There’s something deeply satisfying about eating in Lone Pine after a long day outside. Lone Pine’s dining scene has quietly fed climbers, 395’ers, ranchers, film crews, and thru-hikers for decades. The food here isn’t trying to reinvent itself. It’s dependable, filling, a little quirky, and exactly what you want after a day in the desert or mountains.
Here are a few of our favorites.
Portal Store
Located up at Whitney Portal beneath Mount Whitney, Whitney Portal Store is famous for oversized pancakes, burgers, hot dogs, amazing fries, cold drinks, and hikers nervously double-checking their packs before heading up Mt. Whitney.
Alabama Hills Cafe & Bakery
Alabama Hills Cafe & Bakery is the classic Lone Pine breakfast stop. Big portions, strong coffee, and pastries roughly the size of a hubcap.
Merry Go Round
Merry Go Round is authentic mom-and-pop Szechuan Chinese food in the middle of the high desert. After a long day in the mountains, it 2000 calories plus meal is well deserved. We highly recommend the cream cheese won tons and sesame beef.
Season’s Restaurant
Season’s Restaurant is one of the best hidden bar-and-dinner combinations on the Eastside, with a dining room serving steaks, pasta, seafood, and cocktails. If you’re looking for an actual dinner-dinner situation, this is usually where people land.
Taco Trucks
The taco truck situation in Lone Pine deserves respect, and honestly, it’s hard to go wrong. There are usually three trucks parked around town, and they all deliver.
No notes. Just tacos.
Bonanza Mexican Restaurant
Bonanza serves combination plates, enchiladas, margaritas, giant portions, chips, and salsa. The kind of meal where you accidentally eat enough for two people, but after a big day in the mountains, that’s not really a problem.
You Also Have…
A few other local options worth mentioning include Mt. Whitney Restaurant for classic diner food, The Grill for steaks and cocktails, and Totem Cafe, which delivers classic roadside diner energy with its own local spin.
