4. Restaurants

Copper Top BBQ

310 N Main St, Big Pine, CA, 93514
  • (760) 970-5577
  • Store is closed

Copper Top BBQ Menu

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  • Marcy B.

    The tri tip was to die for! Delicious food, friendly service! We will make the trek back!!

    (5)

  • Jack S.

    Great road side BBQ shack! You could blink and miss it but I recommend you keep your eyes open, this place is the real deal. Red oak open and closed pit BBQ's fired up out front, great looking menu, very friendly owner operator, and the tri-tip I had was very good. I can't speak to the rest of the menu but my order ws spot on. You can get a meal with sides or just buy your favorite "Q" by the pound. Limited parking, outside seating only (there is a pavilion tent), walk up window (don't be discouraged by a line it's worth the wait), and I didn't see any bathroom facility but the Shell station is right next door. I'll definitely stop again! I held out on the 5th star only because I've had better, not much better though ;o)

    (4)

  • Michael H.

    Believe what everybody says, it's the best BBQ in the galaxy. By far. Ribs sweet and tender, tri tip melts in your mouth. And the friendliest place -- the owner, Hank, is humble and kind.

    (5)

  • Ted V.

    A true gem! Authentic and amazingly tasty, clean and welcoming, cozy outdoor seating with wooden picnic tables and an awning and mister for hot days. The baby back ribs were moist, smokey and full of flavor-they didn't need any extra sauce at all. The tri-tip was melt-in-your-mouth tender with a delicious Santa Maria seasoning. Beans were excellent, four bean mix with pepper, cumin, and garlic. Potato salad was tangy and slightly spicy with big chunks of red potato, pickles, and a mustard-based dressing. This spot Wil be my new regular go-to on the way up Hwy 395.

    (5)

  • Michael P.

    We were told by friends to try this place on the way home from Mammoth and Im so very glad we did. The food was beyond excellent! By far best BBQ I have had. I got the pound of Tri-tip and should have got the ribs because they were delicious(the tri-tip was awesome also). The special that day was mac and cheese and it was kind of like a chili mac and cheese but it was great! So very happy we stopped by service was superb but get there early because there will be a line and they will sell out!

    (5)

  • Dennis N.

    best bbq you will ever eat!

    (5)

  • Jacob A.

    Numbers don't lie, #1 for a reason, I wish I had 4 hands so I could give Copper Top 4 thumbs up!!!! The customer service is GREAT. The experience is GREAT. Hank will chat it up with you and it's all just a GREAT time with GREAT FOOD. Anyone giving Copper Top less than 5 STARS has no taste buds!

    (5)

  • Larry N.

    Great place to grab a tasty plate of barbecue on the way to Mammoth. The owners are super nice and the food is excellent. Plus they have nice picnic benches to sit and enjoy your meal with great views of the Eastern Sierras. Great place overall. P.S. The Mac-n-Cheese was fantastic.

    (5)

  • Melissa M.

    We stopped here on our way down the 395. The ribs were meaty and sauce was delicious. Also got the brisket with sides - the mac and cheese has got to be bad for you but tastes so good! Friendly people there too. I highly recommend this stop!

    (5)

  • Amy G.

    This is a BBQ lovers dream! Everything is made fresh and you can taste the quality. Even the side dishes were amazing. As an added bonus, the BBQ master and owner Hank kept us company while waiitng for our food. Everything was great, but the Tri Tip and potato salad is highly recommended. This is a must stop if passing through!

    (5)

  • Marc W.

    Great food! Hard to get onto the place since they got in the top rated yelp restaurants but well worth it. Here are some tips. They are closed mon/tues. Go on a weekday and plan to be there between 11 and 12. We went on a Friday at 11:30 and didn't have to wait in line. We had the tri-tip sandwich, pork ribs and the chili. Everything was truly great! Just goes to show if you make truly great food, you will do well and people will come from all over!

    (5)

  • Mike K.

    This place is awesome. I stopped in while driving between Reno and LA and what a surprise. Hank, the owner is pretty much the man and came right up and talked to me. What a fun guy, lots of stories to tell and he knows what he's doing. The tri-tip was heavenly, and before I left he came out with a little sampler for me to take home. Highly recommend stopping here. It's also incredibly clean, well maintained and easy to see from the road. A definite gem in this part of CA!

    (5)

  • shelly b.

    When you smell the aroma as you drive up and you think you only want a sandwich, NO don't stop there! Have a Pull pork sandwich, take ribs and ti-tip home and make sure you buy 2 pounds instead of 1. IT IS THAT good. We got there before they opened and waited 45 minutes to open and IT IS WORTH THE WAIT. I am an Executive Chef, saw this on TVFood Network and when they said the best BBQ in the USA, and being from the South, I had to stop! And I'm a Memphis dry rub BBQ kind gal, and this is really really good. And when they say it's the best it is.....The best West of the Mississippi! OMG, never thought I would find BBQ this good in CA? I make pulled pork, but this flavor is over the top! Closed on Monday and Tuesday so plan your trip to Mammoth and be sure to stop, it is so worth the wait, and you will have a wait.....have patience all good things are worth waiting for! Chef Shelly B

    (5)

  • Vicky S.

    On 2/15/15, my husband and I decided to drive the 3 hours (one way) to come and see why this small place in Big Pine was voted #1 on Yelp. We tasted why!! We did get there around 2:30 and they had already run out of the chicken and the slab of ribs. Also, all of the sides (except the chili) were also sold out. I was bummed because I really wanted to try the potato salad. Others there were eating what must have been the last of it and it looked really, really good. We ordered the tri-tip, pulled pork and chili. Tri-tip is my favorite and as far as I'm concerned, no restaurant can even come close to my husbands BBQ tri-tip- until now! (Yes, he knows this and agrees with me) It has a wonderful flavor and was incredibly juicy and melt in your mouth tender- which is exactly how I like it. After trying it dipped in the BBQ sauce, I decided it didn't even need it and why cover up the wonderful flavor it already had. Now, neither one of us really cared for the pulled pork, but I'm not a pulled pork fan. But, my husband did like it just enough to finish off what we ordered. If he hadn't liked it at, it would have been tossed. Yes, the wait was long, but was definitely worth it!! Come with friends and the wait won't seem as long. The customer service is OUTSTANDING!! They made sure that everyone knew what they were running low on and out of and about how long the wait would be. They were also very friendly and would talk to their customers as we were waiting for food to be ready. I absolutely cannot wait until we go back. At least we now know to get there early in order to try what we would like. I'm looking forward to trying the ribs, chicken and potato salad. And, of course, I'll be ordering that tri-tip again!! Do your taste buds a "flavor" and try this place out. Like I said, they are very friendly there.... strike up a conversation with them and prepare to have some wonderful BBQ!! Congratulations Copper Top BBQ for being voted #1 for 2015!!

    (5)

  • David P.

    Food is good! Hank is great and informative. They are closed Monday and Tuesday but Memorial Day from 11-2 they will be open for hamburgers only. They are huge and worth the price. The chicken was good and waiting to eat the green chili later for dinner. Only down fall was the wait. But I get it. Waste not, want not. Only two improvements I saw as a customer (not complaints) put your smoked products in with the green chili. As that smoky flavor. Possibly put any left over smoked meats into the chili from the night before to add that copper top flavor if you are doing that already. AND If you don't have it already, phone ahead 30-60 minutes option for us travelers to take an order over the phone to cut down the wait time. We can order ahead coming or going to mammoth stop off pay the bill and get back on the road. Just ideas as a customer to possibly better the already good system to possibly make better. Just ideas not complaints.

    (5)

  • Bruce B.

    Folks, you have to realize this place is a small 1 family operation and if you're coming up from L.A. expecting valet parking for your H3, well, don't bother. It's also a take out place, with limited seating, outdoors, sort of old school. That being said, I also don't believe there is a "best BBQ" anywhere. At a certain point it's all good BBQ, and Copper Top is damn good. We had pulled pork, tri tip ,St. Louis ribs and potato salad. They were all really good. The tri tip was some of the best I have ever had, absolutely done to perfection and so were the ribs. My wife didn't share her pulled pork, but she and our friends had high praise for it. The sandwich buns are fantastic, the folks running the place are super nice, and busier than a one legged man in an a$$ kicking contest. So cut them a little slack if you're expecting them to drop everything to tend to your every whim. Love the country music playing out front, I forgot how much I like John Anderson, who happened to be playing...My only suggestion to the folks running Copper Top would be to have a second BBQ sauce that is slightly sweet. Not really sweet, just a tad sweeter than the existing sauce that is just a bit tart for my liking. Best BBQ in the U.S.A. ?? There isn't one. Is Copper Top great BBQ? Yes, absolutely.

    (5)

  • Joseph R.

    Love it here went with a group of 19 and each and every one of us loved it. The food is spectacular. The only bad thing I'd say about it is that there are a lot of flys. It wouldn't be bad to make it and indoor restaurant.

    (5)

  • Mooki x.

    Saw it on the way to Tahoe. It was actually very warm that day. There were a handful of picnic table. Everything smelled terrific. There was a line to order. There was a tent with only 3 tables if you wanted to sit out of the sun. The 'cook' was very friendly and willing to take pictures with anyone that wanted. I would order the combo (rib, tri-tip and chicken) as you get a little of everything. Staff was nice. Definitely worth the stop.

    (4)

  • Bryce L.

    Not only was the food incredible (get the tri tip), but Matt and his staff were awesome. a must try

    (5)

  • Vanessa G.

    This isn't my account, I had to use my daughters but I felt like I wanted to write something about this restaurant. I went Saturday with a friend of mine. The owner had just told me about some baby back ribs he just received and cooked. It was amazing, and he also gave us a sample of tri-tip; I am coming back up this following weekend to go deer hunting, and I am definitely going back during deer season and picking up some BBQ.

    (5)

  • Jill W.

    We saw this featured on our local news as a top yelps stop so we decided to check it out on our way back from Reno. We absolutely loved it! Great flavor, friendly staff & we loved the laid back atmosphere to sit & dine. If you are a bbq lover, it's a must stop!

    (5)

  • Matt P.

    After hearing that this place was voted #1 by Yelpers, I had to give it a try on our way back from Mammoth. Just remember that they are located in Big Pine, not Bishop. This place is about an hour south of Mammoth. We got here right when it opened at 11am. Getting out of the car, you can smell the meat cooking on the grill. Ended up ordering the Big Pine Sampler, half rack of ribs, 1/2 lb. of pulled pork with cole slaw and mac n cheese and sweet tea. We waited about 10 minutes for our food. I think that was due to the mac n cheese still cooking when we ordered it. We were given the sweet tea first. It wasn't anything special. Not really sweet either. When I got my food, I was really excited to dig in. The tri tip really looked good. Nice bark and pink in the middle. It was juicy and tender and wasn't dry like a lot of places. The ribs had a hint of sweetness from it. I'm guessing the rub had brown sugar in it. It had a nice flavor and was tender and a good amount of fat. The pulled pork wasn't bad either, but definitely not the highlight of the meal. It had a tomato taste to it. It kind of reminded my of carnitas. I was not a big fan of their bbq sauce. They should rethink their recipe. It was very tart and was not tasty at all. I have to admit that I like my sauce on the sweet side. But I've also had tangy sauce that tasted better than this. If their sauce and sweet tea tasted like Lucille's BBQ then I would probably have given them 5 stars. The cole slaw has a strong vinegar taste to it. I'm guessing that's the apple cider vinegar. It would have been better if the it was on the creamier side. The mac n cheese was pretty tasty. Not mushy or overcooked. I would definitely make this my go to place if I was to ever pass through. Next time, I will just order the ribs and tri tip. Keep in mind that they are closed on Monday's & Tuesdays. It can get very crowded early. One thing I might suggest to management is that they should re-think their ordering process. I think the person who's taking the order should concentrate on just that. Someone else should be running the food and drinks. I think by doing this, the line could move a bit quicker.

    (4)

  • Ian W.

    I was driving up to June lake to drop off a boat. As I went through Big Pine I saw a guy loading meat onto a Santa Maria style grill, so I decided to stop in on my way back down in a couple of hours. I rolled in there around 12:30 and ordered a full rack of ribs and a pound of pulled pork. This Pit Master (I don't use that term lightly) is amazing. He serves his ribs dry with sauce on the side. That tells me that he is so confident about his spice rub that the ribs stand alone. Well....he is right, those where fantastic. The rub was neither spicy or sweet, it enhanced the flavor of the ribs perfectly. The left over never made it home. I will stop in at the Copper Top every time I'm near Big Pine. Awesome

    (5)

  • Ben P.

    On the 6th day of my motorcycle trip from Denver to Yosemite. I stumbled upon this jewel when looking for the nearest gas station. It's certainly impossible to miss this place. Picnic tables with red umbrellas shading everyone from the intense summer sun, Hank out cooking and smoking the meat, and the simple Copper Pot BBQ sign standing in front. The atmosphere is great! Hank will introduce himself to you as he's cooking. He let me charge my camera battery while I waited for my friends to arrive in the nearby town Bishop and his son kept my glass full with ice cold water. I grew up in the South where the BBQ is as fine as the pinup calendar girls you find in your dad's garage, and this place holds its ground. The tri-tip melts in your mouth and slides down your throat with the bbq sauce boasting with flavor! The potato salad has celery, black olives and jalapeños mixed in creating a crisp consistency of fresh ingredients. The Mac N Cheese has a bold taste of spices blended in the creamy cheesy penne noodles. Don't drive by with your mouth watering. Stop in to say hi to Hank and enjoy his cooking!

    (5)

  • Tara S.

    Awesome service and food! You can tell the owner, Hank has a real passion for BBQ and his customers. Loved the whole setup with the tents and misters to keep us cool. We had never tried tri-tip before, as we are from the southeast and we loved it!

    (5)

  • Heather G.

    Hank really LOVES what he does and you can tell. I've had two perfectly juicy, not dry at all 1/4 chickens here. That takes talent in a BBQ. Not to mention the ribs, pulled pork, and tri-tip are equally fantastic. Try the pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw on top. The coleslaw is vinegary and crunchy and has julienned apples in it-adds a lot of crunch and enhances the meat's flavor. Hank and everyone who works there are super friendly! Be sure to say hi to the puppy who sits out front. She's super friendly and loves getting petted! As an aside, the bathroom is right next to the kitchen-I got a peak at the inside of the kitchen and it is pristine.

    (5)

  • Anthony M.

    Awesome BBQ! The owner is super nice and I will be stopping here every time I am driving through, the food was so good!

    (5)

  • Zach S.

    This is a bonkers delish stop in an otherwise sightless town. Amazing brisket and literally some of the best slaw I have ever had in my life--perfect balance if sweet and sour, I want it right now! This makes taking any trip to the Sierra's and beyond far more worth it now!

    (5)

  • Lucila J.

    Stopped here on the way back from Crowley Lake for lunch. We seen this on ABC 7. Food was great had a Tri tip special with a cream soda. Maybe a good idea to put a little coleslaw on the side as well as on the sandwich? Very tasty and the ribs were excellent! Was great talking to you about back in the day about the So.Bay area. Will see you next time for sure on our next trip!

    (5)

  • Lauren F.

    Best ribs ever! Everything is delicious, including the amazing potato salad, cole slaw, and macaroni and cheese sides. Each one was a unique, yet delectable recipe that I will attempt to poorly imitate in my own creations. With the sampler plate we were able to taste the bbq chicken and the tri tip. Yum. But hands down, no bones about it, the ribs were the best any one of our group has ever had. Ever. Don't be dumb. Get the ribs. While each entree is a little pricey, each plate is a very healthy portion of deliciousness that is sure to please. Copper Top just became a must-stop eatery.

    (5)

  • Stacey M.

    Not only is this the best food in the sierras, it's got the nicest staff you're going to find. Being in the entertainment business I travel around the country and have tried many BBQ restaurants, this is far and away the best food I've had. Best of luck Hank.

    (5)

  • Tarah P.

    Amazing!! Such a great experience all around. We had the kickin chicken sandwich which was on special and the tri tip sandwich. The buns were so delicious too! So soft and fresh. For our sides we had the green chili and potato salad. Both equally delicious. This will be our first stop whenever we are road tripping up north for sure!

    (5)

  • Susan H.

    Well, we went because they were rated #1 in the U.S. for their BBQ, not impressed at all but friendly...... Chicken was better than the tri tip, sauce nothing to write home about. Who voted???

    (3)

  • Franky H.

    It was coincidence that we went here but sometimes random coincidences make for some of the best things in life. Pros: 1) The ribs are pretty amazing. They barbecue their meat over wood, which gives it a very tasteful unique type of scent over oven cooked or coal cooked meat. 2) The atmosphere. It's got a very small town, picnic gathering type of setup. Very genuine kind of feel. 3) Friendly staff. The owner came out and spoke to us and ask how the meat was and about his business. Very small town small community kind of feel. 4) It's got WIFI! I didn't get any service out there but this place has WIFI. Cons: 1) No bathroom. Because it was built from an existing drive through, there aren't any bathrooms that are available to customers except for the one in the kitchen. Nothing wrong with that as it was clean. However, it would be nice to separate the kitchen and the customer bathroom. But that's just my personal preference. 2) Weather dominates the decision to eat here or note. Although they have a tent to eat when weather is bad, probably not as cozy to eat there during the rainy or snowy season. Regardless of the cons, you should still give this place a try. This place may have just become a tradition for me to go to when I am up at Mammoth.

    (4)

  • Kelly K.

    Delicious! My son and I just each had a tri-tip sandwich and we both say it is one of the best tri-tip sandwiches we have ever had- perfect blend of spices, cooked tender but well, and nestled in a fresh, soft roll. I would stop here every time I traveled to Mammoth.

    (5)

  • Richard G.

    Some one is playing a joke. Considering the Copper Top in the top 100 eating establishments in the U.S is beyond belief. We ate there at 5:00 p.m and there were no crowds. There is no indoor seating (except in a tent). Food is served in a styrofoam box and was barely warm. Utensils are plastic and one could not cut through the tough tritip with the plastic knife. Ribs and chicken were dry and with ordinary flavor. Potato salad and cole slaw were tasteless. Roll was generic as if off of the shelf at the local market. Sauce in a small cup tasted as if out of a jar and was cold. Servers in the service window were pleasant but everyone including the owner and YELP should be ashamed of themselves for listing this restaurant so highly. As we passed by the restaurant on another day there were large crowds. It is a case of belief in the Emperor's new clothes. I doubt that the Copper Top is the best place in Big Pine let alone the nation.

    (1)

  • James A.

    Great BBQ ribs and tri tip. Best I have ever had. They truly live up to their reputation. Plus they are the nicest people.

    (5)

  • Laura K.

    We finally stopped in for a BBQ lunch, and it was yummy! We'd go again...nice outdoor setting inthe Owen's Valley! Try it, I think you'll like it!

    (5)

  • Jim M.

    This place is incredible! Great people, great food, and a great location. Do yourself a favor and stop by and see Hank and Matt for the best BBQ in California!

    (5)

  • Emilio T.

    Hank walked up to me and three other hungry backpackers to suggest the baby back ribs because, "they came in with a lot of meat today." Boy was he right! They were delicious and extra juicy. I enjoyed the traditional Mac and Cheese as well as their take on roasted green chile. They were extra yummy mixed together. To top it off we witnessed an endearing moment when Hank's young grandkids came up to show him the rainbow trout they had just caught. Hank was beaming with pride. All in all, a great family restaurant!

    (5)

  • Shella S.

    Everything was absolutely outstanding, from the food to the staff. The pulled pork sandwich on a pretzel bun was fantastic, but the tri-tip is otherworldly. You will not be disappointed with anything you order.

    (5)

  • Meir H.

    The problem is the wait. When you go to the bathroom and you see 5 people in the kitchen and only one person working, you know something is wrong. They can't keep up with their popularity so don't bother. Hit Holy Smokes BBQ in bishop instead.

    (1)

  • Julie W.

    Hank & Matt are wonderful gentlemen, the food at Copper Top BBQ is amazing, and the service immaculate. Eating at Copper Top BBQ is like another " Great Day in Paradise"!!! If ever in the area of Bishop or in between Lone Pine and Big Pine you must stop by and say "HI", and enjoy some samples of what you will eventually eat. I can only rate this a five star rating, but Darren & Julie Whitney give Hank and Matt's Copper Top BBQ a "10 +"!!! Great eating, enjoy!

    (5)

  • Melissa L.

    The image of the tall man with the white cowboy hat standing in front of his smoker and BBQ made me think this was going to be authentic, delicious BBQ. Heavily seasoned ribs, tri-tip, and chicken plus thick ketchup-y BBQ sauce with little chunks of bell pepper(?)/tomato(?) were finger-licking good. For two, we ordered the sample platter which allowed us to try all three types of meat with two sides (we got the mac and cheese and the coleslaw). We discovered: 1) the ribs were the BEST with the tri-tip a close second. The chicken was well-seasoned but not as tender as the other two. 2) the coleslaw was FANTASTIC with thin cut green apple slices and a dijon-based sauce. LOVED the awesome quality food and the story of father and son running the company together. Like others have mentioned, only outdoor seating is available with one tent set-up (that's why only 4 stars), so weather will dictate whether you want to eat here or not. But sitting under the umbrella-shaded picnic table on a hot day was the perfect setting for our BBQ. Thank you guys for an awesome meal! (~from the couple in Anaheim :)

    (4)

  • Dave L.

    What a great place! The wife and I pulled off here on impulse. Hank recommended the sample platter to split, which consisted of ribs, tri tip and chicken. The ribs were meaty and flavorful. Tri tip was perfectly cooked. Chicken was quite tasty as well. For sides we had Mac n cheese and cole slaw which I'd do again. The Mac n cheese has a little kick to it. Copper Top is a great addition to the 395.

    (5)

  • John S.

    What a discovery! We travel to Mammoth frequently and this little place with the amazing BBQ will now be a must-stop. Met Hank, the owner who knows his way around the huge outdoor grills and served some of the best tri tip, ribs and chicken I have ever eaten. The ribs, seriously, are worth the ride alone. I was with 3 major LA foodies and they all concurred. Perhaps what's really the best part is the service and feeling like you are hanging with some nice folks. Hank's son even shared green matcha kit Kat bars with our kids!

    (5)

  • Tristan G.

    Crazy that I have to travel all the way from San Diego to get the best BBQ I've ever had. Today was my 2nd visit. I came a year ago. I had tri tip and pulled pork. We had great conversation with Hank, whom to me represents everything Americana. He was kind enough to give us samples of his ribs. Very few places can you walk away with a full content stomach and a good warm feeling of the people that run the place.

    (5)

  • Ken F.

    Are you kidding!!!! To be a restaurant of any quality I would expect it to have a full complement of the dishes on the menu. I was told they were out of everything but Ribs and Chicken. Only sides were beans that weren't on the menu. Can't comment on the food because I immediately left and dined elsewhere.

    (1)

  • Wendy P.

    Going through Big Pine? You'll want to make a stop at the place that makes friends through their food! Sticky fingers are well worth the mess! Everything, I mean everything is great!!!

    (5)

  • Carisa L.

    Sorry Hank, I was supposed to write this review up almost a month ago! We have driven past Copper Top on our way to Mammoth countless times but it was always late in the evening when it was closed. Finally, we were driving through out the right hour and it was open. The smell alone should motivate you to stop. Seriously, it is heaven. My dad (who is insanely into BBQ) had read up on this place and wanted to stop here because of the rave reviews from the BBQ/smoke world. But even if you're clueless, just roll down your window, breathe in, pull over, and enjoy. It's owned by Hank (the chef) and his son (the cashier) so it's a simple and pure stop. Nothing fancy, just pure delicious. Talk Hank while you wait for your food, he's a pretty awesome. For the food, pops ordered a rib eye steak which was a special item for the day. It's a rib eye steak so you know, epic since it was cooked to perfection. My mom and sister shared a pulled pork sandwich, that looked and smelled amazing. Must have been since they refused to share. As for me, I'm allergic to all spices. So BBQ joints are usually pretty sad for me. I ordered a burger with just cheese and lettuce. That's it. I finished before we were back on the road. If Hank can make a plain burger taste so delicious, you know this man has skills. When ordering, we asked for no pepper. And they said special orders don't bother them. Of course not everyone can be accommodated, but don't be afraid to ask. Nothing should hold you back from enjoying the best BBQ in California.

    (5)

  • Deborah C.

    We were on our way to Mammoth and drove by the Copper Top BBQ. We could smell the Oak and could see the open bbq. We made a U-turn and were so glad we did. We were treated to the best bbq. We had the sampler with chicken, baby back ribs, and tri-tip. They were the best I have ever eaten...moist with great flavor. The sides were unbelievable; green chili beans and the best potato salad ever. We took a container of the potato salad to go and had another picked up by friends on their way up. My sister-in-law had the pulled pork sandwich was great too. Unfortunately they were closed on Tuesday when we traveled home, or we would have eaten there again! Deborah(Carpinteria)

    (5)

  • Roy E.

    WOW! On the way back home from Mammoth Mountain we stopped off here to eat some lunch and boy am I glad we did! We had 2 car loads of people and every single person ordered something different.... Literally every single person including the kids said it was the best BBQ ever!!! I haven't had BBQ this good even in Texas. Everything had such great different flavor you cant find anywhere! Not to mention the Father and Son running this place are super nice! Hank even shook my hand and wished me a great day! Too bad this place is like 4 hours from my home or I would be there a few times a week! Hank when you franchise let me know, ill be your 1st business partner!

    (5)

  • Melissa B.

    definitely worth the stop if you're headed to mammoth or bishop! pork ribs and tri tip were AMAZING

    (5)

  • Cynthia D.

    Excellent Ribs. Perfectly cooked, generous portion for the price. Hank cooks because he loves it. So glad we decided to stop at this local BBQ joint! Will definitely be back in and out of Mammoth and Yosemite.

    (5)

  • Adam B.

    My friends and I were coming back from fishing Mammoth lakes for 5 days and were looking for a spot to grub at. We had saw Copper Top BBQ on the way up and was looking forward to hitting it on the way down. We met Hank out front and talked BBQ for a bit. He's a hell-of-a guy and the food is just as great! Everyone was stoked on the QUE. The coleslaw and tea complimented the main dish perfectly. I highly recommend this restaurant.

    (5)

  • Tom H.

    I go through and to Owens Valley a few times a year, I finally decided to stop a Copper Top this Easter weekend while taking in some earley trout fishing. Dont let the 4 stars fool you, Copper Top is right up there with my bbq, it is top notch and Hank really puts it down not only in the pit, but also rocking bbq Santa Maria style. While parking and seating need some attention, the bbq does not. I think in my future stops at Copper Top I will get it to go, and warm it by my campfire. Thanks Hank, see you soon in May or June. Tom

    (4)

  • Megan M.

    We usually go to Schatts on our way through the area but wanted to change it up. Great BBQ and the owner/cook is awesome, reminded me of my Dad. He does all the cooking and constantly checks in with customers to make sure their happy. We got the pulled pork and tri tip and both were delish!

    (5)

  • Lindsay K.

    Best BBQ I have ever had, the owner and manager are very nice. Definitely will be stopping here every time on our way to Mammoth.

    (5)

  • Rick T.

    Best tri tip I've had in the eastern sierras. Clean comfortable and tasty I recommend this as a definite stop on the way to mammoth

    (5)

  • Jeffrey S.

    This review is for an experience on May 24, 2014. Yes, we were driving up 395 on the way to Mammoth Lakes and had to stop in Big Pine, for the siren song of smoke, meat and fat had lured us in. Even though we were there a half hour before they opened, the older gentleman that was cooking still took care of us. We ended up getting one of the juiciest smoked chickens I've ever had and a rack of pork ribs. We were going to save everything for dinner that night, but sitting I the cab of a pickup with that wonderful barbecue aroma put a stop to those plans as soon as we got to our destination. The ribs were amazing. Fall-off-the-bone tender, juicy, perfectly smoked with great bark. These guys are super friendly and will go the extra mile to help you out. Particularly with the route advice for avoiding the Mule Days traffic through Bishop that day. Copper Top BBQ is going to be a required stop on the way up the 395 from here on out for me.

    (5)

  • Brian M.

    Stopped on Saturday on our way up to Convict Lake. Best BBQ on 395. Can't wait to go back for more.

    (5)

  • Erin B.

    My husband and I were traveling through on our way to mammoth for the weekend and stopped to have some lunch. I usually use yelp to pick a restaurant but the baby was crying and just pulled over at the first place that looked nice. We hit a gold mine. This is the best BBQ we've found on the west coast. We've lived in the south and we can't believe the quality of the food at this little BBQ joint. The chicken, tri top and pulled pork were fantastic. They cook the meat right in the front of the restaurant. The view of the sierras would be enough to make most people stop, but the food is the real show stopper. Try the green chill too!!

    (5)

  • Joseph W.

    This is some of the best, if not THE best BBQ I have ever had. And that's coming from someone who was just at the Salt Lick in the Texas Hill Country. Will be going back regularly, even though in LA. Someone knows what he's doing!

    (5)

  • Vanessa S.

    Great food, great service. Make sure you stop here if passing through Big Pine. Kid friendly and large portions.

    (5)

  • Lisa A.

    Their ribs are juicy and sweet and the chicken yummy. Hank us very personable and gives samples. Loved it!

    (5)

  • Cindy B.

    Hands down the best BBQ that I've ever had. I've been to Texas, Alabama, Georgia, the usual BBQ places and this is the real deal. Smoky and flavorful with the sauce on the side. Tri tip is great. Ribs are wonderful. Pulled pork is amazing (and lean). I haven't tried the chicken, so can't make a comment on that. As for the sides I've tried the mac and cheese and the potato salad. Both are homemade and really really good! Seating is outside, but Hank has put up a tent and umbrellas to try to make his customers as comfortable as possible. The place is TINY, so there is no inside seating. They're super friendly and one time when we were having lunch there Hank found out that I hadn't ever tried his ribs, he went and got me a rib to try. It was brilliant marketing because next time we were in town we got a rack of those tasty ribs. This is now are "must do" stop going north or south on the 395. One trip were disappointed that he closes on Monday, but that was our fault for not checking his schedule. His prices aren't cheap, but he really does charge a fare price for what you get. The portion and quality of meat on the pulled pork sandwich is amazing. My daughter and I each got one and ended up eating the leftovers for two days. A prime example of getting what you pay for. He feeds ya, he doesn't fool ya! Even if you're not hungry, do stop here and get some BBQ to go. You will not regret it.

    (5)

  • Alex D.

    This place has some of the best BBQ I've ever had! The tri tip is seasoned and cooked to perfection, the ribs fall off the bone, the pulled pork has great flavor, and the sides are very tasty. We stop at this place on our way to/from mammoth, and in my opinion it is a must to have a meal here when you're passing through. Definitely check it out!

    (5)

  • Rachelle L.

    Very good! Not as good as my husbands :)! But of course they are cooking in mass quantities. But still very good!

    (4)

  • Farshad M.

    There are lots of good reasons to visit the Eastern Sierra. And this place should be one of them! Amazing food -- the best ribs we ever had. The ambience, with the breath taking views of the mountains, is so cool and relaxing. And the best part is chatting with owner Hank. He is all smiles! A great, memorable experience.

    (5)

  • Anthony J.

    This meal was absolutely delicious, had both the tri tip and the pork ribs and they were equally amazing. The sweet BBQ sauce on the tri tip is the best and the ribs need no BBQ sauce because they are so flavorful and fall off the bone. Also, the owner hank was incredibly friendly and helpful!

    (5)

  • Trevor B.

    Absolutely delicious food. Got the tri tip after finishing a backpacking trip, not only was it a heaping serving of steak but the flavor was fantastic. Hank and his son Matthew run the place and they both were very friendly, plus you get to watch the meat cooking on the outdoor grill. The selections for sides if you get the meal are also excellent. Definitely the place to go if you heading along 395, a fabulous stop.

    (5)

  • Frances S.

    A new must for Mammoth road trips. The meat is truly flavorful and the sides do not disappoint. Best of all, the service is great! It seems like all the workers enjoy being there. The co-owner, Matthew (son), was genuinely nice and took care of us when there was a delay in our food. We will be back!

    (5)

  • Michele H.

    Awesome BBQ. To die for potato salad. As you eat on the patio you smell the BBQ cooking the meat. Smells sooo good. Nice place to stop on 395. Very friendly.

    (5)

  • Paul S.

    Stopped for lunch on the way back to the Bay Area from Death Valley. Split a full rack that was outstanding. Other standouts are the green chili and cornbread. It was a beautiful day and Hank was outside grilling and talking with the customers. Great guy and great BBQ.

    (5)

  • Jill S.

    My husband, my dog, and I are on a two week relocation trip from Minnesota to California and happened to stop for a bite to eat at Copper Top. It was an excellent place to eat! I don't really like BBQ and I devoured my pulled pork sandwich. Try the potato salad, it has many delicious surprises that make it memorable. The place was well maintained, friendly owners, and had an amazing view! You won't be disappointed!

    (5)

  • Michael G.

    I've stopped here a couple times on my way up the 395 and now I try to eat here every time I head up to Mammoth Lakes. I've tried almost everything on the menu and it is all amazing. All the sides are very good! Make sure you order a soda. It comes with crushed ice! On a hot day there is nothing better. The service is always great and you get to enjoy an amazing view while you eat. It doesn't get much better than this.

    (5)

  • Richard V.

    Wow, can't go wrong with the tri tip or pulled pork sandwich. My wife and split one of each and both were amazingly delicious. If you like potato salad, Hank makes his own here with plenty of flavor.

    (5)

  • Saul R.

    This is THE place to stop on the 395. A Mammoth must. Get it on the way in and on the way out. Of course the ribs are genius but the chili and the chicken are absurdly wonderful.

    (5)

  • Arnab L.

    Excellent bbq, really enjoyed the chicken, tri tip and their twist on mac and cheese.

    (5)

  • Mike L.

    Awesome food!! Great favors at this BBQ!!

    (5)

  • Danny M.

    Very, very good BBQ!!! We used to stop by here when it was the other bbq place on our way to Mammoth & back home, so we were pretty disappointed when they closed down. BUT it has reopened under NEW OWNERSHIP & were we happy when we saw it was!! The new owners are very friendly and hospitable. The food was excellent, just what we were hoping for! We all had the sampler platter which included tri-tip, pork ribs, chicken and 2 sides. We all chose the mac n' cheese & the chili beans...which by the way were cooked and seasoned just right. Overall the food might be a little pricey but the quality, service, and hospitality more than make up for it! We now have something to look forward to during our drive! And yes, it is pretty windy there quite often, but it's all part of the experience. You also have the option to go across the street and eat at the shady park, which is also nice.

    (5)

  • Mike C.

    Just ate there for the first time. There were 4 of us and we ordered the pulled pork, tri tip and ribs. All were fantastic!! The potato salad was good and the beans were amazing. The people were friendly and the service was pretty fast. Definitely going to be our 395 food stop.

    (5)

  • Peggy S.

    Make sure you stop here on way north or south on 395. Don't eat in Bishop wait until Big Pine. This was an excellent BBQ place. We had full rack ribs and Big Pine sampler platter. Everything was good. I loved the homemade potato salad and green chile beans. So tasty. Owner is very friendly.

    (5)

  • Alpha R.

    Food was excellent, especially the tri tip. Owner was very nice and friendly. Good food, good people. What else could a man ask for?

    (5)

  • Justin W.

    These guys are doing BBQ right! Amazing ribs, tri tip and pork. Try it, you won't regret it!

    (5)

  • Ian T.

    Since Hank and his sons opened last summer, this has become a mandatory stop for me and my friends heading to and from Death Valley. Especially from. What the hell is better than world class BBQ after a week of dust and ramen?

    (5)

  • Jacqueline B.

    Stopped by on the way to mammoth, and the food was great! Got the tri-tip sandwich and a rack of ribs. Great service and they had the cutest puppy in the front. Will be stopping on the way back!

    (5)

  • No Use F.

    My girlfriend and I stopped here on the way to Yosemite. The smell and the attractive little set up is what got our attention. We pulled in and was immediately greeted by the smiling face of Hank. He told us we gotta try the ribs. It just so happens I love ribs, so naturally this is what I ordered. And I have to say... Some of the best ribs Ive ever had. So if youre driving through Big Pine and arent sure where to eat, make sure you stop in and see Hank. You will not be sorry you did.

    (5)

  • Mary T.

    I do research in the Sierra in the summers so spend a lot of time driving up and down the 395. And every time I am making that drive, I have to tell myself not to stop and get fast food (even though I am starving)--there has to be something better sooner or later... My plan for Wednesday was to stop at Raymond's Deli in Bishop (one of my faves) but they were closed by the time I drove through town, so I just kept driving. And (thank goodness) I didn't stop for fast food. Copper Top sticks out in Big Pine--you won't miss it. It's bright, cheery and welcoming. I decided to go for a burger because they were out of pulled pork and ribs (they have a sign warning that they run out of food later in the day so they don't prep too much and have it go to waste. I am in great support of this). I ordered my burger without the bun, and when I got the to-go container, it wasn't the most amazing presentation I ever saw (but the younger owner didn't give me a hard time for my gluten-free option!) But the moment I cut into that burger, I tried hard to remember the last time I had a burger that good. Even after Hank came up to me in my truck as I was finishing up to ask me how my food was, I couldn't tell him the last time I had a burger that good. It was cooked medium-well (I didn't specify temp), and I would normally balk at beef cooked that well, but it was juicy and delicious. The flavor of being grilled over wood was amazing. I didn't order any sides--most were hot (it was already 100 degrees outside) or had gluten. I understand that mac-n-cheese and the like go along with BBQ, but I recommend coming up with a nice cucumber salad, pickled okra or even steak fries as options for sides. Oh, and you definitely need pickles or relish for the burgers! I highly recommend going here! There are some edges to polish, but the meat is high-quality and the owners are super-friendly. I will stop by and try the chicken or pulled pork in a couple weeks. Good luck, guys!

    (5)

  • Lena L.

    Finally a great BBQ place in the valley!! Hank and his son were great!! The Pork and Tri Tip sandwiches were amazing!! Can't wait to go back for more! A must stop on the 395!

    (5)

  • Barbara S.

    Went by several times on our way to Bishop and finally stopped. Glad we did! Tri-tip was delicious--perfectly cooked and with a nice crust. Chicken was so tender. Everything was great. Can't wait to get back!

    (5)

  • Bishop I.

    Everybody I know has been talking about how great this place is. I was hesitant to go, only because the new BBQ joint up in Bishop, which received great reviews, was very, very disappointing to me. Went down to Copper Top for lunch today.... OMG. Best ribs I've ever had. Seasoned amazingly and so tender! NO SAUCE REQUIRED. Also had the pulled pork, which was great as well. Sides tasty too! The owner is super friendly also. Yay!! A local BBQ joint has finally made me want to return!

    (5)

  • Jennifer P.

    Love love love this place! Never had a bad experience here! Everything is good! So much fun to stop by on our way to or on our way back from mammoth! The owner is so great! The tri-tip is my absolute favorite!

    (5)

  • Jessica R.

    Great place to stop to eat heading to Bishop or Mammoth or heading home. We loved it! Great friendly service and it was very clean! We will be back! Our new favorite stop heading home to Carpinteria!

    (5)

  • Salley J.

    On our way up to June Lake and happened to see a long line at Copper Top and had to stop. What a treat! Hank and his son Chris are doing a wonderful job! We had the sampler and it was soooo good. We had "Hanks" beans and loved them. The Mac and cheese was very good. I'm sorry I didn't try the potato salad since I'm reading how good it was. Thanks Hank and we will be back soon! (Copper Topp)

    (5)

  • Troy B.

    I was meeting some people from Reno, Nv and I am just north of Los Angeles. This town was half way and we picked the Copper Top as our meeting place. Lucky us, the food was great and the owner Hank, stands out side next to the grill talking to everybody and making it feel like you are in your friends back yard. The only draw back for this place is that it's 240 miles from my house. I might go back next weekend anyways.

    (5)

  • K D.

    The ribs are fantastic! The best I've ever had outside my own home. Hank was friendly, welcoming, and clearly loves to barbecue for people. I honestly couldn't have been more pleased with the atmosphere, the service, and (most importantly) the food! Seriously, with juicy delicious ribs, who needs extra bbq sauce (although it was delicious!) or extra sides? (Those are great, too! The cole slaw is clearly handmade and so good!)

    (5)

  • Jay S.

    Having been to most of the major temples of fine BBQ in Dixie, I can say Hank and his son can definitely compete in the same class. Fantastic ribs and great western style beans and California slaw. His attention to detail on the tri-tip to ensure that it rests properly and his use of various woods in his smoker gives the meat unique and subtle flavours. What a find!

    (5)

  • Ranjini Z.

    The ribs at this place is amazingly good. Plus, everyone there is super nice and Hank really cares about the quality, loves what he does and you can tell. The ribs were cooked to perfection and that takes talent. The pulled pork and tri-tip are equally fantastic. This is the first time we stopped on the way to Mammoth but it will not be the last. Thank You Hank for providing such great BBQ and taking the time explain how you prepare the meat etc.- friendly customer service is has no comparison. Keep up the good work - we will be back!

    (5)

  • Danny G.

    Young kids working. The typical careless attitude. Get hit with the guilty tip at upfront pay time. They don't bring the food or drinks so a waste. Then forgot the drinks. (I hate pre tipping then getting hose'd. Food- we got the sampler. Chicken was decent, the tri tip wasn't the typical super tender fall apart style. Chewy, firm, lotta fat(normally ok when cooked to a more tender finish)with ok flavor. Ribs were great. Coleslaw was good. The fire roasted green chili/beans were reaally good. People next to us got the pulled pork sandwich and mentioned it was anything special. If I had to go back, I'd stick to the ribs. Skip tipping the non-existent service

    (2)

  • nick g.

    FLIIIIIIIIIES!!! Holy smokes the flies are abound in August. I don't really see what the hype is about, but i'm sure the BBQ place doesn't mind. They'll ride the wave of curious yelpers coming to see what the big deal about this place is. Honestly, I still don't know. It's alright, they got a yard in the front. And a few tables. A portopotty. and FLIES!! You'd think they'd use some of the money they make from the upsurge of yelpers to get some fly strips, or traps, but nary a one dangling in the breeze. Welp. You wanted authentic BBQ taste, ingesting a fly or two is pretty authentic.

    (3)

  • Michelle L.

    Headed back from Reno, we had to make a lunch stop here :) Read good things about it and it was true! Delicious tri tip, very moist! The beans are amazing and the potato salad is super yummy! Great little atmosphere, Mr. Hank is super friendly and kept making sure we were doing well and checked if the food was good...even got a picture with him! Great place, will definitely come back!

    (5)

  • Tiffany S.

    I thought I loved pulled pork sandwiches before visiting Copper Top. A true BBQ God is cooking here on the side of road! Good BBQ reminds me of being home with Grandpa Sid. You must stop here! Thanks Hank for taking care of us!

    (5)

  • Nareg G.

    Had to try Copper Top BBQ because of the Yelp ranking of #1 in the USA. ABSOLUTELY GREAT. The tri tip sandwich was amazing. Great meat, slaw, BBQ sauce, and bun. Also, the owner/chef who is bbqing outside right in front us came over and brought a few ribs for us to try. The ribs were even better than the sandwich. Will definitely come here every time I drive through.

    (5)

  • Deb R.

    It is beyond me why people think this is great! We ordered a Big Pine sampler. It comes with tri-tip, 2 ribs and a chicken quarter (ours was a wing and breast) , and two sides (we chose potato salad and coleslaw) and a small roll. We consider ourselves bbq experts ( we owned a bbq business) . The tri-tip had no smoke ring and was so tough I had trouble pulling it apart with my hands, let alone chewing. The ribs did not have smoke rings either and one of our ribs was gray on one side. They were tender, but we did not eat the gray sided one. FYI a smoke ring is a pink/red smoke mark, one quarter inch thick is good ,all around your smoked meat. It gives the meat its unique flavor and depends on the type wood you use in the smoker. Okay onward"..... The chicken was good but did not pull off the bone, we had to cut it off. Now for the "sides" The potato salad is made with boiled red potatoes, dill pickles, black olives, black pepper, mustard and ? And did I mention the black pepper! Had two bites. The coleslaw was a typically bagged mix with the addition of green apples and vinegar base dressing. Our thin apple slices were limp as a noodle. That tells me it was not fresh today. Had a couple of bites to determine the ingredients. The roll was good, it was a Hawaiian roll that you buy in stores. No butter, not warmed. We were there at 11am and never saw the grill guy do any cooking with either the small copper top smoker/ grill or the grill next to it. I have given you the most honest review I can in this space. The beauty of the Sierra Mountains as you seat to eat your meal is a wonderful backdrop. The Copper Top was clean outside, we did not use the " blue room", porta pottie.

    (2)

  • Sklar T.

    Matthew, please learn to accept a non-glowing review with humility. The more you respond in an angry and condescending way, the more you make yourself and Copper Top BBQ look bad. Not me. Your condescending manner is reflected in just about every Yelp review that you respond to: Had a problem with the food? OK, but I (business owner) disagree. Why didn't you (Yelper) bring it to my attention so that we can rectify it without resorting to write a negative review? That's how your M.O. is: You say you accept negative reviews in a lighthearted manner, but in just about every review with criticisms, you throw blame back at the customer. And you tend to respond in the way where you put words in other people's mouths, reinterpreting their words just to make the reviews appear harsher than they really are. - You didn't get a glowing review from me. Fine. - I had tri tip with more fat than I like, and it had gristle. It happens. - I found the BBQ chicken bland aside from the crispy skin. It's a matter of taste, and it happens. - I review based on my taste, not what others think and not by how others influence me. - One review from me does not tear down a restaurant. - I never said I'm a BBQ expert. I mentioned those other BBQ joints to emphasized that yes, my comparison of BBQ places may have been skewed because I've had, what I believe was better BBQ prior to dining at your place. I admitted to potential bias-ness. I had nothing to hide. - I mentioned I know others in the restaurant industry to indicate to you that I cannot simply write an irresponsibly worded review. I didn't say I know important people nor to tell you to "watch what you're saying." What you read in my review as bashing is perplexing. Many of my friends read my original review and did not think it was overly critical nor a review that just dumps on a restaurant. BTW, I do make minor corrections, especially if it's a grammar issue, a misspelling, or awkwardness where a sentence or a thought may not have been addressed clearly. I do not drastically alter my reviews. I'm sure if we ask the Yelp staff, they should be able to produce all edits of my response to you. - I never mentioned that I am an expert reviewer. If I were, I would have a blog. I would be writing for Eater.com or the LA Times, and have Jonathan Gold or Ruth Reichl as my mentor. I would be making money from being a food critic. No one is perfect. You cannot expect to serve perfect meals each time, nor expect to please every one of your customers. Everyone is going to get a bad review. Everyone, whether you're McDonald's or The French Laundry, everyone is going to get at least one bad review. Please deal with it. Everyone else seems to... End of discussion.

    (1)

  • Timothy R.

    We had the tri-tip and pulled pork sandwiches and both were awesome; beautiful smoke rings on the tri-tip a perfect medium; plenty of meat. Could not have asked for a better lunch on the way to Lake Tahoe. Charming outdoor picnic tables, Hank was the cook with his well worn cowboy hat - most pleasant. Sandwiches were served on wonderful pretzel buns!

    (5)

  • Vanessa F.

    The nearly 95 degree weather and nearly an hour wait from start to finish was WELL WORTH IT !! This place was recommended to us on the drive home from Mammoth and we are so glad we stopped by. I will say that I expected a restaurant and it was actually more of a drive-thru minus the cars. It reminded me of getting food at the fair. But none of that bothered us since we were taking our food to go anyway. There are a few shaded areas and a tent with benches so you can eat without sitting in the hot sun. My boyfriend and I each ordered a tri tip sandwich because it was recommended over the pulled pork sandwich. I also got a side of the green chili beans (I think I am forgetting a word in that name). The tri tip tasted AMAZING !! It came on a brioche roll which was the perfect bread for this sandwich. My boyfriend ate it without barbecue sauce because the flavor was good on its own but I love barbecue sauce so I ate it with about 3/4 of the sandwich. The sauce was delicious and had a hint of spice which was good. The tri tip was seasoned and cooked perfectly. The green chili beans had a great flavor with just the right amount of kick. If we lived closer, we would probably come here at least twice a month ! I highly recommend stopping by !

    (5)

  • Roger A.

    I had seen on a morning news show that this place had the best BBQ in the USA. Of course I had to try it. Here is my review... Pros: -Very nice staff -Easy to find off Highway 395 -Plenty of parking -Large portions -Credit cards accepted -Green chili beans were awesome Cons: -No Beef Ribs!!!! Seriously?? Can you even be considered a legit BBQ joint without beef ribs? The only beef is tri-tip. -A bit pricey....A side of about 6 pork ribs was about $15 (tax included) -Very limited outdoor seating -No indoor seating -The potato salad was something I could buy from Vons. I drove by so many more restaurants on my way up 395 that looked great but I got sucked into the hype. Don't get me wrong...The food was not bad but I think the "#1 ranking" sucked me in and I fell for it and I was expecting so much more. Trust me I arrived HUNGRY and it was just OK. I was looking forward to a big slab of Flintstone's style beef ribs. Others that were from out of the area, who were seated next to us, had the same thing to say. It's just OK! Those reviewers who say it was AMAZING simply arrived super hungry as I did. Again let me be clear....I'm not bashing Copper Top's food. It's not horrible. In fact it hit the spot when we were super hungry. I will put it this way, it's just not what the #1 BBQ place should taste like especially with no beef ribs. It's like saying the best Mexican food in the USA is in New York or Miami.

    (2)

  • Jeff M.

    It was great!!! Took 40 minutes to get our food but, I would wait again. I got the tri tip and my son got the ribs. They were absolutely delicious in every way. I am not a BBQ expert, just a guy who likes to eat. I cannot comment on the authenticity of the food (which seems to be some of the criticism). They put nice cuts of meat over a delicious smelling smoke. It's pre seasoned with something and I really don't care what. I loved it. Only a couple downsides: the seating was too limited for a place this popular. There was only one trash can for the whole place and it was right by people waiting in line for their food. Awkward. My family could have spent less $$ at some crappy place, but the food was obviously cooked with care. I will be back. It was great.

    (4)

  • Terry K.

    I'm hearing there's a rib place I need to try... Because it's rated 1 by yelp so since I'm passing and since I'm a yelper, I stop to give them a try Finding it here's what I find 1- located in the town of Big Pine which is 24 miles north of Lone Pine (approx 200 miles maybe more from Los Angeles ) 2- located in the former coffee place and original Foster Freeze spot on the main hwy 395, also known as Main Street in Big Pine 3- not so crowded(I think I was one of 3 customers) 4- parking in the back of structure on the gravel lot 5- one window to order from (friendly gal, ever so willing to please) 6- griller (I think he said he's the son of the owner) 7- picnic tables available if you're going to eat there 8- average price 9- big sign (cannot miss) So much for the general description. About the Tri Tip- grilled to perfection (medium rare) and seasoned okay. $11 per 6 oz order About the ribs we ordered St. Louis style - cooked to medium sauce always on the side I'm told Owner's son went on and on about how busy they are, since Yelp named them "best in US".... How Angelenos drove 200 miles to eat their steak and ribs...how they can't grill enough..... I'm sitting here writing this review and trying to figure how they were named best in US... Yes, the ribs and steak were done well, the BBQ sauce was well, imho just a BBQ sauce.... So... Really...stuck miles away from a large general populous ???? #1 in the nation? I dunno jury is out on the #1 credential but... Stars for decent ribs and friendly service

    (3)

  • Sara K.

    This place is amazing!!! And I don't really eat red meat. The location is right off the road. it was a little rainy when we went there but there is cover. They played country music and served their soda with my favorite crushed ice. Everyone was so happy and pleasant. We meet the owner for a brief moment and he was just smiling the whole time. I thought to myself "this man is loving life look how happy he is here" later he stated he had a stressful day but I never would have known. He took the time to walk around and say hello to everyone in between cooking (and there were a ton of people) I bought 1/2lb of tri tip for about 10 dollars. You could taste the smoke in the meat it was really good. They also served it with some bbq sauce on the side amazing!!! This stop is worth the wait and It will become part of my family stops when going to mammoth.

    (5)

  • Winston S.

    Jen and I stopped here on our way to Tahoe a couple of weeks ago. The plan was to get here right as they opened, which we timed it almost perfectly. We had high expectations for weeks, based on it being rated #1 on yelp. The chicken was delicious, but the tri-tip and the ribs were kinda tough and dry. I felt like the ribs weren't tender and moist like other BBQ joints. Not sure how this got to be #1 as a restaurant in comparison with so much competition. It was decent, but just not amazing. The atmosphere was nice and the staff was friendly.

    (3)

  • Shirley H.

    This BBQ spot is on the 395 hwy heading towards Bishop (which is about another 15 mile drive up north). There are a few tall banners waving along the white picket fence, a couple BBQ grills sitting on the "lawn," a few stacks of hay to help hold down the outdoor tent seating area, and a few picnic tables set up on the grassy area and a bench towards the back of the restaurant. This restaurant has no indoor seating/ordering area, so make sure to wear sunscreen and/or protective wear, especially during the summer. We went this past weekend, where the temps went up to the mid 80s. We actually got there around lunch time on a Saturday (12:45pm) and thankfully we didn't have to wait too long to order or for the food. We ordered the BBQ pulled pork sandwich, tri-tip sandwich, sweet tea (which I realized wasn't homemade), and a side of potato salad and coleslaw. We were told by one of the BBQ grillers that mac n cheese is only served on Sundays. For everything, it came out to $28. I have to agree with Jackson Y. with this one...I thought the food here was just 'A-OK' and would not rate this restaurant in my top 100. I was so excited to try to place, not only because it's somewhat closer to us but also because it was rated number 1 in the USA on Yelp! I couldn't help but wonder how exactly Yelp gives businesses these ratings and to be honest, I still wonder. I thought the BBQ pulled pork sandwich lacked flavor and spice and even with adding the small container full of BBQ sauce the sandwich to me just tasted bland with a hint of the tangy sauce. The tri-tip sandwich was a little bit better. There were about four long pieces of tri-tip on a long sandwich bun that was toasted (my fav. part) topped with the BBQ sauce. I thought the sauce went better with the tri-tip as opposed to the BBQ pulled pork samy. As for the sides, I thought the coleslaw was okay. Nothing life changing or even to write home about. The potato salad was probably one of the better potato salads I've had. They add pieces of pickles, which is absolutely genius! I don't know why more places don't do that to their ps. A tip for those who want to sit down and eat but there is no room in the area, I found a few picnic tables down the street (same side) at a gas station no longer in service. It's less than a 5 min. walk over from CTBBQ We might not have ordered the right meats off the menu, but I highly doubt I would return here again. For me, Wood Ranch has better tri-tip and they ALWAYS have the best mac n cheese, every day.

    (3)

  • James Y.

    Excellent BBQ! The tri-tip was exquisite, as both a meal and folded into a warm pretzel bun. The coleslaw is outstanding and probably the best my wife has ever had. All live in the shadows of the green pepper chili however. It could stand alone as a perfect meal, but when paired with the tri-tip, it plunges the individual into a flavor vortex wherein all space and time cease to exist and the chili is the event horizon of my tastebuds. No hyperbole. I was able to travel into a parallel chili dimension. And I loved it.

    (5)

  • Summer S.

    So someone told us about this place and the reviews were good so we thought we'd give it a shot. I'm going to list the CONS first and then the PROS. Cons: Heat as F*** out there. Not enough seating and it's all outside. Food is a long wait and they ran out of chicken. The owner/meat guy was licking his fingers as he was grabbing the ribs off the smoker (see attached pic of him). I'm okay with the 5 second rule for my kids or even my kids licking they're fingers, but a restaurant owner- Nope. He was smoking and didn't even wash his hand before returning to cook. The pulled pork was bland as hell. The Tritip was undercooked and fatty. The potato salad lacked salt and we couldn't find salt. Pros: The vegetarian chili was BOMB. Aside from the "finger lickin" the ribs were great. Lots of meat of them and the brown sugar rub as a great touch. The owner or the man in the picture, was very friendly as was the rest of the staff Overall, nothing spectacular. I've had plenty of BBQ and this wasn't the best. Defiantly, wasn't worth $60

    (2)

  • Brian B.

    Pretty solid BBQ in basically the middle of nowhere. We drove up to Big Pine to rescue a doggie from the shelter, then stopped in at this place because it looked pretty popular and we were hungry. Negatives: + Waiting for this place in the middle of summer is HOT + It took about an hour from the time we got in line to the time we got to actually start eating, so not a great option if you're in a hurry Positives: + Food was solid. We got a sampler plate and got to try most of the things + Owner is super friendly and will come chat with you while you wait. Some other notes: There's parking in the back, so don't worry about trying to find a spot on the street. Seating is somewhat limited (mostly relative to the amount of people trying to eat there), but there's usually a spot to eat since people are waiting for food, eating, coming, and leaving constantly. It's a dog friendly establishment, though we ended up having to go back to the car and turn on the AirCon with the dogs while we waited because it was too hot and they looked like they were melting. I think I liked the brisket best. The gf liked the green chili beans.

    (4)

  • betty b.

    We had the Ribs and Chicken, it was delicious!! make sure to try their noteworthy chile beans with green chile!

    (5)

  • Misty S.

    Went to the copper top with an open mind, ordered the big pine sampler with coleslaw and potatoe salad, I was very disappointed with my meal the coleslaw was inedible it was so old the apples were like limp noodles, I couldn't chew the tri tip and the ribs had a grayish hue and very little smoke, the chicken was good but had not been smoked, I will not return

    (1)

  • Amy B.

    Maybe BBQ is not my thing or I had high expectation going in knowing it was voted #1 but I wasn't impressed. I had the pulled pork sandwich. It was ok, I thought it was kindda bland. The pretzel bread sounded awesome but it was a soggy mess when I opened the wrapper. So been there, done that, I'm going to try something else next time.

    (3)

  • Jackson Y.

    How this place got to be the #1 restaurant on yelp is beyond belief. Although, this side of the road restaurant does have it's attributes, I would not list this in my top 100 in the US. I've read other people's review stating that it was a 90 minute wait to get your food. I thought maybe my friends and I would get lucky and not wait as long. I dead was wrong, we waited at least 90 minutes if not more. Sometimes I hate to be optimistic and get shoot down by reality. Price wise for BBQ, it was pretty decent. It wasn't overly expensive, and it wasn't so cheap that I would give an extra star for. The food was good. But it's far from the Best. One of the things they are known for is the tri tip. I've got to say, it's probably one of the better tri tips I've had. The dry rub they use here is excellent. Probably the best I've had on tri tip. Too bad I'm not a fan of tri tip. The pork spare ribs were good, but distant from being top rated. I'm a big fan of ribs, and these definitely do not stack up to some of the good ribs that I've had. The taste is smokey and savory with a touch of sweet and tangy. I appreciate that these ribs are not smothered in sauce. The meat is not "fall of the bone tender"(if that's what you are looking for). I'd skip this and opt for more tri tip. The BBQ chicken was quite good. Out of all the things we ate, the chicken was probably the biggest surprise. Usually BBQ chicken are either super dry or just drenched in sauce. This was neither dry nor had any sauce on it. Again, the dry rub was the star here. Wonderfully seasoned, the white meat was moist and succulent, and the skin was awesome. The pulled pork was also surprisingly decent. I don't like pulled pork in general because it's typically drenched in sauce and is often too sweet for my taste. I thought pulled pork here were pretty good. As for sides, they only had potato salad, coleslaw, and chili. Personally, I didn't enjoy the slaw nor salad. Chili was decent, but nothing spectacular. Service was excruciatingly slow, but the cashier was polite and the pit master seemed very nice and hardworking. I'm happy to see such a small BBQ joint is getting all this attention, but honestly, it's not the best BBQ. It's not worth the 90+ minute wait, and unless you are a tri tip fan, there's really limited choices to satisfy your cravings(No brisket, beef ribs, sausages). Would I come back? Probably not. Do I regret coming here? Not even the slightest. Glad I got to experience road side BBQ on the way back from Mammoth.

    (3)

  • Pillin L.

    I'm impatient. Especially when I am hungry. After hearing about how Copper Top BBQ was named best restaurant by Yelp in America, we had to stop in on our way down from Mammoth. The announcement was made Thursday and we ate there on that following Sunday. I guess good news travel fast because Copper Top was bustling when we arrived for lunch. Here is why I give them 3 star--- that being a okay in my books. 1. I had to wait 1.5 hours for my food. 2. They ran out of ribs and chicken. 2/4 BBQ items offered 3. They ran out of sides. (we literally got the last thing! my gf behind me got nada!) 4. It's not a restaurant-- it's a take out/pit stop kind of place. 5. Food was okay. (ultimately why i gave them 3 stars) I guess I just expected more. What kind of BBQ place doesn't have brisket?! I had the 2 meats they had left-- tri tip and the pulled pork. Tri tip was tough.. I was gnawing my way through it. I loved their BBQ sauce though, it had a perfect amount of sweetness to it. Pulled pork was okay but had to be drenched in BBQ sauce to add more flavor. Ours was cold and so was our BBQ sauce, so adding the BBQ sauce to it made it even colder and that sucked. I did love their cole slaw. It was refreshing, crisp and light. Very flavorful! However the mac and cheese was probably sitting in the container it came in for a while hence the clumping of the sauce. I'll be back to try their ribs on my next Mammoth trip, but if I see a huge line, you bet I'll be cruising along. I'm all about foodie excursions and giving everything a shot but I felt Copper Top BBQ left me wanting more.

    (3)

  • Daryl B.

    Hamburgers only nothing else. No bathroom, its a porta-toilet. Tables outside with flies in abundance. Poor service Never again. This place is a joke. Its a old coffee house Bldg. The hype is what is building this place up. Its is a joke. I walked away without eating the burger. You will also. Its a only BBO joint & its not worth the stop. I had to give it one star because its required. Smoky all the time * Expensive!!!!!! .

    (1)

  • Allison C.

    The tri-tip is fantastic and loved the beans with green chiles! Great location for a drive up the 395, but very hot and sunny today and I wished the umbrellas were bigger. Took the dog along and she sat quietly under the table. Recommend for great bbq on your journey.

    (4)

  • Jordan P.

    I finally got to try out Copper Top BBQ after my trip to Mammoth coincided with my hunger and with their hours of operation. Though I can't definitely say it is deserving of Yelp's "Best Restaurant for 2014", it does have some damn good BBQ. Setting and Service: We came around 2pm on a Friday, and though the place was busy, I think we avoided the busiest part of their day. It took around 5-10 minutes to order and maybe another 10 to get our food, both acceptable times in my book. There were around 6 picnic tables for seating, and were able to get a spot fairly quickly, but I could see this being a problem when it gets busier. The minimal service was adequate, though it mostly consisted of ordering through the hole in the wall. Food: In a few words: the BBQ is awesome. The pork ribs are sweet and juicy, prepared mostly with a heavy crust of pure cane sugar. The beef tri-tip was also tender and very flavorful. Both were as good as if not better than any other BBQ I've tried. The coleslaw and chili sides were both excellent, and the rolls and potato salad were above average. We got to chat with the owner Hank briefly after our meal, and he seemed both very kind and passionate about his BBQ. I can't wait to stop here again, and I recommend it be added to the short list of "must-try" places on the drive from Los Angeles to Mammoth Lakes.

    (5)

  • Maria M.

    Still the best place ever! Picking up on our way to Tahoe and on our way back! No matter what we get, everything is excellent!

    (5)

  • Debbie M.

    AMAZING!! We tried the pulled pork and Tri tip sandwiches. Both were amazing! That was the best Tri tip I've ever had and I know my Tri tip! The sandwiches are on pretzel buns - my favorite! One sandwich was enough for me but we ordered two sides: potato salad and coleslaw, both were awesome! It's all outdoor seating. They have canopies set up with misters. Lots of flies though. Seems like most people get it to go. There is a port o pot that is out of order so I had to drive to a gas station to use the restroom. Best BBQ I've ever had!! Call in your order ahead of time if you're worried about a wait.

    (5)

  • Shane S.

    I have been going up to Mammoth for fishing and skiing for years. You barely blink and your already past the tiny sleepy town of Big Pine. I have noticed the coffee shop turned BBQ only because there is a giant BBQ in front ( guys all notice these things) . Alas when I have been driving by its been closed..... When we heard that this place had the highest Yelp rating we had to make sure we made it there before the 5pm close (what??) Well on the way back we barely made it around 3pm and most of the meats were sold out! We were able to scavenge some ribs and the green chile beans. The ribs were fantastic.... great seasoning with a good amount of char from the fire. The meats had a distinct smokey flavor over the grill, and not doused in sauce the taste of the meat really shines. I wonder how do these guys cook over the grill in 95 degree heat??! Thats some dedication , or crazy workers. I guess in the winter it flips, and all the employees fight for the open fire cooking job!! The owners are very nice.... the son was in Torrance for a time (wonder is that were he found the Hawaiin sweet bread they serve? ) They actually gave us a few extra ribs since everything had sold out !! score!! ( late arrival is not a recommended action though ) The green chiles were very tasty..... I would order this over the "normal" sides. It does get hot, there are a few flying buggars, but the BBQ was absolutely perfect. I need to make it up a little earlier to get the tri tip that my faster arriving friends all raved about..... of course they did not save any for us!

    (5)

  • Kimanh D.

    What an amazing experience! On our latest road trip to Mammoth (from our hometown of Anaheim, CA), we cut our fishing time short to try out this place that was rated #1 on Yelp--quite an accomplishment in today's apathetic society. Let me say, #1 doesn't do this place justice! Let me start by saying I'm not a fan of BBQ. It tends to be too dry, too charred, and just not cooked well. I'm a picky eater--if I don't like it, I won't eat. When the group decided to try out a few BBQ places, I wasn't too enthusiastic, even less so since we tried another place nearby that was only okay. We caught this one on our way home, expecting more of the same. We didn't know what hit us--it's by far the best BBQ I've ever had in my life! The tri tip was HEAVENLY. The seasoning and rub was the perfect balance of sweet and savory, allowing the meat to shine on its own. It was cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of pink in the middle. It was tender and juicy, which surprising considering it was cooked on an open fire. (Skills!) This one was definitely my favorite and always one of the first to run out. The baby back ribs were also remarkable, with that smokiness that lingers in the back of your taste buds in the best possible way. As you can see from the pictures, the perfect smoky ring around each rib--each piece falling off the bone with ease, each bite more flavorful than the last. We got coleslaw and potato salad, but hardly touched them since we were stuffing our faces with meat until we were beyond full. We vowed from that point on to make this a mandatory part of each successive trip to Mammoth, planning around it to arrive/depart during opening hours. Copper Top BBQ, keep up the awesome work, and looking forward to when you can market that seasoning!!

    (5)

  • Hannah R.

    In case you ever find yourself in Big Pine, CA, definitely make an effort to be hungry and ready for the best roadside BBQ of your life at Copper Top BBQ! Literally right off the side of the highway, as you drive through that tiny, sleepy town, Copper Top is unmissable! Completely outdoor seating, just a grill and an order stand-- even in a gentle rain, we were so happy. There is a tent to cover a couple of picnic tables, otherwise its you and the elements while eating incredible BBQ. Since we were sharing, we got the Sampler Plate $18.50, and found it to be more than enough for the two of us. It came with two sides, and we chose the Green Chili and the Potato Salad. The green chile is NOT green, it is in fact a black bean chili with green chiles, just a little spicy, but mostly just full of flavor. We were so happy we found this place during our very long drive to Lake Tahoe. The BBQ itself was really incredible, the few people on staff were so friendly, and we were joined by folks who were definitely regulars.

    (5)

  • Therese D.

    BOMB!!! Tri tip and pulled pork were amazing! The coleslaw is also ridiculously good. Must try all of these.

    (5)

  • Mark S.

    Fast, friendly and delicious! I got the combo platter which was the bomb. All 3 meats were cooked to perfection. Best potato salad as well. My only regret is not ordering a plate to take home. Go there!

    (5)

  • Steph H.

    Been wanting to try this place for a while, what with its top ranking in that Yelp list, and got my chance on the way home from Mammoth. My go-to BBQ spot had always been Holy Smoke BBQ in Bishop and I wanted to see how this place compared. First of all, there is no indoor seating so best for warmer weather days. Second, their menu is a little more limited than Holy Smoke but had the requisite basics so my friend and I decided to split a sampler platter. It came with brisket, bbq chicken, and baby back ribs, and I chose cole slaw and potato salad as my sides. The service here is very friendly and nice, and the owner was out watering the little patch of grass out front--a very lively and engaging person who talked to his patrons and took pictures, etc. It was a very jovial atmosphere and we couldn't have asked for nicer weather that day. Sitting outdoors at a picnic table with some great BBQ--what could be better? Overall, I'd have to say I thought their food was very tasty, especially their chicken and pulled pork, which were damn near perfect, and I loved their sides, but there were a few small things that I wasn't completely thrilled with: - their tri-tip was a little on the tough side - some of the baby back ribs had their ends burnt a bit too much - their BBQ sauce was a little too much on the sweet side and there were no other options I'm no BBQ expert by any means but I was expecting to have my socks blown off and it just didn't happen. It was definitely worth a stop though, and I wholeheartedly wish them continued success because they are so nice and work very hard. STEPH JUDGEMENT: Great BBQ, to be sure, but not superior to Holy Smoke in Bishop in my book.

    (4)

  • Chris S.

    This place was great!!! We got here at 10:50 just before the line started... And man this place is legit if I could give it more stars I would!!!!!Customers for life here now!!

    (5)

  • Glen B.

    I think that I had such high expectations since being rated number one in USA. Somehow there is a glitch in the system. And I also feel that people seem to give way to many 5 stars for a meal. It was okay. Not 5 or 4 star. the trip tip was the best. My wife like the ribs(st. louis style ). I didn't. I didn't like the pulled pork. seemed mushy. also the BBQ sauce was just okay. but my wife liked it. I liked the cole slaw. beans were just okay. If we stopped there without knowing it was ranked number one, i probably would have been happier but it was such a let down thinking I was going to be amazed by it and it was just average. People were really nice. Bathroom right in the kitchen is kinda awkward. Seems like it should not be so close to the food. It's worth a stop but not because you are going to get the best food in America. But because it is a good choice for where you are.

    (3)

  • David H.

    Stopped in on our way to Mammoth and had a great BBQ experience. The tri-tip was perfect, as was the pork ribs. The spicy beans were great, too. Thank you, Hank, for coming over to our table to ensure our enjoyment and for sharing pictures of your grandkids. You are a blessed man!

    (5)

  • Shawn K.

    Stopped by Copper Top on my way to Mammoth. I got there around 30 minutes before opening and Hank was out there cooking. He was friendly and courteous to the early guest, and we chatted the whole time I was waiting. I was not able to sense any arrogance from him and I could really tell that he loves what he does. Regardless of how the food tastes, owners like this will keep me coming back to this joint. Now let's get to the food. Tri-tip: overall well prepared, but it was a bit more "done" than I would've liked... I usually like my tri tip with more pink in the middle than how it was served. Great seasoning, not as rough as I thought it would be considering the "done-ness" of the meat. Chicken: this was the best thing I had at copper top. It was flavorful, juicy, and tender. I usually don't go for chicken in BBQ places because it's difficult to keep the moisture... A lot of them come up dry, but not this place. Chicken alone would be the reason for my next visit here. Ribs: I took a full rack of ribs to go and they were kind enough to double foil it for me in a nice paper bag. Hank had told me to put it in the oven @ 200°F for about 30 minutes. I did it at 250° for 25, and it was great. The BBQ sauce has a special tartness to it, which I would imagine comes from tomatoes and lemon, which complemented the ribs. These ribs, while tasty, were not fall-off-the-bone tender. Seasoning was fantastic, but the mild roughness + amount of fat it had (which was a lot) would keep it away from perfection. All in all, I enjoyed my visit and food from copper top. I think I'll pick up some chicken + tri tip on my way back. In my speaking with Hank, I had heard that this establishment had only been open for about 20 months. Before this him and his son hadn't ever opened a restaurant before. I think with some good experience, they'd be able to make this an even better place than it is.

    (4)

  • Scott R.

    Amazing eats!!! Tried it for the first time a couple months back, and now stop and eat every time we pass through town...You'll see me there again next week!

    (5)

  • Tom S.

    When I read this was Yelp's #1 Restaurant, I printed the flyer hoping to eat here some day. Being from Palo Alto and having never driven Hwy 395 south of Mammoth (been to Mammoth a lot), I figured this was a long shot. As luck would have it, my summer backpack trip took me to Gem Lake off Hwy 395 near Bishop / Tom's Place. Plan was to get off the trail and have dinner here. Well, we missed that by a few hours since Copper Top closes at 5pm (as of this writing). We had a cabin booked at the Keough Hot Springs (separate review) so Copper Top was planned for the next day. After a leisurely morning in the hot springs, packing the car and a short drive to Big Pine we made it to Copper Top about 11:30am. This was going to be my breakfast (it was). I ordered the 'sampler' of chicken, ribs and tri-tip. Coleslaw, beans and I added in the potato salad. And a lemonade. Sat in the shade and enjoyed the misters to keep us cool. My order number was 24 - I immediately thought of Willie Mays. Here are some of the highlights: Each item is cooked on it's own grill and has it's own distinct flavor. The ribs are favored on the grill-smoker combination unit. Not a mosh-pit of flavor similarity. The BBQ sauce alone is a big winner - and I was in the BBQ business cooking over hot mesquite and oakwood for many summers in a competitive market so I know BBQ sauce. The father cooks and the son runs the show inside (ipad register, orders, helpers, etc.). What a couple of really nice guys. The grounds are orderly and clean. But I digress... This is the best overall BBQ I have ever had. Sure, you can maybe compete with them on one item, but you cannot compete with them across the board. Everything was perfect. I am a big coleslaw guy and this is by far the best I've ever had, a very straightforward slaw - the potato salad was loaded with flavor and had a perfect texture - the beans were just spicy enough and didn't kill any of the other flavor profiles of all the ingredients they use. The group of 8 next to us was totally quiet - 2 adults and 6 kids - busy eating which according to their mother was not normal to be so quiet. I saved some of each item into the Yeti cooler because I think BBQ gets better with time (or should at least maintain it's quality). I had a BBQ snack (cold) that same afternoon after touring Bodie (the mining ghost town) and the BBQ was still delicious. In fact, I saved a rib bone and some potato salad / coleslaw for one more go. The next 'go' turned out to be breakfast the next morning. Had a bowl of quick oats with the fixins' and took the dogs for a walk. Before heading back home I put the rib bone in the microwave, pulled out the salads and sat down for what I thought would be a dry eating experience. WOW. That was the 2nd best breakfast I've ever had (the other best was the day before at Copper Top). My wife was concerned because I kept mumbling - "Ummm" "wow" "really?!?" "this is really good" were some of my comments that morning. My order number 24 (Willie Mays) is indicative of Copper Top. They hit a HOME RUN. I can still hear the crowd cheering as Willie rounds the bases. I can still taste Copper Top's BBQ today, 4 days later. Great job you guys - well deserved. P.S. There is no doubt that BBQ is the #1 debated cuisine in America. Every town, city or borough has its claim to fame. There are 1000's of BBQ competitions across this country every year. So let's debate this business in a kind and civilized manner and not turn this into a Yelp nightmare for these folks. Most of us wouldn't last one day either cooking or running the inside business yet we have the right to be food critics, car maintenance critics, dry cleaning critics and just about a critic of any business on Yelp. I'm going to order some Copper Top BBQ to be delivered - just for the fun of it :)

    (5)

  • Jon K.

    We stopped in for lunch yesterday, 7-26-15. There was a long line but it moved along pretty quickly. Once we ordered our food was ready in about 10 minutes. I had the tri tip meal and my wife had the pulled pork on a pretzel bun. We both got the beans as our side dish. The tri tip is the BEST smoked tri tip I have ever had. The pulled pork was also excellent and the pretzel bun really complements the meat. The beans alone are worth coming here! None better anywhere! While we were eating, the owner Hank came to our table and hand delivered a sample of his smoked ribs for my son to try. This is really a family friendly place with great food!

    (5)

  • Richard W.

    Copper Top is THE BBQ stop on 395. There is a reason they were voted the best, here's why... The meat is all cooked (smoked) right in front of you while you order and eat. No funny stuff or glitz here, just HIGH QUALITY meat cooked over red oak with good, fast service. The owner smokes the best tri-tip I've ever tasted. (I'm pretty finicky when it comes to smoked meat, as I smoke and cook quite a bit.) Hank does it right and his product is FANTASTIC. The ribs and pulled pork are just great! The crowds kind of tick me off now because of all of the Yelping with them being voted number one in the country...but it's worth the stop, you will not be disappointed!

    (5)

  • Kevin B.

    My friends and I arrived there after it closed (it was 5:20), however they were nice enough to accommodate the 3 of us. They were out of the ribs so my friend had the tri tip sandwich and my other friend and I had the pulled pork. They were both delicious! Anyone who has ever had bbq in Texas or Oklahoma knows that it's not about the ambiance, it's about the meat! I've had bbq from St. Louis to Memphis, KC, NC, Texas and still the best bbq I've ever had tho is Bradda Hutts in Hana, HI. Next time I will hopefully be able to try the ribs!

    (4)

  • Philip L.

    First time here, I was able to get the sample platter. The food was so amazing. Never had such amazing BBQ before. The Potato salad, coleslaw, fire roasted green chili is to die for! Also such a friendly staff to top it off.

    (5)

  • Christy B.

    Excellent BBQ! A must stop when traveling the 395 through Big Pine. Hank is friendly, courteous, and an expert at the grill/smoker.

    (5)

  • Andres O.

    I am so glad we decided to return home passing by Big Pine. We were already heading back home and had no plans to stop for lunch, but we drove by Copper Top and the amazing smell made us turn around and stop there for lunch. Little we knew that this was voted the best BBQ in the country.... and it's true!!! This is the best BBQ I have in a long time and probably the best ever. I was born in Argentina, so I've seen good bbq in my life. My wife is from Spain and she barely eats meat, but she had to have some chicken and taste the ribs and pulled pork I order. We don't eat meat at home and only have it once in a while when we know it's from a good source. This was the perfect time and the most amazing and tasty meal. The staff is friendly and service is great and speedy. Hank, the owner, is constantly taking care of the grill and chatting with people. This is an amazing man with a true passion for what he does. The bbq grills are right by the tables and you can smell the wood burning while you wait and during the meal. It's a great experience. I am photographer, so I couldn't resist doing a few shots of Hank working the grills. I am planning to make a stop at Copper Top every time I am anywhere near the area. I have a new friend in Big Pine now. ;-) Thanks!!!

    (5)

  • C F.

    We decided to try this place after seeing it on tv and we were not disappointed! We tried a little bit of everything. The Tri-Tip was good, chicken was better but the ribs were amazing! Even their sides were delicious! Staff was really nice and answered any questions we had about how he cooks the food. Can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Milan B.

    One may accuse me of bandwagoning when I bestow five stars upon a place already anointed as the "Best restaurant in America" by our favorite social network, but it earns each of those five stars. I won't pretend that it is the best restaurant in America (many, many others come to mind that more appropriately deserve that status), but it is one of the best BBQ restaurants I've ever been to, and so far the best I've savored in California. Driving Highway 395 during the early afternoon hours is almost meditative. The rhythmic flight of dashed yellow lines under the tires as you stare straight ahead, turning to admire the mighty Sierra on your left and the silent, eternal vigil of the White-Inyo Range on your right, you quite quickly grow accustomed to the steady rise in elevation and subtle change in scenery. Joshua Trees and tumbleweeds are replaced by Cottonwoods and cows, and the towns grow smaller as you head north, and finally reach Big Pine and its popularly but unofficially eponymous young Giant Sequoia (which isn't a pine tree... the actual maesake Big Pine no longer exists). It is in this tiny town that on the east side of the road you will find a lean-to of a building, outside of which two smokers rest on a lawn, and perhaps a few road warriors hanging out at red-checkered tables. This is the place - the second business to make a stab at fortune in this location, and thanks to Yelp it looks like it's becoming a bit popular. Arriving at 2:30 the tables on a Thursday the tables were full. After perusing the menu rather quickly we settled on the tri-tip sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, cole slaw, and potato salad, and commenced our wait. Preparation took about ten minutes, but it was fresh. An older gentleman in a cowboy hat carved the tri tip right off the smoker for us, and if my eyes weren't mistaken a nice chunk of pork was as well. The sandwiches were a delight - both buns were grilled and seasoned to deliver a satisfying crunch and richness, and the meats were extremely tender and flavorful. The sauce, served on the side, was lightly smokey, with tomato chunks remaining and signaling a homemade topper. The potato salad was mild with a pleasant balance of mashed and whole potato, while the cole slaw (delivered in the form of a more vinegar based, southern variety) was also quite good - delicious on top of the pulled pork. The service was friendly and efficient - they take pride in what they deliver here. The prices run a bit on the high side ($9 for a sandwich - Mammoth prices are creeping down to Big Pine) but they made up for that in quality. If they could deliver something fried (yeah, I'm a pig) that would be wonderful, but the sandwiches are plenty to keep me going. Take note that their hours are strange - 11 to 5 five days a week. But unlike some Owens Valley roadside stands (like the soft serve ice cream joint in Lone Pine), they are open year round. And thank God. I did not come in expecting the best... this is the Owens Valley for goodness sake. But I was pleasantly surprised, and more than pleases. The Copper Top is a golden jewel of the tarmac necklace of Highway 395 dining - delicious barbecue delivered with a beautiful view. Grab a sandwich and an outdoor table and gaze westward toward the Palisades. If the "Best Restaurant in America" could suddenly appear in the guise of a roadside stand in Big Pine, California, you too could do anything.

    (5)

  • Scott D.

    I was part of a 10 person party which stopped by to try your BBQ because of Yelp reviews. I had the BBQ pulled pork, probably the best pulled pork I've had in a LONG time. This is the BBQ pulled pork I want every time I have BBQ pulled pork. 9 others in my party did not have that, they had everything else you offered and not one really liked it. Could it have to do with being there are start of business (11am)? Perhaps you serve yesterday's meats as the outdoor grills were filled with meat. Perhaps the extreme wind that day (don't know if that's normal) impacted the quality of the food that day. All I know is 9 other people in my party did not like their meal. I did. So I would have given you 5 stars if it was simply for the food, however, in reading through subsequent reviews and cannot recommend anyone stopping by given what I read from you. Just moments ago you posted the following comment ... I am incensed. 6/12/2015 So I have heard a theory that it is the American way to tear down who ever is on top with extreme prejudice. So I am guessing you are not American ... yet you take advantage of the American dream, of this land of opportunity and then spit in the face of that same opportunity with your insulting and demeaning response to anything slightly negative. May I suggest you go back to where you came from and open a BBQ joint there. Turn on the Food Network to anything involving BBQ and you will quickly see that Americans have a love affair with BBQ and they take it very seriously ... very passionately. If you can't play in the rough sport of BBQ, then you shouldn't be in the game. I will give you a few positive feedback pointers on being a more successful businessman in America. Your ONLY response to ANY review that is negative is "I'm sorry you had a bad experience" ... because I would like to think you truly are sorry they had that experience. You may disagree with why it was negative but I think you surely want every guest's experience to be good. You could also have simply said - it sounds like you did not bring this to our attention and allow us to fix it. That way you acknowledge the negative experience, offer there was a path to remedy and you sound like a kind, generous businessman. Your goal is to offer service that will make someone consider giving a second chance another time, your approach of childish, rude, boorish behavior is simply a wedge to drive customers away. For example - even if I were traveling alone through town again, I would not stop by to have one of the best BBQ pulled pork sandwiches I've ever had because of your attitude. Review guidelines prevent me from being more descriptive.

    (3)

  • Wyatt O.

    Best BBQ I've ever had hands down. A friend of ours recommended we come here on our way to Yosemite and it was 100% worth it. We got here before they opened and they still served us. Super friendly people and fantastic food. It's going to be a must stop on the way to Manmoth for now on!

    (5)

  • Bonnie G.

    I've been eating Hanks BBQ for twenty plus years, mainly at our family BBQs and party's. It is his passion, BBQing and sharing samples with friends he made through food. Yes, it's an out door BBQ spot, yes his menu is limited, BUT it is prepared with true BBQ, the copper top BBQ and Santa Maria grill. Not cooked in a oven, Just cooked like you were with your family and friends ,Outdoors with Good Friends and Good Food!!! Oh and that smell of charcoal and wood... Really gets your ready for great food to come.

    (5)

  • Melissa P.

    We found this place on Yelp and made a stop on the way home from camping. 101 Degrees and we happily sat outside and ate. Even the kids devoured it. 11 people in our bunch and everyone loved it. Don't skip the potato salad, ribs or pulled pork. Voted #1 Restaurant on Yelp for a reason.

    (5)

  • Catherine S.

    Food was great, I had the Santa Maria Tri Tip, and got 1/4 a chicken with potato salad and coleslaw. My boyfriend got the St. Louis ribs, green chilli and coleslaw as well. The tri tip was cooked to perfection, but the ribs is where it's it's at. The ribs were perfectly cooked. Super meaty. Add the bbq sauce and your close to heaven. The potato salad has more mustard than most, but they add some spices and black olives. The chili is really good and the coleslaw. A great place stop for lunch after a long drive. Side Note: they do not have beer here

    (5)

  • Gregg B.

    I actually timed my departure from home so I would be in Big Pine for lunch so I could try this highly rated barbecue and I'm glad I did! One of the best pull pork sandwiches I have ever had! Extremely flavorful and very lean with no weird parts like you get sometimes. A few more covered tables would be nice, but hardly a critique! Staff was very friendly, cool vibe overall!

    (5)

  • Vicki R.

    We stopped here because of its Top rating on Yelp. It's was good. I like the special buns they use. The meat was tasty, but a little chewy. They had a nice set up, but no indoor seating and the restroom was a port-a/potty. It was clean. The owner was there and very friendly. Glad we tried it.

    (4)

  • BrIan G.

    Our first time stopping here and we will be back every time we pass through! The owner is out front manning the 4 bbq's and was a super nice guy, best ribs my wife ever had, our 10 month old even agreed, (see photo) I had the pulled pork sandwich it was amazing also! The beans with green chili were the best side I have had in a while....thanks guys.

    (5)

  • Aaron B.

    Alright so first of all: there's a mad wait time. Just bonkers. Always expect an hour wait. But when you get your food, you will know exactly why it took an hour. So much love and care is put into every dish. Do yourself, and the Copper Top team, a favor and don't drive by the little sign on your way through town. Stop and take in some of the best bbq you'll ever have.

    (5)

  • Shannon R.

    Great food, the bbq is tender and flavorful! The potato salad pairs perfectly and having family from New Mexico we LOVE the green chili in the beans. So delicious! Fast online ordering and pick-up services! Great staff!

    (5)

  • Schel H.

    The myth. The legend. The lost art. The top ranking. The potential. The absolute overall best restaurant in the States according to Yelp. Talk about a lot to live up to. The owner is absolutely the nicest down to earth guy ever. You cant help but root for his success. I absolutely loved what this guy has done with a small corner in a small town on a small highway in a giant place called the Owens Valley. Pro Tip: They close at 6, but they run out of meat by 3 on most days... so you figure it out. This is a must stop on Hwy 395. By far the best bbq that I have had in this part of the world. Copper Top is running behind only Schats for best grub in this area period. For me that is rarefied air as Schats is one of my all time favorite bakeries ever. However this father and son bbq on the street corner is worth the wait. Even if it doesn't quite live up to the reputation IMHO. It is still dayem good. Hell if you are selling out 42 racks of ribs in 5 hours with a line over an hour long to order, you are doing something right. These guys, quite clearly are. Onto the grub. * The chicken is beyond outstanding luscious juicy flavorful and tastes like it was rotisserie but it is hardwood smoked and definitely carries a bit of extra taste due to that. * The tri tip has an absolutely outstanding rub. However the meat doesn't get flavor all the way through and mine was a bit too rare in the middle as it flinched when I brought my fork and knife over to it. * The pulled pork when hot is awesome. If it cools down a bit as is almost always the case in this part of the country, it loses its awesome correspondingly. * The ribs were succulent meaty and while not falling off the bone were so tender as to make it helpful that they don't fall off the bone. I mean how else were you planning to put the meat in your mouth? With your fingers? So uncouth you heathen! * The chili is vegetarian and made with beans and what I think were pablano chilis. It was chili based chili! Very very tasty and definitely unique. * My friends seemed to love the cole slaw, but I don't partake in that kinda food. * Every combo order comes with the ever so delightful Hawaiian sweet roll. There isn't a lot of seating here. But there is a park across the street. Parking is in back as well on the street to the side, no parking on the highway. I root for a place like this to flourish. The Father and Son, Husband and Wife, traditional hole in the wall style place. It is definitely well deserving of a stop and some great bbq. I know that I will be back here. I want some more of that chicken right now!

    (4)

  • Mindo J.

    Saw this place on Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. for 2015 so we had to go see what the fuss was all about. Line was long here, probably due to the hype of this place being on the Yelp list. Ribs: 4 stars Too much tomatoes/ tomato taste, it needed more BBQ in the sauce but the meat was very tender & delicious. Chili: 5 stars Surprisingly very tasty for being vegetarian, will definitely order again. Mac & cheese: Sold out =( Boo Coleslaw: 3 stars Just A-OK, nothing very special about it, kinda on the bland side. No bathrooms here & they need more trash cans. -1 star They really need to expand to catch up with the crowds but I am glad they had added the tents for people to sit & eat. Maybe they should add some more benches for people on the grassy front area that they have there? Why don't they have mashed potatoes/ corn?? just wondering Overall, this is not the best place from which I've had BBQ from but it is on my top BBQ places list.

    (4)

  • Oulie T.

    #1 on Best Restaurant List in America per Yelp for 2015 After the disbelief of seeing Copper Top BBQ listed as #1 on the Yelp Best Restaurant List for 2015, I had to dust off the draft that was in need of completion, from our visit in the Summer of 2014. This tiny and quaint BBQ joint is located on the 395 freeway. It hasn't been open very long. We honestly didn't think it would do very well considering that there was a busy BBQ shop in Bishop, and there isn't a lot of business to go around in these neck of the woods. I'm happy to see that it will be fine, thanks in part to Yelp. Most people will have the opportunity to dine at Copper Top BBQ while on holiday and enroute to Bishop, Mammoth, Yosemite or the Tahoe area from Southern California. The 395 is a pretty lonely stretch of road. As rock climbers and backpackers we take this highway often and on one of those trips our car caravan pulled over, piled out, and claimed all the picnic benches out front. There is no indoor seating. The only indoor aspect of Copper Top is the ordering window. You order through a tiny window, in a white trimmed, red A Frame shack. We enjoyed our nice sunny lunch here. It is one of the first decent food stops on this arduous to drive highway, and at this point of our trip we were all very huuuungry. I can imagine things might get a little chilly on winter pit stops. Parking is a little confusing. Some of us parked out front, some parked in the back. I'd recommend parking in the back as reemerging on the "highway" is much easier from that lot. It was funny to realize that the meat we were eating was being cooked on a smoker out front. The employee had accidentally left a big chunk of beef cooking for a bit too long and it didn't come to his attention until we had mentioned something. Smoky, white flumes are hard for strangers to ignore. The employee hurriedly left his post at the ordering window to rescue the smoking beef. The whole ordeal was entertaining to watch. The random placement of the smoker adds to the charm. How often do you see a functioning meat smoker solitarily perched on a tiny green lawn? It's as much of a decor element as it is a functional element. Every single one of us ordered the Tri tip sandwich. I think it was the only thing on the menu that day. The guy behind the window let us sample a bit of meat, after we asked, to guarantee to us that it wasn't overcooked. We didn't want to eat burned meat. We weren't served the beef that he just pulled off the smoker because that one needed to rest. He piled slices of another perfectly charred tri tip roast on sandwich buns. We were wishing the buns were a bit larger and more conducive for splitting but these are sized best as one person servings. Chomp. Chomp. And before we knew it our sandwiches were gone. I am very happy that Copper Top BBQ topped Yelp's Best Restaurant List. The last few times we passed by things looked eerily quiet. I don't think that will be the case anymore. Is this the best BBQ joint/restaurant in America? Far from it, but for its location, it's top notch. Copper Top offers an experience that is hard to come by.

    (4)

  • Kari H.

    Don't believe the hype! This place is about the owner's ego. First of all, let us clarify that this place is not a "restaurant." It is a converted drive thru. If you want to be the best "restaurant" you need to focus on the entire customer experience, not just the food (which is mediocre, at best). When I hear a place is the "best restaurant in the USA", I expect not only incredible food, but wonderful service and at least a comfortable atmosphere. This place performs below average or fails in all of these categories. I don't need to go into details about how the food failed. Just look back at the other low reviews for those problems. As far as service goes its adequate. All I expect from a drive-thru is for them to take my order accurately and deliver my food in a timely manner. They certainly deliver there, but I also get the same level of service at Carl's Jr. As far as atmosphere, this "restaurant" gets a big fail. Standing in a long line in the blazing sun with scattered umbrellas for shade, swatting the millions of flies landing on me is not even an acceptable experience in my book. Add to that the fact that the "porta -potty" was out of order so you are advised to go to a gas station to relieve yourself or wash your hands. (I don't understand how a "porta-potty" can be out of order; it's a holding tank for refuse. What broke? The only thing that could be wrong is that no one wants to pay to have it emptied.) I had to "wash" my hands in the misters under the tent. Lack of a restroom lowers my experience from uncomfortable to unacceptable. For some that may give this place a special kind of hokeyness that makes it charming. Unfortunately, it drove my expectations for the quality of food through the vinyl roof of the tented dining room. And as I mentioned earlier, the food did not come close to meeting my expectations. My main contention here is the title of "best restaurant in the USA." Not only does it not qualify to be considered a restaurant, it is miles from being the best. I think the chef/owner likes to have his ego stroked with customer compliments, but hanging a big sign out front does not make it true. Perhaps it would be more accurate to hang a sign saying "Best drive thru in town" or "Best backyard BBQ on the way to Mammoth."

    (2)

  • Sarah L.

    Must stop!! If on the way to mammoth, you must stop and try the sampler with pulled pork!! Cole slaw and potato are the bomb!!

    (5)

  • Rocky B.

    Personally, I think it's overrated. How it's the number 1 place on yelp is mind blowing. But it's on the way home from mammoth and popular. The line was never ending. The ribs and pulled pork is good but nothing out of the ordinary. If you can handle the long line, craving ribs, and have plenty of time to kill (like an extra 2hours), go for it. Not a repeat for me unless there is no line. Also, they only have one bathroom.

    (3)

  • Charles H.

    This food is amazing! Hank is a gem. Well deserved ratings. Hit it on. Sat am and waited no more than 10 min. Meantime we visited with fellow customers who loved our dog. The atmosphere is a throwback to simple pleasures. Did I mention the meat was amazing!!!!! Rating 5 plus Yummmmmmmm

    (5)

  • Erin O.

    Yes, it was the hype that finally brought me to Copper Top after just driving on by many times before. My friend and I planned to stop on our way up to Mammoth on Friday since they were going to be closed on our way back to LA. Decided to try to give them a call to see if they would hold a sampler platter for us and they said they would. We got there at 3pm as predicted and got in line. The owner was outside smoking the chicken and let us know it was going to be about an hour wait from where we were in line to getting our food. I left my friend in line to ask if we could skip the wait if we had food on hold only to be informed that they can't hold food on the weekends, especially holiday weekends. Decided not to push this as they were clearly super stressed. I was also given a glimpse at their kitchen to explain why they are so slow and backed up and, to be fair, the kitchen is very small and the staff is minimal, but it did feel like a lot of excuses. Since about 10 people left the line after hearing it was going to be an hour, we "only" had to wait for about 45 minutes total from line to eating. They had to close the window a couple of times because they were backed up with orders. We ended up being okay with not getting the sampler platter and ordered a half pound pulled pork, a half rack of ribs, a half chicken, and a half pound of tri-tip so we could try everything and have lots of leftovers. They discontinued the mac n cheese (!) so we got sides of potato salad and green chile cole slaw. All of this cost $60. They have turned tipping into a game if you tip with cash, which was clever. Listen, the food is good. The tri-tip might very well be the best I've had and the chicken is delicious. I also enjoyed the available sides. The ribs and pulled pork I could have done without, but not bad by any means. It's worth a 45 minute wait, and I consider us lucky that we got there when we did because they sold out shortly after we ordered. Hoping that this much business gives them the means to start accommodating the crowds, both with product and seating. If I'm back on a weekday, I would make the stop again. Weekends seem to be a little too much for everyone to handle.

    (4)

  • David F.

    If you are on planet earth the one place to stop is copper top barbecue. Ribs are incredible and the tri tip is amazing, We have not tried the chicken or the pulled pork so we will have to be back. If I had to choose my last meal before I die this would be it. This is Hank's dream that has come true & keep up the good work!

    (5)

  • Ricky H.

    They ran out of everything except tri tip and pulled pork, including all sides, with 1.5 hours until closing. They were also really rude and just pointed to the first come first served sign. I guess when you're that popular you don't have be concerned with your customers.

    (1)

  • David S.

    Good. Not great. Just good. Not enough seating. Very little covered seating. Very hot day. Line was long. Food took awhile to get out. Free WiFi was great. Food was just "Ok"

    (3)

  • Lowell H.

    It was OK. Holy smokes in the Bishop is better. Sauce was vinegary not sweet or spicy. They only have an outhouse for a bathroom. There Is a camp sink to washand was not working. They said they would fix it so I could wash my hands they did not.

    (3)

  • JJ V.

    Dropped by here on our way home to L. A from Mammoth Lakes. The place was kinda small. But was interesting since you can see their smoker right next to the tables. Saw the local news in LA and figured to try it at some point. So we ordered a rack of ribs . We were told they would not cut it to keep it moisten since we will not be eating it soon! But my husband and I couldn't help it! We took a few slices and at that time, it tasted sooo good! The meat was soft yet still juicy inside. The smokiness and the flavor was just perfect! At that time I said to myself it was one if the best ribs I have ever tried! But, we have 4-5 hours of drive so we decided to bring it home. When we got home we started eating our left overs. Was surprised when it didn't tasted that good anymore. It was dry. So my advise, is to eat it right away while it still juicy. So you can enjoy the flavor and the juiceness of the meat!

    (3)

  • Jenna K.

    Not only do I stand by what I previously wrote but now want to give zero stars for the unprofessional and disgusting behavior of the owners. I received the following message from them and guess what not everybody has to agree that you have good food, from what I can see I'm not the only one. It was VERY underwhelming and that's MY OPINION. Get some manners and learn to deal with the criticism of your going to be on the food business. i've never left a bad review ever but found it necessary in this case and you only solidified that with your ridiculous response 'm sorry you didn't like our Mac and Cheese. It used to be a main item but we took it off the menu for that reason; if it didn't get eaten right away it would grease up, hence why we do it Sundays only and only in the mornings. People rave over our potato salad, but I guess we can't please everyone. As for the ribs though, I get this complaint from people that don't know anything about BBQ. It's not under cooked, it's called the smoke ring, it turns pink when it's smoked. I check every rack of ribs myself and they were even a little more done than I'm used to today, no way they were under cooked. Not only that, but you thought your meat was under cooked and you didn't tell us? Did you just ate it and then complained or what? Bathroom in the building is perfectly fine. I asked the health inspector that very question just to be sure and it is very far from the food so not a problem at all. As for the dog, that was a customer's dog and we allow dogs on the property. If you had a problem with it, you should have talked to the owner, not take it out on us. I get the feeling that you are just looking for reasons to bad mouth us because you want to show everyone how your standards are better than the number one rated restaurant on Yelp. Out of the hundreds of 5 stars we get, I see one every once in a while exactly like your review. Loose complaints, some that don't make any sense, others that don't even have anything to do with us. Please save your hate and your drama, my father and I work way to hard to be bothered by these things.

    (1)

  • mike c.

    Decent BBQ on the drive home from Mammoth but far from the five stars listed. And there is no where warm to eat so bring your ski jacket... brrrr!

    (1)

  • Tyler B.

    Hands down some of the best BBQ I've ever had. Excellent BBQ. Wonderful people. Must try.

    (5)

  • Danny F.

    Best bbq I've ever eaten, I could not recommend this place more. I got the Inyo Face tri tip sandwich, and it was something special. The man who hand-Grills every piece of meat, Hank, told us that this morning, a woman came in right before they opened and asked for some food. She said she was a vegetarian and hadn't eaten meat in 20 years. They cooked for her and she ate, and then she started crying. This is how perfect the place is. A+

    (5)

  • Nicholas G.

    Amazing so tender and good can't go wrong a must stop on the way up 395! Good prices and awesome service

    (5)

  • Karen M.

    This was our treat after climbing White Mtn. We were pretty hungry and the enticing BBQ aroma tickled our nostrils whilst we waited for our order to arrive. This place is in tiny Big Pine, CA and only has outdoor seating; you order your food at the front window, select a seat, then wait for your food. Our ribs were pretty good, the seasoning was tasty, and the meat wasn't overcooked. I wasn't as much of a fan of the mac and cheese, though, as I found the pasta a wee bit overcooked and the taste was more bland than I expected. Copper Top is a solid place -- nay, perhaps the only place in Big Pine? -- for hearty nourishment and rehydration.

    (4)

  • Dominique C.

    Stopped in a couple weeks back... Not bad parking and relatively quick service. The BBQ was great!! The staff was excellent is helping a first timer out. Will definitely stop again in the future.

    (5)

  • Benjamin S.

    Woke up to BBQ on TV in our Bishop motel room, looked nearby for a BBQ joint, and voila! Just south on the beautiful 395 we saw smoke on the horizon; Eureka! Tried the pulled pork sandwich, the ribs, coleslaw, potato salad, chile, & local microbrews from Indian Wells - all amazing! We know we'll be back :)

    (5)

  • Stephen L.

    I know that this is the best barbeque joint in the US, but I have to give it a 3.4 (thus rounded down to 3). Maybe it was an off day... :( Hank is the barbequer - very friendly and enjoyed talking about the food. He grills and smokes right out front so you can see the magic happening. You order at the small window on the bldg off a pretty short menu. Very very slow line.... And the sun was blazing down. At least there were lots of cute pups to play with. I got the tri tip sandwich - the meat was actually quite tough and chewy. I was hoping for something juicier. My wife got the pulled pork with coleslaw. They forgot the coleslaw. We were well on the road by then so didn't bother turn around. She said that it was "fair". She has high standards for pulled pork, growing up in "the south". So, it was OK. We've had better. But it was still a nice pit stop on the way home.

    (3)

  • Jeri L.

    I rarely give 5 stars. My hubby and I was on our way home from Mammoth Lakes when we stopped here for lunch. We were hungry and ordered the ribs, tri tip, and chicken. Sides were potato salad, bread. and mac and cheese. The sides were just ok. The meat. The meat! OMG - everything was excellent! The tri tip was ordered medium rare and was served medium rare! Now that's rare! The tri tip was probably the best we have ever had!! The ribs and chicken were excellent too! This joint does not sell heated leftovers from the day before. That is extremely important in my book. When they sell out - that's it. We stopped for an early dinner on our way up to Mammoth and was disappointed when they told us the tri tip and ribs were sold out. We go to Mammoth Lakes many times during the year and this place will now become one of our stops for lunch or dinner. Good eating places that are reasonably priced is rare in the Eastern Sierras. Bon Appetite!

    (5)

  • Cean D.

    So I can't for the life of me think why I haven't stopped at this amazing establishment! Being a connoisseur of smoked goods, this definitely ranks in my handful of favorites. We ordered the ribs meal with chili and mac & cheese..& the pulled pork sandwich. The ribs had the perfect look & taste..tender, juicy & well seasoned. The pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw was just absolutely right. The Mac & cheese was creamy and flavorful. All I have to say about the chili is I ended up ordering a large one to take home :) well worth it!! Matt (manager/owners son) has this great chili recipe nailed. And just as we thought we were wrapping up this incredible meal, Hank, the owner came up to the winterized/summarized tent & gave us a dessert treat of "in your face"..and the sweet & spicy was absolutely perfect. It made me forget I just ate a my meal because I wanted more. Definitely a must on your way in & out of town! The friendliness of the owners & staff here is what a lot of places in America are lacking. You'd be foolish not to stop at this little gem of a copper top.

    (5)

  • Kate D.

    Excellent BBQ, especially for hungry hikers! The tri tip sammys were delicious! We will definitely be back to try the ribs. The owners were very welcoming and the outdoor seating is great.

    (5)

  • Matt C.

    Gotta set the record straight. The owners are very nice people and they've got a great set up but this is about the food. Fresh off a high Sierra adventure I was ready for a serious reward meal. Maybe I caught them on an off day. The ribs were chewy and dry definitely did not fall off the bone. The pulled pork was bland and the sauce was not good. Nothing at all like a traditional hogwash. The potato salad was the saving grace it was very good heavy on the mustard the way I like it. I can't comment on anything else and a lot of the reviews on here say the tri tip and green chili side are the hits. I would highly recommend that the owners as well as any other barbecue fans on here take a trip up to Los Banos and eat at Hot City barbecue then you will know what the best barbecue in California is and what truly good barbecue tastes like. The ribs and pulled pork here are nothing special but if you're dying for barbecue it might hit the spot.

    (3)

  • Bridget S.

    We stopped here for the first time today coming home from Northern California, we timed it perfectly! What a great lunch. We had the tri-tip sandwiches and potato salad, it was EXCELLENT!!! Best tri-tip I have ever had..............soooo tender and the smoke flavor was delicious. The potato salad was tasty, great flavor. The picnic seating was very inviting, I felt like I was in a park with a beautiful view. I will definitely plan my trips up north so I can stop in again. I highly recommend it, you won't be disappointed. Thank you

    (5)

  • Hiro Y.

    We were drawn to the restaurant that was declared as the best place to eat in the country by Yelp. We were curious to find out what made it the top because it was located at such a tiny town in the Owens Valley. We drove up to the restaurant from Lone Pine where we stayed for a couple of days, expecting to enjoy the highly rated BBQ meal. We made sure to arrive there before 4 PM since it closed at 5. When we arrived, the environment of the place surprised us. No real indoor eating place was offered except one picnic table inside a tent. We noticed three outdoor picnic tables. I then understood why the place closed at 5. At this point our high expectation waned, but our faint hope for a tasty meal still remained. I chose the Big Pine Sampler Platter that included BBQ tri-tip, pork ribs, and chicken with two sides and a dinner roll from the menu posted on the outside wall of the shack. I thought the price was reasonable. I picked up the foods contained in styrofoam containers at a small window where I placed the order. The food was, to say the least, a big disappointment. The tri-tip was so tough that the provided plastic knife could barely cut through, the chicken was rather dried out, and the ribs were tough. The food was barely warm. Non-descriptive extra barbecue source provided in a small plastic container was ice cold. I couldn't say anything good about the meal except the volume. It was beyond my comprehension that Yelp gave such a high rating to this restaurant. I found a much better place to eat in the town of Lone Pine the following night.

    (1)

  • Ryan S.

    I'm a big BBQ snob, and I loved Copper Top BBQ. I was driving to Mammoth and saw the new stand along 395 and promptly did a screaming U-turn to check it out. It was well worth my time. The tri-tip was tender, flavorful and the homemade sauce was succulent. The green chili black beans were a nice complement w/ just the right kick. Make sure you spend time with Hank, who realized his personal dream to open a BBQ spot near his sons in Bishop. Family run, homemade and a stunning view of Glacier Peak in the distance. Can't go wrong.

    (5)

  • Tony t.

    It's hard to find good barbeque when you live in a metropolitan area so it's a special occasion when I stop at Copper Top BBQ on my way to camp, ski, etc. The bbq is smoked and grilled on a huge barbeque outside for everyone to see. The ribs are not boiled and smothered with sauce like a lot of restaurants. The owner, Hank, is out there hard at work on the bbq and mingling with his customers. I don't write many reviews but I don't mind writing a review for a place that takes pride in its food and customers.

    (5)

  • Goska N.

    Great food! Hank knows his stuff when it comes to bbq. Super friendly, good portions. The ribs are outstanding and we loved the pulled pork. Keep trying new things every time we drive up to June.

    (5)

  • Bob L.

    We were looking for a good BBQ restaurant on the way home from Mammoth Lakes. Yelp showed this place was FIVE STARS and fantastic reviews so we had to try it.. The first thing that happened when we got there was the owner/cook (who was actually BBQing out in front) offered us from free samples of what he was cooking, which happened to be pulled pork: MOUTH WATERINGLY GOOD!! Then we ordered their sampler platter (which was ribs, tri-tip and chicken and 2 sides) to share. We thought we would need more so we also ordered a 1/2 rack of ribs and some more rolls. Their home-made potato salad was among the best I have ever eaten: anywhere! We ate dinner out on the patio with the beautiful High Sierras as our dining view. Everything was SO GOOD AND PLENTIFUL!!! We brought a lot of leftovers home. This is a family owned business and the family is SUPER-FRIENDLY!! As the owner told me, he wanted a places where "Food Makes Friends!" We have now found a permanent stop on our trips to and from Mammoth Lakes as this was the best BBQ I have ever eaten.

    (5)

  • Parker M.

    Awesome tri tip and rib eye sandwich, can't wait until my next trip up to mammoth to stop by again!

    (5)

  • Anthony S.

    For a place in the middle of nowhere it is awesome. Defiantly worth a stop. That is unless it is a weekend and you have to wait an hour. I am not patient like that. Luckily we stopped through during the week so there was no real wait and plenty of parking. As far as the BBQ goes these guys know what they are doing. Tri Tip was fantastic.

    (4)

  • Jason C.

    You are going To enjoy all the family recipes like the baked beans, the ribs are great with their own special run and spices. Ooh a mouthgasam gusher for BBQ food. There is something for everyone here.

    (5)

  • Gina B.

    Best ribs I've ever had!!!! The pretzel roll for the sandwiches is genius! Hank, the owner, is such a nice guy. They really make you feel at home there!

    (5)

  • Martin B.

    Certainly not the best restaurant in the USA or even In California. The ribs were a bit dry and they were nothing special. Sauce was average. Tri-tip was decent but it is the easiest thing to BBQ (or grill). Now the pulled pork was not style (I prefer Carolina style) and was a bit overwhelming. Now I guess if your center of reference for BBQ and the culinary arts is Big Pine, then this place rocks. But, if have sought out and had BBQ from all over the country, then your a fool to think this place is the best in the country.

    (2)

  • Joseph S.

    Holy crap those ribs are good. Best I've ever had - and I know bbq better than most. Trip tip was Aldo stellar, as was chili. They ran out of chicken by the time we arrived at 3 pm.

    (5)

  • Keisha G.

    WOW! Just wow! Had the tri tip and ribs. The tri tip is mouth watering! Juicy, succulent and cooked perfectly. Didn't get a chance to try the sides, the beau and I were in a super protein mood. The ribs were good, but the steak stood out in a league of its own! The wait is long, but it is well worth it. Whether you're heading to Bishop to fish or to Mammoth to snowboard, I highly recommend stopping. Can't wait til fishing season opens in April, we will definitely return!

    (5)

  • Scott S.

    I heard about this spot about a week before our trip to Tahoe, so I had to stop...I'm a BBQ freak, after all. Got there early on a Saturday morning and beat the line. Ordered the sampler of Ribs, Tri Tip, and Chicken. All three were amazing. The ribs were perfect. The chicken was probably the best I've e ER had. The tri trip though, hands down the best tri tip I have ever had. Ever. Took an extra pound of it to the cabin in Tahoe, too. The seasonings used as a rub on my the tri tip are second to none. The green chili was wonderful. It's also a vegetarian option. I have eaten at some of the best BBQ joints in the US, and this little spot in Big Pine is up there as one of my favorites. If you are near Mammoth or Tahoe, make this a mandatory pit stop.

    (5)

  • Jennie W.

    Amazing BBQ!!! Definitely worth the stop! We really recommend the sampler which has a piece of chicken, tri tip, ribs and 2 sides. You can tell that Hank takes pride in his food. We had to get more to eat for dinner.

    (5)

  • Habib D.

    Can't add anything new on food. It's great. Take your food across the street to the state park. Plenty of tables, shade on hot days, restrooms and play areas for the kids.

    (5)

  • Kelle R.

    Absolutely loved this gem in Big Pine, on our way to Mammoth. The best ribs, tri tip and pulled pork. Great rub, no sauce needed. And Hank was friendly and welcoming. We'll be back as often as we can!

    (5)

  • Orlando C.

    The food here is really really good. The tri tip was amazing, the first bite took me to another dimension. I did order the sampler and it is reasonably priced. It comes with chicken ,ribs, two sides and a sweet roll. The wait was not bad. I think maybe 15-20 minutes. My friend ordered the tri tip sandwich and loved it. I was really impressed with the food. I think its Father and son who run the show. Hank and Matt before really nice people. I will definitely stop by again if i am in the area. Great job ,Copper top.

    (5)

  • Sarah C.

    I'm pretty sure this Tri tip was sent by God. No joke, the best bbq I've ever had. Chicken was tasty, ribs were fantastic, and that Tri tip can marry me anytime. The homemade sauce is delicious, but I found that the meat was so perfectly seasoned it didn't need any. The coleslaw was my favorite side, tangy and fresh with slices of apple and mustard seed. A close second was the green chili. Well worth the 4.5 hour drive from Los Angeles.

    (5)

  • Tracy S.

    So a while ago, an observant Yelper noticed my love of BBQ and my love of Hwy 395 and sent me a nice message telling me about this place. COOL! I thought...I will definitely have to check that out! And we tried. Every time we drove through Big Pine, we tried to eat here, and it was always closed. Sometimes it was the wrong day, sometimes after 6, or one time when it was the right day and the right time, but they were closed anyways. Very frustrating. So imagine my surprise when I was driving home alone from visiting family in Kern Valley on a chilly spring afternoon and there it finally was...the OPEN sign! I immediately turned into their driveway, only to discover that it wasn't a driveway at all, but a very-difficult-to-back-out-of patio I was beginning to feel like the universe didn't want me here. But eventually I found the parking lot (around back) and FINALLY got to order some Big Pine BBQ! I ordered big portions of ribs and tri-tip to take home to share with Husband, and a pulled pork sandwich to eat right away for lunch. It being a cold day, there wasn't much in the way of a comfortable dining area, and I had to stand with my hands over the grill to keep warm while I waited for my order. I ate in the car, not the best place for a BBQ meal, and found the pulled pork to be disappointing. There wasn't a lot of sauce to flavor the sandwich, and it seemed rather bland. The rest of the meat smelled oh so nice, though, and I was anxious to get it back to Reno. The tri-tip turned out to be the real winner. Perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked. The ribs were very tasty, but not as spectacular as many of these reviews had led me to believe. There is definitely some skilled smoking going on at Copper Top, but I wouldn't say it's the end-all be-all of California BBQ. I will definitely be back for more of the tri-tip. I would like to try this place in warmer weather, maybe with the grill going and people around...assuming, of course, that I can manage to pass by when they are open.

    (4)

  • Aaron J.

    Great BBQ. Got a chance to try it after passing it many times over the years. Will not pass this place up again. Hank was kind enough to tell us a bit about his BBQ and where it comes from. Once we ordered and tasted it, we were amazed! Excellent food. You need to pull over and stop when on the 395! We will see you real soon Hank

    (5)

  • Evie G.

    We drive up to Tahoe to see my dad 3 times a year for the last 15 years and I can honestly say that it's about bout damn time we have something good to eat besides fast food, on our 395 drive! I enjoyed their tri-tip, and pork ribs.. I especially loved the roasted green chili!! I am stopping at CT's just to eat that! My whole family was fighting over that side.. my youngest almost ate the Styrofoam!! It was that good! Tri Tip was the Bomb! And so were the ribs, but I still dream about that fire roasted green chili with beans!! It's haunting my dreams!! Staff was super sweet! It was April fools day so the had the roadkill special!! Wink! Wink! Like I said sweet down to earth people! I just might have to drive up to see my dad more often than 3 times a year! Way to go Hank and Copper top crew!

    (5)

  • Adam T.

    By far the BEST BBQ Ive had!! Yelps #1 BBQ spot for good reason. IT IS!!! Great friendly service, great BBQ, and busy from the second they open. Expect a wait if you get here later. But you wont be disappointed if you do have to wait. ITS WORTH VERY MINUTE!!! Good things take time!! This is definitely good stuff!! Tri Tip and the Pork ribs are dangerous tasty!!! So AWESOME!!! Served with extra sauce but it didnt need it. Thanks Hank!!!

    (5)

  • Diana B.

    A friend recommended this spot but I guess I missed the memo about the very long wait. We got there around 1pm and didn't leave until 3pm! We waited in line for about 45-50 minutes, then another 35 minutes to get our food. I was very surprised by the chicken. That was probably my favorite. The food was good, but I wish they had varieties for the sauces. I felt like I needed some sort of spice for the meat. If you're not sure what to try, I'd suggest the sampler platter that they have. Very good portions, and gives you the chance to try a bit of everything. Also, please update the pricing on your menus. While standing in line, I kept commenting on the odd prices. For example, instead of $1.50 or $2.00 for a drink, it was $1.83. However! When it came time to pay, my dish that was listed at $16.83 was actually $18. Not going to break the bank, but the signs should be updated to reflect the increase in price.

    (3)

  • Heather W.

    I have been meaning to stop on our way to NV and now with the Yelp #1ranking have to see for ourselves! Stopped on Thursday @1:30, only one couple ahead of us, with empty seats at the tables...all menu items available..we choose tri tip sandwich which was fatty and chewy. Had a wee bit of taste but the roll might have taken that away. Plus the pulled pork, was tasty but needed a bit more BBQ (I like them a bit drippy) so I was given a side to dip. Oh my, hello vinegar base! Please, please add a few choices of BBQ sauce as we all have different tastes! So the Hubs says, no do-overs but I will give it another go and try the Ribs and Chicken on my next trip to NV. Oh, I'll bring some packets of honey to sweeten up that vinegar sauce of yours!

    (3)

  • Josh M.

    Copper Top is my Thursday lunch spot. It is dynamite. My top three, in no particular order - the Burger, the Tri Tip, and the Ribs. For those reading reviews before heading to Copper Top, please keep things in perspective. Imagine if at your job you suddenly had to start doing 10 times more work. Now imagine what it would look like to someone watching as you attempt to do 10 times more work for the first time ever. Also, please remember you are going to a barbecue spot with incredible views thanks to outdoor seating. Please do not confuse "Top Rated" with "Best". Copper Top is wonderful food, created by wonderful people, with wonderful scenery. Yelp crunched the numbers and Copper Top came out on top. Why? Hank grilling burgers, charring tri tip, and smoking ribs help to make sure every person has a positive experience. Not having waiters/waitresses, long lines, or botched orders eliminates a lot of those negative reviews that other restaurants have. Sudden popularity is not going to change Hank and the team or the great food they produce. If you're near Big Pine and you're feeling hungry and or it is your night to cook, stop and enjoy the sights, smells, and smiles. If you think ordering, paying, making, and delivering your food should take 10 minutes, please stop somewhere else.

    (5)

  • Kenneth M.

    Hank and the boys are still at it. Never a bad meal ever Always excited whenever the patriarch is out grilling. Green chili is a must. There ice is the bee knees

    (5)

  • Cynthia W.

    This place is going through some serious growing pains. And yes, this place hit our radar because of the yelp article. I'm not ashamed. My partner and I stopped by on our way back from Mammoth, which seemed to be what the vast majority of people there were doing. We got there around 1:30pm, and there was a line. It took us about 20 minutes to order our food, and another 20 minutes to get it. Throughout, the owner, Hank, was running back and forth from the kitchen to the BBQ grille, apologizing and acknowledging that we had to wait. This is a plus in my book - he seems to totally down to earth and a bit overwhelmed by the immediate attention. When we got the food, he came out to check on us, and told us that the week the yelp review came out, they were struggling and trying to figure out how to stay in business. So, growing pains. The food is really very good. We noticed that they did run out of ribs and the mac 'n cheese, but we had the tri-tip with potato salad and the chili, both of which were very good. I loved the ambiance too, although that might have been due to the beautiful weather we had today. Everything is outdoors with picnic tables and such. Worked for us, since we have a dog. Super super casual, but fun. So don't come expecting 5-star service or anything. Is it work the wait? We waited about 40-50 minutes. I'd say yes. Any more though, and we'd hit the law of diminishing returns (probably what one of the previous reviewers experienced). Here's the thing with this place. This is a GREAT BBQ place, and it would have been a gosh darn waste for it to struggle and possibly go out of business. So it got its 15 minutes of fame. Hopefully that will give it a steady stream of loyal customers passing through an otherwise unremarkable little town on the way to and from Mammoth, and that's awesome. If you are thinking about going in the next month or so, wait a bit. Or expect that the wait will be long. It will probably take them some time to get used to the increased volume of customers, and the hype will die down a bit with time. So wait a bit, but do check this place out. It's quite the little gem. We will definitely be back to try other other menu items.

    (5)

  • Tony H.

    I kept reading on here about Copper Top and how it's #1 in the U.S. And I knew I had to try it seeing how I'm a BBQ snob. I would say that the tri-tip is by far the best I've had in any restaurant in a long time (I'd give a four star for the Tri-Tip only), however, we have our place for pulled pork and slaw and I have never found a place that compares to that. The potato salad was very good and the slaw was okay (I'm picky on my slaws. I bought ribs for tonight and had a sample while waiting for our sandwiches. I will say this, Rendezvous in Memphis TN have these beat hands down. It's good but not #1 in the USA good. Sorry that yelp is misleading everyone on the #1 part.

    (3)

  • william m.

    The barbecue here is amazing. You can watch the owner Hank put the meat on the barbecue and cook it right there ....made to order. The green chili and beans is not too spicy but taste is just right and chunky enough to use the forkmy husband and I share the ribs and my father-in-law at the try tip it was delicious.

    (5)

  • A T.

    Wow, what a find! We were tipped off about this place by family that had passed through The day prior and called to tell us we needed to check it out. Boy am I glad we did, the food was incredible! Santa Maria Tri Tip Sandwich - perfectly cooked, served on a soft white bread roll with a side of fantastic BBQ sauce. Pork Ribs - very good, done right! Fire Roasted Green Chile & Mac & Cheese side dishes - a wonderfully flavorful compliment to the BBQ dishes. We also got to try a bite of the potato salad and it was delicious. Great crowd there; friendly, family style, dogs, etc. This father+son operation has a good thing going. They take the time to chat with the patrons and you can tell they love what they do. We'll be back!

    (5)

  • Kate G.

    We stopped in on our way home from Mammoth to check this place out. We were intrigued by the sign that stated "Best restaurant in the USA". We found ourselves at a delightful "barbeque stand" with outdoor seating that consists of umbrella covered tables and a small two table tent with misters. "Hank" (it was sharpied onto his apron) the barbeque chef was on one of three huge barbecues (located in the corner of the property) flipping delicious looking slabs of meat- it was a visual and scented treat! We stood in a long line to order. It was hot, uncovered, and slow (its a little place that could use some organization- the cashier was also the drink maker and this caused some delay). Once we ordered, we asked for two pulled pork sandwiches and found ourselves in barbeque heaven. The pork was tender, the sauce was mildly sweet, and it was served on a pretzel bun that was very soft and genuinely a winner - it brought this sandwich together well. This place serves regular soft drinks, beer, and some interesting looking root beers/cream sodas from death valley. The price of our barbeque was vacation typical- 2 sandwiches and 2 drinks will cost you about $24.00 and it was worth it.

    (4)

  • Joe G.

    Wow, so best restaurant in the nation? Um, sure why not? I've been a couple of times, and it's always been tasty. Not exactly what I'd call fast food or that level of pricing. But does it taste good? Yup. The ribs are really good, and I've had a tri-tip sandwich that was really flavorful. For sides, I've had the mac-n-cheese and the slaw (all home-made stuff, no pre-canned type of food here). All tasted great. The building used to be a drive-thru coffee stand (called Inyo Cup - loved that name!), so it's not exactly a sit-down restaurant type of situation. Think old school walk-up type of fast food places, with no indoor seating. Still, it's hard to beat the view of the Sierras on a good day. If weather is inclement, then expect to be wet or cold. There's a tent for warmer seating. I live in Bishop, and so pass by this place often, and I'll definitely stop in if I've got the ducats. I'm always willing to pay a fair price for good food, so you won't be disappointed stopping by. I wonder if they'll become a Yelp-victim and get long lines now. Still worth stopping by. [EDIT] Had to remove my reference to the great little Mexican food at the Chevron next door, since they closed that gas station. Time to double-up at Copper Top instead! Cheers.

    (4)

  • S N.

    There is not much I can say about this wonderful place than has already been said. My friend and I saw all the online hoopla about this place and since we do Mammoth a lot we figured we would stop here for a taste on the way up. As mentioned, it is on the main drag so you cannot miss it. Parking is in a dirt lot in back or better yet just park on the street. We went on a Sunday afternoon going too Mammoth so caught some folks leaving the mountain. The place was busy but we found a place to eat in the tent w/o difficulty. They only have two outdoor picnic tables and two indoor tables. It was fun sitting at community tables and we made new friends chomping on their delicious baby back ribs and Anaheim chili (the vegetable) and beans which had the perfect amount of spice. The ribs were so tasty you did not need any sauce. Hank was kind enough to give of a healthy sample of their potato salad which I usually do not like but I certainly liked theirs. The prices were not bargain by any means, but worth it. This may look like a fast food joint but the food is not. I spoke with Hank who was the best host and he says they are getting a wine and beer license. That, and perhaps a real indoor place to eat and this place will be an easy 5 stars. NOM NOM NOM!!!

    (4)

  • Fawn L.

    We stopped by last Sunday at noon on our way to Mammoth. Due to the recent Yahoo article the place was packed and ran out of ribs! We tried again on our way home and it was incredible. Delish! We had the sampler plate and that was plenty for 2. We also tried the pulled pork sandwich!! Amazing!! To top it off, we had two slices of their pecan pie. We loved it so much we got some to go for dinner. Definitely worth the stop if you're nearby.

    (5)

  • Daniel H.

    5 stars for the friendly bbq pit master. 5 stars for the tender ribs and pulled pork. Didn't get a chance to try their tri-tip tho. Definitely a must when you're on your way to Mammoth.

    (5)

  • Michele N.

    Delicious. We were on our way home from June lake and had to stop because it smelled heavenly. Food was awesome and will definitely go back when passing thru again. Definitely a thumbs up.

    (5)

  • Peter G.

    Had the Sampler special. Everything was fantastic. The owner and cook Matt was an afababl guy and even took time to discuss his techniques. Great experience and good luck to your boy. Hope he makes Sgt.

    (5)

  • Karen C.

    Copper Top BBQ is good, but certainly not perfect. I don't meant this in a condescending manner because I really do appreciate the mom and pop nature of the place. I'm just really curious to see how exactly Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat is put together. It's not that Copper Top is not well done BBQ, but the best place in the United States--across all categories? There are some rather large flaws that make you reflect back on all the awesome meals you've eaten, and wonder how exactly Copper Top got the coveted #1 spot. Again, for all those curious to try it, definitely go for it but just limit your expectations! Expect good BBQ at okay prices in a town where dining options are not extensive to say the least. We were a group of 8 that stopped by Sunday (2/8/15) at 1:30 PM. Lunch time after a drive from Mammoth! There was a line that went past the little grassy area. No worries, we were expecting that. However, a few minutes after we line up, one of the (very nice) gentlemen that work there came out to let us know that they were rapidly selling out of ribs and tri tip. We continued to wait, hoping to try some of of the other options. 30 minutes later, as we waited in the slow moving line, the same gentleman (or maybe his father), let us know that they were going to cook some more ribs and tri tip, but the ribs would take 45 minutes. Okay, no problem. We were still in a very long line, so what difference did it make? Another 30 minutes passed, and we were starting to get hungry. Seating is very limited so some of our group members started hunting for a table. We began hearing rumors from the front of the line that they had run out of many other types of food. Soon after, the owner came out and advised us that anyone past a certain point in line (behind us) would likely not have enough food for their party. This was a shocker. We looked at the helpless people at the back of the line who awkwardly stood around after having waited for quite a while. After 1.5 hours, it was our large group's turn at the window. We made our order, asking for pulled pork sandwiches, hamburgers, ribs, tri-tip sandwiches, coleslaw, potato salad, chicken platters, and more. What was available to us out of all this? Literally only Ribs, Tri Tip, & Mac n Cheese (not even an option on the menu)--EVERYTHING else we ordered was sold out. So after 1.5 hours of waiting, the 8 of us had to settle for whatever they had left. Yikes! We wondered how they were going to stay open until 6 pm, as advertised. Ribs were very good. Tri-tip was very fatty and chewy (difficult to eat), though the rub was okay. They ended up giving us two small containers of coleslaw, which was your typical slaw. Mac N Cheese was smoky and different. All in all, if you have a couple of hours to kill and feel like gambling on what food you will be eating based on its availability, this is not a bad stop and the location is convenient. Not sure if its for us!

    (3)

  • Linda M.

    I ordered the chicken, tri-tip and ribs combo, ribs meal and tri-tip sandwich. I have to say my favorites were the chicken and tri-tip. They taste so good and are very flavorful. The owner and workers are so accommodating and nice. I was hoping for some samples, but they were so swamped so that was ok. The owner did let people know the line was a long wait, but 99% of the people still waited. And I have to say, it WAS worth the wait. For the others, they missed out. I understand it's a long wait, but it's #1 on yelp's list, so that's to be expected. This is a little roadside bbq joint and if you are passing by, be sure to stop by and try it You'll be happy you did.

    (5)

  • Scott W.

    Killer ribs and beans today on the way home from Mammoth with the kids. Really enjoyed my bbq conversation with co-owner and bbq'r master Hank about the future Copper Top Santa Maria grills! Thx guys and hope Black Top gets to stay!

    (5)

  • Daravid T.

    Second attempt in eating here with my powder crew successful. Love the outdoor style dining. Food is second to none and service is as good as it gets. I'm adding this to my "must eat" places the next time we go boarding in Mammoth.

    (5)

  • Mark B.

    The customer service was on point! The BBQ was smoked perfectly! The ribs were cooked to perfection, nothing to crazy just a nice classic style!

    (5)

  • Caleb B.

    This place was better before the Yelp Ranking, They are busy now and I felt the food was rushed. The Ribs and TriTip were undercooked and as always the sides are just average with a very long wait. #1 reviewed Food joint on Yelp that's it.

    (2)

  • Keo N.

    Thought we stop by and try this joint out. Way overhyped by yelpers. Bbq sauce tasted as if it was from a bottle. Chicken was not flavorful and dry. Tri tip had too much fat. Ribs were dry too. Very dissapointed. Did not match up the glowing reviews.

    (2)

  • Tee A.

    What a burn! We went there excited to try it for the first time. They were closes because of the "weather" there was no rain and the sun was shining. Saw 5 cars pull in with us and leave. The owner was nice enough to respond. Will try this place again :)

    (5)

  • Tom B.

    ***DO NOT MISS THIS SLICE OF BBQ HEAVEN*** As a BBQ aficionado, this gem ranks in the top 1%!! Owner Hank loves what he does and loves whom he serves! And to make it even better, the food is OTT! We had a rack of 12 St Louis style ribs done to moist suculent, pink perfection! Add to that an incredible homemade BBQ sauce and green chili beans , and wala, a meal fit for a BBQ king (or queen!) Open Wed - Sunday.

    (5)

  • M B.

    Congrats to Copper Top on all the successes. I remember when Hank was staying at the Trees Motel In Bishop cooking for anyone who would stop by and chat with him. He started with the dream of opening a BBQ spot here In the Eastern Sierra and now to be ranked # 1 by Yelp. When he started I told him I would help him out by supplying him with Paso Robles red oak wood which I had a decent supply of and so it began. It didn't take long before my supply was out so I took a trip to Paso Robles to get him some more. He has since outgrown my ability to keep him in supply of wood which is good for him. This story is a testament that a dream can come true with hard work and dedication. Again congrats to Hank and Matthew Otten on your successful business venture.

    (5)

  • Ricardo P.

    Great BBQ! Tri tip rub was excellent. The rips were meaty and very tasty! Lucky I was here when there wasn't a lot of people lined up! Delish!!!

    (5)

  • David T.

    Fantástico este lugar. Great place stop by and have a great BBQ, the best in the west.

    (5)

  • Tori M.

    I'm not really sure how it's possible that I haven't reviewed this place yet. We've been eating here since they opened and the food never disappoints. Consistency is key and the food is always on point (see the many reviews of this place if you don't believe me!). My husband and I usually share the Big Pine Sampler - ribs, tri-tip, chicken, rolls and 2 sides. I'm not really a rib person but these are pretty amazing! Sometimes we'll mix it up and get pulled pork or tri-tip sandwiches which are also really good. Their BBQ sauce is very good as well. The rolls they serve as a side are Hawaiian rolls (my favorite) and you HAVE to try their mac and cheese and their green chili which are both different but super delicious! In addition to great food, Hank (the BBQ master) and Matt are super nice and friendly. The ice they serve in their soft drinks is the best! They have a nice tent up with misters and plenty of parking. You can't get a more beautiful view while enjoying your food if you tried! Take my advice - try Copper Top BBQ - you'll love it!!!

    (5)

  • Meghan W.

    I had the Big Pine sample platter and split it with my friend. It was AMAZING! Tri-tip was sent from the heavens. Ribs were delishhhh. You have to get the Mac and cheese and the green pepper chili. Bomb.com .

    (5)

  • Natasha T.

    Unbelievably the best BBQ... Ever? From what I've had this place kills it in the BBQ department. Great food, great service, nice little lawn. Simplicity at its best. Cannot wait to come back here

    (5)

  • Katie B.

    Our group ordered two sampler plates, ribs, and chicken with one of each side and everything was delicious! Some of the best chicken I've ever eaten. The owners and staff were very friendly and helpful. We stopped here on the way home from Mammoth because we heard such great reviews on this place and it exceeded our expectations. Definitely a must try and we will be coming here every mammoth trip from now on!

    (5)

  • Tanner P.

    I downloaded and created a yelp account because of how awesome this restaurant / owner was! Definitely a must go, you will not be disappointed! Hank is da bomb!

    (5)

  • Jim M.

    BBQ doesn't get any better in the Sierras. We live in Mammoth & always make it a point to stop at the Copper Top in Big Pine when traveling to southern California. Great food & wonderful service. Owner Hank Otten never fails to ask about your experience. You won't regret the stop!

    (5)

  • BJ K.

    Wait was long, so many flies we ate in our car. Ribs were good but very sweet. If you want really good ribs, go to the Hickory Hut in Salina, Kansas. BEST RIBS EVER. This place also was expensive, and not a real restaurant like we thought. Should have read all the reviews before stopping. Did this once, that's enough.

    (3)

  • Antonia G.

    Just had one of the best meals in my life! My boyfriend and I were driving on our way to June lake when Hank( the owner) waved at us, standing by the smokey BBQ. His smile, the wave and the yummy smoke of BBQ made it very easy for us to turn around! His food and friendliness made this experience so enjoyable! The BBQ baby pork ribs and tri tip was out of this world! Sitting there and looking at the beautiful view outside created memories:) Best, Antonia( Bulgaria)& Brad(MO, USA)

    (5)

  • Andy M.

    Stopped in for lunch on a quiet Wednesday on my way up to Mammoth. I ordered the ribs which were excellent. Some of the best ones I have had. Others in my group ordered the tri-tip sandwich. The tri-tip was good and flavorful. Portions are smaller compared to some BBQ joints. Price is ok for the area. I spoke with one of the owners, as he was manning the pit. He was very nice and was happy to talk about his process, smoking woods and such. Keep in mind they cook two different ways.... The tri-tip is cooked Santa Maria style over a hot oak fire on a grid that can be raised or lowered. Great way to sear the outside, then raise it up to finish cooking the meat. The other BBQ items are smoked in a traditional barrel smoker, low and slow. I really wish I could give 4.5 stars. I took a star off for the pulled pork. It was bland, and didn't taste all that smokey. I like to see a little bark, and have a smokey flavor. This was boring and tasted like it came out of a crock pot. It wasn't bad, just not up to the level of the other BBQ items. Stick to the ribs and tri tip and you will like the place. I would go back if it wasn't crowded. I would like to try the chicken. Nobody in our group ordered it. Customer service and attitude were A+ at this place.

    (4)

  • Sarah W.

    I have driven by many times in the morning and saw them already smoking meat. I finally was driving by in the afternoon and stopped for lunch. No it is not a full service restaurant, but who cares! It was beautiful outside with a great view. The food was also great, I had the tri tip sandwich, the bbq sauce they also provided was amazing. I reccomend stopping and trying the food, and leave the mentality of a four star restaurant aside...some of these low reviews were stupid in my opinion. It's a fricken bbq pit not Mr. A's French cuisine.

    (4)

  • Chelsea D.

    Best chicken and tri-tip! The wait was about 25min but well worth it. And the scenery is beautiful! A tip for you: if you're gunna go expect a wait. Just sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery and you're good will be out in no time:)

    (4)

  • Wayne P.

    Had to stop in and try this BBQ joint since I was in the area and found out it was rated #1 on Yelp. I've had BBQ from all over America, by no means am I an expert though. We had all the meats except the chicken because they were out, until about 25 mins after we received our food and the lady who took my order said they found 3 more. How do you just find cooked chicken lying around in the kitchen. The ribs had a good flavor but we're not tender at all and the fat not was rendered as found in most quality ribs. Pulled pork was not what I was expecting at all was more like a rough chop with tomatoes in it. The pork flavor was missing more like a tomato meat stew . The Tri-tip was the best out of all three, it had a nice crust and a good dry rub. By no means was it anywhere close to the best I've had. I would put it on par with any run of the mill BBQ joint. The wait will kill you baking in the sun with 20-25 people in front of you and it takes an 1hr 10mins to order then another 30mins to receive food. Personally I feel they make the wait long so that it appears they have a crowd at all times, so passers by will stop because anyplace with a line must be good. If your looking for a place to sit get ready for a battle, only about 5 table to sit at. Like many others I question how this place got to be #1 on yelp.

    (2)

  • Jeff L.

    Excellent BBQ. I had the pork ribs and look forward to having them again. For sides, I thought the potato salad was just okay, and the cole slaw wasn't good at all, way too vinegary for my taste. Jeff

    (5)

  • C P.

    A perfect pit stop during our drive. The tri-tip sandwiches were delicious!

    (5)

  • Trish U.

    Found a potatoe salad that was just as good as my mommas and the tip sandwich was flavorful and juicy and the pretzel bread was yummy...The owner stopped by our table to make sure everything was good:) he was a sweetheart! We will be going back on our way home too! Stop and at the COPPER TOP!!

    (5)

  • Myles L.

    HANDS DOWN THE BEST BBQ SPOT I HAVE EVER HAD! Hank totally hooked it up with the Santa Maria tri-tip even though they weren't open for the day yet. Can't wait to go back to try the pulled pork! I'm sure it'll be just as amazing with their awesome bbq sauce!

    (5)

  • Sari F.

    Can't get a cheeseburger anymore or Mac n cheese... Well unless you are lucky enough to come on a day they are doing it. Pretty disappointed... I don't leave near buy so I can't work around their schedule... Sad that is how I feel; really like copper top and Hank but this is simply irritating! Thanks for ruining the one thing I was looking forward too

    (4)

  • Tricia S.

    My family stopped here on our way home from Mammoth. The baby back ribs and chicken were phenomenal! My picky 7 and 8 year old eaters tore thru the baby back ribs and chicken. Said "this is the BEST ever!!" Also got a tri tip to go!! Can't wait til' dinner. Thanks Hank...you are a fine man and one hell of a BBQ'r! Thanks for sharing pics of your adorable grandkids!! The Smith family!

    (5)

  • Nicole C.

    Who knew that we would stumble across an amazing barbecue spot in the middle of nowhere. Okay, it wasn't exactly the middle of nowhere. It was Big Pine. Hubby and I shared a tri-tip sandwich with their chili and Jalapeno chips. They gave out a taster of their pork ribs and they were so tender and flavorful that we had to order half rack. Everything was very good! The staff was friendly. The owner was barbecuing out front on big ol'smokers and grills. Fun stop!

    (4)

  • Andie D.

    I love this place, the owner is such a nice and helpful man and his employees are friendly and quick. The food is AWESOME! I have not had a bad meal. The Tri Tip is flavorful and tender, the ribs are just. ...I have no words that can describe how good they truly are. You must try the green chili. .....yummy! The pulled pork sandwich is so darn good and I loved the cole slaw they added to it. It's not full of mayo, I'm not fond of mayo laden food. It would a huge mistake to pass this place and go to Schatt's bakery (Yuck)......as some people I heard did.

    (5)

  • Mondy H.

    We stopped here on our way to Mammoth after reading the great reviews on Yelp and we were not disappointed. Amazing BBQ using top quality meat. Small and unassuming, you can sit at a picnic table and watch proprietor Hank Owen cook tri- tip to perfection on his portable grill with a backdrop of the snow capped Sierras. Would have given 4 stars if it were not for the cashier who was not really on top of things. She did not seem to know the menu and did not offer much direction.

    (4)

  • Guigo V.

    Great place to stop on the road. The ribs are excellent and the employees are too. There's only outside seating so it can get pretty hot. Regardless I had a great meal and highly recommend it!

    (5)

  • MaryAnn L.

    I think social media has hyped this place. We ordered the pulled pork and tri tip sandwich. Both came on a Hawaiian roll, mine was overdone. Both came with optional cole slaw, very small container. BBQ sauce was heavy on the smokey side, not the sweet style. The pulled pork was good, the tri tip tough, in whole pieces and came right out of the sandwich, too tough to bite off. Generous portions however. Service average, got there when it opened at 1100 as we heard they run out of meat early in the day. Not a lot of choices in this town, mabe that is why the popularity? Have had a lot better elsewhere.

    (3)

  • E H.

    Tender chix and tri tip. Potato salad and beans were ok. To bad they don't have fries!

    (5)

  • Matthew C.

    EXCELLENT food! The staff were friendly, eating area clean, and of course the best BBQ! I understand why this is the best restaurant in the USA!

    (5)

  • Rex Q.

    Amazing bbq...ribs and tri-tip all the way!! The coleslaw goes amazing with the tri-tip! Going to stop here every time I go to mammoth!

    (5)

  • Diane H.

    Didn't even need any sauce. It's that good. With a beautiful view of the Sierras and good country music for listening, it's a very nice and peaceful place to kick back. The meat is barbecued as you watch. Simple and delicious.

    (5)

  • Tom A.

    Being a P. I. I get around. BEST EVER. EVER!! And there is a moving father/son story behind this success story. See Hank. If your lucky, he will tell you.

    (5)

  • Keri M.

    I was skeptical at first, but it truly is the best BBQ pulled pork sandwich I've ever had. Go!!!

    (5)

  • John N.

    After a long morning of hunting, came here for some good BBQ. Hank was outside getting ready for the day to start and greeted us. Hank made us immediately feel right at home with his hospitality and of course his BBQ! The BBQ chicken was tender, super moist, and packed with flavor. Ribs had a great smoke ring and finger licking good. I couldn't stop eating the ribs once I picked up my first rib. Absolutely loved the green chile, just couldn't get enough of it. The aroma stretches along the 395 & everyone passing through Big Pine should stop here for a bite of some great BBQ. I know I will.

    (5)

  • Marty D.

    Best bbq in town a must stop for lunch. Tasty tri tip sandwiches amazing mac and cheese chicken and ribs are next on my list to try. Bathroom is super clean.

    (5)

  • Rachel R.

    Named the Best Restaurant in America by Yelp due to a solid 5-star rating and excellent reviews, Copper Top BBQ DELIVERS. Its red oak smoked tri-tip, ribs, and chicken are easily some of the best BBQ I've had, and the green chili, coleslaw, and potato salad are great innovations on old classics. Sitting in the shadow of the Sierra Mountains, this joint's got an awesome view; add to that the fact that the father-son duo running it are welcoming as hell, and it makes a restaurant well worth the trip--especially if a mountain getaway is in the cards. Stop by here Weds-Sat on your way to Bishop, Tahoe or anywhere in the Eastern Sierras, and eat your heart out. Drive time: 3 hours from L.A.

    (5)

  • Ryan S.

    We had the pulled pork sandwich and Santa Maria tri tip sandwich. They were both soo good. I personally thought the Santa Maria was cooked perfectly n the BBQ sauce was amazing. Great lil hole in the wall place to go check out for amazing BBQ.

    (5)

  • Mitch C.

    The Tri-Tip sandwich was the best! Only problem with it is it's too small for the price. If you get a chance check this place out you won't be disappointed !

    (5)

  • Tommi M.

    OMG!!! Can you say Bbq? Personally I'm not a fan on Bbq but this place is amazing! On our way up to Mammoth my husband made me stop to try a rib. Of course he had to order a pulled pork sandwich too. It was the best I've EVER had. Super lean, perfectly cooked, best tasting. My kids and I devoured. We are now on our way home and had to stop for some on the way out. Hank is the owner and personally bbq's himself. His son Matt also works there. The place is super cool. A tent with a heater and outdoor picnic tables. Felt like old school home for me. Growing up in NM, places like this brought our family together. Highly recommend this place!!!

    (5)

  • Dorene H.

    Copper top bbq everything was great we had the sampler plate cuz we could not choose which came with tri tip, ribs, & chicken all great meats it came with 2 sides. we got the potato salad and cole slaw great better than homemade and the sauce was fantastic my mouth is watering just describing it so go there early it is worth it !

    (4)

  • Nicole I.

    My boyfriend and I had read the review about Copper Top being amazing bbq, so we decided to take the 395 home from Tahoe to give this place a try. We were excited when we arrived at 330pm, we walked up and there were people eating at tables and the man in line in front of us is getting his order taken. The man working there informed us that they were all sold out. We were extremely disappointed! Considering this place closes at 5 and it is a Saturday on a 3 day Holiday weekend, they should have prepared themselves for people to be coming up until closing. Very disappointing. Update: Although we were unable to enjoy their food, the owner was very sweet in writing us back. Great customer service is always appreciated. Can't wait to go and try it next time we are out there.

    (4)

  • Sally C.

    We were in LA on vacation when we heard the news of this small town BBQ winning best restuarant in USA. No question, we were determined to make this our meal stop on the 8 hour drive home, and I am glad we did! This is great food with genuine Angus beef and yummy side dishes with creative twists. Simple all American food on the most beautiful road in America. Unpretentious, honest folks who love what they are doing and it shows! We will make this stop every trip so we can try every delicious item on the menu. Walker Burger will need to be reserved for ice cream desert! Closed Monday and Tuesday so every backpack this summer will need to end on Wed-Sunday!

    (5)

  • Chris N.

    Highly recommend to anyone that appreciates tasty BBQ! Copper Top BBQ easily has the best BBQ in The Sierras. We've made it our regular pit stop on LA to Tahoe trips. Father (Hank) is usually out front manning the smoker and grills while son (Matthew) is inside interfacing with customers. They use the right amount of seasoning and cook to perfect level of pink in middle. Make sure to order both the ribs and tri-tip.

    (5)

  • Marina Y.

    Great BBQ! Fun atmosphere! The owner is friendly and makes the best tri tip!!!! The macaroni and cheese was amazing and full of flavor. The sitting area has a beautiful view of the mountains!

    (5)

  • Stanley S.

    Really delicious. Wife and I shared the sampler (tri-tip, pork ribs, chicken with potato salad and chili). We also got the pulled pork sandwich. Everything was delicious, but the green chili and pork ribs really stood out. I'd definitely come back if I am ever in the area.

    (5)

  • Robert K.

    This has been mentioned before but the wait is absolutely unnecessary and obnoxious. We waited about 5 minutes for each person in line to order and it was for many reasons all of which are preventable. The cashier gets the drinks (it's stood on a stool to get the ice), gets the refills, stood for a minute or two to talk to someone else in the back then sits down, apologizes, takes one order and starts the whole thing over again. Don't think you're done waiting just because you survived the ordering line. There's another 10-15 minute minimum wait to get anything including the two tri tip meat only played we ordered. The menu is very limited and of course they were out of ribs and cole slaw, you'd think that would asked things up. The food was good but definitely not worth the wait and needles irritation. Best in the country? Impossible.

    (2)

  • Stephen W.

    Visiting the area from KC and heard we had to try Copper Top. My wife and I split the combo with ribs, tri-tip, and chicken. Highly recommended the chili beans for a side. If your in the area you should stop and try it yourself.

    (5)

  • brandon s.

    This place is LEGIT! I had a slab of ribs and half a chicken with some baked beans. The ribs were very delicious and the chicken had amazing flavor and was so juicy. The proprietor was kind and has a supreme passion for his craft. I really don't get how someone could even consider rating 1 stars. Total 5 out of 5 would eat again.

    (5)

  • Aaron C.

    This place is great! I love the tri-tip sandwich and the Big Pine sampler! Everything here is really good, even the veterinarian chili. Would I say best bbq ever... I don't know, I love Kansas City bbq, but for California, this is great! I will definitely stop and eat here again!

    (5)

  • Julia L.

    Such a disappointment... wish I could review the food here but each time I have passed through town it has been closed or about to close. We stopped by today at 4:45 or so (they close at 5) my fiancé and I try to be pretty conscious of not stopping by places which are just about to close, but since there were several people eating we figured we would at least see if there was anything left. We were informed by some people eating out front that they only had chicken available. We figured that sounded good and waited at the window for someone to come over... After a somewhat brief period of awkwardly watching the person inside ignore us, we decided to leave. No sooner had we pulled away had another customer walked up and was having there order taken. Kinda frustrating especially considering that Big Pine isn't exactly the sort of place I tend pass through regularly. Guess Yelp's best isn't for me. *sigh*

    (4)

  • scott a.

    so my girlfriend and i took a trip to mammoth and i heard about this place on the news. i made it a point to stop and try everything being that i myself am obsessed with smoke bbq. i've been smoking for years and i am very paticular when it comes to smoked meats. some of the other reviews talk about a long wait time. (yes, you will have to wait long if you show up at dinner time a week after it was on the national news. if you never have smoked meat, know that it takes HOURS. a true smokehouse does not precook their food then heat it up on the grill. this stuff is legit.) that being said, we showed up on a wednesday afternoon and had one person in line in front of us. but either way, i would have waited. reasons for the 5 stars: 1. ambiance. i not only complimented hank on his cooking but also on his lawn care. i thought it was fake! i felt like i was sitting in my own back yard eating BBQ. the checkered table cloths and american flags flowing on the white picket fence sealed the deal. very fun place to just stop and eat. 2. the service was ridiculously friendly. the girl behind the counter was sweet and they have two tip jars. the catch is they ask a weekly question (this week was "who would you rather have narrate your life biopic: christopher walken or morgan freeman? i went with morgan freeman.) and you put your tip in the jar of your answer. they post the answers the following week. great gimmicky idea i thought. 3. hank is the man. we sat and talked about smoking meats and like me, he is passionate about it. we swapped stories and he gave me some tips. really great guy. we even took a picture with him. he also brought us some free samples to try although we pretty much ordered one of each. 4. the food is amazing! this is coming from a BBQ smoker afficianado. hank knows what he is doing and he does it well. the ribs are unreal. the tri-tip is amazing. and you have to try the pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw!!! he also doesn't drown his food in BBQ sauce. it's placed on the side as it should be. any great BBQ man knows this. if a place drowns their food in sauce then the meat isn't good. and let me say this, the meat didn't need the sauce. 5. the price is right. we ordered a sandwich, 1/2 rack of ribs, a 1/2 pound of tri-tip, and a side and it came to under $40 bucks. we didn't even come close to finishing it all. but on the ride home to los angeles my truck smelled amazing. so if you find yourself in bishop, stop in, try the pork sandwich and the ribs at the least, and say hi to hank for me.

    (5)

  • Deborah T.

    The Pulled Pork Sandwich and Jalapeño Beans were the best we have ever had. They even serve the best crushed ice. We met the owner who is not only friendly but precise in his BBQ techniques and flavorings! We will for sure stop there when we return on our next trip to Mammoth!

    (5)

  • Debra I.

    We were just passing through Big Pine when I saw this outside BBQ food establishment, COPPER TOP BBQ.We turned around and went back. Am I ever glad we did! Hank was cooking outside on his grills and he offered us a sample of his ribs. They were to die for!!!! These were THE BEST RIBS I HAVE EVER EATEN! The ribs were so good I didn't even think of putting BBQ sauce on them! We also got potato salad and coleslaw. EXCELLENT! The next time we are in California I will drive well out of our way to get Hank's BBQ ribs!

    (5)

  • Sandy M.

    We had heard of this place through friends. OMG! THIS IS THE BEST BBQ WE HAVE EVER EATEN! !! The smoke ring on the ribs was just right. The reviewer who said the meat was pink just was so wrong. It is the smoke ring & meat rub that makes it that color. The ribs are to die for. We had the trio of meat meal. The tri tips were tender and had a great flavor. The chicken was juicy and fell off the bone with great BBQ flavor. The green chili beans were outstanding and the potatoe salad was like nothing I had before and was delicious. We even got some pulled pork and coleslaw to have for lunch tomorrow. We didn't know about YELPs award until we got there. It is well deserved. Amazing how a small walk up BBQ joint on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevadas could make such succulent food. We are from out of state, but will definately be back! Hank you were a perfect host and although we didn't meet your son Matt we were honored to eat at your table. I just wish we lived closer :) Oh, the black dog never bothered us or anyone else. As a matter of fact our dog was welcomed. Eating is all outdoors.

    (5)

  • Alieh K.

    Heading back from an awesome time at Mammoth and we were excited to stop and try it out. I'm SO HAPPY we did and my taste buds were too!!! I ordered the sampler, which came with tri-tip, pork ribs, and chicken and two sides. It was all so tasty! I love tri-tip and this was perfectly seasoned and tender. I normally don't love pork, so I'm a little skeptical to even try it sometimes, but this was worth it. The ribs tasted so good!! They were tender on the inside but not too blubbery (I'm sure there is a correct foodie term for that but I don't know it). It was just great! The Mac and Cheese and Chili were also wonderful! My boyfriend had the pulled pork sandwich and happily devoured it, wanting more. The people were really nice too, especially Hank; who is one of those people you meet and are happy you did, because he is a genuinely kind person. So THANK YOU for the outstanding food and great experience!

    (5)

  • Jenee W.

    I came here for the first time from lancaster ca yesterday and it was amazing! The cook was such an awesome man! We talked about cooking and how my dad also had a bbq restaurant and we shared some laughs and good food. I almost wasn't able to leave I had over stuffed myself with so much good cooking! Lol I ordered the half pound of tri-tip and the cook gave me a sample of his ribs. They were delicious! I would definitely come back here! "It was really good but I can't go against my dad now" lol!!!!

    (5)

  • Alison C.

    My husband and I stopped on a trip up to Mammoth and were so glad we did! Hank genuinely enjoys what he does and it shows in the food! The ribs were amazing, with a great dry rub and sauce on the side so you can slather them to your liking. The green chilis and beans were our favorite side! Will definitely pay a visit to Coppertop again on future visits to the Sierras!

    (5)

  • Matt P.

    Best BBQ I've ever had. The ribs were cooked perfectly, tender but still attached to the bone like a good rib should. Santa Maria tri tip was super tender and flavorful. Hank was doin his thang cookin all the meat and was extremely friendly when he interacted with us. The line was long but it was definitely worth the wait!

    (5)

  • Charlotte F.

    First let me say, this is not a sit down and be served restaurant. This is a 'walk up window to place your order while you enjoy the smell of the wood burning pits out in front' kind of place. So if sit down service is what you are after, keep heading down the road. But if you want a fill-you-up delicious meal, give this place a shot. We stopped here yesterday on our way back home from Bishop. I have driven by a few times and each time there has been a crowd of people outside, today was no exception. It was around 11:45 and there was already a dozen people outside waiting for food. We decided to get the Sampler Platter in order to taste more items. The Sampler comes with Tri-Tip, ribs and chicken, two sides and a roll. The tri tip was very good, a bit more done than I prefer but still delicious and moist. I dipped in the BBQ sauce, but it didn't need it. The ribs were meaty and cooked perfectly, tender but not fall off the bone. Also, no need for the sauce. The chicken was possibly my favorite. Moist and flavorful. Now to the sides, we ordered the Fire Roasted Chili with beans and the potato salad. I have to admit, I am a bit of a potato salad snob. I make a great one and I refuse to eat ones that come out of a plastic container from the grocery store. The salad was full of flavor, big chunks of potato, pickle, onions. Probably some of the best potato salad I have had. The chili was tasty, I expected a little more spice but delicious none the less. This is definitely not your normal baked beans that you usually think of with BBQ. I think the only thing that I was missing was maybe some peach cobbler for dessert...hint, hint. I don't claim to be a BBQ expert but have had BBQ from some well known restaurants around the country and the Copper Top can hold their own against any of these other places. We will be back on our next visit up this way.

    (4)

  • Patrick O.

    This place is great! Outstanding bbq, the best we've had anywhere. And the twelve of us have had Kansas City BBQ and other Midwest BBQ so that was a big surprise for all of us. We met Hank the owner and loved talking to him hearing about how he and his son love barbecuing and why opened his restaurant. So the food was amazingly good and overall very happy. Only bummer was we really wanted to try the Mac & cheese that's a special only made on Sunday. We called at 10:30am to confirm that but when we arrived at 12:30 they didn't have any saying they ran out. Sunday is their busiest day as Hank shared. Don't be in a hurry that day. Might wait 15-20 mins to order and maybe 15-20 mins to get food. But it's worth it!!! Thanks Hank! See you soon

    (5)

  • Tom M.

    This place caught my eye when we were driving up to Mammoth, and we made a quick U-turn to check it out. Glad we did! We had the tri-trip, and it was 8 ounces worth of excellent. We loved sitting outside at the casual open tables, looking up at the mountains while he gorged ourselves on that tasty, smokey meat. We tried the mac and cheese, and the green chili (be warned, when you get sides, they're large enough for two. Personally, I think those two items could be a little better. But otherwise, we're definitely going to stop in again to try their other sides and BBQ specialties. And it was nice to talk to the affable owner, Hank, as he grilled our meal over a big wood grill in front of the place. Gotta love the personal attention to detail!

    (4)

  • Teddy F.

    This is by far the best barbecue I've ever had. Ordered the sampler plate, and practically licked the plate clean! Hank is truly a master of his craft!

    (5)

  • Michael C.

    Darn solid BBQ. Had the sampler: Ribs had a good bark and right amount of flavor - fairly tender. Tri Tip was spot on RARE. If you like well done Tri Tip ask for it. Chicken was solid as well. Coleslaw was excellent. Super nice folks too.

    (4)

  • Sean M.

    This is by far the best BBQ that I've had in California and not far from the top of the list period! Hank is super friendly and will give you an instant recommendation, even though you cannot go wrong with any selections from the menu. My personal favorite is the ribs. The dry rub has soooo much flavor that you don't even need sauce. They are always moist and fall right off the bone. As for sides I always go with the roasted green chili and potato salad. If I had to choose one last meal, that chili would be on the plate! Next time you're heading to Mt Whitney or just passin thru to Mammoth make sure you make a stop here. You will not regret it!

    (5)

  • Shawn K.

    Quite possibly the best American BBQ I have ever had! All excellent meats, but the tri-tip was especially superb. Friendly staff and a highlight of the town of Big Pine.

    (5)

  • Andrea K.

    The pork ribs were absolutely delicious. It was a food orgasm. Yum Yum Yum!!!! I couldn't keep my hands off them.

    (5)

  • Anna B.

    The food was good, but not worth waiting 30 minutes. I really did not like the cashier who simply turned the screen and offered me the tip screen with 10 families behind me with a "pick here" selection.

    (3)

  • Michelle W.

    Unfortunately this place does not meet the five star expectation that I anticipated, and most certainly not the number 1 restaurant in the US. My advice if you find yourself in Big Pine, is to try other restaurants in town with indoor seating, or beeline for Bishop.

    (2)

  • Jane C.

    I ended up here on my way back from Mammoth. Now I get why this place hit Yelp's top 100 list. The food, service and people are all around awesome!!! My group order the 1/4 chicken, the 1/2 rack of ribs and the pounds of tri tip. * Chicken - not a big fan of white meat since its usually dry when its BBQ'd. However, Copper top does an awesome job with keeping the chicken tender and moist. The seasoning on the chicken is awesome and the BBQ sauce they give you also complements the taste * Ribs - this too came with a side of bbq sauce but it didnt need it. The meat was tender and whatever they slather that meat in was super tasty!!! * Tri Tip - If you only had to choose one thing on the menu, get the tri tip. For the record, I usually dont get tri tip at BBQ places because the meat is tougher and leaner (which usually has less flavor). Copper top converted me to becoming a tri tip lover. The meat was tasty and tender and not over cooked. * Crushed Ice - so not too many places serve crushed ice and i enjoy chomping on this type of ice. To my surprise, this place has it. So for all the people that gave this wonderful establishment a low rating, here are a few tips on having a wonderful experience at this place: 1) Come early. I ended up coming here around 10:30am (30 mins before it actually opens) and had the opportunity to take in the wonderful BBQ fragrance, the sunny weather and got a chance to chit chat with a few locals and tourists that were also ready to indulge in this meaty goodness. Btw, the food is more fresh when you come in the morning since they start cooking these chunks of meat at 7am daily 2) Go during a weekday. Beat the tourist rush on the weekends and you'll definitely cut down your wait time 3) Remember Good Food takes time - it takes time for the meat to absorb all the tasty flavors. If you are the impatient type, send someone to stand in line for you to pick up the food.

    (5)

  • Laura A.

    We should have stopped last time we passed through here...We bought some to take with us for dinner tonight and they did not disappoint! these St. Louis Ribs were meaty and tender, with just a little chew to them(I don't like when ribs fall off the bone). We bought some Tri Tip which we gave to some friends and they loved it!! These are the best ribs we've a had in a long time.

    (5)

  • Tin Tin L.

    It was awesome that this was conveniently on our way back down from Mammoth after a weekend of fun and snowboarding after my friends and I recently saw on the news that this was Yelp's number one restaurant. We just had to try it. We came early lunch and already this place already had a long line waiting before it even opened. It was definitely worth the wait, and by far, outside of Texas, this has got to be one of the best. We tried everything including the chicken, tri tip, cole slaw, mashed potato, Mac and cheese, King's Hawaiian bread. This place has a nice family bbq feel to it. You get to meet Hank and his son, just doing their thing, smoking some good meat. I anticipate that they are going to need more crew, more food, and more seats in the future! Otherwise I can see some angry customers demanding more of the yummy food! If I'm in the area again, I wouldn't mind coming back to this place

    (4)

  • Marcus S.

    These guys are great, beautiful spot to eat at. Can't really go wrong with a guy who loves to bbq and is only in eat for the food

    (5)

  • Kendra J.

    Very busy for a small stop but has a good feel to it. U can tell the owner is a tall guy with a cowboy hat on that was smiling the whole time. Almost makes you want to live small town. I had the sampler everything was good the chicken was Juicy tri tip was amazing and the pulled pork sandwich my friend had was wow. I wish there was one of these places in Los Angeles.

    (5)

  • Ly N.

    Everyone raves about their BBQ, but did anyone consider the delicious green chili??? Matt makes, perhaps, the best green chili I've ever had. Gonna make another stop on the round trip back to get another fix.

    (5)

  • Ethan J.

    There's no doubt the tri-tip and meat is great! But the sides really are just not good. Mac n Cheese is bland and made with huge pasta sorta weird.

    (3)

  • Christine L.

    We were driving north on 395 on Friday, April 24. Wanted to try the #1restaurant! Checked out the website on my phone and it said Online Ordering was available, so after we passed Lone Pine, I started ordering, paid online and then received a text that they had rec'd my order. Then a phone call with a question about my order. It was so easy! By the time we arrived and stood in a short line, our order was ready and I got my food instead of a number! The online ordering had just gone live the day before and we were the first customers to use it. I would definitely do it again! And our sample platter, with potato salad and chili,was delicious! My husband and I split it and still could not finish it all. He liked the ribs, which I thought were a little bit dry, but tasty. My fav was the very moist, dry rubbed,chicken quarter. Didn't need the BBQ sauce. We will definitely stop again the next time we drive the 395 and order ahead!

    (5)

  • Adrian M.

    Very good BBQ with a cool owner and good service. Stopped by with a mob of 8 of us for lunch. It is a walk up window with outdoor seating. The owner was outside cooking and we had a nice conversation. A family business. Brisket sandwiches were simple but delicious. Chicken was moist and tasty. Pulled pork was excellent. Potato salad was out of this world. My only critique would be the chili. It was not bad. But it was also nothing special, which made it the disappointment of the meal. And as a gang of chili eaters we were all shocked by the gas it gave us! So the beans weren't prepped right. Aside from that room for improvement, this is some dame good BBQ and I will be going back if I get a chance.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth H.

    Copper Top was a great stop for twelve hungry, dirty hikers after a four day backpacking trip. It's great to see the grill going as you walk up and Hank offering samples to everyone. Most of the group got the tri-trip sandwich which were thoroughly enjoyed but it was disappointing that they were out of pulled pork and hamburgers. The chicken (my order) was great and had the grilled flavor on top of the lemon pepper seasoning. Definitely a great addition to Big Pine and a must stop after a day in the wilderness.

    (5)

  • Renae H.

    This place is pretty special. The food is delicious, the views are stunning and the company is delightful. On a recent breezy and beautiful day, we stopped by and considered dining in the heated tent, but opted for hanging out front where we struck up a friendly conversation with Hank, the proprietor. This turned out to be the winning formula. While I'm sure we would have enjoyed the meal even if we had dined in the tent, we really enjoyed the views and conversation that made the experience even better. Let's get to the food. In our family unit we have a vegetarian (me), a very picky eater, a distracted eater and an omnivore. I am pleased to report that this place made us all happy! I enjoyed the chili very much (who would expect the chili at a BBQ place to be vegetarian?!). I had to fend off my omnivore husband before he consumed it all. Our daughter is not easy to please yet she loved Copper Top and gobbled up the food at a surprising rate! The tri tip was her favorite. My husband says the ribs had great flavor and were tender with a little chew. Stop in for a bite or to stock up for a great dinner when you arrive at your destination. It's worth it!

    (5)

  • Matt C.

    good meat choices. chicken, ribs, burger, 1/2 chicken. big portions. wish there were a couple more sides options (beans, tots, etc). super nice staff. bbq is right outside so hard to drive by and not want to pull over from the smell. only outside seating. picnic tables and tent with seating. I will def stop by next time I drive by.

    (4)

  • Ian S.

    Can't beat the food! Father and son owned business. One of the best places to eat on the 395! Simply awesome!

    (5)

  • Glen C.

    Hank makes some MEAN ribs!! The bbq is obviously the best but it's always nice when you can tell that the sides are homemade. Great family-run restaurant, great food, great place to stop.

    (5)

  • Amber J.

    Great food for a great price! We had the pulled pork but everyone raved about the ribs so we will definitely be visiting this place the next time we are in the area. The owner was so friendly and helpful - you will like it!!

    (5)

  • Nathan W.

    I will be sure to stop again on my next visit. I had the tri tip and Mac & Cheese. Yummy.

    (5)

  • Dalma P.

    Amazing BBQ w great scenery. The owner Hank is very friendly and uses non-hormone meat. The perfect pit stop on the way to mammoth!

    (5)

  • Scott S.

    Took the fam to June Mountain, Read on yelp that this was good bbq spot. Tri-tip sandwich was perfect, Ribs were awesome. Cornbread was okay. Even the kids hamburger was good.

    (4)

  • Howard F.

    This is my new "must stop" to place on my way to Mammoth unless I return to LA in the afternoon in which case I will stop for sure. Terrific tri-tip and pulled pork. The mac and cheese made with penne is outstanding. I've been there two times and met friendly, fellow travelers who enjoy the place as much as I do.

    (4)

  • Kiley S.

    Our second annual Mammoth trip would not have been complete without stopping by Copper Top BBQ. We happened upon the place last year on their second weekend open and had an awesome meal; therefore, we knew we had to stop by again on our way home this year. We were happy to see Hank out front cooking and chatting up the diners, and a good steady line of patrons ready to order. Hank's son was once again at the window, welcoming us with a friendly smile and patiently helping us order as we had a hard time choosing. The day was hot, but the wait was cool as we sat under the new ( new from our last trip) white tent, accessorized with cool misters. Just as last year, we decided to order a variety - we got the big platter with Tri-tip, chicken, and ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, half of a chicken, and the potato salad and green chili. The Tri- tip and chicken were tender, juicy and very flavorful. The pork ribs were meaty and tender and complemented well by the sweet BBQ sauce. I could've used a little more sauce, but I am sure they would've given more if I had asked. Our kids and ourselves devoured the pulled pork sandwiches. There was a lot of meat mixed with the sweet BBQ sauce and it was served on a soft bun. The kids were fighting to get the last bites! The potato salad was chunky with big pieces of potato, chopped celery, pickles, egg, and olives. Very yummy! The green chili was filled with chilies, black beans, onion, and excellent spices- it had a little heat, but it was crazy good! Everything was delicious and the owners are incredibly friendly as they work away. It reaffirmed why this will be one of our stops each time we have the chance to get out this way. Great job, Cooper Top BBQ!

    (5)

  • Ron S.

    I'm an avid Q fan. Once made a special trip to Lexongton, NC to try that style. Also The Pit in Raleigh, NC, Got protein poisoning in Texas trying many of their BBQ stands.My own copy of Smoke and Spice is dog eared and falling apart. I don't compete, but I have cooked a few whole hogs. Not braggin', just trying to establish my creds. Unless you're eating side by side, it's not fair to rate different meals. But it is fair to say that Copper Top is as good as I've had anywhere. Hank Otten has set up a place that feels like a good friends back yard. Definitely personal and not toning down for the masses. Ribs have always been a challenge for me. After many disappointments and several noted cookbooks insisting steaming them before bbq is the only way to get them moist and tender, I succumbed to that method. But Hank cooks them only on the smoker and they were great. Meaty flavor, moist and tender. I also had the pulled pork. It was probably closer to chopped than pulled. But the sandwich had lots of chunks of tender pork shoulder and was not overcooked and mushy. While many bbq restaurants go with "sauce is the boss" style, Hank's bbq shoulder was a distinctive blend of sauce, pork and smoke. The venue is rustic, and as mentioned earlier, decidedly personal. But it was a delight to be there. And although it's rustic, they are very proud of passing county health inspection with 100% compliance. Maybe Thomas Keller should have his Manhattan Per Se team go there for training.

    (5)

  • Bill R.

    We had the shredded beef sandwiches and went back for the tri tip. Even the kids that don't like to eat anywhere loved the food here. The Mac and cheese was so good... Unfortunately, they sold out!

    (5)

  • Pat G.

    We were driving through on the way to twin Lakes in Yosemite, and smelled the Tri Tip so we had to stop. It was so good we stopped again on the way back.

    (5)

  • Tasha N.

    Stopped by this place on our way back to socal from mammoth. Food was great!! Jalapeno cornbread is a must-try. Owners Hank and Matthew were very very friendly and accommodating. Will definitely stop by this place again when we go to mammoth!

    (5)

  • Philip H.

    Great ribs chicken tender and as good Mack and cheese to dye for stop here you will not be disappointedDo u need me to shoot down that bi plane on your Do u need me to shoot down that bi plane on your ass

    (5)

  • Kathi Y.

    Excellent BBQ! Stopped by here on the way home from our wonderful vacation. SO glad we did!!! Awesome food, great hospitality. We had the tri-tip, pulled pork and pork ribs. All were yummy. All the meats we tried were perfectly seasoned and cooked just right. My favorite was the ribs. My husband loved the tri-tip. We also fell in love with the beans. OMG - talk about delicious. Potato salad was excellent too. Nice family business. Hank and his son were affable and welcoming. Had a nice chat with Hank while he was cooking out front. All in all, definitely worth the stop. Wish it were closer to home - we'd come more often!!!

    (5)

  • Colin M.

    Passing through from Mammoth to Santa Barbara and came across this little gem. Amazing food, will be a destination every time we make the trip. Shredded Beef sandwich was excellent. Worth the stop,,,

    (5)

  • Melissa L.

    What a special place! I am from Memphis TN and this BBQ is done right. Such a treat to find this place. Everyone was kind and welcoming Big Pine style. I highly recommend this wonderful BBQ experience. The ribs were my favorite, along with the unique mac n cheese!

    (5)

  • Yvonne L.

    Great place had a very juicy tri tip sandwich on first visit. A few days later shared a rack of ribs and chicken along with cole slaw and potato salad with a bunch of friends, all very good. They weren't technically opened on my second trip, but they had food ready and served us anyway.

    (5)

  • Karen K.

    We absolutely love this BBQ! The pulled pork sandwich is outstanding and the service is fast and friendly! Thanks for cooking up great BBQ in the Eastern Sierras!

    (5)

  • Nancy P.

    The Best BBQ! Hank, the owner, is living his dream and you will think your dreaming when you taste the food. We will be back.

    (5)

  • Mona L.

    I've been hearing about this place for a few months now and finally got a chance to stop by. Tri-tip sandwich, ribs, green chili = delicious! Hank and his wife are gracious hosts and the food is amazing. The place filled up while I enjoyed my lunch at a picnic table soaking in a view of the Sierras. I'll be back :-)

    (5)

  • Victor A.

    Stopped by for lunch on the way south from the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. The spare ribs with mac n' cheese were absolutely delicious, and the staff were wonderful and friendly - the owner even gave me (and other folks) samples right off the grill! This place is definitely a must if you're driving down 395...and maybe even a 2,300 mile flight from the East Coast if you're so inclined. It's that good.

    (5)

  • Alec A.

    We were driving to mammoth and along the way were trying to make it to Bishop to eat but saw this little piece of heaven and stopped. The ribs and tri-tip sandwich were amazing! The atmosphere of sitting outside looking at the backdrop of the mountains was amazing and relaxing. Overall, the father and son who own and run it are so nice and welcoming. The dad on the BBQ came to our table and shared a piece of meet straight off the BBQ. Will we go back? Oh ya!

    (5)

  • Candice F.

    Hank and son know how to BBQ! Great tri-tip, inventive chili, fresh ingredients, soft bread.

    (5)

  • Fredy M.

    I was working at Bishop and decided to go to a local bbq place, i was totally disappointed and thought that i was not going to get any good qualify bbq food around bishop...i was WRONG! The next day i decided to Yelp and found Copper Top BBQ! i drove to independence and i do not regret it....their hamburgers are nothing but pure angus beef! their pull pork is a MUST! and the staff are super freindly I will go back for sure!

    (5)

  • Marcy C.

    We passed by Copper Top BBQ on the way to Gardnerville, and smelled the wonderful BBQ out in front. Instead of stopping, we ate in Bishop, where a lot of restaurants have closed. On the way back, we stopped at Copper Top. We split the pulled pork and tri-tip with potato salad. I was absolutely the best sandwiches we've ever eaten. Trust me, going north on 395, Copper Top BBQ is the last good food there is, until you get to Mammoth.

    (5)

  • Marie T.

    I would travel from my home. in Upland all the way here just for lunch. It is that good. Hank is outside BBQing talking to customers and custom grilling your selection. I had the pulled pork sandwich. Spicy and tangy sauce, the meat was moist and tender. My husband ordered the special, a rib-eye steak sandwich. Full piece of prime rib-eye, half inch thick, perfectly seasoned, cooked to order, and melted in his mouth. We also had grandma's potato salad. The steak was $13, the pulled pork was $8. We will stop here every time we are driving up the 395.

    (5)

  • Erin C.

    We stopped at Copper Top BBQ a few weeks ago...AMAZING! Who can resist a place with fresh meat cooking out front as you drive by. That's the real deal. The meat was absolutely delicious, and the macaroni and cheese is the best ever! Don't get my husband started on it, he will never stop talking about it. We can't wait to stop by again on our next drive through!

    (5)

  • Lisa W.

    I make a great burger - one that my coworkers keep talking about almost a year later after a weekend BBQ. With that said, I expect a lot out of a burger and Matt's burger did NOT disappoint! Hank grilled it up while we talked about how long they had been open and how he'd had a good burger in Pine Mountain Club that kicked things off for him. The food and atmosphere is fantastic. I almost didn't stop since I was on the way home and still had 6 hours to go but friends told me I had to stop and I'm SO HAPPY I did. I don't make it up to Big Pine very often, but Copper Top will be a stop from now on! Lisa - Pine Mountain Club

    (5)

  • Sylvia M.

    If you want phenomenal food and friendly service, go to Copper Top BBQ. 100% Angus burgers and pulled pork sandwiches are very tasty. Great location, plenty of parking and covered seating outside.

    (5)

  • Jo S.

    Seriously better BBQ than they have in Texas! Ambiance perfect setting, Hank's hospitality superb!!! Definitely a regular stop!!

    (5)

  • Korina R.

    The last time I was in the area was June 15, 2013... The first day Copper Top opened. Unfortunately, I had arrived before anything was ready. So today, after waiting all this time, I finally had some. It was so worth the wait!!! The baby back ribs...OMG!!! The smokey flavor had slowly seeped into every savored bite. The Green Pepper beans is amazing and has a little kick to it. And then the pulled pork. Perfectly done and the BBQ sauce just makes it that much better. I am already counting down the days of when I can eat some of the most delicious BBQ I've EVER had (and that is including Tx, Ks, & Ok).

    (5)

  • Ben A.

    Good food. Not a dry overcooked meat on the plate. The bbq sauce is not the best i had but still yummy

    (5)

  • Eleni H.

    Just stopped for lunch on our way home from a long week in mammoth and loaded up on some delicious BBQ. We tried the sampler and couldn't pic a favorite because it was all so good. Some if the best Tri tip I've ever tasted! We will definitely make this a stop again. Hank and his son were very hospitable and what a beautiful place to sit with the beautiful Sierra Nevadas as a back drop!

    (5)

  • Jimmy S.

    Lived in San Luis Obispo, worked the oil fields of Santa Maria but never had a Tri-tip sandwich as good as the one today at the Copper Top - outstanding!

    (5)

  • Y L.

    i love it here i went today. i came all the way from covina for this bbq and it did not disappoint. the owner was super nice and super friendly. my family and i had the tri tip, ribs,pulled pork, and chicken it was all so delis. i would definitely come again.

    (5)

  • Donna D.

    Driving through Bishop, California, around lunchtime, thinking I was hungry, I saw the Copper Top BBQ on the main highway. As I drove by checking out the place, Owner Hank looked me in the eye and waved. How can you pass that up? He was wearing his BBQ apron and tending a big smoking cooker. So I stopped and tried the ribs, the chili, and the potato salad. The ribs were excellent, smokey and tender with a nice flavorful dry rub. The potato salad was fresh, not too mayonnaise-y, with big crispy chunks of celery and black olives, yum! But the crowning glory of lunch that day was the chili. It was pretty simple - beans and green chilies - but what great flavor. I give the copper top five stars for friendliness, great ribs, and the best chili I've had at any ribs joint. And you can't beat the view from the picnic tables out front.

    (5)

  • S K.

    Great Tri-tip and cole slaw. Will call ahead for whole tri tip for our final destination. Need to give the ribs a try!

    (5)

  • Darren W.

    My wife & I spent two weeks in Big Pine camp ground this past summer, after the first time we tried Hank's & Matt's amazing BBQ my wife and I would make special trips down from camp every other day just to try the next amazing dish, they are great hosts and a good group of men, and to top it off they had the best Free WiFi access within 15 miles in any direction. I give them a 5 stars out of 5***** on service friendly and every thing on the menu was amazing!!!!!!

    (5)

  • Larry E.

    Just got home from a 10 day trip exploring the Eastern Sierras and wanted to Yelp-out a 5* review for this great little BBQ joint. I must admit I was hungry for some ribs after camping for 10 nights, and eating a juicy, tender and smokey rack was just the trick. So the difference between 4 and 5 stars was a bit of a blur, but who would I be to not keep the trend moving after being very satisfied. I had their pork spare ribs and they were the meatiest I had ever had from a restaurant. None of the gristle or bone spurs that plague most BBQ rib servings. Their BBQ sauce seemed to be "home-made" and very tasty with appropriate tang and heat that didn't take away from the seasoned meat flavor. All and all a great meal and I'd recommend a visit for anyone passing by. Plenty of parking, tables for dining (outside only) and very clean establishment.

    (5)

  • Victoria H.

    Stopped on my way to San Diego. Hank was the best and the food was absolutely the best on my 3,000 mile back road trip of America. I'll be back

    (5)

  • Madison S.

    Amazing BBQ with fast and friendly service. I definitely recommend it!!

    (5)

  • CJ F.

    Best burger I've ever had! The tri tip sandwich was also amazing, packed with meat that was tender on the inside with a nice crust on the outside. Make this your go-to stop on the way to Mammoth!

    (5)

  • Michael W.

    New BBQ place along the 395. I saw it being worked on when I drove by in the spring thinking that I needed to stop by this place. This past Tuesday on my way to Mammoth Lakes, I stopped by, but they were closed on Tuesdays! Ugh... On the way home today from Mammoth Lakes, I finally stopped by around 4:30pm to see the owner working the BBQ out on the front lawn. I finally got a taste of the goods. I ordered the sampler (Tri Tip, ribs, 1/4 chicken) + 2 sides. I ordered the 3rd side to round out the plate! The three of us weren't hungry, so this order worked out great for us to sample the offerings. I always start tasting all the sides before my taste buds thrown off by the seasoning/rub and BBQ sauce that will follow. SIDES Potato Salad - at first bite, I thought it had too much mustard in it. As the meal progressed, I didn't notice it so much. Balanced nicely with the meat. 4 Stars Mac n Cheese - at first bite, I thought it needed more salt. I like mine with more cheese. However, like the potato salad, it balanced nicely with the meat. I wouldn't order it by itself, but it complements the meat nicely 4 stars Beans - Green chile meets ranch style beans. These are not the molasses/brown sugar BBQ beans. These are like Santa Maria ranch beans meet New Mexico green chile. Spicy but not hot. Really good. Easily my favorite side dish. 5 stars MEAT Tri-tip : Tasty, moist, and nice smoke flavor. As good as any I have had. That includes from Santa Maria, Wood Ranch BBQ, or my own smoker or BBQ. 5 stars Ribs : Good smoke flavor and good rub with sauce on the side. Silver skin was left on. We can debate this point of whether or not it should be left on. I liked it. Carl doesn't like it on, but he did love the ribs. 5 stars Chicken: This isn't your typical BBQ sauce slathered chicken. It was seasoned in a lemon-pepper type of seasoning/rub and grilled over wood. Again, nice smoke flavor. We had the wing/breast and it was moist and tasty. BBQ chickentoo often gets dry - this was moist and tasty. 5 stars OTHER OBSERVATIONS - Parking is on the street and I think the dirt parking lot in the back. - Order and pickup from a window. - There is only outside seating on picnic benches with stationary umbrellas. - Coke soft drinks come with crushed ice..... So tasty. - Owner and his son seem like great folks. Friendly and cheerful. - I didn't see a restroom, but I didn't look for one either. - They are working out the kinks so several items are now crossed of their menu and it appears they are now closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. FINAL THOUGHTS I'll be back.. I think I will call ahead and order the meat by the pound. I'll probably order a whole chicken, whole tri tip, whole slab of ribs along with the sides, and have it packed to go so when I finally roll up to my place in Mammoth, I'll have something ready to eat so we can stay in while we unpack instead of going out the first night in Mammoth. This place is good enough to change my routine on the way to/from Mammoth.

    (5)

  • Anabel H.

    We stopped off here on our way to Bishop and I have to say I am so glad we did! Of course we had to turn around when we saw them bbqing outside! I had the pulled pork and it was absolutely delicious! If I didn't live so far I would make it a regular stop. I know I will be coming here every time I pass through. Hank, the owner, was so sweet and kind. You can tell he really cares about what he is putting out. If I could give more stars, I would!

    (5)

  • Dan K.

    This place is as good as it gets for BBQ, I can't wait till Guy comes through on his show.

    (5)

  • Kristine G.

    Got here before they even opened! Hank, the owner, was very welcoming and was already smoking the ribs which smelled AMAzING!!! We ordered the half rack of ribs which was cooked to perfection! The ribs as is, was very rich in flavor and very tender! Didn't even need the bbq sauce. The tri-tip sandwich was delicious as well! For the sides both the coleslaw and potato salad tasted great! It was worth the wait! Definitely coming back to this place!

    (4)

  • Laura T.

    although the food is good, they were out of 1/2 the things on the limited menu, the wait was long and it just wasn't that good. Not sure if rate it #1 in all the USA

    (5)

  • D S.

    Did not like the nasty reply from owner...seriously??? Have to handle the good with the bad. I did not like the food...sorry, and I have eaten there several times, and Im not in the business. Peace out

    (1)

  • Will S.

    Me and about 10 of my military buddies had too stop here(could smell it 2 miles down the road) on the way back to San Diego from Fallon, NV. Literally the best bbq I have had in years, you can't not stop! Hank and his son are some of the nicest people you will meet and cook some of the best bbq i have ever had. I'll do you a favor please order the tri tip or ribs and the mac an cheese and potato salad you won't be disappointed. Hank even let us each try his world famous ribs while we waited at no charge. Top notch food, people, and service. The most highly recommended! We will be back and hungry!

    (5)

  • Ana L.

    Best BBQ ever!!! We got "the Sampler" BBQ chicken was moist, tri-tips were tender, spare ribs were the best! Came with 2 sides. Coleslaw and potato salad homemade and delicious very friendly people!

    (5)

  • Cory G.

    Well after reading all of the reviews and hearing the rave, I had to stop for some BBQ. Let me break this down; First. It's expensive, $10+ a plate.... No good places to eat the food, it's hot and there is only room for two families of people under the tarps for eating... Next the food; The tri tip- AMAZING... Cooked perfectly, seasoned well, really great eats. The Mac n cheese- cooked with penne pasta not macaroni noodles, caked in grease and really not edible at all. The potato salad- bland.... Just plain and not anything more than you would get from vons... The pulled pork- bland, no good BBQ flavor, just blah.... The chili beans- great flavor, it's basically black beans with salsa verde mixed in... would eat them again Dinner rolls- out of a store bought package, they charge $.92 for 2 when you can go to the market and get 24 of them for $2... Over all, I will not be stopping by here again unless my car runs out of gas and the local gas station is out of week old rotisserie hot dogs. Don't waste your time.

    (2)

  • Nina F.

    Obviously had to try this place based on the huge number of 5-star reviews, but can't honestly give it 5-stars myself. The BBQ was good, certainly. Pulled pork was good, tri-tip was tasty and sauce had a good mix of sweet and tang. But it's definitely not the best BBQ I've had, nor is it in my top 10 food spots. It's tasty and a good little stop on 395, but that's it.

    (4)

  • Esther C.

    A MUST stop if you are driving on Hwy 395 for some amazing barbecue. We didn't mess around...ordered the full rack of St Louis Style ribs and a pound of Tri-tip. The mesquite flavor, along with the perfectly seasoned dry rub made for a meat feast for our family of four! We met the owner Hank and you can tell that he is living his dream doing something he is truly passionate about along with his son. We'll definitely stop here again and again!

    (5)

  • Louis G.

    Back AGAIN and AGAIN and... This time for Tri-tip and Chicken and their awesome sides. I am so satisfied! The food is so good here.

    (5)

  • Cami N.

    So delicious! The owner was friendly and personable. Food makes friends! The wait is worth it, trust me.

    (5)

  • Craig B.

    Not bad for being in the middle of near now where, but thats no excuse, nor a reason to stop here for very average BBQ and whats up with the sauce, its like a bad salsa

    (1)

  • Jamie H.

    This is definitely the best BBQ I've had in a REALLY long time (in California and pretty much anywhere) because of the excellent quality of the meat, the interesting and high quality ingredients in the sides, and the flavor of the meat and sauces. My family decided to stop on the way up to Yosemite, and we liked it so much we also stopped on our way home Saturday. (And they have free wifi!) The first time, we got pulled pork (two pork plates, one pork sandwich), and sides including coleslaw, potato salad, and chips. My pork sandwich had coleslaw on top. The pulled pork had great flavor, the sauce was great and obviously homemade. It was squishy with just the right amount of sauce -- not drowning. The coleslaw had a vinegar dressing, and had green apple slices and I think mustard seeds in it. SO GOOD. The potato salad had a wonderfully thick sauce/dressing with great mustard flavor and olives and pickles. Hank was really friendly and gave out samples of pork roast while we waited for our food (what they turn into the pulled pork) -- I wished they had pork roast on the menu!! But he explained it would be too dry if they did that, which I appreciate knowing rather than just putting something subpar on the menu. :) On the way home, we all got tri-tip (one plate, two sandwiches). I liked it even better than the pulled pork -- the rub on the beef was so good, you didn't even need the BBQ sauce! But the sauce was a delicious addition, so I alternated eating with and without the sauce. I hate when BBQ places just give you terrible gristly meat drowning in awful industrial-grade sauce and slop cafeteria-style scoops of tasteless potato salad/etc on the side. This was so completely in the opposite direction, I can't stress it enough! So good! You can tell they care about taste. There are two tables with umbrellas, and two tables under a tent with misters. Apparently they pop in a stove or something for heating during the winter. The misters were a godsend for when it was 97 on Saturday, but I don't think I could stay to eat outside if it was much hotter. ** Pro tip! If you call ahead, you can order larger quantities of food to go. ** We brought home an entire tri-tip and a chunk of pork roast. Hank told us another group took a few racks of ribs, some beef, and big containers of sides to a group dinner in Mammoth. So worth it!

    (5)

  • Lena A.

    Wow, amazing bbq, worth the wait. Must stop no questions asked. Tri tip was deliciously good smokey flavor, the ribs was finger licking good with amazing smoked ring all around and pulled pork as well. All the sides were perfect company with the meats. Have to try if your in area.

    (5)

  • Jenna D.

    What a great tasting tri tip, YUM!!!! The owner was great, friendly, and even let us see inside the BBQ where he was grilling with fresh chopped wood.

    (5)

  • Eric H.

    This was a Bonanza meets Lone Ranger experience at least while you are waiting for your food you get to see Hank cooking his BBQ to perfection. Enjoy the surrounding views of the Owens Valley and fresh air. I did like the food had the barbecue sampler with mac & cheese and coleslaw I do usually like my barbecue sauce with more kick I would like to see hotter sauce but I did enjoy it.

    (5)

  • Steve S.

    My wife and I just got back from a trip to mammoth/yosemite driving up the 395. We stopped in the Copper Top both ways. Whey were super friendly both times and on the way back we had a chance to speak with Hank, the owner. He was outside cooking pork roast and watering the beautiful lawn. Both times the place was spotless and the BBQ exceptional. The sampler was perfect for us both and the sides (mac/cheese & potato salad) were home made and delicious. The cornbread, their new addition, is just perfect with the jalapeños. The consideration to their patrons with the umbrellas and tables is great. The pricing of the meals reflects the quality of the meat, preparation and the locale. From Corona, CA Steve and Rosario

    (5)

  • Elizabeth S.

    My husband & I were on our way to June Lake, we saw a gentlemen grilling. Turned around on 395 hwy & Copper Top accommodated us they were not opened till 11:00, it was 10:30 a.m.. The chicken, potoae salad and ribs AWESOME!! we Bar B Que every Sunday. By the time we got to Bishop we ate all the chicken ...one Regret, should of bought more chicken. Anyone on there way to the High Country stop in and try it...you will not regret it just get enough to last you more than 10 miles. Elizabeth Orange County

    (5)

  • Bob P.

    I just got back from a 12 hr. road trip to retrieve our motorhome that had broken down in Bishop the prior week (it was waiting for a new computer). My wife and I are both "foodies" and I've been cooking / BBQing for 20 years. She's not a big fan of smoked meats so when we passed by both on the way to Mammoth and on the way home, I didn't stop to check it out but was definitely pleased with the new look. Nice clean building, new picnic tables with umbrellas and landscaping!!! NICE!! Hank was out cooking both times, a good sign (I didn't know it was Hank at the time). Anyway, I was excited to stop back by on my solo trip to try some good BBQ. Not to be disappointed... AT ALL. I get really tired of "smoke houses" that make "fall of the bone" ribs but the top meat is normally dry and over smoked. I also like dry rubbed ribs because I don't like thick, sticky, over spiced BBQ sauce that takes away from the true smokey flavor of the pork. I ordered a 1/2 rack of Pork. My food was ready in 3 minutes. They were cooked PERFECTLY, a little pink smoke inside, a little "crisp" on the top and the dry rub was as good ( MAYBE better) than mine!! It came with sauce so I HAD to try it. To my surprise... GREAT again. A thinner homemade sauce with the perfect mix of spices but not hot. NICE again!! I was in a hurry (12 hr. drive!!) so I didn't get any sides but the folks next to me seemed to be really enjoying theirs. Hank came by to make sure everything was great and show me the huge hamburgers he was getting ready to throw on the grill (something for my wife to order on our next trip!!!). He also shared that he gets his red oak specially shipped in from Paso Robles. We LOVE Paso ("wino's" also)!!! The only mistake was that I didn't order a rack to take home. We go to Mammoth a few times a year and this will be our "food" break stop from now on. REALLY...It's a 10

    (5)

  • Cindy N.

    Do not waste your time eating at the old stops! We are huge bbq fans, and these guys do it right. My husband's tri tip was amazing--the meat was so good he wouldn't put any sauce on it. I got the mel-in-your-mouth pulled pork--delicious. If you have a vegetarian in the group, the sides are fantastic. We got the amazing potato salad, the rich, creamy mac n cheese, and the refreshing cole slaw. Sometimes slaw gets too sweet and tangy, but this unique recipe with green apples is excellent. They just put up a tent so we could eat out of the sun and wind. Don't miss this place!

    (5)

  • Kevin C.

    Freaking awesome! Hank and the boys know their way around a BBQ. Had the tri tip sandwich which was cooked to perfection. The sauce was tangy with just the right amount of spice. Will be going back again. And again.

    (5)

  • Andy R.

    A real gem on the way to mammoth or back. Great barbecue and the most unique green chili ever. Super friendly. You can even call ahead for ribs or pulled pork to swoop up. Awesome

    (4)

  • Zippy M.

    Finally a BBQ place in the Big Pine - Bishop area that is an actually BBQ place. BBQ Bills uses ovens and Holy Smoke uses electric smokers, while Copper Top uses red oak in a BBQ. The hamburgers are the best I have ever had, the chicken is wonderful, the tritip devine. And what is that I see? Bark and a smoke ring on my tritip. If it doesn't have bark and a smoke ring it isn't BBQ tritip. And the same story with their great ribs. The flavors and wonderful, the owners are nice people, and they know real BBQ. Try the new jalapeno corn muffins, delicious. We will be back often.

    (5)

  • Jessica D.

    Stopped by this place on our way home from mammoth. Very nice family that own the place and very delicious and moist food. Plan on stopping by every time to and from Mammoth!

    (5)

  • Nichole C.

    Delicious meat! We had the sampler and all the meat was smokey, BBQ goodness. Only 4 stars because the sides, while big servings were pretty good but not the best. First, there were no baked beans on the menu at a BBQ place! The chilli was awesome, the potato salad didn't have a lot of flavor, the Mac and cheese looked good but I think we got the last of a batch because it looked a lot better a table over and we heard that they had just made a new batch. Overall though, we would definitely go back. Like I said, the meat was amazing! Oh and they had Hawaiian rolls which are my absolute fav :-)

    (4)

  • Michael B.

    Great food highly recommend. Had the sampler with tri-tip, pulled pork, and chicken along with the green chili and Mac n cheese. All were really really good. Only have outdoor seating but the weather was great and if it isn't its still worth it. This will be now be my regular stop for dinner on the way to mammoth.

    (5)

  • Lora T.

    Was looking forward to BBQ, but it was a holiday when they were supposed to be closed. They opened with only a burger special to offer. We were disappointed until we got the burgers. They were delicious and too big to even finish. Usually burgers are prepared well done, there were medium rare and full of flavor with grilled onion & 2 types of cheese. We will return for BBQ in the future.

    (5)

  • Susan W.

    We just happened to drive by Copper Top on our way through town and decided to give it a try and it was great! The food was really good and the Owner was friendly and shared about how he had just opened the place, with one son managing the restaurant and the other a CHP officer in the area. Great guy, great place....well worth the stop!

    (5)

  • Sarah R.

    Super good food. Great service. Food was served quickly too. My only recommendation is that they get the seating situation dialed in a little better. Al fresco dining is awesome with a great view but not as fun on 100 degree summer days without enough shaded seating.

    (5)

  • Marci B.

    Awesome BBQ! We got the sampler platter & got fresh ribs off the grill. Great dry rub & we got Mac & Cheese & Green chili for sides. You can't go wrong here. Perfect for post hiking appetites!

    (5)

  • JT M.

    The best BBQ we've ever had. You can't go wrong with the pulled pork and ribs. Delicious!

    (5)

  • Wendy S.

    Amazing Labor Day cheeseburger feast. This is a MUST STOP on the highway. Next time I'm going for the ribs.

    (5)

  • Darcy F.

    Don't pass this place - stop and eat! Perfect pulled pork - tender and the right flavor! Excellent Mac & Cheese and potato salad (with pickles and black olives!). Super friendly staff. If you are heading south through Bishop looking for lunch - keep driving just a little further.....you won't regret it!

    (5)

  • KA P.

    The Copper Top BBQ is phenomenal. After a weekend backpacking in the Sierra, we returned to Big Pine craving a burger. The Copper Top's burgers did not disappoint. The quality was great, the food delicious, and the size of the burger could satisfy anyones hunger. And to be honest, I think there are other items on the menu that are more delicious than the burger. To top it off, this is a family business, and Hank is a great guy who clearly loves what he does. I would highly recommend you stop here, but get there early because they work until the food is sold out, which happens frequently based conversations I had following our visit.

    (5)

  • K P.

    As good as bbq gets. Fantastic food and service. We stopped for lunch after travelling for 4 hours. What a wonderful surprise to find bbq this good! This one is worth stopping for.

    (5)

  • Bob K.

    Saw they had opened up but were closed on our way up to Mammoth. Made sure to stop by on the way back. Well worth the stop. The Ribs were very yummy as we're the potato salad and beans. The beans were very unique and delicious. The owner and staff were very friendly. Recommend this place highly and we will be back.

    (5)

  • Paparomeroalpha P.

    The barbecue was excellent. They use choice firewood choice meats and the service is pretty good. During the summer it can be pretty hot.

    (5)

  • Ed M.

    It's is like the finest Texas barbecue on the way to mammoth. U must stop by. Great service.

    (5)

  • Bob F.

    This place is great! The food is outstanding, the owner & employees are very warm. There's just something amazing about chowing down on some delish BBQ on picnic tables that overlook the mountains.

    (5)

  • Michael S.

    By far the best bbq I've had in my life!!!! Obviously the bbq is perfected but don't forget the chili and the coleslaw!! Hank you truly are a bbq LEGEND!!! if you are on the 395 and you pass this place without stopping you're doing yourself a huge disservice. Thank you to hank and everyone at copper top bbq for setting the bar!

    (5)

  • Todd N.

    The food was good but not sure it's worth the price. Lunch for three of us was 45 bucks. Its a roadside outdoor stand for godsakes. About double what it should cost imo. Service was good though.Friendly for sure.

    (3)

  • Jessica R.

    Stopped up here on the way to Tahoe for some lunch after a long day on the road, the food was amazing and the staff was really friendly! When we first walked up, the owner greeted us with a big smile and even offered us a free rib to taste! The pulled pork sandwich was amazing with a cool bottle of rootbeer. Definitely worth the stop along the 395. Thanks Copper Top!

    (5)

  • Mihai G.

    The notoriety of this place skyrocketed after it showed up at #1 on Yelp blog's list of best restaurants in the country. I pass through Big Pine multiple times every year on the way to and from climbing trips in the Eastern Sierra, but never paid much attention to Copper Top. This had to do mainly with the odd hours I was there, however on a recent trip I finally arrived right around lunch time on a Friday, so I knew exactly where I wanted to eat that day. After some confusion about parking, I pulled in to the barren lot behind the cabin, where no spaces or markers are available, so people leave their cars haphazardly (with the potential to block in someone else). The front yard with the grill smoking away and wooden tables and benches feels very homey. After more confusion regarding where to order, I requested the Santa Maria tri-tip sandwich with a side of fire roasted green chili and beans, and proceeded to hang around while waiting, getting more astonished by the minute at the large line of people building up. When my order finally arrived, I found a table spot in the canvas tent and dug in. The barbeque sauce was not included in the bag, instead leading me to use the bottle on the table to control the intake according to my taste. The tri-tip was very good I will admit, tender and well-cooked, one of the best I can remember. The sauce was good too, not overly sweet as some other places. The chili and beans side was just ok. Though I'm not a consummate barbeque fan, I would imagine many landmark restaurants in Texas and other states with a long legacy in meat preparation would hotly contest the top ranking that Copper Top received. What I had was indeed savory and well-down, but the sandwich is bare bones (just meat and bread). I understand the appeal of ordering a full meal or the sample platter, however options are very limited if not coming in with that mindset. They are also open just five days a week for only 6 hours each day. All things considered, I think Copper Top is definitely worth a try if one's commute includes Big Pine, but from casual roadside lunch stop to #1 in the country is a long way to go.

    (3)

  • Marty M.

    cons: 25 minute wait in a fly infested patio. don't matter how good the BBQ is if they keep you waiting. I wouldnt stop again

    (2)

  • Kathryn S.

    We came here two minutes before their closing time and they took us. Service was fast and friendly. There is no indoor seating but the food is totally worth it. We had the BBQ pork sandwich, tri-tip sandwich, and BBQ beans. I highly recommend all of that. Looking forward to stopping here next time we are passing through!

    (5)

  • Katie C.

    I had never heard of this place and we decided to stop on our way to Mammoth. It was DELICIOUS! I had the pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw and it was served on a pretzel bun. The atmosphere was fun and the sitting area was well kept. The owner himself asked us how our meal was. Excellent experience.

    (5)

  • SS S.

    Looks really good. We will try to call ahead with an order the next time we're in Big Pine.

    (4)

  • Jesus Q.

    Let me start off by saying, it isn't just the food that is great, it is the entire experience. Soft country music playing in the background, Hank the owner bbq away in his cowboy hat. The whole experience makes it feel as if you are in Hanks backyard, perhaps the only thing missing is having a cold beer in hand. :) Food: I had the sampler (tri tip, pulled pork and pork ribs). Sides: Chile Verde beans, and mac and cheese (only available on Sundays). Everything was great, no sauces really needed as the meats are marinated just right. Although, what i did find delicious is dipping the meat into the Chile Verde Beans. The wait: I arrived 20 minutes before the place opened, so there was no wait. :) If anything it gave me time to speak with Hank while he was setting up and bbqing. I did see the line grow pretty quickly. Would I wait in the line, absolutely! On Sundays, they sell out of many meats, so i'd recommend arriving early. Portion size: Great portion sizes at a reasonable price. On a side note, I tried to have Copper Tops once before, but it was closed due to the rain. They bbq everything fresh outdoors in real wood, and if it rains....they can't bbq. Real simple, real food. Disappointments: My own doing. I didn't try the coleslaw, nor the chicken. Next time.

    (5)

  • June L.

    On our way up to Mammoth Lakes we stopped at copper top bbq. We had the tri tip and a rib plate. The meat was excellent moist and juicy. The seasoning was perfect and the bbq sauce is on the side so for people who don't like to have their meat drowning in sauce it was perfect. The owner Hank was very friendly and the atmosphere is casual like being at the county fair. They also have free wifi. On the return trip home we sent in an order online for pick up. The food was so good had to take a few plates home. Best BBQ I've ever tasted and I've been around for a long time and have tried places in Atlanta, Washington, Kansas City and Copper Top beats them all. Wish I didn't have to come all the way to big pine for more. We only go fishing once a year to Mammoth Lakes so I guess we have to go fishing more often. I told all my friends and family when they go fishing stop at Copper Top.

    (5)

  • Carolyn R.

    Wellllllllll, it was good. I really like the green chili good flavor. I had the pulled pork meal, it was fine. My friend had the St. Louis Style Ribs, which I tried and found alittle dry. I prefer moist meat falling off the bone. Good experience, if I'm in the neighborhood I'd stop again if I'm hungry.

    (3)

  • Kevin A.

    This is a great place to stop on your road trip. We swing by on the way/coming home from Mammoth :) The meat is absolutely delicious. It's smoked right in front of you. Go a few hours before closing though... they serve until they run out of everything. An hour or so before closing, there isn't much left. The sides are absolutely incredible. The chili and coleslaw were to die for. It was a bit more crowded than I expected, so there was a little bit of a wait. Prepare yourself. Overall, an excellent BBQ stop, but don't expect it to compete with places in Texas or other southern barbecue. It still can't compare to that.

    (4)

  • Jon C.

    Driving back to So. Cal from Reno, tried to stop in Bishop to eat, Big trucks kept us from entering eateries. All of sudden Copper Top BBQ appeared off the road side. We just had to stop, Hank the owner introduced himself before we even had a chance to read the menu. He was a great host and his food was amazing. We had ribs, brisket, and his mouth watering chicken. The smoke BBQ from the grill filled the air and the scenery from the mountains made this stop just one to remember. Hank was just wonderful even giving us local fruits and vegies when he found out we were just married. Thank you Hank, can't wait to go back just to stop at Copper Top BBQ.

    (5)

  • Jim W.

    The only thing better than the food was the excellent service we received!! Thank you Copper Top BBQ.

    (5)

  • Kimberly P.

    Amazing.... food and customer service! Hank is your BBQ chef and he delivers amazing flavor and personality. He treated us on a very busy day like we were the most important guests. We were first timers here and went based on the wonderful reviews. My husband had the pulled pork sandwich which he said was the best he ever had! Our boys shared the burger...and loved it. I am a vegetarian and was delighted to have an amazing side dish of macaroni and cheese and the coleslaw. The best I have ever had. The only problem is you will now compare all BBQ to this place. Tough to beat it!

    (5)

  • Danielle E.

    We stumbled upon this place by accident. Wow were we lucky. The food was amazing and the service was nice. My only complaint was the lack of seating, they need more tables with shade. My husband had the tri tip, so yummy! I had the chicken, it was juicy & flavorful, I didn't even use much of the BBQ sauce.

    (5)

  • Red N.

    Just stopped by again to see how they were faring after the big Yelp announcement. The tri-tip is still the best ever, and everyone there is great. Where else can you chat with the man who runs the BBQ while you wait. Hank is always friendly and gracious, and knows his craft well. I'm glad they're successful, but they're a small place so the recent crowds might mean you wait awhile. I can't fault them for that. Also, I see some folks complain about the outside seating: the outfitter's tent they have is nice inside, and it's a rare day in Big Pine that you can't eat lunch outdoors. Hey, it's a BBQ joint -- it's not Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Still love the food, still love the place, still love Hank, Matt, and the whole crew.

    (5)

  • Garrett H.

    Perfect stop along the 395! All the food was delicious and the meat was beautifully flavored!

    (5)

  • Georgia F.

    We were four Aussies on our way from LA to Mammoth and by chance stopped in at this place. not only was it the BEST BBQ we've ever had (and we've done Texas and number of other states on the search for good BBQ) but the owner was incredibly proud of his place, the food and the service. We even bought a 2kg Tri-tip straight off the BBQ to take with us. Keep up the good work guys!

    (5)

  • Wende M.

    Came here on a Thursday for dinner and they were out of chicken and pulled pork. Sad cause I really wanted to try the chicken so we ended up getting the ribs and tri tip which were outstanding! Good smoke flavor and the rub was on the sweet side with sauce on the side. Ok this is my opinion but I didn't care for the bbq sauce (good thing they put it on the side) was too vinegary for me, I guess I just prefer the sweeter sauces. I loved the potato salad, the coleslaw was on the vinegary side, the macaroni and cheese was pretty good too. I would have given 5 stars if they had the chicken and the sauce was more to my liking but overall a really great BBQ place that is worth the stop. Oh and this place is pretty much a take out place, they do have a few picnic tables on the property but it is not a restaurant with service.

    (4)

  • Jon B.

    Finally made it!!! Called ahead and had a couple platters waiting for me and my buddy. Good smoke flavor on the ribs, I have a preference for baby back, but they were tender and flavorful. Tri Tip was juicy and cooked very well. Pulled pork was ok, little too saucy for me, which may have taken away the BBQ/smoke flavor. Chicken was probably my favorite, which is rare for me, because, it's chicken. Sides were par, nothing wowed me, but a good compliment to the meat. Having had BBQ across this great Country, I know what I prefer, and this place is acceptable. A bit pricey, but we all are trying to make that all mighty dollar. Probably wouldn't rush to eat her again, if someone in our group wanted to stop, I would play ball. You seem to appeal to the masses, so my hat off to you sir!

    (3)

  • Andrea A.

    My family stopped by on the way home from Mammoth and we are sure glad we did!! Thank goodness we got there a few minutes before it opened as it got packed within 1/2 of the window opening. We ordered a little of everything and were able to taste all of the sides. The bbq was excellent and the rib meat was falling off the bone. The mac n cheese had almost like a chili bean flavor mixed with cheese (it was VERY tasty). All of the other sides were just as great. The staff was awesome and friendly...my husband is currently reheating the ribs for dinner as we speak...will definitely be back!!

    (5)

  • K. M. L.

    On our way back from Mammoth we saw a huge line for this little place. Our curiosity caught our eyes and had to try. It was definitely worth the wait! The bbq was juicy and amazing! The owner was pretty cool too! He's the one outside still making the bbq! We tried everything! My favorite was the trip tip and the beans! I'm definitely going to stop by there again on our next trip to Mammoth!!!

    (5)

  • Bretton A.

    Best BBQ I have had in years. Ordered the tri tip and chicken and they were both cooked perfectly. So glad to have stumbled across this gem on my return to Los Angeles.

    (5)

  • jessica w.

    We were traveling home from our road trip found this place. Great RV parking lot across the way, and the food! WOW! Ribs Tri-tip Sandwich and coleslaw....de-lisc

    (5)

  • Bonnie S.

    WOW! This is by far the best BBQ we have! And we have had BBQ in Oklahoma, Colorado, and California. The owner Hank, is so welcoming and shows you what is on the grill. You can tell he takes pride in what he does. You can taste it! =) Coming from a reformed vegetarian, saying that this is the best BBQ place ever means a lot to me. Everything on the menu is yummy but I think the ribs may be the best!

    (5)

  • L L.

    Great food. Friendly atmosphere. Show up early on weekends or holidays because sometimes they run out of food.

    (5)

  • Tammy W.

    This place is awesome. You have to stop here today. The sampler platter is so good and a great value. With ribs, chicken and tri tip you get to try everything. The beans and colesaw are great sides. Hank is a master griller and a great host who makes you feel welcome. The meat is always moist and never over cooked. Don't pass this place by. Enjoy the food, the view and the friends ASAP.

    (5)

  • Curtis Y.

    Great food. Everything tasted soooo good. Matt was extremely cool. True bbq made fresh daily. Gotta try it if you're in the area.

    (5)

  • Tom A.

    Great BBQ. Tri Tip is awesome and the green chilli with beans are unbelievable. !!!!

    (5)

  • Ozmayra M.

    As I was driving the 395! I couldn't avoid the aroma of smokey BBQ! I had to make a immediate pit stop! Little did I know I was embarking on trying the best tri tip by far! Will definitely stop again the owner was super friendly and prioritize to offer the best BBQ ever and make you feel like in family!

    (5)

  • Michelle S.

    My boyfriend, a true BBQ "snob" has been raving about this place since I met him and over the weekend I finally had a chance to experience Copper Top for myself. It was delicious and the service was so personal and warm. I especially appreciated that there was even some grass for my dog to lie in as she had been car bound for over 4 hours. I had the chicken and it was so good. The homemade BBQ sauce is very unique and delicious. Now I know why my man waits to get to Big Pine to eat on trips out this way.

    (5)

  • Daria H.

    Amazing food and EXCELLENT service! The owner came out and chatted and offered me samples. His excitement for the food is infectious, I'm just sad I couldn't make it back. Highly recommend the rib special.

    (5)

  • Darius J.

    Best smoked ribs I've had in 15 years. Moist and delicate. Resist the urge to use any bbq sauce, it is not needed. Savor the subtle taste. Can't beat the Sierra crest view. On second thought best ribs ever.

    (5)

  • Kelly C.

    A fun out-door BBQ with great food. If you are looking for AC and no flies, don't stop here. But if you want the best food in a nice picnic style setting, this is the place. After a long drive from the LA area we enjoyed the outdoor atmosphere. We were allowed to bring our small cooler with food items to add to our wonderful plate of tri-tip. Don't miss this good food and fun experience!

    (5)

  • Olga N.

    What an amazing stop on the 395! I always travel through here on the way to Bishop, but had never stopped by before now. As soon as you get out of the car, your mouth is watering from that BBQ smell. Absolutely delicious, tender tri-tip sandwiches with a unique (and just as awesome) cole-slaw recipe. Hank's story is also great to listen to - talk to the man! He and his son have talent. I will certainly eat here again.

    (5)

  • Cameron L.

    Tri tip is amazing. Nice new gem on our ride home from Mammoth/Tahoe. Owner Hank Otten is is a true gentleman and pleasure to talk to. Skip food in Bishop and come here

    (5)

  • Samantha H.

    Best bbq I have ever had by far. We had the ribs, tri tip and all 4 sides. The bbq sauce was just the right amount of sweet and spice!!! Tri tip was cooked to perfection. ..little pink in the middle...and the rub for the ribs was delicious. We tried all 3 sides. My fav was the green chili...but I cant say enough how much we loved the other sides too. To make it even better...the service was fast...and the people were so nice. The bbq master even gave us a sample of what he was bbqing. We live in Modesto...but wish he was closer to come more often.... I would give it 10 stars!!!!!

    (5)

  • San G.

    Wonderful family owned BBQ joint. I was blown away by the freshness, quality and taste of the food. Food is prepared right in front of you and made daily. This is not a fast food place. This is a gourmet BBQ joint with family recipes. Love this place. Now I can see why they are ranked at #1.

    (5)

  • E C.

    The tri tip is excellent. Tender and flavorful. The BBQ sauce is excellent too. Tangy and sweet. Just perfect. The owner, Hank, is a warm and gracious host. I stop here all the time on my trips up to the Sierras.

    (5)

  • Rudy P.

    Stopped by on a recent bike trip for lunch and was warmly met by Hank and his BBQs. Not only was the tri tip and pulled pork excellent but I was blown away by the green Chilli. Highly recommend this to my fellow bikers as a great place to stop.

    (5)

  • Todd S.

    Awesome bbq, a little slice of Americana!! The tri tip and chili were amazing! Keep it up!

    (5)

  • Kelli N.

    We got the sampler platter and LOVED the tender, juicy chicken and amazing Tri-tip. Ribs were a little dry. The chili was amazing with fire roasted Anaheim chilies and a hint of spiciness. Mac and cheese was flavorful. Loved Hank walking around and making sure everything was good with us. Very dog and kid friendly. Beautiful views of the mountains from the picnic tables!

    (5)

  • Qishi Q.

    Best baby back rib! Super nice owner! Try their sampler if can not decide what to have.

    (5)

  • Ian And Am C.

    Quick stop and it was delicious! Tri tip sandwich, chili and iced tea, sitting out at a picnic table, enjoying the view. Excellent food and I enjoyed chatting with the owner, who was grilling meat out front. I hope to be back!

    (5)

  • Desert G.

    Awesome BBQ on the 395! Ive always missed their open hours so when I saw the window up I flipped around- so glad I did. Staff is super friendly including Hank the owner who might have just made the best trip tip ever! Potato salad is awesome too!

    (5)

  • Valerie B.

    Tri-tip sandwiches -2 thumbs up. Great food, atmosphere (on a sunny day) and wonderful people. Went inside to use bathroom, kitchen and bathroom very clean. A must stop on your way too or from the Sierra's.

    (5)

  • Stacy L.

    The smell of The Copper Top BBQ is Rich Aroma! My boyfriend tells me that I'm very demanding and complain a lot! I had no complaints when dining out at the Copper Top BBQ. Hank the owner is one heck of a nice guy and most accommodating. He offered us beef brisket samples and ribs to take long with us. I can hardly wait to drive back so I can stop by and eat there again. I have a goal to eventually eat everything they offer on the menu. Yesterday we dined on the shredded bbq beef sandwich and the best potato salad and mac and cheese ever. When dining at the Copper Top BBQ you get the best bbq and wonderful conversation with Hank the owner and the view is amazing view. Awesome Possum! A+

    (5)

  • Brian C.

    If you pass this place you're missing out. Best burger we've ever had. And the cook/owner (Hank) is the man. Copper Top BBQ is a must stop.

    (5)

  • Gail B.

    Had a great lunch on the way to Bristol Pine today. Great bbq and fixings. Very reasonable prices. Also enjoyed talking to Hank, the bbq master, and seeing photos of his grandson. Gail and Kevin from Sacramento

    (5)

  • Rob M.

    We stopped by on the way back from several days in the Palisades. That was some great BBQ! And Hank is super kind and welcoming -- what a great place!

    (5)

  • Lisa M.

    We were driving to Reno from Orange County and just before we hit Big Pine we realized we were starving. Found the Copper Top on yelp and decided to try it out. We were welcomed right away by the owner Hank who was cooking some tri tip on the grill and 2 of his loyal customers who come twice a month on their way to Tahoe. They filled us in on how delicious everything was. I had a rib and tri tip plate with green chili. My friend had tri tip and macaroni and cheese. I never broke into the Bbq sauce because the flavor was so delicious on its own. The tri tip was the best. The ribs were smoked and very tender and meaty. Better than Jockos, Mayers Place, McClintocks. Way better. Outside eating. Don't worry if it's cold outside. Throw a jacket on and enjoy the good food and company. Be sure to talk with Hank the owner and his son Matt the manager. Very friendly hosts. Can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Nettie F.

    best ribs ever. We stopped by here on a Harley ride and tried the sampler plate and everything was delicious. The green chile black beans were amazing. There was not one bite of food left on our plate. The sampler was perfect for two hungry people for lunch and we will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Rosie G.

    Awesome BBQ! My first time up here and the food is great. Very nice owner and employees. ..I can't wait to come back!

    (5)

  • Dainty M.

    Took the grill master's recommendation and had a full rack of perfectly seasoned and smoked pork ribs cooked to fall-off-the-bone perfection. The sauce was good, but the meat stood on its own. Should have ordered the half rack, because it's not safe eating ribs and driving at the same time.

    (5)

  • Liz C.

    While driving up to June lake we stopped here for some breakfast BBQ. He wasn't open but opened for us. I've got two words... AH-mazing... Ribs, lemon chicken, and potato salad. who needs eggs and bacon when you've got meat and meat... Stop if it's open. You won't regret it! Quote of the meal: "hey dad, these ribs are way better than yours"

    (5)

  • W. N.

    Copper Top BBQ caught our attention as we were headed north on 395. With a 35 foot trailer in tow, we almost gave it a pass. Hank, the owner, directed us across the street for parking and this was a hint of good things to come. Besides...how can we drive past a big ol cooker on 395 wafting BBQ deliciousness? With community tables, an engaging personality and a straight forward menu, Hank is really on to something here in Big Pine. Whenever my Petite Red Headed Passion Flower and I travel it's always going to be about the chow. Bonus points for road side BBQ. We ordered a chopped beef sandwich and a pulled pork sandwich. We both had an appreciation for the home style BBQ sauce on our sandwiches. Definitely not a store bought cake frosting sauce. If we were to order these sandwichs again, we would definitely request the sandwiches dry with sauce on the side. Hank was very gracious in offering us a sample of his pork ribs and we immediately promised to come back for the ribs. These St. Louis cut ribs had the perfect amount of smoke flavoring and spice. With sauce on the side (thank you!) we immediately decided the pork ribs are the star here. Upon our return visit a week later, my girl and I split a half rack of ribs and a half pound of tri tip. This put Copper Top over the top in my world. Very tender and savory with the sauce on the side. The tri tip was delicious on the rolls and dipped in sauce. Throughout our lunch we had pleasant conversations with folks from all over. The outside picnic tables are a very nice touch and promote a community feel. As Hank walked from table to table it's easy to see "Food makes friends" Best of luck to Hank and his crew! Huge love from Buena Park!

    (5)

  • Curtis W.

    Friendly guys, AWESOME bbq! Definitely stop by if your passing through Bishop! St. Louie pork ribs and tri tip will NOT disappoint!!

    (5)

  • Erik M.

    Very good BBQ with even better service and conversation! There have been several businesses where this BBQ joint is, but of all of them this is the first one that I can say I will definitely revisit. The potato salad is amazing, but the beans steal the show. The BBQ is good as any you will find it all I can think of are those beans! There is no indoor seating, and if the wind is blowing you may have to hold on to the umbrellas at the table.

    (5)

  • Shelby J.

    I've been driving to Mammoth for over 15 years now and this by far was the best food we've had on a road trip there. We ended up driving past Copper Top at 9am in the morning. We stop for gas next door and I had to walk back to Copper Top because the smell of the BBQ that early in the morning was amazing. Ended up being the first customer of the day and Hank, the owner, set us up real nice. Walked away with a rack of the ribs, pound of tri-tip and 1/2 a chicken at 930am and ate it in route to Mammoth. The ribs and tri-tip don't even need the bbq sauce! So much great flavor. Amazing... No question - every trip to Mammoth from here on out will include a stop at Copper Top.

    (5)

  • Zee J.

    Thanks Hank and Matt for fueling our bellies with the best bbq ribs and pulled pork sandwhich! It's so great to see how much you've grown since our last visit 49 weeks ago. Keep up the great work and we'll be sure to tell our friends. Big hugs from Zee (the lady with the orange hat) and Brett! Xoxo

    (5)

  • Daniel P.

    Copper Top BBQ makes me happy. It is a very friendly family run business, excellent outdoor atmosphere, and tasty BBQ. My lady is from Memphis, TN, so I'd have to say we're pretty critical of BBQ (good Memphis BBQ really IS that good - after all, Memphis is the home of the World Championship BBQ Contest). I don't know if I've ever had BBQ I like more than some spots in Memphis, but Copper Top definitely comes the closest. The ribs are my favorite (I tried the ribs, tri tip, pulled pork....AND a complimentary piece of pork roast that Hank - owner and father and BBQ chef extraordinaire on the giant woodfired grill out front - brought over for us to try). The pork roast was amazing as well. The rest was delicious, but the ribs were the winner. Hank told us about the evolution of the ribs and food and his constant vigilance to always keep the food at at least the same quality, and hopefully only better. Hank gave personal service, a genuine heart-to-heart human connection, and all we could hope for in delicious food and pleasant experience at Copper Top BBQ. Thank you Hank and Matthew! Whenever in the area, we WILL be back!

    (5)

  • Mina L.

    Amazing. Simply amazing. Stopped by here after backpacking Big Pine Lakes. Hank is an absolute sweetheart, knows how to grill like a champ and of course the food is delicious. Tri-tip, ribs, chicken, yum yum. Love the vibe and love family businesses. Highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Stephanie A.

    There once was a man named Hank, Who barbecued not with a tank. His pork was tender, his chicken was juicy and for that I would like to say Thanks. Pulled pork sammich on soft bread, During chow not a word was said. Tater salad-n-green chili beans There's no better way to be fed. Pet friendly to our dogs While our food we did hog This place deserves a poem Instead of a normal Yelp log. Now we're off to camp in the woods I'd eat here again if I could If you're thinking of eating here I'd definitely say you should!

    (5)

  • Chris A.

    Stopped on the way to Mammoth. The service was phenomenal as they served us an hour after they closed. My wife and I had the pulled pork sandwich and it was some of the most tender meat we have had. The only thing preventing it from getting a 5 is the lack of any sauce. It didn't need sauce but the option would have been nice. In their defense they had been closed for an hour so maybe they had cleaned that up already. Overall great experience, we will be going back.

    (4)

  • Carol S.

    delicious meal! the tri-tip is a great selection and may i suggest medium rare! the slaw is sweet and tangy. the fire roasted chili is tasty with a mild spice. i'm glad we stopped on our way back to los angeles. it was worth it. i will stop by again!

    (5)

  • Tom E.

    We stopped by Copper top this weekend and were not disappointed. If you drive down 395 and miss the smoke, you are missing a mouth watering experience. We waited in line as Hank the owner manned the smoker and wood fired grill, grilling and smoking meats to perfection. I am glad we stopped by. Lots of good food at a fair price, and Hank brought us samples of his goods for us to try. Just a good place with a warm feeling. Go early because sells out often.

    (5)

  • Schalawn W.

    Hands down this is the best food and amazing service! ! Will definitely make the trip back. Great for the whole family! !

    (5)

  • Anabelle L.

    I was apprehensive since an elite member gave it 3 stars. I came on a Friday at 11 am and waited for the rest of our party that arrived around 1 pm. We watched the line. It never got too long, the food was ready in 10 mins, and there was no shortage on BBQ. The service was amazing. You can tell this has the small town feeling where greetings are genuine. The owners knew the locals by name. I order the sampler to decide what I wanted. So my final verdict is that I am in love with their Tri tip. So I order more when the rest of our friends showed up. It was chilly so the food gets cold easily if you elect to sit outside. They offered the tent but we had 2 dogs and we didn't want to get in the way of other patrons. I hope with all the popularity it is getting from their success on yelp doesn't destroy their roots.

    (5)

  • Janel S.

    Delicious! Had the sampler - ribs, chicken, tri tip + 2 sides (Mac n cheese and green chili)- NOM NOM NOM! Great people, too. Hank is very honest and genuine about his business. And, of course, he's a great cook! Family style seating makes for great table conversation :)

    (5)

  • Maggie O.

    Long line and long wait in the hot sun but the food was really good. Very limited menu but excellent BBQ! We'll make this a regular stop when we're in the area.

    (4)

  • Tatyana K.

    5 tri-tip sandwiches later, I'd say we're hooked. Stopped here on the way to and from Death Valley for a delicious lunch. They were out of pulled pork both visits but have amazingly tender Santa Maria tri-tip sandwiches. On the second visit, I also got the potato salad which had olives and pickles in it; it was great. I've also heard rave reviews of their burgers from friends but was too full to try a bite.

    (5)

  • Theresa H.

    I don't write reviews on Yelp. This is the first time and it's because this place needs to get recognized more! We were on our way to Mammoth and I saw a man BBQing on the right side of the road (the place is right next to the road). They have the best BBQ! I tried all of them: trip-tip, rack of ribs, and chicken. We got a lot of meat. We took the rest with us to Mammoth and they were still scrumptious the following day. Each meat has its own distinctive flavor and each tastes so good! The owner, Mr. Hank carefully seasoned the meat and patiently BBQed them in separate grills so it's perfectly tasteful, tender, and juicy when done. He is the only one in-charge on the grill and the son is in-charge inside the counter. They also serve yummy potato salad and coleslaw (my bf & I tried them both). Super yum! They not only have great food, but they have great service too! Mr. Hank himself is very accommodating and makes sure everyone is well taken cared for.. I love this place! I loved it so much that I made sure to stop by on our way back to LA to enjoy another BBQ from this place! I love the food and I love the people that run this business! I can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Priscilla F.

    Hank is a cowboy and a gentleman with world class grillin'ability. thet were very humble and friendly. It is rare to have meat tastibg this good. We tried the tri tip meal with potato salad coleslaw and chili as sides. Some say the pork ribs are even better. Definately earned the 5 stars rating.

    (5)

  • John L.

    This now my favorite place to eat on the road to Mammoth. Great smoke flavor on the tri tip and baby back ribs. Had the sampling platter that also included the chicken. Chicken was well cooked and tender. The sauce was vinegary. That's not my favorite style but still good. It felt like the food was genuine and prepared with care. I can't wait for the next trip to Mammoth so we can stop for another BBQ experience.

    (5)

  • Rod K.

    Delicious!! We were traveling thru town and stumbled on Copper Top BBQ. Exactly what BBQ should be - tender, smoky flavorful meats and a delicious sauce. Husband got the pulled pork - didn't even need sauce and I got the tri tip. Beef was tender - and perfectly seasoned. Worth the stop when you're in the area!

    (5)

  • Hugh J.

    I was fishing at upper twin lakes out of Bridgeport and I was told about this wonderful BBQ joint in Big Pine. It was on my way home so I decided to try. Had the cheeseburger and my wife and kids had the sampler platter. Everything was awesome! Burger was one if the best I've ever had. Mac n cheese had some kick and was cooked perfectly. Potato salad was homemade. Hank was a pleasure to talk to. I will definitely come back next time I am up this way.

    (5)

  • Dale C.

    Great BBQ with a view! Exceptional Tri-tip, best ribs in CA (and maybe anywhere), Moms potato salad was excellent and it all was topped off with great/friendly service. Stopped by early one afternoon and there was no wait, the mountain view was spectacular and the visit with the owner Hank was a highlight of the trip across a couple states. Highly recommend this spot. Grab a space at one of the picnic tables (in the tent if you're so inclined), slow down for a minute and enjoy the food!

    (5)

  • Chuck E.

    Ribs are amazing + Mac & Cheese!! Great comfort road trip food; absolutely worth a stop when driving through the Eastern Sierra. My go to (time permitting) when I travel to and from Mammoth Lakes,CA. A simple menu, hearty portions, and good food!

    (5)

  • Jeff M.

    Once again a phenominal experience. The trip tip is unbeleivable. You won't be disappointed with any bbq selection but highly recommend the Sampler Plate. A can't miss dining experience.

    (5)

  • Weston L.

    I've had BBQ all over the country. This place had the best ribs I've ever had. The Mac and cheese and tater salad are dynamite as well. However, better than the BBQ were the people working there. I injured myself and the owner ran to the drug store to get me some gauze and tape. Great Southern Food and Hospitality.

    (5)

  • Arthur P.

    Thank You Hank and son for Providing the Best BBQ cooked while you wait on your Santa Maria style grill.best Burger I've ever had by far.they really take the time to make every dish unique and tasty. This is a must stop and eat kinda place with Warm Hospitality,hank greets his guests and Truly enjoys talking with you and seeing people happy by eating his food. Well worth the 200 mile ride to have lunch anytime I can. This is an Honest Trevor's by someone who really enjoys good quality BBQ and company.

    (5)

  • Robb S.

    I haven't found anything I have not been impressed with. The ribs are out of this world as well as the tri tip! The BEST Mac and cheese! You simply MUST go and enjoy this freshly prepared food! You will thank me later!

    (5)

  • Paul K.

    Had to stop here on our way to Mmth because of all the noise this place was making on Yelp and also due to the article in the LA Times. we got there at 3:30 and the place closed at 5 and we were told that they have ran out of Tritip. we waited 45 min to see if there was any tritip available. we were finally told that there would be indeed 4 tritip sandwiches for us. first off, I'm glad that we were able to eat here but we had to wait along time. Now for the food review, the Tritip was excellent. they also Bbq chicken, and ribs. the side dishes are good to but they also could run out of food, best would be to call ahead of time so you know there is food.

    (4)

  • Deena D.

    Ate here yesterday and really enjoyed the barbecue, but most importantly, the service! The chef is a wonderful man, and we hope to see him time and time again, although this place is going to be so popular we might have to wait in line!

    (5)

  • Andrew D.

    My girlfriend and I recently stopped here on our way to Mammoth. We had passed this place a few times on the way up to the mountains but never gave it a chance until this past trip. We stopped by and were blown away. We ordered a a tri-tip sandwhich and 1/4 of chicken. After a short wait, the owner brought us out our food and told us he gave us 1/2 a chicken instead of the 1/4 because it wasn't big enough. For a place that just hit it big to do something like that really impressed me. Not only that but the food was INSANE. Seasonings were perfect and the BBQ sauce is incredible. For anyone making the drive up to Mammoth from the LA area, do yourself a favor and make this one of your stops.

    (5)

  • William V.

    Stopped by Copper Top BBQ on the way home from Mammoth Mountain. At first sight the place was small but had a huge barbeque out front cooking away. Hank looked right at home working the grill and was kindly handing out samples of the products offered. We ordered the tri-tip sandwich and the pulled pork sandwich with a side of potato salad. The pulled pork was fantastic and sported a more texas style sauce which complimented it well. The tri-tip was incredible, it was cooked perfectly and was as tender as I could have asked for. Finally... the potato salad, I don't even know where to begin with this one... This was HANDS DOWN the BEST potato salad I have had in my young 28 years of life. I truly couldn't get enough of it. I asked Hank for the recipe and he kindly gave it to me. Bottom line: If you are driving through Big Pine, Ca then you are doing yourself a disservice if you do not stop in and visit Hank and his son. You absolutely will not regret your visit.

    (5)

  • Kristy T.

    Waited a long time to order and to get food. Place was packed. Food was overpriced. Food was cold. Tried it once as we travel to mammoth from Southern California but won't stop next time. My husband asked stop on the way home answer was NO. Let's go to our favorite place the country kitchen down the street. Friendly service and great food. Our favorite breakfast spot.

    (2)

  • Greg R.

    This place got some really favorable play on the LA-area news a few months back, so we put it on our list of restaurants to try next time we headed north. Boy, were we disappointed. Got there before it opened, but the guy out front doing the cooking took pity on us and served us anyway. That, unfortunately, was the best part of our experience. The rack of ribs we received was sub-standard. The rub / sauce seemed to be mostly brown sugar, so if you like bland ribs slathered in sweetener, this is for you. We've had better ribs at chain restaurants. True, there aren't that many options for eating in Big Pine that don't involve a fast-food outlet, but Bishop isn't that much farther up the road, and there are several great alternatives there. If you just need food in Lone Pine, at least this isn't MacDonald's. But if you're seeking the so-called "best bar-be-que in California," you will be disappointed.

    (2)

  • Kristi V.

    I seen the Copper Top on t.v that it was the best bbq. So on our way back home from Mammoth we decided to stop and it was worth it Great tri tip! Best I've ever tasted.

    (5)

  • Josh D.

    What a great new roadside BBQ place! The tri-tip was excellent, wood grilled and tender. The chilies and beans are a must-try also. Owner Hank and his son Matt somehow made me feel like family in the 10 minutes it took to order and eat my meal. Definitely worth planning your trip so you hit Big Pine around mealtime!

    (5)

  • Darcy H.

    Very flavorful BBQ! Loved it

    (5)

  • Sarah A.

    I'm not the biggest BBQ fan, personally. Most of the time, I balk when my boyfriend suggests BBQ. We make frequent trips to Bishop and always see this place with the guy BBQing large amounts of meat. Finally, we decided to try it. On our way up, we stopped to get a menu and as we were leaving, the grill master himself came out and told us food was ready. I had an appointment to get to, but we told him we'd be back later. Looking over the menu, we were pleasantly surprised by the pricing - it was very reasonable for a BBQ joint and while they don't have a massive selection, there's something for everyone. After we were done in Bishop, we realized we wouldn't have time to stop and eat. No worries, I called and placed an order for pick up. I'm still not sure if that's something they normally do, but we were really glad they did. Because the pricing was so good, we got an order of the tri tip and pulled pork dinners with the sides and rolls and a 1/4 chicken. We planned on splitting what we got so we could each try a little of everything. For sides, we got potato salad (2 of them) the chili, and mac-n-cheese. Honestly, not too impressed with the potato salad (too much mustard for my tastes, but certainly not the worst I've ever had). The mac-n-cheese was alright - but the chili...mmmmmm! Not only some of the best chili I've ever had, but I'd buy that by the gallon. The rolls tasted like Sweet Hawaiian Rolls, only more delicious. The chicken was good (although I'm sure it would have been better if we hadn't reheated it). My boyfriend said the tri tip was absolutely delicious (again, I'm super picky with my meat...but it was still full of flavor and juicy) and I LOVED the pulled pork. That's saying a lot too - at the time of writing this review, I'm pregnant and can barely tolerate pork in any form (even bacon sometimes *gasp* nooooo!!). But Copper Top's pulled pork was soooo delicious I was able to eat it all without feeling sick at all. The parking can be a little crazy, but that's such a minor thing (and we didn't notice the parking lot out back until we were leaving). If you're heading up or down the 395 and have a craving for BBQ, stop by Copper Top BBQ. They are friendly, the food is delicious, and you'll be supporting a local business who totally deserves it.

    (5)

  • Matthew M.

    Got the Rufus Ribs meal with chips and potato salad. Ribs were well cooked, big and juicy - definitely recommend. Sauce is also good. Potato salad was different but also good. Perfect post hike place. Walk up ordering and outdoor seating. Good prices too.

    (5)

  • patrick d.

    Stopped here after 200 miles across Death Valley in motos. We were read for a good meal. The burgers and tri-tip sandwiches are fantastic. Hank still grilling it up too! Try the potato salad and beans too. You won't be disappointed.

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Tue

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Lunch
    Parking : Street, Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : No
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : No
    Caters : No

Copper Top BBQ

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