Whether you’re fueling up for a day in the mountains or just passing through on Highway 395, the Eastern Sierra has some gems—if you know where to look. From legendary taco trucks to cozy cafés and post-hike burger joints, here’s Yelp’s guide (our commentary) to where to eat in Lone Pine, Independence, Big Pine and Bishop.
TLDR: Top 5 Restaurants on the 395 by Yelp (over 50 reviews)
1. Taqueria Mi Guadalajara Bishop(⭐ 4.9)
2. Indiego Tasting House (⭐ 4.9)
3. Castro’s Tacos Lone Pine (⭐ 4.8)
4. The Rolling Chef Fusion Bishop(⭐ 4.8)
5. Crearéé (⭐ 4.8)
Runners up and so good: Whitney Portal Store Burgers Lone Pine (⭐ 4.7) + Pupfish Cafe Yummy & Healthy Bishop (⭐ 4.7)
Special Mention: we hear that Helen’s Vietnamese Kitchen (⭐4.9) is super good. We have not tried it, and they were under 50 reviews… but we wanted to call it out, and we will be heading that way soon.
Where to Eat in Lone Pine
Lone Pine’s food scene? Let’s just say it’s limited but solid. What’s here hits.
Best Tacos in Lone Pine 🌮
Taco Trucks – Hands down, the best tacos on the Eastside. If you leave Lone Pine without hitting a taco truck, you did it wrong. Castro’s (⭐ 4.8) chicharrón? Unreal. Los Plebes (⭐ 4.6) burritos? Giant.
Best Breakfast & Coffee in Lone Pine ☕
•Alabama Hills Cafe (⭐ 4.4) – Tourists love it.
• Vibras (⭐ 4.5) – If you seek lighter, healthier options (which are limited), this is it.
Best Lunch in Lone Pine
•Whitney Portal Store (⭐ 4.7) – without a doubt, take 15 minute and drive to Mt. Whitney Portal. Have an epic burger and fries while you stare at the granite walls of the mighty Sierra. This will become your tradition. Say what’s up to Cayden and Jesse.
Best Dinner in Lone Pine
• Seasons (⭐ 4.2) – It’s our fancy restaurant (lol) but prices are actually super reasonable. We eat dinner here most often. The steaks are really good, or if you want to keep it light, try the chicken Caesar and goat cheese pizza, or the pasta is amazing. The bar is epic.
• Merry Go Round (⭐ 4.4) – Cheat day gold. It’s heavy, it’s delicious, and you’ll need a nap after. The Sesame Beef and Cream Cheese Wontons is it. Say what’s up to Dan.
Pro Tip: The bacon at Lone Pine Market is next level. No joke.
What’s Missing? 🥗
A good, healthy food option with variety. Seriously. A fresh, locally-ish sourced spot with a good atmosphere would crush. If you’re a rad restaurant looking for a new home, we’ll personally hand you the economic argument (visitation + price per sq. ft. = $$$).
👉 Know a great restaurant with healthy options that should open in Lone Pine? Tag em! cc: Looney Bean
Where to Eat in Independence
Independence is weird, good weird, and also rad, but weird. I recently heard someone call it the Berkley of the Eastside. Fair.
Still Life Café (⭐ 4.1) – Once upon a time, Still Life Café was run by a wild Frenchman. You ate whatever he put in front of you, likely after sharing a drink, joint and story, or maybe he spent the evening arguing with his wife. Absolute chaos. Pure magic. He’s no longer with us, and we cannot speak to current management, but Still Life lives on. If you’re looking for an adventure, take your chances and see if it’s open. Good luck.
Indy Place Ice Cream (⭐ 4.9) – If it’s open, you stop. No debate. Small-town charm, and homemade ice cream. Hours? Who knows. But if it’s open, it’s worth it.
That’s pretty much it for Independence. Plan accordingly.
Where to Eat in Big Pine
Big Pine is small with a must-stop.
•Awakenings (⭐ 4.4)– This is your classic small-town coffee shop. No gimmicks, just good coffee and solid vibes. Good people, hard working. Support rural. Support local.
•Chuckwagon (⭐ 4.5)- yummy yummy comfort food and you will be stoked you picked up lunch when your are building a massive appetite hiking to Big Pine Lakes.
•Copper Top BBQ (⭐ 4.6) – If you drive past and don’t stop, you did it wrong. Family-owned and legendary. Best BBQ in California? We say yes.
That’s is it for Big Pine.
Where to Eat in Bishop
Bishop’s food scene is the strongest on the Eastside. Sorry Mammoth, its true.
Best Breakfast/Lunch in Bishop
•Looney Bean (⭐ 4.3)– If we’re awake, we’re holding a Looney Bean breakfast burrito.
•Pupfish Café (⭐ 4.7) – Whether you want actual lunch or breakfast-for-lunch, this is the move.
•Great Basin Bakery (⭐ 4.6) – we often pick up a Mt. Tom and spinach croisant pre-hike.
Indiego Tasting House – knows for their “bomb” burgers.
You can do any of these for breakfast and/or lunch and you will not be disappointed.
Best Post-Mountain Meals in Bishop 🍔
Coming down from the mountains and running on fumes?
• The Rolling Chef (⭐ 4.8) – Mexico meets South and Central America at this unique fusion gem.
• Burger Barn (⭐ 4.5)– Solid, no-frills, good vibes, post-hike burger.
• Mountain Rambler Brewery (⭐ 4.2) – A beer, a burger, and those fries. We are obsessed with the fries.
•Taqueria Mi Guadalajara (⭐ 4.9) – The people have spoken.
• Crearéé (⭐ 4.8) – Vegan tacos, and everything else.
Best Cheat Day or Munchies Food 🍜
• Wonderland (⭐ 4.4) – The new Chinese restaurant is super bomb!
• Thai Thai (3.7) – A local favorite. Hit or miss, but Pad Thai all day.
Tourist Favorites in Bishop
•Schat’s Bakery (⭐ 4.3)– it’s touristy for good reason.
•Mahogany Meats (⭐ 4.4)– Do not sleep on this place. Even if you don’t need a full meal, grab your trail lunch here.
Final Thoughts
The 395 food scene is growing, but it still has gaps and big opportunity. If you’re a local, drop your favorites below. If you’re just passing through, now you know where to eat.
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