The food scene here is simple and local. If you’re hungry after a hike, or a long drive up Highway 395, here are a few local favorites worth seeking out.
Independence
Still Life Cafe
Part French café, part Owens Valley institution, Still Life Cafe is one of the most unexpected dining experiences along Highway 395. The menu changes regularly, the atmosphere is eclectic, and first-time visitors often aren’t quite sure what they’ve walked into. Call ahead.
Indy Place Ice Cream
A small-town ice cream stop that hits especially hard after a summer day in the Owens Valley. Grab a cone, find some shade, and watch life move at Independence speed.
Cowboy Coffee
You won’t find latte art, single-origin tasting notes, or a line of people working remotely on laptops. Cowboy Coffee is a classic small-town coffee stand built for early mornings, road trips, and locals who know exactly what they’re ordering before they reach the window.
Taco Trucks
Ask ten locals where to eat and somebody is going to tell you to hit the taco truck. Simple, affordable, and consistently satisfying, it’s proof that some of the best meals in the Eastern Sierra come from a parking lot.
Baxter’s Honey Stand
Part roadside attraction, part local institution. Stop for locally produced honey, snacks, and a taste of Owens Valley agriculture. It’s one of those places that perfectly captures the character of Independence.
Big Pine
Brewed Awakening
Coffee is serious business in a town filled with anglers, climbers, and early risers. Brewed Awakening serves quality coffee, breakfast items, and enough caffeine to fuel a day in the White Mountains or along Big Pine Creek.
Rossi’s Steak & Chicken
A longtime local favorite known for hearty portions and classic comfort food. After a day outside, Rossi’s delivers exactly what most travelers are looking for: a satisfying meal and a relaxed atmosphere.
Copper Top BBQ
Few restaurants along Highway 395 have earned the reputation of Copper Top BBQ. What started as a roadside barbecue stand has become a destination in its own right. The brisket, tri-tip, ribs, and pulled pork regularly draw lines of hungry travelers, and for good reason.
The Bottom Line
The best places to eat in Independence and Big Pine aren’t trying to be trendy. They’re local spots built around good food, hardworking owners, and communities that still value regulars. Whether you’re grabbing coffee before sunrise, tacos after a hike, or barbecue on your drive north, these small Owens Valley towns deliver exactly what they promise: simple food done well.
