01
Best overall pick
Benton Station Cafe
Right In Benton • Roadside Cafe And Diner • Local Standby
A friendly, no-frills cafe next to the gas pumps that keeps Benton fueled with hearty breakfasts and road-trip lunches.
Set beside the old railroad stop and highway, Benton Station Cafe is the kind of spot where the coffee is hot, the portions are generous, and everyone passing through eventually ends up at a corner table. Expect classic diner basics like eggs, burgers, and sandwiches, cooked simply and served with small-town ease. It is the most convenient sit-down option when you are based in Benton or soaking at the nearby hot springs.
02
Best for a special night out
The Restaurant at Convict Lake
Convict Lake, West Of Benton • Lakeside Fine-Dining Restaurant • Special-Occasion Destination
An intimate, lodge-style dining room near the shore of Convict Lake that pairs rich, polished dishes with a dramatic alpine backdrop.
Tucked in a historic lodge just off Highway 395, this restaurant is a favorite detour for Eastern Sierra travelers looking for white-tablecloth service without big-city attitude. Steaks, game, and thoughtfully prepared seafood headline the menu, backed by a solid wine list and cozy, wood-paneled atmosphere. Time your reservation around sunset to make the most of the glassy lake and mountain views just outside.
03
Best mountain-town vibe
Mammoth Rock Brasserie
Mammoth Lakes Village • Upscale Alpine Brasserie • Best For Sunset Views
A stylish upstairs brasserie above a bowling alley that surprises with refined seasonal cooking and sweeping views of the Mammoth skyline.
Mammoth Rock Brasserie pulls off a rare trick: serious food served in a playful, relaxed setting high above the lanes. The menu leans toward modern European-inspired dishes, with careful attention to sauces, local produce, and presentation. Grab a window table and you get one of the better lookout points over Mammoth Lakes, especially on clear evenings after a day on the trails or slopes.
04
Best quick stop on the road
Erick Schat's Bakkery
Downtown Bishop • Old-World Bakery And Lunch Counter • Road-Trip Essential
A bustling Bishop landmark known for its fresh breads, pastries, and stacked sandwiches that are ideal to grab before driving back toward Benton.
Erick Schat's Bakkery is almost a rite of passage for anyone driving the 395 corridor, and it works perfectly as a combined coffee, breakfast, and picnic stop. Inside, glass cases are packed with pastries, cookies, and the famous sheepherder breads, while the back counter turns out made-to-order sandwiches and simple hot plates. It is easy to stock up here for a full day of fishing, hiking, or soaking in the high-desert hot springs near Benton.
05
Best for groups and families
Back Alley Bowl & Grill
North Bishop • Casual Bowling-Alley Grill • Best For Families And Leagues
A lively bowling alley restaurant that serves hearty American comfort food in a relaxed, budget-friendly setting.
Back Alley Bowl & Grill feels like Bishop’s unofficial rec room, with locals mixing with road-trippers over burgers, steaks, and big breakfast plates. The food is straightforward but well-executed, portions are generous, and there is enough space that groups and families can spread out without feeling cramped. If you are based in Benton and heading into town for errands or groceries, this is an easy spot to wrap the day with both dinner and a few frames.