01
Essential roadside stop
Coppertop BBQ
Big Pine Main Street • Smoky Roadside Barbecue Shack • Go-To For Hearty Platters
Award-winning roadside barbecue where tri-tip, ribs, and pulled pork are the main event.
Pulled right off Highway 395, Coppertop BBQ is the spot where you order at the window and eat at picnic tables with a view of the Sierra. Portions are generous, the smoke ring is legit, and sides like beans and slaw are far better than typical road food. Go early if you can—favorites often sell out by evening on busy days.
02
Best for hearty breakfast
Country Kitchen
Central Big Pine • Classic Small-Town Diner • Comfort-Food Favorite
A dependable diner for big breakfasts, bottomless coffee, and simple, satisfying plates.
Country Kitchen is where anglers, hikers, and locals start the day over eggs, pancakes, and hash browns cooked just the way you’d expect from a well-seasoned grill. The room is unpretentious, service is friendly, and the coffee is always on. It’s also a handy stop for homestyle burgers and sandwiches if you’re rolling through at lunch or dinner.
03
Steak-and-potatoes pick
Rossi's Place
Big Pine Main Street • Casual Steakhouse And Bar • Best For Hearty Dinners
Low-key steakhouse vibe with generous cuts, cold beer, and a locals’ bar feel.
Rossi’s Place feels like the kind of small-town steakhouse you hope to find on a long drive: dimmer lighting, friendly staff, and plates that prioritize flavor over fuss. Steaks and prime rib are the draw, backed up by burgers and nightly specials that change with the cook’s mood. It’s an easy choice when you want a full sit-down dinner without leaving Big Pine.
04
Iconic bakery-café stop
Erick Schat's Bakkery
Downtown Bishop • Bustling Bakery And Sandwich Counter • Best For Grab-And-Go Lunch
Legendary Bishop bakery known for fresh breads, loaded sandwiches, and road-trip treats.
About 20 minutes north of Big Pine, Erick Schat’s Bakkery is a mandatory detour for anyone who cares about bread. Loaves line the shelves, but most travelers head straight for the sandwich counter, where house-baked rolls are stuffed with deli meats, cheeses, and crisp veggies. Grab pastries or cookies for later and you’re set for the next stretch of Highway 395.
05
Craft beer and bites
Mountain Rambler Brewery
South Bishop • Lively Brewery And Gastropub • Best For Post-Adventure Evenings
Relaxed brewery with house-made beers and inventive pub food that goes beyond basic bar snacks.
Mountain Rambler Brewery is where climbers, skiers, and road-trippers unwind after a day in the hills. The tap list highlights house brews that lean into West Coast styles, and the kitchen turns out thoughtful dishes—think burgers on good buns, loaded fries, and seasonal specials—that pair well with a pint. Long communal tables and a laid-back crowd make it easy to hang out for a couple of rounds before heading back to Big Pine.