The Original Ranch House

Chili dog, hot. Make it two. A friendly group of people with really good chili dogs. They also serve real ice cream, not like anything you have seen around here before. This is like the ice cream you would make at home if you had the equipment.
I want tasty food, I don’t really care about the neighborhood affluence.
You can get a good egg sandwich here also. Make it two.

This place is located on the line of Windsor and the North End of Hartford. Great thing is it’s right off the highway. No glitz and glamour at this spot, it’s pretty much a grease pit. The think is their hot dogs are incredible! They grill the buns and the dogs are footlong. The chili is an old recipe from the original owner and is one of the best. The onion rings are great but if you get the french fries prepare not to finish them. They are good but I suggest the rings. The chicken sandwich is nice and big plus juicy. You pretty much want to get a dog and fries/​onion rings here. Expect to be either sitting outside at the picnic tables or standing at the counters by the windows Its a no frills place but one of the best grease pits you can find around Hartford

If you’re a chili dog fan, Ranch House is a must try. The ‘hot chili’ is a bit inconsistent as far as heat — but when it’s on, it’s on! You will sweat, you will cry, and you will marvel at the blend of flavors of the deliciously grilled hot dog, the buttery toasted bun, and that secret recipe chili which — in my view — is the star of the Ranch House. Plenty of other fast food variety on the menu: the ‘Ranch Burger’ is as good or better than options at ‘those other places’, breakfast sandwiches are available all day. But those famous chili dogs will keep you coming back for more! The place ain’t pretty but for what it is, it’s pretty good.

This place is by no way glamorous in anyway. But they make a mean chili dog and their fries are nice and crispy. I don’t think I would want to go here at night since there is a seedy looking motel right behind it. But if your looking for a quick no frills bite right off the highway and its daylight out… this is a great place to stop.

This review is only for the breakfast, as I have not tried the lunch options.
Sometimes, you’re just in the mood for a breakfast sandwich. Nothing fancy, nothing too involved, just egg, cheese and meat on a roll. The Ranch House is a good choice if that is your aim.
The location is set back a bit, just after the Hartford line and right next to Exit 34 on I-​91. There is always plenty of parking, even around prime breakfast hours.
The breakfast sandwiches are good and are prepared quickly. They use sausage links for the sausage, egg and cheese, and the sandwiches are just the right size (not too big and messy, not too small so you feel like it’s a snack).
If you need a quick breakfast on the way to work or before a long drive, this is a good option.

Windsor has a pretty decent hot dog place in Bart’s –just about 4 miles north of the Original Ranch House. In a hot dog throw down, Bart’s is a clear winner.
The Original Ranch House is located in an undistinguished section of Windsor Avenue just past the I-​291 ramps. You order your dogs, burgers, sandwiches, etc. at the counter. Most people take their chow to go, because eating your food here is not a luxurious experience –just a few forlorn tables and chairs way off to the side under the blaring TV. Not exactly the lap of luxury (this place makes Bart’s look like the Taj Mahal).
The service is friendly although it wasn’t easy understanding what the gent said to me. The food was average. An average slaw dog and average onion rings. Quite honestly, I’d rather drive the 4 miles North unless I was driving by on 291 and wanted to pick up some chow to bring home.

I give this place the HIDDEN GEM of the month (at least) award. Its been here for a long time. at least 15 years and probably longer… and i’m the first person to write a review! Right off exit 34 on I-91…you can’t miss it. if delicious hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, chicken wings are to your liking… you will thank me for recommending this spot. this certainly isn’t a place to dine… mainly a place to eat in your car in the parking lot. They have some indoor tables and a few picnic tables outside… it ain’t fancy! Hot dogs are quite good and are served on a grilled buttery bun. hamburgers the same. served very hot and delicious. french fries crisp and well done… help here are very efficient… no screw ups on orders no matter how busy they get. prices very affordable… seem stuck in a 1980 – 1990 time warp. You don’t linger long here… in and out quickly for some delicious (OK maybe a little greasy) American comfort food. highly recommended.