Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Wool Growers Restaurant in Los Banos

4.5 (199) 609 H St, Los Banos, CA 93635, United States

Categories

Basque restaurant
Cocktail bar
French restaurant
Restaurant

Location on the map

Los Banos, Merced County, California, US

Phone:
Site: http://woolgrowerslosbanos.com/

Opening hours

Monday:Closed
Tuesday:11:30 AM–8:30 PM
Wednesday:11:30 AM–8:30 PM
Thursday:11:30 AM–8:30 PM
Friday:11:30 AM–8:30 PM
Saturday:11:30 AM–8:30 PM
Sunday:11:30 AM–8 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.5

199 Reviews for Wool Growers Restaurant 2024:

Review №1

2023-09-27 22:04:50

It was delicious, now, I am from Bakersfield and raised with Basque restaurants, if you go expecting the same set-up you will be disappointed. It will not be because of the food, every single thing is flavorful, the meats were tender, and the sides and table wine was yummy. The disappointment, if your from Bako, will be your bias to the Bako Basque restaurants and the table set up that includes sides that they do not serve here. I enjoyed it and fell in love with the Lamb stew.

Review №2

2023-11-26 03:15:53

Very different. Restaurant serves family style, set menu. Decided to go to the bar and do a la carte. Lamb stew was just excellent and hit the spot for lunch. Worth a visit, but then I love lamb.

Review №3

2023-06-10 00:46:53

Cant beat the price or the food, been coming here my whole life. Its worth the drive from Patterson, Newman, Merced, and now Chowchilla. Food comes out in courses, and every dish is better than the last. Will always recommend this restaurant!!

Review №4

2022-08-24 01:13:46

We love this place and have been coming here for special occasions since 1992.Ownership has since changed but everything feels just the same. You still get a bottle of house red wine on the table for free and enough food to possibly feed an army. This is not an in-and-out meal out. Its an experience. We usually spend a couple of hours when we go.I like to bring a handful of friends with me when I go, so we can all pick a different entree and share. Everything is served family style, and the number of sides you get is jaw-dropping for first-timers. My favorite sides are the vegetable soup and the beans. The salad is made with a house dressing you cam buy to take home. As far as entrees go, the shrimp is my top pick when available. I also enjoy the prime rib, the pork chops and the New York steak.

Review №5

2023-09-01 18:13:04

Delicious as always! Ribeye was cooked to medium perfection. Pro tip, add some of the beans in the vegetable soup 🤌

Review №6

2023-10-06 01:39:30

One of my favorite meals ever. I had the Lamb shoulder. It was wonderful... but the Lamb stew was the star of the show. Its family style seating and serving. You sit down and they bring bread, wine, salad, stew and potato salad... it wasnt like any potato salad I have ever had. I loved it! Then they brought whatever you ordered.Everyone was having fun and eating great food...Basque style!

Review №7

2023-12-08 19:32:55

They serve a lot of food, bread, soup, beans, potatoes salad, green salad, lamb stew, French and your choice of meat, we had pork chops and new york steak, and they finish with ice cream. 😋 Delicious!

Review №8

2023-10-22 04:25:59

First time here tonight. Great quaint homey atmosphere. Food was delicious, staff were friendly and attentive. Glad my friend Art brought me to this little gem, he has loved for so long.

Review №9

2023-12-03 21:14:54

Tri tip is ok. Recommend lamb chop, a lot better in terms of seasoning and tenderness. Free table wine is a plus. Also recommend Basque cheesecake, cheesy but not too sweet.

Review №10

2023-09-09 12:13:31

I wish I could give more stars. I was greeted by an amazing bar tender that offered me a drink from the Basque region and told me more about the place. I was dining solo on business and wish I could share with my family as it was served family style. There are long tables covered in red and white checkered clothes. The meal has several courses that are all you care to eat but make sure you dont fill up on the soup, bread, beans, salad, potato salad and lamb stew. There is also a bottle of house burgundy on the table that was very nice. Again Pace yourself! I had the lamb chops that were cooked to perfection. I am sure everything here is good but I am convinced that the chops are by far the best thing on the menu. Also served with French fries and ice cream with chocolate sauce for dessert. Go hungry so you can enjoy this trip to the Basque region of Los Banos. You will not be disappointed by the food or the service. We just thought service died with covid. The survivors came to the Wool Growers.

Review №11

2022-12-29 03:09:38

Great historic Basque restaurant. French Basque food at its finest, served traditional family-style 🐑🇨🇵😘 Excellent service and authentic set-up and hardy fare. Very popular with the local crowd.

Review №12

2023-08-30 19:45:53

I love this place. The food is delicious. Is plenty so, be sure to go when you ate really hungry!. Is not expensive due to the dmfact thew will include everything, from soup, salad wine, bread, the main dish and dessert!Try it! You will not regret !!

Review №13

2023-06-26 02:20:01

This local restaurant is a great place for something different. It’s all family style meals. You pay one price per person and get served all sorts of sides and then a choice of main meat. The lamb shoulder is very well flavored and the serving size is huge. Don’t forget about the non ending wine they serve you. I definitely would recommend this place for a tasty experience.

Review №14

2023-08-04 19:56:25

Love dining at Wool Growers! I usually get lamb chops which are always thick, juicy, and delicious, but changed it up this time with a New York Steak, which was also thick, juicy, delicious...cooked to perfection. Sides included lamb stew, salad, Basque beans, fries,bread and vanilla ice cream cup. A carafe of red wine was in course in the meal as well. Very satisfying experience!

Review №15

2023-11-11 23:37:39

I havent been there in so many years. The service was great, the food was to die for. I cant wait to go back. My hubby had the lamb shank, and it fell off the bone.

Review №16

2022-08-14 21:13:30

Great restaurant. Good meats. No real options for vegan eaters, but the house wine is good.

Review №17

2023-06-11 16:50:40

Food was good but such a different type. Meaning you get a meat entree and then they serve you ; stew, french fries, salad, bread, baked beans, wine and lastly ice cream.Not a place to go if on a diet, thats for sure. Seems it was made originally to get customers full for their journeys to come.My party I was with made it enjoyable. The atmosphere is very dark. And kind of like tables put together just to fit more people. Very old school.Id go back and try something else, I had the shrimp scampi. Was not bad but it was bland. My friends loved the pork chops and tri tip!

Review №18

2020-06-07 20:10:02

Wool growers offers a unique dining experience. When you first enter the dining room, the seat positions are totally unorthodox and super pleasing! There is no menu (at least not in this COVID-19 times). The server comes and tell u what they have for the day. I tried their lamb and OMG what an experience (see photos) its incredible! They started with Bread and butter then a super tasty veggie soup followed by a delicious salad with potatoe salad that was to die for. And then came the lamb in a delicious sauce and as if all that was not enough, they have another plate of lamb filet (baked I think) all of them so tender you dont need a knife. The generous meat portions that were in the sauce were falling off the bones and the sauce, the carrots in it, the potatoes, so succulent, beyond delicious. It was so good I almost cried. I couldnt help it, I Tipped the cook! Definitely the best place to go when you are hungry!

Review №19

2016-12-23 22:44:07

Lamb chops, beef chops, or chicken chops? Thats the all-American word of the day.I had been to canteen-style diners. (Heck, you can even say I grew up in canteens.) You just go to a window to order and bring food to a seat that you can grab. So from the moment I was seated - by an actual server, I began to wonder how this canteen worked. Do they even take order? There was no menu on the table (except a faux-leather covered wine menu), nor did the server casually drop one there. There were already two fairly large groups. They did not look like they had self served. So I decided to wait instead of ask.After five or seven minutes, a waitress came to pop the question: Which chops? The choices are so simple, no menu needed!Soon after ordering, weve got a water jar, bread and butter, and, ahem, a bottle of table wine. To be honest, this is the first time Ive seen an open bottle of table wine in a restaurant. Even though I dont drink, I am very curious what table wine tastes like. So I took a sip. It certainly wasnt your pinot noire or sauvignon. Although Im sure that its alcohol content is within common red wine range, it does have this tinge that reminds me of the Chinese 烧酒. (Shaojiu or shochu, literally means burning wine. Often associated with unrefined drinkers, it is known for its 60% alcohol content.)Next quickly came a large bowl of iceberg lettuce drenched in some kind of ranch dressing but much lighter with a heavy accent of vinegar.After bread, butter, and salad - all off-the-shelf stuff, I was expecting the entrées. But then came a large bowl of vegetable soup and a large bowl of baked beans. My daughter began to muse: So this is going to be courses. The soup was very poorly made, but the beans were delicious. We didnt finish it only because we needed space for meat.Ah meat. My daughter ordered lamb chops and I pork. Lamb came in three big chops, and pork came in two even bigger. To top the entrée off, this was accompanied by a plateful of chicken rice as the waitress called it. It was stir-fried with at least 50% chicken meat! As if this is enough, the waitress came back with a plateful of French fries.Unfortunately, neither the rice nor my pork chops tasted any good. I didnt taste my daughters lamb but she said it was good. Good or bad, the two of us finished only half of the main course.Just as I was thinking are they going to serve dessert now that this proved to be a three-course meal, the waitress brought two small packaged ice-creams.The tally? $15 per person. With this much food thrown into the meal, I can see why this remains a popular place for over a hundred years despite uninspired cooking.Maybe their unique name helped, too. We were in a nearby gas station and called up Siri for lunch. My daughter chose this one because (Wool Growers) sounds interesting! even after I reminded her that the cuisine is marked as American. In other words: no cuisine.This would be my second time eating this country-style multi-course meal. The first time was 30 years ago during my first visit to the U.S. That was a banquet offered by an IEEE society at its annual symposium held in Historic Williamsburg, VA that year. So even though the style was the same, cooking was very refined.In short, off-the shelf bread, butter, table wine, and ice cream; terrible soup and pork chop; very bad stir-fried chicken rice; uninspired iceberg lettuce; excellent baked beans. (And dont forget French fries - it would take some talent to screw up this one.) Loads of meat, little cuisine.Go for the dining experience if you havent tried. Or go for the meat on the buck. (They do not have the typical styrofoam or paper containers to pack leftovers. When asked, the waitress produced a transparent plastic bag.) Im not a drinker, so I cant comment on wine selection or taste. My educated guess is that all are off-the-shelf.

Review №20

2018-09-05 13:44:21

This is an authentic French restaurant, which means it’s very unusual here in the States. Most of the seating is along long tables which are shared by multiple parties. The meal is a set menu, served family style, and you pick your meat. The set dishes include vegetable soup, salad, bread, potato salad, chicken and rice, French fries (duh), red wine, and ice cream. They bring way too much food, so come with a good appetite. By the time my tri-tip arrived, I couldn’t finish it.Service was efficient, and unaccompanied by pleasantries such as smiles. (Again, authentic French.) The food was generally good, though I found the soup a bit salty for my taste.

Review №21

2019-03-02 01:50:30

I heard about this place for years but I never made time to visit. I finally went (and on a Friday which is the only day they serve shrimp scampi and baked fish) and the food is really good. The scampi is a red sauce type, not white sauce. I had never had it before and it was really, really good.For $20 during lunch and $25 during dinner you get a 7 course meal. They start your off work bread then they give you beans and vegetable soup, then they bring you salad then beef stew then fries and last, your main course. At the end they give you ice cream and each meal is served with red wine.Service was good and it was pretty busy, we went during lunch time about noon. They serve all types alcohol, you can check their menu its blurry but thats the one they have on their site. Ill be going back soon, its a drive from Modesto but worth it in my opinion.

Review №22

2023-06-05 00:18:50

Food your aunt who can’t cook well would make. Charging top prices for cheap cheap low quality food. The atmosphere is also unpleasant - it’s like a warehouse with barely any windows. The tables are tacky. I would’ve let it slide if they weren’t charging almost $40 for an extremely subpar meal. I had the lamb loin chops and they were almost all fat - dead give away of the poor quality. The sides were just bland. Ingredients look like they came from a bargain grocery market. I left feeling really sad for all the people who think this is good food and don’t know what a rip off it is - no wonder they don’t give you menus here :-/

Review №23

2016-12-09 22:42:03

I dont consider this restaurant cheap, but I DO consider it a great deal. You can order with or without an entree (without an entree is cheaper, for fairly obvious reasons). Either way, you get bread, soup, salad, fries, potato salad, beans, and a fantastic lamb stew. Some nights they have pigs feet. Other nights they have chicken and rice.If you do choose an entree, you get an additional plate of meat of your choosing: they almost always have steak, pork chops, and roast chicken. Sometimes they have roast lamb, lamb chops, or other specials.They finish every meal off with a homemade hard cheese and ice cream, the kind that comes in individual styrofoam containers. They also serve a sharp, but surprisingly drinkable red wine with every meal at no cost.Though the décor isnt anything to write home about, I consider this restaurant a must every time I pass through Los Baños.

Review №24

2021-03-26 01:53:40

Excellent family style restaurant1st plate is soft French bread with butter paired with wine2nd plate is a hearty bowl of beans that make for a great bread dip3rd plate is a savorful vegetable soup4th plate is a salad smothered in dressing5th plate is one of my favorites, the lamb stew, super tasteful, hints of sweet broth salivate your tongue as you began to chew the fresh cooked lamb, by far the lamb stew Ive triedFinally the entrée lamb chops, for the novia, and ny steak for me.I have to say I was impressed with everything I ate, mind you this was my first time here, nonetheless I was most pleased with the creative flavors used to cooked the lamb chop and lamb stew. Wool Growers is now in must try again list as I anticipate to try more of their excellent wine while enjoying a 6 course meal. Thank you Wool Growers

Review №25

2023-12-06 02:42:20

What a unique and delicious experience! Violet was a wonderful host, too.

Review №26

2023-01-18 04:43:52

Very quick service, the food was amazing and the waitress very attentive to our needs. Its not a quiet place by any means, but the noise level was manageable. Obviously, the more people dining, the more noise. People dine at long tables together, so you may be sitting next to someone you dont know but people are really friendly here. They also serve a bottle of house wine that comes in the meal price. You get your salad with delicious Basque dressing, lamb stew or vegetable stew, fries, beans, and potato salad along with bread and butter. And your entree dish. Bartender was friendly, quick service there too. The restrooms were clean. Ive had the pork chops twice, the fish once, and every time Ive gone in there, Ive never been disappointed. Go check it out! Guaranteed to not leave hungry!

Review №27

2021-06-25 01:15:46

Never a disappointment. Amazing food, casual, family atmosphere. Make sure you are hungry. Yummy soups, salad, bread, wine, beans, stews and wholesome main courses, like bbq chicken, tri tip, pork chops, oso buco, and more. A must try! Wear loose fitting clothes....lol.... you need the room.

Review №28

2023-03-13 06:02:18

Place was a little dated. Food on the real pricey side... But.. That was the best lamb Ive ever had. Salad was delicious, Beans were scrumptious, French fries ok, but that lamb was epic..Soup was tasty but a little plain, Chicken was good, tri tip a little underwhelming, did I mention the lamb? Oh man.. It was perfect.. Seriously... I wanted to try the wine but didnt get a chance too.. Next time.. But if you go try the Lamb..

Review №29

2023-06-16 12:55:26

4.5 really, good food but limited options

Review №30

2019-04-17 13:37:42

Im giving 5 stars for the experience of enjoying Basque food at this historically significant restaurant. Although times have changed and it doesnt seem the place is actually frequented regularly by real sheep herders of Basque lineage, the food is still consistently good. Featuring family-style seating and family-style food, you certainly wont leave hungry. You also need to definitely leave low carb expectations at the door, however with all of the food served, someone eating this way can choose what to enjoy and still eat enough and well. We loved the pigs feet and lamb stew. The veggie soup and salad are also classic and a great start to this wonderful meal. (I should have passed up seconds on both to save room for the main course meat.) Definitely a must try.

Review №31

2023-08-31 21:08:26

Lamb shank special is delightful, along with the minestrone, baked beans, salad and lamb stew PRIOR to the main entree!!

Review №32

2023-06-23 23:54:40

Our family has been eating there since the Arretche family owned it. Then the Iturbide family purchased the restaurant and for all those years it was the same taste and quality we came to love and respect. We were back in L.B. in February of 2023, and both nights we had dinner at the Wool. Only the locals know to put the beans in the soup, a long with Parmesan cheese and a shot of Tabasco to taste. We had to show people in our party ho to eat at the Wool Growers. Everyone loved it and vowed to return! I gave 5 stars because the new owners never changed the atmosphere. Anna, the bartender (who I went to school with) makes a mean Picon punch. Try one.....or 2 or 3! 👍

Review №33

2023-10-14 20:58:18

For lunch, come on an empty stomach. Youll be eating so many sides along with your main course.

Review №34

2021-07-31 23:10:22

The steak I ordered was thin, dry and not at all tasty. I ate 1/3 of the steak and left the rest. For the price I expected a better meal.

Review №35

2022-06-21 14:43:00

Great place to grab a bite to eat. The Lamb Stew was my favorite and go with friends or family as everything is served family style. Something for everybody.

Review №36

2023-09-08 19:14:49

Food is excellent, service outstanding and prices reasonable. What more can you want?

Review №37

2022-10-29 23:12:55

I hate having to write bad reviews. I wish I could say that this restaurant is excellent, that their food is of great quality, that their service objective is to ensure customers satisfaction, and so on. Unfortunately is the opposite in all those point and more. And I dont think the owners or management care. But, that is the trance among business these days; they prefer to save a penny at the cost of loosing customers.We have been twice to this restaurant. This second time we reluctantly agree because it was the groups choice. At the end the group agreed: we shouldve gone somewhere else! Not only they mess up our order, but the ribeye was so tough that we had to point it out to the server. To which the server reply with an unemotional sorry, period.I will make sure to remember Wool Growers to ensure not to return to it.

Review №38

2023-08-17 06:51:30

Never had a bad meal there!! You will love it!

Review №39

2023-05-22 01:43:33

I have lived in Los Banos my whole life and have been a regular customer of Woolgrowers for over 30 years. For the first time in my life, I walked out of a restaurant after being ignored for over 20 minutes. They werent even busy, no wine, bread, or any type of acknowledgment from the wait staff. I will never go back. The new owners have failed to run the restaurant like it had been run for years. Disgraceful.

Review №40

2020-10-12 00:06:46

This was the best place to eat at for a good meal and decent service. My husband took me here the other night for a little dinner date. We had delicious bread, ok wine, and ice water, along with the beans for the bread, really good btw, and the cabbage vegetable soup was delicious, then we got a really good ceasar salad, along with a good crunchy texture potato salad and then more yummy bread with the butter and finally our lamb ontop of the mash potatoes. Omg so good and so stuffed.

Review №41

2023-02-01 04:00:24

Delicious food for very reasonable price, very big portions. Cant take much home but they will give you a bag for leftover meat. You will be family style so expect neighbors if its crowded, not an issue for me normally but not everybodys thing

Review №42

2022-12-09 04:31:02

The food is amazing. I believe it was a nine course meal plus a bottle of wine. The service hovered over us and there was no possible way to eat it all but I managed all but the stew. Cant wait to go back. Simply amazing

Review №43

2022-04-02 14:53:11

Excellent food and excellent customer service. They seat you family style. Side dishes are bottomless. Their vegetable soup is delicious, their pinto beans are very flavorful, their salad, even though its just lettuce was really good, they make their own dressing. You get a bottle of red table wine, which wasnt bad. This place is a must visit!

Review №44

2021-09-10 02:59:13

My husband and I stopped here just passing through not totally knowing what to expect. Everything was phenomenal! The family style meal with traditional recipes COULD NOT HAVE BEEN BETTER! The waitstaff was friendly and efficient even though they had an unexpected rush right before closing, which is hard on any restaurant. They really know how to make fantastic lamb- shank, roast, and stew were each different, tender and very flavorful.

Review №45

2022-06-06 00:57:15

The food was good up until are ribeye steak came. We ordered our steaks to be cooked medium, they were well done and very dry. Our appetites were gone at this point. Instead of offering a discount on the $32 each steaks, they only offered to cook another one. So I took them home to maybe eat later. I feel that this is poor management. Gina our waitress was excellent, unfortunately this place is going down hill. Been coming here for over 35 years and I can say I won’t be back. Bad ending on my daughters birthday.

Review №46

2023-01-29 04:39:53

Tremendous old restaurant. Bring your appetite! Third (or forth?) course of lamb stew was delicious! New York steak was cooked perfectly.

Review №47

2022-03-23 04:47:10

I have been going to the Wool Growers for years. It has always been excellent, even after the owners changed. Tonight I was so disappointed! The salad, that I usually love had very little salad dressing on it. The lamb was so tough you could hardly chew it. Part of the lamb in the stew was also tough. I waited for at least 20 minutes for a glass of wine I ordered. The staff try, but there was only one very young person waiting on all the tables while we were there. So disappointed. Will probably not go back.

Review №48

2019-01-12 02:44:34

I always get excited when I plan to eat dinner here. Great food and always a lot of fun to eat here. If you go away hungry theres something wrong with you😊

Review №49

2022-07-10 01:54:48

Restaurant has really gone down hill sense the new owners. We have been going there a couple times a year for at least 15 years. My husband had the prime rib and ordered medium and I had the ribeye, his steak was basically raw and he eats prime rib at other restaurants often, this was not hardly cooked. My ribeye was paper thin and cooked to leather death, I couldn’t even chew it. We basically drove an hour to purchase meat for our dogs . The waitresses need training as well, ours didn’t even bother to offer a fix for the steak.

Review №50

2022-05-14 16:06:12

French Basque style though i still havent figured out how New York steak, prime rib or tri-tip are Basque. I really wanted to give this place more stars but I couldnt. The food overall was quite good. I had the lamb chops and was served two that basically covered the dinner plate. They were excellent. My problem lies in the dessert. You get a scoop of ice cream, vanilla only, with your meal. What isnt mention is that its in one of those plastic cups you can get in a bulk package that has the wood spoon included at most grocery stores. Youre also given a bottle of Hersheys chocolate syrup in case you want to top your cup off. I would have been more accepting of this, though still disappointed, if the cups were locally produced. Nope. Made in Texas. A good meal brought down by a cheap dessert.

Review №51

2021-12-09 19:51:24

A unique experience! Family style sit-down with legit basque style food! Salad, beans, bread, wine… I tried the lamb, perfectly seasoned, my friends loved the pork. Also a full bar attached. I highly recommend!

Review №52

2022-03-15 18:13:36

I ordered take out. 6 good size pieces of lamb chops, pint of beans, potato salad, soup & a salad tray. All for $65. Fed 6 of us perfectly with leftovers!!! Savory food. Well worth the price 👌

Review №53

2022-07-10 17:33:18

We have been going to Woolgrowers for 50+ years, this is the first time we were all dissatisfied. The portions were so small! There were six of us, our favorite lamb stew was served in a very small bowl that didn’t make it to the last two people and we were rationing it! So we ordered another which cost extra. Looking around, people with two to three people were getting the same ration as the six of us? Two of our party ordered the rib-eye, it was so tough they couldn’t eat them. Highly disappointed.

Review №54

2023-10-18 17:52:58

Ive been going here for over 50 years. Obviously I like the place.

Review №55

2022-03-06 04:50:26

Really was looking forward to celebrating my twins birthday tonight but instead came away disappointed and quite frankly saddened. First, our waiter was nothing short of dismal. Two of us ordered prime rib and neither were asked how they would like it cooked. Both asked for horseradish that never came. The prime rib was excellent though. Two of us ordered roast lamb which we couldnt have been more disappointed in. While the lamb stew side was excellent and quite tender, the lamb entree was tough and overcooked. The sides were ok..soup was not hearty but more a broth. Management took 1 lamb entree off my bill which I appreciate tho there were 2 lamb entrees...bottom line this visit was not at all how I remember Woolgrowers and unfortunately ruined this moms hopes for the evening.

Review №56

2021-10-10 19:49:23

Unusual format for eating. If you order the basic, it includes beans, vegetable soup (I heard putting the beans into the soup is pretty good, but I only tried the beans), a simple, but delicious salad (its all about the dressing!), potato salad (good, but a little sour taste to it), lamb stew (phenomenal!!), and bread slices (pretty amazing too!). Also provided is a bottle of some basic red wine. Not as strong as most red wines which is why I like it. Its a bit pricey, but definitely worth the money. Food is served as if at a family meal in big bowls that each person can serve themselves from. You can order an entree (steak, lamb chops, shrimp scampi, depending on the night of the week), but you would only make it through the entree if you dont eat too much of the other stuff mentioned above. Tried the Picon. A bit strong, but worth a try. Waitress seemed confused on pricing and pay time, but overall pleasant atmosphere and experience.

Review №57

2022-11-07 16:17:52

The quality of the cooking is not what it once was but its still a place you should visit. Cafeteria style seating. Its cramped and its loud but if youre there with family, friends its going to be fun.

Review №58

2022-01-30 17:35:20

They say never judge a book by its cover, well the Wool Growers restaurant is a very good example. I kept taking my fiancés lamb chops as they were sooo good. I have never had such great Lamb stew. The service was excellent. Our waitress Violet was very courteous and just kept bringing the enormous fare. Cant wait to return, this time will order the Lamb chops.

Review №59

2021-11-07 23:46:20

The best lunch in California... One of my top favorite restaurants. A must when in or traveling through Los Banos 🐻

Review №60

2020-06-24 16:01:56

I lived in California, and traveled around the state for work for 20 years- so Ive dinned at thousands of California restaurants. So, when I say this is literally my favorite restaurant in the entire state of California, I think it means something. And,. FYI its also the favorite of my wife, and all five of of our children.Yall have probably already read the reviews about the food, atmosphere, service, and prices- and I agree with all of the amazing things that have been said about this restaurant. But, I want to share a different experience we had that may explain more about the culture of this restaurant. On Halloween, I traveled to Los Banos for work. Our five small children didnt have school that day and they all love Wool Growers, so they asked if they could join me for the journey then we could have dinner at Wool Growers after I finished work. My wife took the kids to a few houses for trick or treating while I finished working, then the kids wanted to wear the Halloween costumes to dinner at Wool Growers. The atmosphere and food were absolutely amazing as always, but at the end of the meal several waitresses brought over large Zip Lock bags of candy and gave them to our kids. Our kids were so happy! Of course, we thanked the waitresses many times and I think I left a very healthy tip.Wool Growers sets such a high standard of service, family dining, and warm-hearted atmosphere that its impossible for me to imagine someone not loving this place. No, its not in the 90210 zip code, and you wont find a valet service, mint brazened escargot over a bed of arugula, or any vintage 1912 French wine- but in this humble little farm town located in the center of the agricultural heart of California- youll certainly find the most unique and warm-hearted dining experience of your life.

Review №61

2023-06-11 21:40:00

Lots of food, but it’s very plain.,nothing special at all. I won’t go there again.

Review №62

2019-10-06 21:56:46

So much food and so good! My pork chops were A+ Fun family environment

Review №63

2022-09-12 03:24:39

Great food all homemade family style 5 course meal we had the lamb. They give you lamb stew and lamb chops. Alot of food couldnt eat it all great leftovers.

Review №64

2022-02-27 01:31:05

Very disappointing! Went on Sunday for the sides that included chicken and rice. The previous owners had moist chicken and the rice was also moist. This chicken and rice was maybe like a rice a roni mix with a few bits of very dry chicken. The soup was very watery. The rest of the sides were ok. This place is going to close down if the new owners/management think they can skimp on the quality of food and just rely on the excellent reputation the previous owners worked so hard the made Wool Growers THE place to go.

Review №65

2022-10-25 01:51:56

Weve been going there fior30 plus years the Rib-Eye steaks are horrible.. ordered. Medium rare came out Grey dry wouldnt feed it to my dog looked like it been sitting there there for 3 days. DO NOT PUT IT ON THE MENU !

Review №66

2019-06-17 21:10:05

Was there on Saturday Night 6/15/2019. The food was excellent but the service was lacking. It took the 2 of us approximately an hour and a half to get served. We felt forgotten by the waitress. We waited a long time between courses. There were several people who came in after us and left before us. I ordered the New York steak medium rare, but received it rare. The waitress never came back to see how our food was. We will try it again and hope for better service.

Review №67

2019-03-16 21:14:40

It has the best food ever💕 and after you get vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup!😜Highly Recommended!

Review №68

2023-06-24 01:32:27

We were disappointed with our food. It was not worth the price.

Review №69

2018-08-13 20:14:09

Great food and plenty of it. My favorite part of the meal was the lamb stew. It was delicious. I also had the New York steak which was cooked perfectly. All of the sides they brought out were very good. My family really enjoyed it. I wish they had a little more wait staff, they seemed very busy.

Review №70

2019-09-05 03:18:08

This is a Basque food restaurant. The food is very tasty. Very good food and although some people may say it is expensive, Id say it is not. The price is around $25, but you for sure will never leave feeling hungry.The menu varies each day, however, if you ask for something they arent serving that day, they will cook it for you.Employees are very nice and always asking for what you may need.The bar is also very good and you can eat there as well. Every time I have been at this place, I have left very satisfied.The chilled wine is always great too, however you can always oreder drinks from the bar. It is a restaurant to visit at least once in life.

Review №71

2022-03-23 03:25:19

Review №72

2022-02-25 01:27:02

Rate it as C-, not what I expected. Everything greasy grill chicken very dry, tri-tip cold, t-bone steak buttered to the hills. Beans, soup cool asked to heat it up more. Not fond of lamb, but atleast tried it.

Review №73

2023-03-12 07:31:29

Food is great but service was kinda slow, only one waitress for half full restaurant. Other than that great place

Review №74

2018-08-05 02:43:21

Everybody should have a meal at this location. This is a woman owned business and is family owned. I promise you you will not leave hungry. The top private eating rooms upstairs are uniquely designs for different ethnicities. Enjoy taking pictures across the street. Food is fantastic and must eat place.

Review №75

2023-05-21 03:44:50

Its always fun to go to the Wool Growers during picnic weekend. You see so many friends from all over.

Review №76

2019-04-29 03:29:05

We went as a group of 40 so we didnt see the menu. Beans and soup and salad were excellent. Accompanying red wine was not. Dinner was at 6 and they ran out of a main dish. Prime rib was tender but smothered in brown gravy disguising its flavor. Bar pricing was not consistent. If in town again will certainly try the regular menu.

Review №77

2018-08-14 08:42:32

The food is great, unfortunately the service was not. We have been customers there for many years and it is hit and miss since the new ownership. We had a party of 19 and left a mandatory $76.00 tip..so of course since the waitresses knew this, they didnt even try for good service and it was obvious. We only got 2 bottles of wine, and 3 plates of sides (chicken and rice). Normally a party of 4 gets 1 of each side dish and 1 bottle of wine. Technically if you do the math, we should have gotten more than 3 of the sides, and more than 2 bottles of wine. When we asked for more they said it was $10.00 extra. We paid full price and a mandatory tip for poor service and not enough food. We wont be going back anytime soon. Other reviews say large portions, but it only applies to small parties I guess...

Review №78

2022-09-26 13:36:27

Love this food. Love this place. Please Try. The sides are on point. The main courses are great and they always offer lamb!

Review №79

2019-06-28 06:30:57

I have been twice, like others, first time I went the servers stood around gossiping. Food took forever and wound up having to tell a different waitress that we had been waiting 2 hours with just soup and salad. We were there a total of 4 hrs. 2nd time we were served fairly fast but still had to ask for the lamb stew. It was not busy so waitresses visited with us and we had a fairly good experience. My grandkids could not believe the amount of food and the home style setting. I really like the place and the food. I love flavorful kinda sweet wine and theirs does not disappoint.

Review №80

2022-09-15 23:27:20

It was very delicious very different menu from any restaurant I have eaten at. If you are ever in the area please stop in you will not be disappointed.

Review №81

2020-01-19 06:05:33

I love wool growers for a couple of reasons. It is classic family style basque so for a fixed price they bring you soup salad beans rice fries lamb chops and dessert. I had to take off a star as my lamb was tough this last visit. Service is casual so allow enough time for a leisurely meal. Great venue for a group or even a very large group.

Review №82

2021-05-21 20:27:28

We were very disappointed. Everyone steak was tough and my pork chop was tough. The soup was great, beans good but main course was awful. We came from Salinas to eat there. So Sad!

Review №83

2023-03-10 14:25:24

First time there. Maybe Ill give a try in summer with the canopy. Not used to the this is what you get service and not knowing what going to come out. Ill try again later.

Review №84

2019-01-05 18:15:18

Going here for decades. Basic menu the same but quality has decreased a bit. They do offer some menu options to the family style menu. Service was a bit chaotic but we only saw one waitress. Still a good meal and always fun place for family to gather.

Review №85

2021-02-20 04:07:47

The food and service is fantastic. The options are not many nor are they consistent, however the quality of the food is better than expected. The price is up there but where else do you get unending wine? The atmosphere is tevernish feeling and gives you family vibes. I would recomend eatting here, I know ill be back.

Review №86

2021-08-26 02:51:33

Good food. Basque. The lamb stew was the best!

Review №87

2018-03-27 18:03:30

Whats not to like... Long tables full of laughing, happy people - friendly service chatting it up - large dishes with serving spoons to dish it up on plastic plates - and neighbors to meet. Family style all the way!On a road trip we decided to look for a little adventure in our meal and mix up the experiences. It was all we could have hoped for and more. There were many choices in addition to all the automatic side dishes. We had baked chicken (Not sure how they made it taste so good) and New York steak. My steak was juicy, seasoned and prepared beautifully. The punks was much fat, thin and over cooked, but mine was so large, she ate some of mine and there was still plenty.G.T. loved the fact the wine comes in a little bottle with no markings, perfect compliment for the meal. The lamb stew was his favorite part, tender meat falling off the bone and hearty. Perfect for a chilly night, but still good in the summer. The french fries were the perfect crispness. The vegetable soup was a hit. There was nothing pre-packaged about any of this meal. But what we loved most, was seeing groups of families and friends laughing and sharing a meal.The punk ate two bowls of the beans but let me know they were not the most favorite beans she ever had. I think most kids would really like them. Her favorite was the individual little ice cream she received at the end. She tried the lamb stew and liked it a lot. She thought the salad was spicy? Overall, she ate so much, she couldnt finish her ice cream, a rarity for sure.

Review №88

2021-04-02 02:56:14

Have eaten at Woolgrowers for 20 years. Went for dinner and not good. Hot food was cold. Food was much better when Michel was the chef. But it does have the best salad dressing. Will try for lunch next time. Hopefully better than dinner.

Review №89

2023-02-19 06:48:51

Been going there for over 20 years worst service ever and the prices are going up and the food portions are getting smaller not sure if well go again very disappointed

Review №90

2018-10-13 23:49:57

This is the kind of place you see in Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives. Truly a hole in the wall, but really good food. Soup & Lamb stew course was good. Pork chops, while not fancy, were GREAT! Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Review №91

2022-10-15 07:05:35

Looking for a true French Basque restaurant we took a trip to Los Banos to find this gem - everything you would expect from the six course traditional family style Basque delight.

Review №92

2017-06-04 02:15:27

I have eaten here once, going again tomorrow. My family loves it. But I want to address some of the ignorant comments on here. First for those complaining about what you get and the price....its all you can eat!!! Hello! Second, lady complaining about the new Mexican owner.....really? You could just say new owner. Bottom line, you dont like them, whatever. Also, some dude on here pretty much says any kind of American food sucks. Ugh, why even come here. You cant please everyone.

Review №93

2023-05-06 21:28:12

One of the best places ever ! Foods great..... lots of history behind this place....

Review №94

2021-03-06 19:58:34

I was very concerned that your server did not wear a mask and that she bussed tables without gloves then served our lunch. State of California still requires masks of all employees. We ordered lunch and the soup seemed watered down and the pork chops were a little dry. Scampi was good but would have liked more shrimp and less pasta. Lamb stew was the best part of the meal.

Review №95

2022-08-25 18:18:53

Went with a family group one Sunday for my first time and it was delicious and hearty food. A good time had by all!

Review №96

2021-09-14 16:42:57

I would only set foot in this establishment if you are very very hungry. Its a traditional family style basque restaurant. Youll be served bread, wine, soup, beans, salad and stew, all before you get your main course.

Review №97

2018-12-18 16:41:24

The lamb shank was delicious. The lamb stew was so cold it jelled. The service was bad. We never did get french fries. I would not recommend this Basque restaurant. There are way better ones within an hour drive or less.

Review №98

2018-04-18 02:49:28

This is strictly Basque food. The location is a family style dining room with multiple rows of tables. They serve french fries, soup, salad, bread, a large chunk of meat, ice cream, and wine. There are large portions and you will be filled every time you go. I like that the food and the atmosphere is very homey. I would definitely return to eat here because of the large portions and the home style cooking.

Review №99

2019-09-25 04:09:00

Fantastic experience. Delicious Basque food served family style in a homey atmosphere. No pretence. Just great service, loud social atmosphere and the food and wine just keeps flowing like the great conversation. Dinner included a rustic cabbage soup, bread, salad with garlic dressing, spicy beans, a tasty potato salad with capers, lamb stew, an entre, French fries, and ice cream. I had garlic smothered pork chops and they were succulent, juicy, and so delicious. Such s good value and experience for $25. So grateful for the many recommendations from locals to try it.

Review №100

2018-08-07 06:26:24

Home style cuisine!!! And yes they serve ham hocks I believe on Tuesday. Soooooo delicious and filling. Definitely not an upscale place but, THE FOOD is out of this world good. Simply served with love and tradition. Tables are shared so be ready to meet some great folks!

Review №101

2019-05-30 20:04:13

I’ve been to Wool Growers twice. Have had the tri-trip, pork chops, and fillet fish dishes. Have not been disappointed yet. Food comes with vegetable soup, beans, bread, salad and best part, red wine. The restaurant has an old hometown restaurant vibe to it. Check it out and experience it. Happy eating.

Review №102

2018-05-21 00:59:50

New owners. The food quality is almost as good as the original. New changes have decreased portions and limited service quality. Has fallen from my top three on the planet. Dropped 2 stars too. Rips my heart out... RIP Wool Growers from the old world.Original review: Epic! Show up hungry, very hungry. A French-Basque place with long tables to share with other people. Red table wine included. Perfect meat preparation. The lamb stew that comes as a side is one of favorite food on the planet (note: Sunday it is substituted by a buttery chicken rice. Good too.)

Review №103

2023-05-25 01:33:04

Went for lunch with my buddies. Excellent food and service

Review №104

2021-06-07 04:39:00

Today was my first time going here and I tell you what I will make it a point to go over there again and again. the food was amazing the service was amazing Im very pleased with how everything was. I would have to say this is one of the best places Ive been to

Review №105

2019-09-16 05:15:10

This was my first visit here. I like the idea of family style dinning. Its fun to sit at a table with people you dont know and share a meal. I was with 2 other guys for this meal. We were working in the area and all 3 of us are from completely different backgrounds but all enjoyed the food and experience. Basically its a full meal with soup, salad entree and bread. You only pick your entree and everything else just keeps coming to the table. We were served 2 salads (delicious garden style and homemade potato), a brothy lamb based soup, beans (kinda like baked beans but much better, not sweet, just good!) Lamb stew (BIG chunks of lamb and potatoes), French frys and our chosen entree. The options change nightly, on our visit they had chicken, pork chops. Tri tip and lamb to choose from. 2 of us had the lamb and the other had the try tip. I am hesitant to order lamb from restaurants since it is usually not prepared correctly. I must admit the lamb stew AND my entry were both absolutely wonderful! Very tender and excellent flavor. The guy that ordered the tri tip barely stopped eating long enough to grunt mmmm good! They also provided a small bottle of red wine. After dinner they give you ice cream. Everything is pay 1 price, and the price was unbelievable! I think it was only $20 each for the dinner! We had other drinks and did a weird split on the check so I might be off by a couple bucks, but well worth more than what we paid. Our server was amazing! She had a unique name that I cant remember but i think close to chantelle. She was very attentive and pleasant. I highly recommend this restaurant and I will definitely go again when in the area. Tip the girls well! Ours certainly deserved it!

Review №106

2018-04-05 03:10:39

Famous location in Los banos with big family style feast recommend you show up with an appetite. The food is served in waves... bread and wine then soup/salad... beans rice.. then Entree. You pick your entree ( selection is limited to lamb, New York steak, chicken, porkchop, T-bone, and maybe a few others ). Overall taste is good but dont expect your steak to be perfect. Id recommend going up 1 from your style (medium well if you prefer Well)Ive eaten upstairs and downstairs and they have a very nice setup upstairs. They give you the option to rent out the upstairs also! Great window set up and you could probably host a decent number of friends. They also have a nice little bar, that people go to. The general younger crowd hangs out at Tonys, which is next to Bank of America about 1 block away.My main complaint would be the way my steak got cooked, and I just have to remind myself to not expect the steak 100% made to order. I recommend the same for you.

Review №107

2021-07-18 23:07:36

Server slid my plate across the table to me, placed cups and bowls on table aggressively, made my family feel uncomfortable and unwelcomed, did not bring us utensils or a pitcher of water. When I asked another server for utensils and water he did not bring them. We sat there with no utensils to eat our soup and no water. We got up and left. Will not be returning. Customer service clearly isnt up to par.

Review №108

2019-01-10 02:33:48

Love this place, bring your appetite, youll need it. Cafeteria style seating. As soon as you sit down your order is taken. Bread, beans and wine brought to your table right away, and from there on the food just does not stop coming. Salad was next, then soup, pigs feet was delicious, lamb stew was the best Ive ever had. Now comes your main course w\choice of potato, fries or pilaf. A feast fit for a king that ends with a vanilla ice cream cup. Kudos Wool Growers!

Review №109

2019-01-24 04:33:51

So much food. Loved everything. Greatest new york steak i ever ate. Bf always orderes the prime rib. Cant go wrong w all the food and house wine for 25 bucks!!!! First time here and wont be my last

Review №110

2019-09-01 03:17:42

We have been coming to Woolgrowers for many years and haven’t experienced such poor service ever before.The drink order was a disaster, we waited 20 minutes after that for salad, and they had no lamb. NO LAMB. On a Saturday night and holiday weekend!Our tri tip was tasty but very gristly. Disappointing for sure. One of our party ordered chicken, and it came out the size of a quail, over cooked, and covered in pepper gravy.At the end of the meal we looked forward to our ice cream. Our server actually asked “do you guys want Ice cream?” That should be automatic really. When she brought it we were one ice cream short for the table. She never came back.We had a birthday in our group. A few minutes later, she brought the bill and announced that they “couldn’t do the birthday song right now”.We aren’t sure if most of the staff tonight were new or just forgot how to do their jobs.In any case it was a disappointment and we certainly won’t be back any time soon.

Review №111

2021-02-07 00:38:09

Woman owned small business delicious.

Review №112

2019-02-13 02:16:52

An unusual experience. The waitress brought vegetable soup, tasty beans and wine. Then she brought salad and then asked us which meat we would like for a meat entrée. We ordered one entrée for both of us. Then she brought a side dish of lamb stew before the meat and French fries. We enjoyed each course but couldn’t eat so much! Everything is served family style. We sat at a long table and had friendly conversations.

Review №113

2018-10-20 16:54:00

Not just French food but Basque! Lamb stew is outstanding! Grilled lamb & pork chops are great as well. True country soup with fresh veggies. Food is served in numerous courses at long tables in a 50s style party hall. You will be taking left overs home -- all is served in generous portions. Price is low relative to what is served. I was disappointed that the white bean cassoulet was not being served this trip.

Review №114

2017-09-27 13:54:15

This restaurant is popular with both locals and tourists. Casual setting where food is served family style- and there is lots of food coming your way! New owners have added bar food that is really a nice addition. A great place to go if you want an experience that is different than a cookie-cutter restaurant.

Review №115

2020-12-02 03:15:10

This restaurant is great. Where do I begin!Hello! At the beginning!First of all, its a French Basque restaurant.The main dining room has a very high ceiling with 3 very long tables.The W. G. R. is a family style affair.Above serves a variety of dishes, for instance, N.Y. steak, 2 lamb dishes, pork chops, roasted chicken and more!This place is wonderful!The Wool Growers Restaurant609 H St., Los Banos, CACheck out the web site!

Review №116

2018-07-29 22:32:07

Been eating here all my life. Friendly service and Super Great Meals! The Best ever. On Sundays part of the meal is Chicken with rice. Damn Good!! Lamb Chops were really ggod too. Beans french fties and soup with bread. Wish i could give this place 10 stars

Review №117

2013-12-02 23:39:59

Best food ever! I have never been disappointed with their food selection. Every side dish is well made. I love their lamb stew! I wish I lived closer to eat there more often. =D

Review №118

2019-05-16 18:52:44

Ok, so if youre traveling on I-5 and youre hungry and/or your family is hungry and you dont want McDonals or a Buffet and want to try something new, this is difinately the place for you! Theres a lot of food to go around and they serve you with a 5 course meal with the exception of ordering their entree. Its nothing fancy. Its very traditional and gives a very warm feeling. All the people there are very friendly and i totally recommend it! and the flavor is amazing!!!

Review №119

2019-03-28 04:33:50

As you walk in, you are greeted by friendly hosts. You get a nice welcoming environment feeling. Great customer service and delicious food. You start with soup, salad, the main course and then dessert. Very nice place!

Review №120

2019-11-09 04:16:14

If you cherish tradition, this is a place that would be almost the exact same if you were to move away for years and then come back.Its a testament to all of the owners and employees, that they know theyve got it right and they arent going to lose sight of all the little things that make them who they are.This place, for years, is a respected authentic local restaurant. If youve never been, and youre passing through, give it one try. Like so many others, youll probably be back 🙂

Review №121

2017-04-15 21:47:37

I got the lamb chops and they were the tastiest bits of lamb Ive had. They cooked them medium, and the seasoning was really nice. It is standard basque fair other than that. You will be served soup, bread, Salad (possibly over dressed depending on your taste),stew with some lamb in it, fries, and your entree, followed by ice cream. Wine is also served with the meal.

Review №122

2014-06-21 05:28:01

This was wonderful. Long tables where you sit opposite but next to strangers. You sit down they place a bottle of wine, loaf of bread and then a bowl of beans then a bowl of salad and a tourine of soup. When we had eaten this they brought a bowl of stew. The food is simple and wonderful but Im getting full so as I slow down I realize the waitress is headed our way with a platter of French fries and two huge lamb chops for each of us. Oh, and then she brought ice cream. Price for all this wonderful food? $15 each.

Review №123

2017-05-29 04:00:00

The food that is served can be made inexpensively. Beans, Iceberg salad, potato salad, french fries and steaks and lamb chops that are normal sized but full of fat. Dessert is imitation vanilla ice cream cups. Dinner was very tasty but not worth $114 for 4 without drinks which is another thing I didnt like, we werent offered other drinks in lieu of the bottle of wine that comes with the meal. I gave it 2 stars for tasty but overall I could have made the same meal at home for alot less.

Review №124

2019-06-30 04:02:54

They never used to charge for extra wine and lamb stew, and their is almost no meat in the stew now, just mainly carrots and potatoes. If you can find more than two pieces of meat, youre very lucky. Old owners, it was almost solid meat in the lamb stew. Food isnt as good as it was with previous owners either. Has sort of ruined the atmosphere that was Woolgrowers. Not the draw to go eat at that it used to be.

Review №125

2020-08-15 19:27:25

The food is phenomenal! I highly recommend this place. We had the lamb chops loin and they were the best! A helpful staff is also on hand. Enjoy!

Review №126

2021-09-14 00:51:57

Delicious food and plenty of it! Service is top of the line.If its tri-tip youre craving,this is the place to go! We will most definately eat there again!

Review №127

2018-07-24 20:39:31

Great food served in a wonderful family environment.On Google, Wool Growers Restaurant is listed as a French restaurant, but I guess Google does not have Basque as a category. That is sad because that is exactly what you get here, and I love it. I grew up coming here with my grandfather every Spring after sheep shearing. After we delivered our wool, we would eat here to celebrate another successful year..

Review №128

2019-08-02 07:13:54

My first visit was in 1985. My second was in 2019. Theyve upgraded the cash register to a digital model, but otherwise not much has changed, for which I am greatful. IMPORTANT correction: this is not a French restaurant. this is farmer/rancher/sheperd food, and very well done, served family style.. My only complaint is there is too much food. The vegetable soup is very good, the beens are outstanding. The salad is a simple iceberg lettuce with a surprisingly sophisticated dressing: simple, elegant, perfectly suited to the lettuce. Then a tasty lamb stew. Then your choice of land based protein, served with French fries. All good. Real value. Relaxed welcoming atmosphere, be prepared to share a table. And the red wine served with the meal is comme il faut!

Review №129

2019-11-20 06:15:47

Its okay. New owners changed the side dishes. Not so good. If its not broke dont fix it. Been a lot of talk. Even from the town I live in. Food just below average. I will only go if I have too, not because I want to.

Review №130

2018-11-13 18:10:37

This use to get a great place for dinner. Took 8 clients there as a thank you and it was the worst meal ever!! Rib eye steaks were tough as leather, service was horrible. When I call to speak to manager she/he would not take my calls and I tried calling 4 times. Wont be going back there!!

Review №131

2021-06-16 01:25:27

Always great atmosphere and food. waitstaff was very cordial and polite. we had bread and wine flowing within seconds of our seating. wish i had taken better pics but it was so good i almost forgot all together.bonus feature: bringing up to 14 ppl without reservations is convenient.

Review №132

2018-08-08 16:47:19

Cant say enough about Wool Growers one of my favorite Basque restaurants. Their food is addicting and more than any human can possibly eat delicious beans. I usually order the set but sometimes I just have to get the lamb chops

Review №133

2020-06-07 03:23:42

Great food, family style dining, starters the table gets navy bean soup, vegetable soup,and bread. Then you get potato salad, lamb stew, and a leafy green salad, the you get your entree. Choice of, new york strip, ribeye, porterhouse, primerib, chicken, fish. Then you get a little cup of ice cream. Full bar infront of the restaurant. Great place to eat and enjoy friends and family. The staff does an excellent job of customer service as well.

Review №134

2019-07-01 02:27:30

Absolutely love the food their family atmosphere served family style. Very reasonably priced and they give you more food than you could possibly eat in one sitting. Includes wine

Review №135

2022-10-05 04:10:29

Excellent food with a very chill vibe. I had the double dipped chicken and it was everything it was talked up to be!

Review №136

2017-02-12 03:56:18

The meal as usual was very good. And service eas excellent. But i was stunned when the bill came and a 20% gratuity was added to my bill. When i asked why she said party of 10 they automatically add the gratuity. Not pleased with that. #1. It is not posted on the door nor did the waitresses say anything. This must be told before you are served and you agree. When this is added to your bill it now becomes taxable wages. I do not believe a tip reguardless the size of your party should be added to anyones bill. The amount of a tip should be left to the customer not the restaurant. This is why ca has implemented minimum wage.

Review №137

2018-05-14 00:56:16

Had reservations so sat right down. Veggie soup was yummy. Salad okay, big chucks. No beans. Dinner came with rice not mashed as stated. They had run out of mash. Ran out of sliced bread brought associated rools. Forgot one meal the brought it with mashed. Hmmmm. Busy day as it was Mothers day. Enjoyed dinner. Have had better there but still it was good.

Review №138

2022-04-17 07:29:24

No frills seven-course dinner. Nothing spectacular; cafeteria-style food. The charm is in the setting, the staff, and the experience

Review №139

2019-10-22 22:51:23

Fabulous food, and lots of it. Lamb broth soup would be great by itself. Adding lamb chops and lamb stew to all the other courses makes a remarkable meal, served family style.

Review №140

2019-08-07 04:14:42

I love this place! The food is GREAT! YOU WILL NOT LEAVE HUNGRY! Friendly staff and French Basque atmosphere. I could eat their lamb stew every day!

Review №141

2019-03-17 20:53:09

Amazing food and service! Stopped here with my wife on our way back up to the bay area. The dining room was cute, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was fun.

Review №142

2022-06-10 04:56:48

The food was delicious, the service was good and fast. I highly recommend if you are in Los Banos stop by, you wont be disappointed.

Review №143

2017-08-03 20:48:46

The BEST Basque Restaurant in this area. New owners have done a wonderful job keeping a great restaurant...... GREAT. Weve been to 3 Basque restaurant in the past 2 weeks. WG hands downhas the best menu and cook. Thank You

Review №144

2019-01-10 03:43:46

Excellent Basque food. Family style serving. I had the ox tail. There was lettuce salad,potato salad, beans side,lamb stew,soup, fries,etc.More than you could eat. Highly recommend.

Review №145

2018-11-17 21:36:01

Ive always loved the place. Its Basque, served family style on long tables, and the menu is set except for the main entree. The food is always great and plentiful. The staff is great.

Review №146

2017-11-05 00:08:48

A great, locally flavoured dining experience. One must arrive for the seating time given or you have to sit in the bar and eating your choice of a steak sandwich or tri-tip sandwich. Both great choices.

Review №147

2021-12-02 07:19:14

Wonderful place! Great food and great service. Now that things are starting to open back up, its probably time for another visit.

Review №148

2018-04-27 04:17:31

Definitely not French ! But quite an experience if you are a meat eater .steak was good, even a glass of wine was included. But nothing fresh,just iceberg lettuce and beans and french fries. Very heavy American food!

Review №149

2023-06-30 03:21:55

Need to explain the menu a little better

Review №150

2017-09-07 17:06:48

Family style dining. Way more food than I could eat. The lamb stew is so tasty I could eat that alone and thats only one of the courses. Most of the time Im full by the time my entree gets there that I just take it home.

Review №151

2023-02-24 01:09:08

Fun evening with a group of friends. Great service. Good food.

Review №152

2023-07-17 12:39:06

This place is a landmark nothing else to say. get a chance dont miss it.

Review №153

2022-04-02 05:44:18

I was so disappointed, for lunch ..lamb was ok but other items soup, beans, was cold, salad was ok .. french fries were over cooked ..but the lambs, was great .,,I dont think am going back .....

Review №154

2019-12-30 06:40:15

Basque food with family style seating. Lunch, $20 & dinner, $25 plus tax & tip. Comes with soup or lamb stew, salad, potato salad, beans, rice, french fries [ Basque restaurants usually serve f.f. with meals ], ice cream & complimentary red wine. You pick your entree. Usual choice is prime rib, steak, tri tip, garlic pork chops [ 2 ], lamb chops, chicken or roasted lamb. [ depends on day & what meal ] Can take leftovers with you. They give you plastic bags for that. Meals to go also. No senior discount. Has a bar next door. Closed on mon.

Review №155

2019-04-09 02:28:54

Excellent food as always. Large selection of meat. I usually get the Lamb. They ask you what meat you want.. Tri Tip..Steak...Pork Chops...Prime Rib and Lamb. Then they start bringing out platters of food. They start with soup. I dont know what kind of soup I had the last time but WoW did it taste good. Each table gets a bottle of wine. Then depending on how many people are in your party they bring out big bowls of Potatoe Salad.. Baked beans..Toss salad...French Fries and other side dishes for all to share at your table. A cup of ice cream is served at the end. The only drawback I can think of is they only accept Cash.

Review №156

2019-11-18 04:01:12

Amazing food & service. waitresses are super friendly and helpful!! Huge dishes all you can drink great red wine!! Highly recomend the roasted lamb!!

Review №157

2020-04-22 07:34:48

Mixed woman here, giving this place 5 stars.If you think youll stick out, go here anyway. Maybe youll get lucky enough to come on an oxtail sort of night. Anyway, the meal, the experience, everything; its worth getting the awkward stares from the locals. Go.

Review №158

2018-06-15 01:02:00

Used to be way better before the owners changed, always get the lamb and ask for the hard back cheese after your meal. Still a good meal for the price, you will not leave hungry.

Review №159

2020-09-06 03:56:01

Wool growers restaurant in Los Banos has opened patio dining and it is a real positive addition to a consistently great place. Outdoor venue is open to air and the lights of the Henry Miller Plaza are beautiful in the background! Lovely! I hope this continues after COVID is over!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Review №160

2019-07-03 18:38:59

Really good food! Family style restaurant. Only negative is they dont have boxes to put your leftovers in, you just place them in plastic bags.

Review №161

2017-11-25 02:19:45

Fun atmosphere with a bigger group of people and delicious food. The salad dressing is awesome and the portions are huge. Well worth the price of the meal!

Review №162

2022-07-29 22:40:00

The food was delicious. Pork chops and tri tip all the sides we also delicious.

Review №163

2020-02-13 02:00:02

Food and drinky drink. Have to get used to the muted light in the restaurant itself. After 30+ years, havent quite got there yet. But I tell you, once my eyesight starts going, I am skee-rood. I like the bar. Theres light, drinky drinks, and fairly recently, theres this bartender who is a sight for sore eyes. She makes a mad Bloody Mary that demands high regards and high tips.

Review №164

2017-06-19 14:03:55

We quit going for a while because the quality was not equal to the price.Total redemption last night!But still a bit pricey, gone up about $10 over the last 6 yrs. I used to be able to treat the whole family, not so much now.

Review №165

2023-02-06 05:19:43

We love the food here. Please bring back the lamb stew!!

Review №166

2023-02-27 04:33:56

Great service and good portions of food. Highly recommended.

Review №167

2016-04-15 01:52:15

Been going since 1973, when my 3 children were growing up after church it would be a treat to go for lunch and have their delicious Soup. Good memories. When they visit we go and the food is still Delisioso !!!!

Review №168

2016-04-20 06:00:13

This has to be the original community dining restaurant in the state - everybody is seated together, at long, banquet-style community tables and food is served family-style. Dont be surprised - it feels like youve just walked into sombodys Living Room when you enter their Dining Room! Tons of food, not so much on the gourmet side, but decent, and sure to satisfy the biggest appetites. Course after course is brought to the table, in rapid-fire service, until you are piled with bowls and plates to serve from. The wine that comes with the dinner is that slightly fizzy, grapey-tasting stuff - interesting, if youve never tried it. The bar is very vintage, from the stools to the stuffed deer heads on the walls - the cocktails are teensy tiny. When somebody has a birthday, they loudly play an old recorded version of the traditional happy birthday song over the speakers, but this is a strangely melancholy 1940s-sounding crooner version that makes you almost feel sorry for the birthday person - funny! Lots of quirky, old-fashioned charm at this historic place!

Review №169

2021-11-16 06:14:54

Best in town, a must have. The wine is on point and the food is fire 🔥🔥🔥. Quality service makes me feel at home.

Review №170

2016-01-20 17:04:42

One of the biggest memories I have growing up... having dinner with our family as well as on special occasions... as an adult when I have opportunity to stop in for dinner, and share this treasured place with someone new, I never fail to do. I am actually about to embark on a new adventure as I call them, to my first Basque Restaurant outside of Woolgrowers. All I can say is you have ALWAYS been the best I hope my dinning experience is equally as enjoyable, but none anywhere will ever take the place of all the GREAT FOOD, good times and memories made, being Los Vamos born, and finally, will not compare to your friendly and family oriented staff...

Review №171

2020-02-16 13:54:09

High quality home cooked food, down home ambiance, GREAT value. Not crowded on a Friday night. Crisp and tangy salad, flavorful potato salad, delicious soup. Quality meats

Review №172

2019-04-07 01:32:22

The service was ok. But the food was inconsistent. We had a large party and many of us ordered our steaks medium and some came out well done and others were raw.

Review №173

2019-04-07 16:46:04

In my opinion the Wool Growers is the best Basque Food in the Central Valley. I have been to many of the Basque restaurants from Bakersfield to Los Banos and WG is the best. We occasionally drive 70 miles just to eat there. If youre looking for fancy, you wont find it there. But if you like to eat, go there.

Review №174

2018-06-17 04:48:46

Come hungry and you will not be disappointed! Great and amazing food! You can get the set up only or the setup and entree. Great service

Review №175

2019-09-20 02:59:15

Loved the variety and abundance of food. The meat was fantastic. Lived in Los Banos since 1981 and this was the first time going to Wool Growers. Will definitely go back.

Review №176

2021-10-04 04:22:54

Foods is good loved their New York Steak and veggie soup😋 waitress was pleasant and the environment was just as welcoming. Will come back for more.

Review №177

2020-09-21 10:37:00

There were 13 of us. We had a great time. The food is delicious and served family style. One of our favorite places.

Review №178

2017-07-17 19:19:08

First time and was So delicious. Great service.

Review №179

2014-08-03 00:55:42

Awesome place! If youre driving on the 5 you must stop. You sit down at a long table with other people, but are given your own family-style servings. Wine (included), soup, salad, bread, beans, potato salad, stew with large chunks of pot roast (so good). The only choice you have is your entree - I got tri tip and my boyfriend got baked chicken. Then they top you off with ice cream! So much food and so delicious, and for only $20 each. Wish we loved nearby so we could go there all the time!

Review №180

2019-09-02 16:02:25

This is a Bask restuarant, not French. Parking is adequate, food is plentiful but not spectacular, service is always great. You wont go away Hungary, guaranteed.

Review №181

2018-01-22 04:09:47

Oh my word... they bring out a week’s worth of perfectly cooked groceries for just a few dollars. Way-good food and service is excellent - no complaints here at all!

Review №182

2018-02-16 01:59:14

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We drive every few months to San Jose from Southern California. We spend the night in Los Banos on the way home. We intentionally stop at Wool Growers and consider it a wonderful treat!

Review №183

2017-11-04 22:19:26

Good food, good portions. Rustic, if not dated decour, but not a bad criticism. This is a place you hope to find out there in the quieter America. A place where you can just enjoy a good meal.

Review №184

2017-06-19 17:02:33

My son and daughter in law and granddaughter were visiting from Texas and we had a terrific time. We left with full stimachs. My daughter in law complained because my son doesnt make pork chips at home like Wool Growers does. I even asked if my son could get a lesson in the kitchen on how to make the perfect tasting pork chol.

Review №185

2022-06-16 16:43:23

Delicious food. The soup and beans were great and ribeye was cooked perfectly.

Review №186

2018-03-20 02:16:02

Typical basque Road restaurant. Good traditional at will cuisine with a soup, French bread, salted butter, beans, Sheep stew, 4 meals at choice, French fries, ice-cream and red Wine. Low price for homemade cuisine, less than 25$ by person.

Review №187

2019-10-11 13:34:30

Food is always great. Servers are quick and polite. Restaurant had a remodel in dining room and had very nice atmosphere.

Review №188

2018-08-15 00:15:35

Great little place. Food is awesome. But truthfully if all you ever got was the lamb stew it would be worth the trip.

Review №189

2018-03-12 22:07:41

Worst experience, have been coming to this restaurant for years. Took my nephew and his family for their 1st time. Service was less than horrible, down right rude. Had to ask for each item. Was very embarrassed by the waitresses expressions. Maybe a bad day for her, no excuse for making our experience a bad one. Heard they sold the place, dont think I will be returning anytime soon🙃

Review №190

2014-05-22 20:35:23

Been eating there for over 40 years.Thank the Lord I dont live there anymore.Id hate to turn into a Basque-aholic.Family style.The basic meal, soup home made with the beans, chiles, etc. served on the side;salad, home made bread, and the lamb stew.The entrees are extra but simply excellant.Never had anything less than an excellant meal.Fold up picnic tables end to end.Fold up metal chairs.Paper table cloths.Cheap plastic glasses.Industrial grade plates.Cheap knives, forks and spoons.There is only one reason to be there and that is to eat.But to do so means that you are often sitting next to a stranger.Yet all are happy to be there.And everyone enjoys the companionship of those with whom they are breaking bread.

Review №191

2019-01-10 06:35:23

The lamb stew alone, is worth the visit. All of the food was awesome and abundant, and the service was fast and friendly. Ill have to make this a regular stop when visiting the area.

Review №192

2018-12-04 12:20:25

Visited last week. I called the manager a few months ago to talk about dirty utensils . Last week, I found my saucer to be smeared with butter. The butter wasnt mine. Im asking you AGAIN. Have a repairman come out and check your dishwasher.

Review №193

2020-10-12 00:52:59

I was ready for a nice dinner the food was really good and there was more than enough. The service and social atmosphere was good I would eat here again

Review №194

2017-04-01 03:12:49

OMG how have I had family in Los Banos for 62 years and this is my first opportunity to give this place 5 stars. Amazing amazing amazing food the lamb stew with marrow, the tri-tip, the prime rib, the everything; seriously willing to get on plane and come back as soon as I can.

Review №195

2019-11-04 01:03:12

I have heard of this restaurant before. I have eaten at other Basque restaurants and knew of the family style and of the cuisine to expect. The food was excellent and the roast lamb was superb!

Review №196

2015-10-10 04:13:50

Careful there. Only go there if you live in the neighborhood and are able to take out the leftovers. Otherwise, the amount of food wasted is incredible, makes you want to cry. Would that be that much effort to give less food to start with and serve more as necessary?

Review №197

2018-08-17 22:28:40

It was a pleasant drive to Los Banos via Hwy 140. Most of the highway has had roadwork and except for being be careful two lanes, we enjoyed the scenery and seeing new things. After the excellent lunch at Woolgrowers we repeated the process home.

Review №198

2017-12-17 09:28:53

Omg yes!!! French Basque food, great deal, delicious, 7+ course meal. If I could live AND eat here id be a happy camper.

Review №199

2017-04-16 18:24:30

Cafeteria style atmosphere is lacking. Made me question my desire to try the food. Glad it did!!! Food was DELICIOUS!! Will definitely go back