Highway 395 Road Trip Food
Big Pine’s food scene is small, practical, and deeply tied to Highway 395 road trip culture.
Visitors passing through town will find roadside barbecue, coffee stops, taco trucks, burgers, and classic Eastern Sierra comfort food serving hikers, anglers, climbers, road trippers, and travelers heading toward Big Pine Lakes and the surrounding high country.
Like much of the Owens Valley, dining in Big Pine is less about trendy restaurants and more about good food after long days outside.
Copper Top BBQ
Copper Top BBQ has become one of the most recognizable food stops anywhere along Highway 395.
Known for smoked tri-tip, ribs, pulled pork, sandwiches, and long weekend lines, the restaurant draws travelers from throughout California and has developed a loyal following among climbers, hikers, anglers, and road trippers exploring the Eastern Sierra.
For many visitors, stopping at Copper Top has become part of the Highway 395 experience itself.
Brewed Awakening
Brewed Awakening has become one of the Eastside’s most popular coffee stops for travelers heading north or south along Highway 395.
Known for coffee, breakfast burritos, pastries, and quick grab-and-go options, the cafe serves hikers, climbers, anglers, and road trippers fueling up before heading deeper into the Eastern Sierra.
Its small-town atmosphere and roadside convenience make it a dependable stop before long days in the mountains or desert.
Rossi’s Place
Rossi’s Place brings classic Italian comfort food to Big Pine with pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, beer, and casual sit-down dining along Highway 395.
The longtime local restaurant offers a slightly different pace from the area’s roadside barbecue and taco trucks, making it a solid dinner stop for travelers spending time in the Owens Valley and Eastern Sierra.
Road Trip Dining Along Highway 395
Part of visiting Big Pine is experiencing the slower pace and roadside culture that still defines much of Highway 395 through the Eastern Sierra.
Small diners, local barbecue, roadside stores, coffee stops, and mountain-town restaurants all contribute to the character of traveling through the Owens Valley.
For many travelers, the drive itself becomes part of the destination.
Plan Ahead for Dining in Big Pine
Restaurant hours in Big Pine can vary depending on season, staffing, and tourism demand.
Some businesses close earlier than visitors from larger cities may expect, especially during winter or slower travel periods. Travelers should avoid assuming late-night dining options will always be available.
Recreate Responsibly
Help support Big Pine’s small business community by respecting staff, driving carefully through town, packing out trash, and helping preserve the slower pace that makes the Eastern Sierra unique.
