The Ranch House-Coffee Shop And Creamery — Restaurant in Van Buren

I can't understand why there's not a line out the door here. Okay, sure, it's a town with a pop. of 746, and its dining area is 3-4 times that of your average Starbucks. But the vibe, the service, the food, the coffee is def 5 stars.

It's sort of a coffee house (that's the vibe - couches, funky décor, rustic ceiling, music playing....) but it's also a legit restaurant. This is real food, too, not just pastries.

And the food: amazing. Where can you get true farm-to-table dining in a tiny town along a rural stretch of highway! Well..... right here, yo, right here. And I mean literally farm-to-table; the owner and her husband have a local farm and you're getting a taste of what they grow and raise right here. The veggies, the beef, even the yogurt, is made fresh and from the local farm. So, predictably, everything is flavorful and ridiculously fresh.

Of course food PREP is important; even farm fresh food has to be prepared right. No worries: terrific tastes and textures, and crazy generous portions. No one has ever accused me of having a dainty appetite but I simply could not finish my plate.

Seriously, folks: whether you're a local or a passerby on Hwy 60, you're missing out if you don't drop in.

The only thing that might not be your cup o' tea is the music playing in the background. It's Christian praise music. BUT, I mean come on, this is the South, where that sort of music is not only common but appreciated. AND they aren't blaring it to the high heavens (see what I did there?) but putting it at a nice, subtle backgroundy volume; you won't even notice if you don't want to, and yet high enough to enjoy it if...

Wow. So very impressed with this gem in Van Buren, MO. This is comparable to coffee/breakfast places in Nashville. Yes, really. They mix their own spices and use fresh pumpkin for the chai drinks??!! They make the mocha for the mocha lattes??!! The avocado toast in on HOMEMADE BREAD. Velvety soft biscuits and creamy gravy like my grandmother made. HOMEMADE COOKIES. HOMEMADE ICE CREAM. Locally-sourced ingredients when possible. The owner is so sweet. I assume the teenagers working there were family but didn't ask. I am from this area. I go back when possible to float the rivers (Current and Jacks Fork) and to visit the springs. The natural beauty is spectacular. Unfortunately the small towns (Van Buren, Eminence, Ellington) have greatly declined for various reasons. Tourism is vital for the economy. I am so happy to see people like Ranch House starting businesses. I wish them tremendous success. If you are in the area, please support this family-owned local business. It is evident they have poured their hearts into this place. Ignore petty reviews about the wrong mustard in the potato salad. There are many ways to make potato salad- not everyone has the same taste buds. And it's called "home-cooking" - it isn't always perfect. If you want the exact same thing, the exact same way, every single time - go to a fast food restaurant. Thank you Ranch House! See...

This food is so good for your body! It's very clean food. They raise it themselves! I was able to eat a whole meal here, get full, and the best part of it all is I felt amazing. I was full of energy instead of the usual sluggish pull I get after a large meal ANY place else. The food we put INTO our bodies is so SO important and these folks understand it! I WILL be back!! I thought the whole meal was amazing. Fresh eggs, homemade gravy, hash browns were crispy & done perfectly, & the homemade yogurt sure made my tummy so happy!! The restaurant itself os clean and like a little shop inside with a country charm. The music is inoffensive and family oriented. This is a great place! I will be back to try the BEEF BACON after the slaughter season. 😋😍 ANYONE who looks for the cleanest foods will understand the pricing of items is worth the items. You literally get what you pay for with nutrition. It was worth every penny for my body to not feel ill...