If you're craving a dining experience that combines rustic charm with mouthwatering flavors, look no further than Wood Ranch BBQ in Manhattan Beach. During a private Stroll gathering, neighbors came together for an evening of great food, lively conversation, and more than a few “wow” moments.

From the moment guests stepped inside, the warm, upscale-casual atmosphere made a great first impression. “I was really surprised by how beautiful the inside of Wood Ranch is,” said Rachel Oh. “It’s rustic.” The modern décor was a fitting backdrop for the decadent food that followed.

Others were equally impressed with the stylish yet approachable ambiance. “The comfortable upscale-casual atmosphere was warm and inviting,” noted Andrew White, while Sarah Gordon liked the nice wood fixtures on the ceiling and red leather booth-style seating.

The music was set to a nice moderate level, conducive to conversation. With a layout that includes an open kitchen and warm, welcoming staff, Maria Wheeler described it as a “beautiful build out,” and Alex Wheeler chimed in, “Open and very friendly staff!” Ryan White summed it up perfectly as a “semi-formal yet welcoming ambiance.”

Before entrées arrived, the appetizers and salads already had guests swooning. “The rolls were fluffy and smothered in a delicious garlic butter. I would come here simply for the delicious rolls!” exclaimed Rachel. Andrew agreed, complimenting the onion strings and BBQ sauce, calling them “excellent – paired perfectly.” He also appreciated the garlic and herbs in the rolls, and praised the salads for their “excellent diversity of vegetables that complemented the chicken, which was cooked to perfection.”

Sarah found the buffalo cauliflower wings to be “perfectly crisp, well-seasoned, complemented by the medium spicy, tangy, wing sauce,” adding that the BBQ sauce was “perfectly balanced with sweetness, smokiness, and spice.”

Maria raved, “The California salad was exquisite! We heard it was only offered at this location; it’s a must order! The buffalo cauliflower was crispy and finger licking good.” Alex declared the onions “delectable” and the salad “mouth-wateringly fresh,” while Ryan applauded the creativity and execution, saying, “Appetizers were an excellent rendition on classic American appetizers that were easily snackable/sharable amongst a table… [they were] hearty and could serve well on their own.”

When entrées arrived, things got even better. Andrew praised the tri-tip for its crisp crust and tender center, saying the house BBQ sauce brought out the meat’s full flavor without overpowering it. “The mac and cheese was al dente and perfectly balanced,” he added. Sarah agreed, noting, “All the sides were spot on—veggies cooked just right, and everything was seasoned well.”

Maria loved the pulled pork, calling it “tender and full of flavor,” while Alex described the brisket as “succulent, melt-in-your-mouth,” and the ribs as “the perfect mix of juicy meat and sweet sauce.” Ryan declared the baby back ribs “the star of the show,” adding, “The meat slid right off the bone but still had a satisfying bite. And that sauce… just wow.”

Dessert was the perfect ending to an already spectacular evening. The butter cake stole the spotlight with its warm, soft center and cold vanilla ice cream contrast. “A delicious combination—they complement each other beautifully,” said Andrew. Ryan called it “rich and luscious,” while Sarah opted for the apple cobbler, describing it as “warmly spiced and not too sweet.” Maria went all in: “The butter cake, chocolate cake, and peach cobbler were all scrumptious. Can’t wait to go back for more.”

When asked about favorites, Andrew quickly named the tri-tip, while Sarah pointed to the cauliflower wings, saying, “perfectly crisp and blue cheese crumble was a nice touch.” Maria Wheeler couldn’t choose just one side, saying, “I thought all the sides were amazing. We really enjoyed the meal!” Alex highlighted “the signature crispy onion shavings with the BBQ sauce,” and Ryan left dreaming about “the scrumptious salads” that started the meal.

Overall, the meal was a delightful surprise to many. Andrew summed it up well: “Pleasantly surprised; exceeded my expectations with the food and the service.” Sarah added, “I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of each dish and the freshness of ingredients.” Alex appreciated the community spirit, saying, “Great conversation and wonderful conversation with the new neighbors.” And Ryan concluded, “A place like this was much needed in the area.”

If you haven’t yet visited Wood Ranch BBQ in Manhattan Beach, now’s the time. Whether you're there for the irresistible garlic butter rolls, the fall-off-the-bone ribs, or the heavenly butter cake and other desserts, one thing’s for sure - you’ll leave full, happy and ready to return.

 Wood Ranch BBQ
 Located in Manhattan Market Place
 1550 Rosecrans Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
 (213) 762-0202
 woodranch.com