(Mike Wilson) met us at the door and said our table was ready if we wanted to sit down. We did. Again, classic mountain eatery, heavy duty chairs, an old wooden table, plastic coated menus,,,etc. The ice water was on our table in two minutes. They have a full bar so cocktails were no problem. The bartender made me an excellent Kamakazi. They actually allow you to cook your own meat if you want, or, for .50 more, they will cook it for you. The special of the house is the Rib Eye. It comes with beans, salad (choice of dressings), garlic french bread. The waitress, very friendly and efficient, gave us time to settle in, get a drink and review the menu. After a few minutes she returned and gave us some info of specials and reccomendations, again, no pressure, no hurrying. We were all pretty hungry so we were ready to order. We all went for the Rib Eye(the special of Fridays and Saturdays). My wife and I ordered the baked potato side to split. The place was very active, lots of familys, kids, young couples, some actually appeared to be out on prom night - all dressed in ruffles and gowns. Within about 15 -18 minutes, our orders were being placed on the table. You can see by the photos in the YELP layout what the dinners look like. I can say it was all delicious. The steak was plentiful and tender with a fine grilled taste. the salad was very fresh and the beans were a nice little side, tasty and filling. The baked potato was a bigge,,and split, it was just right. The waitress came back within 10 minutes to check on things and then the owner came by and made sure all was in order. We had no complaints. All this was topped off with a nice scoop of mint-chip ice cream. So, next time you are cruising the gold country around Nevada City, find time to drop into The Willo - you won't be diappointed. read more

This is the quintessential steakhouse. Steakhouses are not my usual preferred fare, but this is exactly what one should be. It's just an old country bar with a restaurant attached. This place is so classically what a steakhouse should be, my wife and I were joking that if we asked for steak sauce, we might get kicked out. I really wouldn't have needed it, the steak was so good, but I did so. I want to enjoy the food how I like it. I didn't get any dirty looks. You get a tasty mix of old school sides; beans, salad, a roll. They have good drink deals. There isn't any music in the dining room, in fact I think part of the 'atmosphere' is where it is lacking or seedy. I do have to agree that the service is not especially friendly, but it is the waitresses that cook the steaks. And they did what is the most important thing in a steakhouse- they cooked the steak perfectly. read more

Racist establishment. I live right by Willo and decided to try it for the first time yesterday night. One of the waitresses told me I could only do a to go order so I said that's fine. A few moments later the owner who was helping the customer in front of me with their to go order looked at me and said "we are only doing to go, no dine in" I told him that's okay and then he looked me up and down and said actually we just finished our last to go order right now, there's nothing we can do for you here. After repeating what he just told me that I can do a to go order he was continuing to be hateful saying "I said what I said, were not serving you here. I won't repeat myself again now leave." Please don't support this business read more

We stumbled upon this place based on a recommendation from one of the wine people from Indian Springs tasting room. So glad we went. The Willo is reasonably priced and the food is great. As I have told my friends, a great dive/bar restaurant and lots of fun. We have gone back again and still are pleased with the food and service. Not the fanciest but who cares when you are getting good food. Great also that you don't have to dress up especially if you have been out at one of the local lakes or wine tasting. read more

If you are in need of steak, this is the place to be. Friendly staff. Cheap drinks (but I wouldn't recommend getting a cocktail...they can be hit and miss). Definitely a unique ambience. Love the artwork. Reminiscent of eras gone by, and that's not meant as a slight. For those reviewers not impressed by it, or seem offended by it, they need to chill out. read more

My friend and I came upon this place through Google search. I was in the mood for some good food and when I read that it was a steakhouse, we jumped in my car to head over. I had my baby girl with us, who at the time was about 17 months, and as soon as we walked in the door I got the feeling that everybody was starring at us. As I looked around I was pretty much right. My friend and I are both about 20 years old and the rest of the customer crowd was about 60. My friend and I felt a bit out of place. The server who first approached us was not very friendly and I didn't understand why she made my friend and I wait at the front of the restaurant for so long.. they weren't even busy at this time. Finally a man who I believe was the manager stepped in. He pulled up a high chair for my daughter and gave us a place to sit. He was the only one that made us feel comfortable. The menu did not have many options at all and it seemed a bit expensive. I was a slightly disappointed. However, I was very satisfied with the quality of the food and the portions. The atmosphere of the place was nice. They had a very unique selection of clocks and photos on the walls that had me thinking about buying one. Very cool stuff! At the end of the day, the food was the best experience, which should always be the case anyways, but my friend and I didn't care for the "out-of-place" feeling that we experienced. read more

There's just nothing special about this place at all. If you've never been to a really, legitimately good steakhouse or burger joint, you might like it. Or, if you don't care about quality and love iceberg lettuce you might like it. Or, if you want to see what Nevada city was like before it was cool and interesting, again you might like it. Otherwise, there's no reason to go. Ever. read more

Our steaks were great, the baked potato was one of the best I've ever had. The service was fun, we really felt welcome. I will take out of town guests here for a taste of Nevada County culture. The night we had dinner there was an anniversary celebration and a birthday celebration. We felt like we were part of the community. Our dinner was a blast. read more

Like meat? Especially New York Steak? Have an hankerin' to cook your own food? Ha, well you get 50 cents off your steak if you do! But better to let them do it! Anyway, what you got here is your basic carnivore paradise, of steak and booze! Aged Midwestern beef, not of that tough crap we got here in Cali. Rustic for sure, but a must visit if you are in the area! Can't wait to go back! Get the THICK cut, it's only like 25 bucks, and you won't be disappointed. They've won "Best Of' Nevada county for Steak, every year for like forever and there's a reason! Looks sketchy from the outside, like a biker bar,, no windows at all, or any indication of the restaurant inside, but gee no bikes, and wow, look at all those really nice cars in the parking lot! BMW's, Mercedes and Audi's! Ha, that's how we ended up checking it out, just for a drink, Then wandered into the dining room, and oh, hey. wow, guess we're havin' here dinner too! No windows, no frills, just a giant BBQ in the middle of the room, that you can walk around all sides, perfectly cooked steak even at Medium Rare. Henry's Hi Life's steaks in San Jose USED to be this good 20 years ago, but no more. Actually I think it might be close the best steak in the state! Be sure to order a baked potato with that steak! read more

Best ribeye I've had in ages! Cooked perfectly and very flavorful. Fun atmosphere. Meals are basic but very good. Steak comes with salad and beans, both served on the plate with the steak, and a scoop of ice cream for dessert. I don't know if the ice cream flavor varies but it was butter pecan on the night we went and was really good. read more

One of the best steaks I've ever had! We hung out in the bar before heading into the dining area. The female bartender was gruff but loveable. She seemed to like our selections on the jukebox too. They cook the steak on this huge grill in the actual dining area. A short, shapely, waitress was "manning" the grill when we were escorted to our table. There's something extremely cool about this place. The wood paneling? The buzzed owner who took our plates? The out of the way location with a cool neon sign? The BBQ pork ribs were really delicious too. I also had a well-cooked baked potato and a salad that was fresh and crispy. But who cares? Go for the Steak! read more

The Willo - The Willo - Steakhouses Near Me - Nevada City, California

Love the food at this place, so much so I invited a friend of color up for the experience....never been treated so poorly in my life, it was embarrassing. Never in my life have I ever felt less welcome. Won't ever return, but I guess that Was the message all along. Message received....loud and clear! Hear a new place is going in at 5 mile house with a younger more forward thinking kind of management. I'm willing to support that kinda of establishment. Hope u r too. Willow not be friendly to people of color My recommendation for a great steak and friendly service...Cirino's on Main Street. Five stars! read more

So sad this is closed during this crazy lockdown. I miss seeing the lights and full parking lot in the way home. Such a local staple with good people and good food. read more

We had our company Christmas party there with over 40 people and they knocked it out of the park!!!! The owners were so wonderful and accommodating and the food was AMAZING!!!! I highly recommend them! read more

I lived in the Nevada County for about six years and now live in Dublin. I should be upset with the Willo because I won't order steaks at others restaurants now. In over a dozen visits to the Willo I always ordered the mid sized ( I believe it was 12 ounces) New York steak mediam rare. It was always delicious and inexpensive. Even their baked potatoes were done right. If you want a fancy atmosphere and a $30 dollar steak then go elsewhere, but I can tell you it won't be as good. I would rate the Willo steaks just a notch behind Jack's in Redding, and Jack's is a renowned steak restaurant. read more

Once again a terrific dinner that is affordable as well as generous in portions. You won't walk away hunger and you will want to return. Country dining at its best.. be sure to visit the bar and play sir hockey read more

Best to make reservations but we got lucky and still got in with just us two. Haven't been in 9 years and after revisiting I released I've been missing out! The menu is simple and straightforward and the wait was a good bit but everything was worth the wait! Had the halibut and upgraded my salad (glad I did it was delicious with homemade croutons and flavorful pickled tasting beets). I left feeling satisfied yet not hurting stuffed. The ribs were cooked to perfection with a side of the richest sauce gooey sweet yet smokey spice BBQ sauce. All of the staff was so friendly and the patrons with such a small town welcoming feel. They sang happy birthday to patrons and everyone in the place sang along. You just leave with what a true old fashion restaurant experience used to feel like. We will be back for sure. It is a smaller close sitting place with more pricey items and only one child's menu option of a burger so my recommendation is go on a date or with adults for a better experience because kids may get ancy with the longer wait time for food but I wouldn't let it stop you from eating there of the kids foots go either. Every plate is cooked fresh to order and placed in the grill. You can taste it too because it taste fresh and never re warmed under a light feeling. We will be back- thanks for the experience! read more

The Willo - Think chunk of Halibut and homemade tarter sauce w/ upgraded salad. Ribs cooked to perfection w/ beans and salad. Yummy yummy - Steakhouses Near Me - Nevada City, California

Best steak I've had in a long time! We really enjoyed the service as well. We will be back for sure!

Wow. What amazing steak I had tonight. Fantastic baked beans and potato, salad was just lettuce and dressing but still yummy. Man, do they cook a steak great. We had superb service. Ambiance was casual, loud. What you'd want. Everyone was singing happy birthday to each other. I recommend the willo for a great fulfilling meal and great service. Also! The bar side has shuffle board! And and pool table and juke box. It's all in all a one of a kind place/experience. I just happen to love it. read more

Best steak in Nevada county! I cant to go back! Their menu is so simple but it's so good! Anyways get the steak!!

My husband and I are here years ago while visiting Nevada City. We still talk about it and tell friends about the unique experience there. The waitress was so interesting, she was dry and had a matter of fact attitude. She took our order and cooked our steak. I'll never forget that lady she was so unique, so small town but curious about the world. The steak was unbelievable! It's in a bazaar location on a highway out in the middle of nowhere. From our BnB in Nevada City it was a cheap taxi ride. We hope to visit again in the future read more

We've been going to the Willo for many years. Probably 3 or 4 times in a year. It's a very simple setting, old and rustic. There are no windows in the restaurant area which I always thought was interesting. We have always found the wait staff to be good and friendly. They don't have a huge menu but the food is excellent. I love that your food is cooked right in the dining area on a big open grill. You can even do your own grilling if you want. The reason I rate it 4 stars instead of 5 is because the pricing on some of the main menu items seems high in my opinion. And I usually get the Halibut but the last time we went (last month) the portion seemed smaller than in the past. Overall, if you like a good old stake house setting and food I think it would be hard to be disappointed. read more

Love this place! There is a reason they win best steak house of Nevada County every year! The juiciest steaks ever! So sad they are closed during this horrible time. When they are allowed to re-open we will be there! read more

Wonderfully Old School!!! Great simple food and great people. Both the staff and the people. This place sticks to what they do well and they do it great! Food is simple and affordable. Noticed someone didnt like they didnt have burgers for adults. They do on Mondays...They grind up all the small steak cuts and make hamburger. My son and I love going on Monday nights to have some great burgers. I love the fact that they refuse to serve the kids burger to anyone other than kids because it is a little frozen burger for kids. I'm really surprised and glad that it has not been on a food network show yet for such a great hole in the wall...I'm glad because Its perfect and super busy already. Don't Change A Thing! read more

The steak was delicious and I get why they have been voted best in Nevada County so many times. However it's awkward that the cheese you get with the baked potato is just a slice of cheese rather then shredded cheese. The "salad" is iceberg lettuce and dressing. I don't think that's they could try less if they wanted to. For the price the whole dinner costs you'd think they'd step it up a notch. My biggest issue was the customer service. Only one guy out of the five people who helped us was actually friendly. Everyone else made you feel like you were doing something wrong for being there or being togo boxes. I've never felt so uncomfortable in a restaurant. I personally won't go back or recommend it to anybody. read more

Very romantic place , loved the food the service was outstanding probably the best steak I've had in a long time nice getaway great place we stumbled upon the taste was outstanding on both of our stakes we will be returning . I suggest stopping! read more

Loved this place, loved the owners. Sat at the bar had a nice dinner and talked dogs lol.

Haven't been here in 10 years but it was soooo good! Best steaks ever! Great for families, kids loved it which is very rare!

I first experienced The Willo around 1999 when my college classmate, who is a Nevada County local, brought me here after an afternoon of hanging out along the Yuba. I fell in love with both the Yuba and the Willo that day. From the quaint, neon sign out front, to the unique spelling of its name, to the amazing wood beams in the women's restroom (I take photos of them every time I visit! Don't judge, check it out!), to the cinder block grill where you can cook your own steak, to the iceberg lettuce and dressing "salad", to the paper placemats and the friendly staff who always ask if you have a reservation, even if the restaurant has multiple open tables. One day I will venture onto the bar side of this establishment, but for now, I will continue to enjoy the perfectly cooked roadhouse steaks and the hometown feel when dining here after a long day of swimming in or hiking along the magical Yuba. Pro-tip: This place isn't for the high maintenance types. read more

Groan. Slab of meat, slab of iceberg lettuce with a blob of salad dressing, beans that taste like they are out of a can. Generic white dinner roll. Need to "reserve" a baked potato ahead if you want one. Not much to order if you don't eat steak unless you like catfish (ugh.) If you like cheap steak and truck-stop food, this would be the place to go. Be prepared for a long wait, especially on weekends. The good news? It's impossible to under-dress here. read more

$98 for 2 people who only got the small sized steak? Ridiculous. Not only can you NOT buy the entire meal, which is baked beans (ew) and a cheap ice burg lettuce salad and one tiny scoop of ice cream - it all comes together on one plate with no separation. (Besides the ice cream that's served last) my baked beans were getting into my salad, and the ranch dressing coated the bottom and side of my steak making it quite awful in flavor from the mix of steak juice, baked bean juice, and ranch dressing. I know the price of steak went up due to COVID, but I was able to get 3 rib-eye steaks, prawns, and side salads for only $91 at the tack room during COVID - but I went to the willow and paid $98 for 2 small New York strips? With sides I didint even want? It was a rip off. How can I get a better cut of steak somewhere else for way less, for 3 people and then break my bank for only 2 people for subpar cuts of meat and soggy salad and gross beans? Don't go to the willow. read more

I'm writing this review about 24 years too late...but the memory of the Willo will not fade away. My parents retired in 1988 and lived about 20 miles north on Moonshine Road right on the middle fork of the Yuba River. The whole family helped them build their dome home and we spent many many days up there and just about every holiday or any reason to visit. we discovered the Willo by accident, passing by hundreds of times. Always thought the place was just a bar until we stopped in for a drink on the way to Nevada City for some dinner. Needless to say, we never made it to Nevada City because we had just struck gold, and some darn good, down home food. There's nothing fancy about the place or the food but every bit of it was very good. From the generic salad, to the really tasty ranch style beans, the garlic bread and the steaks. Did I mention the steaks? My dad loves to grill and I do too so there was never a need to have someone else cook for us. They notify you when there is space open on the grill and then they bring you meat of choice out for you. All of the seasonings are right around the grill, just grab what you need and season away. Always had a beverage in hand around the pit...just seemed natural like ducks and water. Never had a bad steak there and back then a 16oz steak was around $11-$12 bucks. I live in Fresno now and not sure if I'll ever make it back because my folks have passed on but the memory of the Willo and being there with family and friends will never go away. I'm just pleased that this little place out in the middle of no where is still up and running, and from what I read, still doing it their way. read more

Well, the willo is a very interesting cultural and culinary experience. If you're from a more urban area, I highly recommend checking this place out as a cultural study of country folk. It's simple food, nothing special but still really tasty. The ribs are delicious and the steaks very well cooked. read more

A 1960's style dive that has good food and is not too expensive. The place has a charm, believe it or not, that you have to go there to experience. The steak is unbeleivably good considering that it is only seasoned with salt and pepper. The grill is unique, out in the open, and the steaks are cooked on the rarer side. This is not a place for women's food. No, there are no fancy - dancy salads. If you're hungry, go there. If you want French sauces, don't. read more

Came to G.V. for four days and ate here twice. Pay the extra $1.50 and get the upgraded salad, so good. On the second visit the steak was medium well instead of medium, it was still good just a little extra chewy. Since ice cream is included with your meal (a different kind each night) I enjoy getting to try new flavors, thumbs up on the mocha chocolate fudge! The Willo always reminds me of a little honky tonk without the music, it is great to watch the joint jumping! read more

this is the best food in town for any appetite the steaks are top notch & ribs are as good as any bbq joint great service and friendly people fun bar for all to enjoy ! there prices are very reasonable for the meal you get plus a nice scoop of ice cream to finish it off mon nt burgers are best kept secret in town ! read more

If you're looking for a consistently good steak, then this is the place. No bells or whistles here, just gooood food. This is the place to stop after a day at the river, or a hike in the hills. Casual. Food choices are few, steak, chicken, ribs or fish. Go with the steak...it comes with homemade baked beans running all over the plate and a side of salad. The only thing I would change about the salad is the lettuce. I wish it were anything but iceberg. Dessert comes with dinner and is a scoop of wonderful ice cream. The entertainment on the floor is being able to watch your server grilling your steak . Customers are welcome to cook their own steak as well. Am knocking a star off only because I wish there were windows in the place. I mean how hard would it be to put in a window or two? read more

We loved this comfy, tasty spot. Great, attentive service. No-frills just very good food.