01
Best overall pick
Mountain Rambler Brewery
Downtown Bishop • Craft Brewery And Kitchen • Best For Craft Beer And Hearty Plates
Lively brewery with mountain-town vibes, house beers, and thoughtful pub food.
Just down the road from Wilkerson, Mountain Rambler is where climbers, hikers, and locals refuel after a day in the hills. The tap list leans into Sierra-inspired brews, while the kitchen turns out satisfying burgers, flatbreads, and grain bowls that feel a notch above typical bar food. Grab a communal table, swap trail stories, and plan tomorrow’s adventure over a fresh pint.
02
Iconic bakery-café
Erik Schat's Bakkery
North Main Street Bishop • Busy European-Style Bakery And Sandwich Shop • Classic Highway 395 Road-Trip Stop
Beloved bakery known for sheepherder bread, stacked sandwiches, and grab-and-go treats.
Erik Schat’s is the place everyone tells you not to miss, and they’re right. Cases are piled high with pastries, cookies, and loaves, but regulars head straight for the sandwich counter to build road-ready lunches on their signature breads. Expect crowds and a little chaos, but also one of the most reliable quick stops anywhere along this stretch of 395.
03
Smoky barbecue favorite
Holy Smoke Texas Style BBQ
South Main Street Bishop • Casual Counter-Service Barbecue Joint • Best For Smoky Meats And Hearty Dinners
Laid-back spot serving brisket, ribs, and generous combo plates with classic sides.
If you’ve built up a real mountain appetite, Holy Smoke delivers the kind of stick-to-your-ribs barbecue that hits the spot. The menu leans Texas-style, with slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and sausages served on trays with sides like beans, slaw, and cornbread. It’s relaxed, kid-friendly, and perfect when you want a big, unfussy meal before heading back to Wilkerson.
04
Hidden diner gem
The Petite Pantry
East Line Street Bishop • Tiny Mexican-American Diner • Cozy Choice For Hearty Breakfasts
Small, friendly diner serving big breakfasts and Mexican-American comfort food.
The Petite Pantry feels like the kind of place only locals know, tucked a bit away from the main highway. Inside, the vibe is warm and unpretentious, with generous omelets, pancakes, and chilaquiles in the morning and satisfying plates of Mexican and American staples later in the day. It’s an easygoing sit-down option when you want to linger over coffee instead of rushing back on the road.
05
Unexpected crowd-pleaser
Back Alley Bowl & Grill
Near Bishop City Park • Bowling Alley Grill And Steakhouse • Fun Pick For Groups And Late Dinners
Old-school bowling alley that doubles as a solid grill with steaks, burgers, and cold beer.
Don’t let the bowling alley setting fool you—locals know Back Alley as a dependable spot for a hearty meal, especially in the evening. The menu covers the bases with steaks, burgers, sandwiches, and a better-than-expected salad bar, making it easy to please a group. Add a few frames of bowling and it turns into a laid-back night out that’s worth the short drive from Wilkerson.