Highway 395 stretches for 270 miles and it’s a beautiful drive, but you’re bound to get hungry along the way. Here are 5 must visit delicious pitstops to keep you fueled for adventure:
1) Erick Schat’s Bakery (Bishop, CA)
- Famous for the sheepherders bread
- 763 N Main St Bishop, CA 93514
Eric Schat’s Bakery is an iconic spot in a cute small town. This family-owned European style bakery was established in 1903 and is a very popular stop by both locals and out of towners.
They are known for a special rustic bread called Sheepherders bread, which was trademarked by them in the 1930’s. Besides their bread, they carry an array of baked goods, deli food, and confections.
They carry both glutinous and non-gluten options, and a mix of sweet and savory items. Example goods include freshly made sandwiches, bread loafs, pot pies, freeze-dried candy, dipping oil, gelato, coffee cake, bread pudding, cookies, chocolate strawberries, fruit tarts, candied apples, etc. The list goes on!
There is both indoor and outdoor seating. They have a second building (yes, a whole second building!) next door with plenty of seating.
Everytime I pass by Eric Schat’s, there’s always a crowd no matter what day it is or time of the week; it’s an obvious indicator of how good their stuff is. It’s definitely worth a visit!
My favorite items are the cherry turnovers, pecan pull-away bread (they have different kinds of pull-away!), turkey pot pie, and tomato focaccia bread.
2) Copper Top BBQ (Big Pine, CA)
- Known for BBQ sandwiches and plates
- 442 N Main St, Big Pine, CA 93513
Craving delicious BBQ? Coppertop BBQ is a family-owned roadside BBQ joint with an atmosphere “like a cookout block party.” In 2015, Yelp named Copper Top BBQ America’s best restaurant.
It has the best melt-in-your-mouth BBQ pulled pork, brisket, ribs, tri tip, and more. The meats are tender with so much flavor, and the sides are just as good. As someone who has tried nearly everything on their menu, there’s not a single item that disappoints.
There are no servers so you have to walk up to the cashier, pay for your food, and pick it up at another window. You can take it to-go and have a picnic nearby (like I did above), or eat there in both indoor and outdoor seating. They also have vending machines with pre-packaged meat to take home if you want!
My favorite items are their pulled pork sandwich, green chilli (my absolute favorite), and potato salad.
3) Whoa Nellie Deli (Bridgeport, CA)
- Deli and Casual Gourmet Restaurant
- 22 Vista Point Dr, Lee Vining, CA 93541
Whoa Nellie Deli is another local family-owned and operated restaurant, but this one is tucked inside Tioga Gas Mart at a Mobil gas station.
A gas station, you say? Yes! You wouldn’t believe how a great place to eat is in a gas station. Don’t be fooled by the location; the food here is delicious and a perfect stop for a lunch time meal, especially on your way out of Yosemite’s east entrance.
Personally, this is my husband and I’s favorite stop after backpacking in Yosemite National Park. Ordering a cold tap beer and eating a homemade-style meal after a day in the sun is delightful. They have both indoor and outdoor seating.
My favorites are their Angus burger + potato salad, Lobster taquitos, and beer on-tap.
Please note that they are open seasonally and are closed during the winter.
4) Gus’ Fresh Jerky (Olancha, CA)
- Fresh beef jerky and savory snacks
- 580 US Hwy 395 ,Olancha, CA. 93549
If you’re craving a savory snack, stop by Gus’ Fresh Jerky to pick up a bag of beef jerky!
You’ve likely seen signs at least once for Gus’ Jerky during your drive along Highway 395. Although it is posted in a desolate location in the high desert, there are several signs for it as you’re going northbound.
Don’t be fooled by it’s hole-in-the-wall appearance, their beef jerky is impressively very delicious! They have an assortment of different flavored beef jerky and other items like clover honey, chilli mango, olives, and nuts.
According to their website, they’ve had some big celebrities, such as Quentin Tarantino (Director), Kit Harington (Game of Throne’s Jon Snow), Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), and the Jonas Brothers (Musicians) visit before.
My favorite is their Cowboy (Black Pepper) Beef Jerky.
5) Taqueria mi Guadalajara (Bishop, CA)
Authentic Mexican Food Truck
- Authentic Mexican food
- 395 N Sierra Hwy, Bishop, CA 93514
This small family-owned food truck is situated in a dirt lot along Highway 395. It has been around for around 30 years.
With a passionate owner and authentic food, this is one of the best food stops along Highway 395. On my last visit over the winter season, the owner offered us a sample of champurado (a mexican style hot chocolate) which was warming and very delicious. There is outdoor seating here.
My favorite is their Al Pastor and Carne Asada tacos.
These are just a few of the many great food stops along Highway 395. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.
So hit the road, explore the beautiful scenery, and enjoy the delicious food! If you have any favorites, feel free to share so I can explore some of your favorites as well!
