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    Copper Top BBQ

    4.6 (2.1k reviews)
    ModerateBarbeque
    Open 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Copper Top BBQ Photos

    COPPER TOP BBQ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Copper Top BBQ

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    Nothing makes me hungrier than the thought of a dementia-addled tantrum-throwing fascist with a poopy diaper!
    Katie B.

    I was in the area this week and my husband had this on our list of places to visit, due to some write-up he read somewhere. The first red flag was that we wanted to call with a question and found that the voicemail response and website were both borderline hostile and disdainful of customers. The location was clean and the female cashier was very nice, which is why my review is two stars and not one. The food was odd. I can't understand why anyone is rating this highly except that people are happy when they're on vacation and food tastes better that way. We shared a platter and were completely underwhelmed by all of the meat. The rolls and mac and cheese were okay and that's what I ended up filling up on because the meat was depressing. The two spicy BBQ sauces both had a weird metallic flavor. There was a TV showing a slideshow of dogs at the restaurant eating BBQ from someone wearing black latex gloves which was kind of cute until I started wondering if they change their gloves after feeding all these dogs from them. I was in the area this week and my husband had this on our list of places to visit, due to some write-up he read somewhere. The first red flag was that we wanted to call with a question and found that the voicemail response and website were both borderline hostile and disdainful of customers. The location was clean and the female cashier was very nice, which is why my review is two stars and not one. The food was odd. I can't understand why anyone is rating this highly except that people are happy when they're on vacation and food tastes better that way. We shared a platter and were completely underwhelmed by all of the meat. The rolls and mac and cheese were okay and that's what I ended up filling up on because the meat was depressing. The two spicy BBQ sauces both had a weird metallic flavor. There was a TV showing a slideshow of dogs at the restaurant eating BBQ from someone wearing black latex gloves which was kind of cute until I started wondering if they change their gloves after feeding all these dogs from them. But more importantly, I saw a sign complaining about inflation and fuel prices being the reason for an increase in costs, along with Trump merchandise for sale by the drinks. A tiny bit of online digging confirmed that this business was fully MAGA in the past with flags and signs but got a bit quieter about it in 2024. I believe it's important to know if and when we're spending our money to support people who actively vote for the destruction of the planet, human rights, and the fabric of our country. I absolutely would not have spent any money here if I had known. **Update** Before I wrote my review, I had already seen that the business owner appears very sensitive to any critique. He seems compelled to respond to anyone he views as "attacking his business," or in my case, being "hurtful," on a website built for customers to review businesses, which is what I did. This business owner has chosen to suggest that I must be wrong for not liking the food, because other people give it five stars. He then says the Trump hot sauce he's selling is just "for the kick of it," I suppose just like some folks sell items with Confederate flags or swastikas because it's such a fun little joke. Hilarious! My concerns about hygiene with food prep staff hand-feeding barbecue to customers' dogs were not addressed in his response. Finally, rather than denouncing any suggestions of political allegiance to Trump or specifically addressing the claim that this business was apparently displaying Trump signs prior to 2024, he calls me "immature" and that people like me are why Trump won and that I'm going to be targeted and I should "be careful." He has said all of this on a publicly viewable website that many potential customers will check before coming to his restaurant. That sure sounds like something to consider before eating food from this place!

    A bit of everything plus Sierra views
    Ty T.

    For my snow crew, this is our official après ski dining spot when we're driving home from a day at Mammoth. After 7 hours of skiing and a long drive ahead, there's nothing I want more than BBQ and a Dr. Pepper. Their service is incredibly fast and friendly. Their menu is straight forward. I go for their everything platter which includes their in-house made sausage with that unmistakable snap when you bite into the casing - light's out. Ribs are good here too. The mac and cheese is tasty as is their potato salad. And we're always taking home food for family because they ask for Copper Top BBQ by name. The options to dine indoor or outdoor is a great considering the high winds and variable weather in Big Pine especially during ski season.

    Menu 4/2026
    Sonya L.

    Copper Top BBQ on Highway 395 is a must try! It was a rustic, clean, and welcoming spot, and the restrooms are immaculate! We stopped by on a Sunday afternoon and there was live music playing, which made the atmosphere even more charming. We ordered the Big Pine Mega Platter (says for 2), and it was just perfect for my husband, teenage son, and I to share without any leftovers. All the meats were juicy and tender! Potato salad was good and mac was nice and creamy! We love the spicy bbq sauce as well! Overall everything was delicious and food came out fast. Really glad we stopped in, and we're already looking forward to coming back again soon.

    Pulled pork sandwich, add pickles, add cole slaw, at spicy homemade BBQ sauce!
    Daniel P.

    Copper Top has expanded with a bar, and is still good as ever. Was driving on the 395 and saved my appetite for passing through Big Pine. The service is always friendly. They conveniently have a bathroom. The Ambiance is that friend welcoming you to their backyard BBQ for life. Except these guys know how to smoke meat. If you are just passing through Big Pine, roll down your windows as you approach it from the north and just smell what's cooking. Remember the next good food could be miles away. Copper Top is always worth the stop!!

    Big Pine Mega Platter (2 person)
    Christine B.

    You can immediately spot this BBQ joint on the rode with the all smoke from the grilling out in front. You order at the window, then wait at the inside window for your order to be called. The BBQ already comes in reusable to-go containers so you can grab a table or take it home to enjoy! * Big Pine Mega Platter (2 person) - 9.2/10 (i love how this plate includes four different types of bbq so you get to taste test a little bit of everything! the tri tip is cooked to the perfect amount of pinkness, but the cut itself was a bit tough to my liking. the pulled pork was tender, & the flavor was sweet & smokey. the ribs had a beautiful glaze & was quite tender & juicy. the chicken sausage was huge & had a very nice bite to it. it was also super juicy, not too salty, & addictive. the Hawaiian bread is just your average Hawaiian bread. the mac & cheese was creamy, & the noodles are cooked just right. the green chili is light & hearty. overall, this plate is worth the try for bbq lovers!)

    Tri tip sandwich
    Kelly K.

    Tried the tri-tip sandwich. The meat quality was very good, and the service was quick for takeout. All of the outdoor seating at the restaurant was taken, so I brought my meal across the street to the park to eat.

    While driving thru Big Pine we stopped for lunch and are so glad we did! We shared a tri tip slider and coleslaw... it was delicious. Service was very nice ( you order at the window), our food was ready very quickly, and there is seating both inside and outside. Love the picnic tables and large rolls of wipes. How we missed this during our annual drive the last 7 years I have no idea. The line moves quickly and there is plenty of parking. Enjoy!

    pulled pork sliders with a mac and cheese side
    Sydney F.

    Great BBQ! Clearly a popular place as it opened at 11 and there was a line when we pulled up at 10:57. Super fast service with very helpful staff and great quality BBQ. They have indoor tables and outdoor depending on the weather conditions. I got the pulled pork sandwhich with a pickle add on that was so flavorful and hearty. The mac and cheese is a MUST- it's so creamy and decadent. Great as a pit stop going to or from Mammoth, definitely adding this spot to my road trip list.

    Mark G.

    Where do I start! This was my first time going to the Copper Top. I arrived at 10:40 am and I was the 3rd in line. I ordered the Big Pine Maga Platter for one. I was really impressed with how much a polished ship this restaurant is. They have a lot of employees and it really did not take too much time to get my order. I was was overwhelmingly impressed by the quality of the cook of all the meats. The platter came with tri tip, pulled pork, chicken sausage, pork ribs and a side. I chose the beans. Since all the meats were cooked to perfection I really can't say I liked one over the other. The tri tip cooked to perfection and the ribs were so tender, the pulled pork was melt in your mouth perfection and the chicken sausage was awsome. The sausage had a nice smoke but was not salty at all but packed with flavor. As for the beans I enjoyed them. As for complaints? I could not shovel it fast enough into my mouth.

    Jake B.

    Decent experience as a whole at Copper Top. This was on our way to Mammoth, and we had heard this was a spot to stop at. The ribs were really excellent, perfectly smoky and just the right texture. I liked the pulled pork as well. The tri tip and mac and cheese didn't quite do it for me, but that may just be personal preference. I loved all the dog imagery everywhere too!

    Menu
    David K.

    My friends and I along with our wives stopped by this restaurant to eat on our way back to Los Angeles from Mammoth Lake. We arrived around 10:30 am and were told by employees they don't open until 11 am. Which is perfectly fine. Employee even recommended a coffee shop which we tried. However, the employee never said about the line and wait time when they open. If he had mentioned anything we, would've just wait at the restaurant. We ordered nine well done hamburgers and the food was just amazing. I really recommend folks to stop and try the food. The wait is worth it! Female cashier was very wonderful and helpful. Super patient with our large order. However, after waiting for almost 25 minutes, I asked the gentleman serving the ready food about our order and he was clearly bothered by my question and rudely said, it's going to take a long time since you order nine well done burgers. If you show up shortly before 11 am sitting will be fine. However, I really wish this restaurant had some rules and regulations about dogs in the restaurant. Multiple people with their dogs just walking around the place with no care for other customers. With my situation my wife was attacked by a dog when she was a child and has bad trauma. While our group sat at a table to eat, my wife was crying inside the car and I was standing by the car in the street eating my food. The restaurant should designate an area outside for dog owners to sit, making it easier for others to sit inside. Restaurant overall is very clean. However, I think this will be my last time here due to our experience. I hated seeing my wife in stress and will not repeat it again. *** To the business owner. Thank you for responding to my review. However, your reply is not accurate. If you want to reply and talk down to customers make sure it's appropriate. Traffic heading down was actually very little, at no time did we bother or interruption your workers. Yes, the female cashier did tell us it could take a little time. I only asked your rude employee once!!! Thank you again for your reply and it clearly shows who you are as a business owner. If there was any chance of me giving your establishment a chance again, that is completely out of the question. I don't support business owners who can't take criticism well.

    Big Pine Mega Platter
    Alexandra B.

    Wow! Have been driving past here for years and years on the way to Tahoe and can't believe I haven't stopped until this year. Truly this BBQ is so good, on the way up we got the mega platter to eat for dinner and then on the way home we picked up vacuum sealed bags to take home with us for a later date. No wonder it is always packed here! Everyone at Copper Top was so nice and chatted with us about their sauces and the process. The ribs and tri-tip were my personal favorites, and the Mac n cheese and the coleslaw sides are also delicious. There's plenty of tables to eat at over there at the restaurant, and it's so nice to smell the smoke coming off the grills while everything is cooking too! I definitely recommend making a stop here if you're on your way up to Mammoth or Tahoe.

    Meal for two combo 9.5/10
    Dan B.

    Great food experience here! In the middle of nowhere is the copper top bbq. It doesn't look like much on the outside but food is something to look forward to here. The seating is essentially all outdoors and food is basic ready the second you order it. I wish the food overall was a little hotter but that's my only ask. This places really does have great tasting food.

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    Copper Top BBQ Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Copper Top BBQ

    I see BBQ Beef Ribs in the pictures, but don't see them on the menu...are beef ribs served on certain days only?

    Which pictures are you referring to? All pictures that I have taken are of our pork ribs, as far as I can recall. I did experiment with beef ribs once but it's not an item we offer, even for specials, at this time.

    We're on a road trip and will be passing by, how long does it take for pick up? I plan to call ahead and trying not to wait there too long.

    My order took between five and ten minutes. It was pretty quick. And very satisfying.

    Are there any non-spicy meats? My toddler cannot handle any spicy foods and I'd like to know if there would be something for her to eat.

    I have only had the ribs and the tri-tip sandwich. Neither were spicy to me, but I would say that the tri-tip was not spicy at all, while the ribs did have a rub on it which could be spicy to a toddler.

    Is the BBQ sauce gluten free or are there any gluten free options?

    The BBQ sauce isn't gluten free, but everything else besides the bread is gluten free. The sides and the meats are, except the pulled pork which has BBQ sauce in it.

    View All 7 Questions

    Holy Smoke Texas Style Barbecue

    Holy Smoke Texas Style Barbecue

    4.2
    (2k reviews)
    14.9 mi
    $$

    This place is excellent. I haven't been in Bishop for over 35 years! Traveling through from Arizona…read moreto Chico. I decided to stop here. No regrets! I had the sampler platter 28 bucks! Tri-tip, brisket, and rib ribs. Came with two sides and a huge slab of cornbread! The ribs and the brisket do not need any sauce whatsoever. The smoke ring on both of them was perfect and gave it perfectly good smoked flavor throughout. Hopefully it won't take me another 35 years to swing through Bishop to try this again! Service was great you order at the counter and they take your food to you. Quite a good bottled beer selection.

    Sorry to say it but we thought Holy Smoke was pretty overrated. I can't help but wonder if some of…read morethe high ratings come from how remote it is given the options rather than the food itself. The barbecue wasn't noticeably better than what we've had at the chain Dickey's BBQ which is disappointing given the reputation on here and the price we ended up paying. The brisket was pretty dry even during dinner time and had no bark really. Then the loaded baked potato was also a surprise. It came topped with a large amount of diced yellow onions instead of green onions which if you have ever been to Texas and had BBQ out you know it is much more common, so that was weird. Also the shredded cheese was simply slapped on and wasn't even melted making it feel unfinished. The only good thing was their bbq sauce and the mac and cheese. It was creamy and the best thing we ordered. Overall we left very disappointed. We expected a much more memorable experience. given the ratings since we chose to come here over Copper Top.

    Photos
    (photo/video by Ins @foodie.skye)
    (photo/video by Ins @foodie.skye)
    Holy Smoke Texas Style Barbecue
    Holy Smoke Texas Style Barbecue

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    Aaron Schat's Roadhouse

    Aaron Schat's Roadhouse

    4.2
    (994 reviews)
    15.0 mi
    $$

    LITERALLY THE BEST BURGERS IN MORO VALLEY. Came to Aaron Schat's Roadhouse with the girls after a…read morefull day of mammoth skiing. Got the walker Texas Roadhouse burger, the hot shot burger, and garlic parmesan fries. It was all so delicious!! The service was great super friendly, Steve is really helpful and funny!! He apparently picks up the DELICIOUS meat himself so it's super fresh. Ambiance is super casual roadhouse vibes. This is one of those if you know you know spots. We were skiing in mammoth the past couple days and opted to wait until our drive through bishop to grab dinner on the drive home because it's just that good. We passed by all of the spots in mammoth for this one. The burgers were out of this world.

    We travel through Bishop once or twice a year. We know the Schat's bakery gets all the love, but…read morethe Roadhouse?? Yes please!!! Hubby and I stopped in for a late lunch on our journey home after a quick trip to Disneyland the day prior. It's a long drive, so Bishop is about halfway to home. We don't like traveling with leftovers, so we often share a meal. Yesterday was the Bluey Armstrong burger with a side of the garlic Parmesan fries. The burger was great! Juicy, cooked to perfection, and so flavorful. But the fries? For the love of all that's good those fries sent me on a trip straight to heaven. I wouldn't say I'm a fry snob, but I do know what I like, and these were possibly the best garlic parm fries I've ever had. So much so that I told my hubby I'd recommend going on a 6 hour girls' trip just for the fries. (My gal pals and I do weird trips for stuff like this.) Long story short(ish) stop here for food. You will be saying "get in my belly" with the only regret that it isn't closer to your home. Unless you live in Bisho, in which case you are a lucky person.

    Photos
    Aaron Schat's Roadhouse
    Shot Gun Burger with provolone
    Shot Gun Burger with provolone
    Shot Gun Burger

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    Shot Gun Burger

    Copper Top BBQ - bbq - Updated July 2026

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