This location is at the end of Whitney Portal Road, in the campground, 13 miles west of Lone Pine. Ask cashier Doug for the stories behind the photos on the walls. Bought a good Mt. Whitney T-shirt and a mug. We liked the fries. The outside seating areas were good; move away from the store to avoid yellowjackets (wasps). In early October, enjoy the fall colors near the store and across the Eastern Sierra. read more

Whitney Portal Hostel - Fall colors near Whitney Portal Store - Hostels Near Me - Lone Pine, California

While hiking around Alabama Hills this weekend, we ran into a fellow from Texas who recommended the pancakes from the Whitney Portal Store. We thought it sounded like a good idea so we packed up camp and headed up there for breakfast as well. Well after a night of camping, we were hungry and this place did not disappoint! You wouldn't think this place has food, it looks like a small souvenir/general store. But they do! They serve you pipin' hot food! It's a small menu, but so satisfying, especially after a long hike! We ordered: - Hashbrown combo, comes with 3 eggs, toast and a choice of meat, we ordered the bacon. They were the yummy fat strips.... so good! ($10.00) - 1 pancake (it's enough to feed a party of 4) Mr. Texas was not joking about the pancakes! It was huge!! So if you are starving, go order a pancake, you won't be hungry for a month lol. They also have free wifi, it's a bit slow, but it's better than nothing! Really pretty spot to eat a meal, there's a waterfall nearby. It's at the start of the Whitney Trail, so if you get off that trail early enough, this is a great spot to grab a hot meal! read more

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Came off of a long hike and was looking forward to going to the Portal for a burger and a beer. Cute store....horrible customer service. The lady, who was at the register, was rude to the customers in front of me and behind me. Everyone was actually talking about her when they left the building. I did not tip her because she was so rude. I also did not shop for memorabilia in the store because i did not want to deal with her again. The cook staff was friendly. read more

Been here twice and the store is pretty cool as they have everything from souvenirs to all your hike needs. Staff is friendly and well knowledgeable on the hike and other areas in the town. Will be coming here on next visit to stock up on snacks and maybe get infornation on the hike if I decide to do it. read more

Whitney Portal Hostel - Hostels Near Me - Lone Pine, California

This location is not to be confused with the Whitney Portal Store and Hostel, which is located in town. This is the location for the campground and the entrance to the Mt Whitney trail. This place sells last minute items and gear that you might have forgotten to bring for your backpacking trip, camping, hike or climb. But it is most known for it's pancake breakfast and delicious burger and fries. They do have other menu items as well. The burger ($10.95) comes with a thick patty (well done), lettuce, tomato, and choice of cheese. Even for those who prefer their burger less done, it's not the best burger ever, but it's still tasty. What I liked even more was the generous mound of hand-cut, thin fries. parking - several lots, but it can be very busy during peak times read more

Whitney Portal Hostel - menu board - Hostels Near Me - Lone Pine, California

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Best place in town to stay over for a Mt Whitney climb, reasonably priced, conveniently located, friendly staff and people.

Wow, what a great place to eat after our hike to Lone Pine Lake! If you're a hiker, you know how important it is to get a great meal in after a long hike. This cafe was perfect! Amazing burgers, tasty fries and beers. What more could you ask for after a hike? They also offer veggie burgers. Service was fast and friendly along with a store with all the hiking essentials you might need. A must visit after your next Whitney hike read more

Be aware backpackers!! Some information that you can get about this Whitney Portal Store is very misleading. We got information from a guide book and some websites that Portal Store is "fully stocked" and "you can get everything from sleeping bag, dehydrated food at the last minute"... WRONG! This is a typical small store at a national park as the last stop for the backpackers and some day hikers. You can get some souvenir, basic food such as water, juice, ramen noodle, energy/candy bars, some medication, ponchos etc., but this is NOT a mini-REI! We went for 3 days backpacking but we were going to get some dehydrated food at the portal store (based on someone's info). But the store did not carry such food so we were out of dinner for 2 nights. We were lucky enough to talk to a kind fellow hikers who happened to brought more food than he can carry, we were able to get some dehydrated food from him. Bear canister rental is available for $2 (with $40 deposit). Also, there is no shower at this portal store location. Showering facility is located at Whitney Portal Hostel in the town. Find a beige color three storied building with red trim at the base of Whitney Portal Rd. The facility is very clean, they provide you with shampoo, soap, towels and it is only $5. Sweeeeeeet! I didn't get to try their cheeseburger and beer when we came down after 3 days on the trail, but sure did make me smile after seeing the roof of the portal store from the trail when we were coming down. read more

Must come here if you can, the day before you attempt a Mt Whitney summit, if not acclimating elsewhere. Not particularly to the store but walk around the area, check out the waterfall, see some blue birdies, and sniff trees. You can walk as far as Lone Pine lake before you need a permit to go any further. The bark of the ponderosa pine tree is like crack to me. You'll know it by the orange'ish hue of the bark and the prickly cones you may find on the ground. I'm not sure if it's this fragrant year round around here but it really took me by surprise how strong the scent was compared to the same trees down in SoCal forests. Smells sweet like butterscotch! Over at the store, aside from the food, note that they have the same items or maybe even more selection at the hostel in town. If you get a burger, you can request a fried egg in it. If you're lucky enough to be here during breakfast hours, you can order the big @ss pancakes. Don't be surprised if there's a bear sighting in this area. read more

One thing you normally several thousand feet up the side of a Mountain is a tiny restaurant and souvenir/hiking gear store. ...Nor that they serve the freakiest, most delicious, humongously huge breakfast pancakes anywhere (almost three hands wide!), followed with the tastiest, and portion generous, hamburgers, cheeseburgers and fries. The cook must be making them as they were the last meals you will see in months. My friends were happy they had an actual beer selection. Food apart, they have a heavily packed store for almost any needs, it helps it is halfway up the Mount Whitney's trekking trails, and located near a mini fishing park/rest stop, with beautiful waterfalls and views of the surrounding mountains above and plains below (the city of Lone Pine is visible from here). A great store located in a beautiful place to bring friends and family. Friendly staff a bonus. =) Caveat: This store is completely buried in snow in the Winter season. I found out about it by accident when on my second trip (Spring), a road just appeared out of nowhere in, normally, the highest place you can drive to. read more

Whitney Portal Hostel - Whitney Portal Store front - Hostels Near Me - Lone Pine, California

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Giving this place an unfortunate 3 stars, primarily for their breakfast. BE WARNED ABOUT THE PANCAKES! Alright. The pancakes are huge. One serving is the size of my head, nay it's bigger than my head. One pancake can probably feed about 4 people. I was the lucky one in my group that did not order the pancakes. We ended up with 4 stacks of unfinished more-than-slightly-burnt-pancakes. I was lucky and got the hash browns instead. Except my hash browns weren't crispy and did not feel properly cooked. For my meat side I chose the sausage and I got three little patties. I think I should have probably got the ham, it looked more juicy than my dried up over cooked sausages. Overall it was alright. I just wished it was a little better. read more

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Not sure why this comes up with an address close to town, it's actually located at the trail head at the end of Whitney Portal Road. This is the start for the popular Mt Whitney trail. Maybe it's the mountain air and water that makes them taste that much better, but they sure do. read more

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After a nice long morning hike to Lone Pine Lake, I had a delicious bacon cheese burger with fries. What a treat. It really was the best way to end a hike. Everyone was nice and friendly. The portal store has a lot of souvenirs and last minute hiking needs. This location is at the portal not the hostel/hotel in town. They are both run by the same family. read more

Burgers, junk food are GREAT after camping, backpacking, and climbing moutains. This place is the best after hard outdoor activities in Sierra. read more

Most people who eat here are climbing Mt Whitney or backpacking the John Muir Trail. After a few days of backpacking, a strange mental illness begins for many where a considerable amount of time every day is spent dreaming about hamburgers and fries. The more days on the trail, the worse it gets. Back in the day, the Whitney Portal Store only sold souvenirs and camping supplies. The closest burger and fries were at the Fosters Freeze in Lone Pine. After every Whitney trip we used to drive down the big hill to the Fosters Freeze and scarf on burgers and fries until we could eat no more. Alas, Fosters Freeze is no more but the Whitney Portal Store sells burgers and fries!!! Wait, when did that happen? Sorry about the flashback. So the burgers and fries are pretty good. Oh and they sell beer too. The chicken sandwich was just OK. The chicken was a little dry. Maybe the best selection of packaged condiments ever including Tapatio and Sriracha Mayo. Somebody did their market research probably on the JMT. ha ha All that said, it's a backpackers dream. Probably wouldn't drive up the hill to just eat here unless you want to begin acclimation. It's probably closer to 3 stars but after Whitney it gets another star. LOL Seriously, it's hard not to like this place. read more

The perfect thing waiting for you after a grueling hike back down Whitney...burgers and beers! Good food, good prices and can you say convenient! Have only had the burger here but have heard the pancakes are delicious too! read more

Whitney Portal Hostel - Hostels Near Me - Lone Pine, California

So I will be the first to say it appears, the store is messy and unkept. Shirts are a mess to find anything. There is a mean looking grey haired man that stands by the kitchen window and eyes you like you going to steal something. The female cashier had no personality, simply a transaction person. No hello, no greeting, just $4.01, that's all she said. I felt like the staff did not quite understand the people in the store were not an inconvenience, but were their income source. The food is over priced and not as good as it is in town. Just because you have not had solid food in a few days or you have been hiking does not make the food good, nor does over sized portions. I witnessed the cashier today yell at a young boy who dropped a soda. Service is not their strong suit. Good service and a little pride in the store would go along way. read more

I saw a photo of the burgers here on YELP and had to try one for myself after hiking Cottonwood Lakes. Food is outstanding and you couldn't find a prettier location to eat it. I will be making a side trip to this place whenever I'm passing trough on the 395. Next time I think I will order the double burger, but not sure how I will get my mouth around it. Cheeseburger with fries (excellent) was $8.95 and add $1.75 for the bacon (a must). 4.5 stars for the burger and 5 stars for the location where you are going to consume it. read more

Whitney Portal Hostel - Cheeseburger with Bacon and a Lobotomy Bock Beer...excellent - Hostels Near Me - Lone Pine, California

Best breakfast and amazing staff! This is a must visit! I have only been here the past two years with my boyfriends family but this is definitely a new favorite spot of mine. read more

Whitney Portal Hostel - Hostels Near Me - Lone Pine, California

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I had read so many great things about the place that I was determined to drop by. It's like a souvenir shop, convenience store, and restaurant all rolled into one. We went there right when they opened and ordered one pancake (we knew how big they were; we saw the pics!), a side of hash browns, coffee, and tea. Sure enough, the pancake was huuuuge! But surprisingly, it was nice and fluffy! My bf said the hash browns were the best he's had in a long time. They sure were good, but I think anything tastes good outside. Even McDonald's hash browns may have tasted good. ;) We also purchased a very nice map of Mt. Whitney there for $2.50. It's a lot better than the Whitney map we saw at REI. read more

Whitney Portal Hostel - Hostels Near Me - Lone Pine, California

Love this little store and diner. If you are planning on hiking Mt Whitney for the first time visit the stores website there is an FAQ and forum with a section on current conditions. The FAQ link http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/whitney-faqs.html I am a big fan of the burger. Never eaten breakfast at the store. I start my Portal adventures really early in the morning and try to get back in time for dinner. Hiking or climbing all day makes the food taste better. The burger always tastes fantastic after a day in the mountains. I use the burger as incentive to hike faster. I'm always disappointed when I've had a rough day and finish and the store is closed. A burger and a beer after climbing one of the peaks is a memorable moment. You can buy souvenirs and possibly forgotten gear at the store. read more

Whitney presents: Real Mountaineers of Genius [ reaaal mountaineers of geeenius ] Today we salute you, Mr. "Created the Best Burger in Lone Pine after Probably Having Summited Whitney 20+ Times" [ Mr. holy huge burger inveeeentor ] Our main goal when climbing the Mountaineer Route to the summit of Whitney was to get back down before 8pm and reward ourselves with a HUGE burger from this place. Nah, actually it was to make it to the top and then brag to all of our co-workers on Monday that we'd done it all in one day. But the burger goal was a close second (oh-so-close-second). We'd heard plenty of people brag about how good they were, especially after having climbed the highest peak in the contiguous U.S. ;-) Sadly, we made it down by 10pm... but woke up the next day SO excited for our freakin' treat. We were NOT disappointed - more so like amazed. The burger and fries were delicious... as were the four Arrogant Bastards that I had to accompany them. Hehe. This place even has a good beer selection. Go treat yourself like a real American hero. Damn... why not? You deserve it, after having hiked and climbed around Mt Whitney. read more

I've heard about this place from the Whitney Portal Store's own website. Anybody who's interested in climbing Whitney will eventually end up here, it contains vital information about climbing Whitney. It is maintained by the stores owner, Doug Thompson aka Doug Sr. The actual Portal Store is akin to Mt Olympus or Asgard. It's Whitney Central, it's the place where people who've summit Whitney come to top off their success with Doug Sr's famous Cheeseburger. If you're remotely interested in climbing Whitney, you will know "The Cheeseburger" becomes the goal, making the summit even more of a priority. Don't ask me why. It just is. When my friends and I arrived at the Portal Store the day before our scheduled hike, I could see all these people having lunch and you could just tell they had successfully returned from Whitney. It was evident by the badge of grubbiness they wore and the air of confidence they maintained, also the backpacks sporting the blue or orange permit tags were a dead give away. I felt unworthy to order food or even set foot inside the store until I had done the same. I wanted desperately to be a part of that group. My initial goal was to hike up to the Whitney summit and return in time before they closed and have a big fat juicy Cheeseburger with all the trimmings. Well, me and my buddies made the summit alright but we missed closing time by many, many hours and went to bed without dinner. The next morning we had our much deserved meal at the Portal Store. The cook was Doug Sr. himself. I ordered his famous Short Stack Pancake breakfast, promising that I will finish it. This is NOT Haute Cuisine but what it lacks in style is made up in quantity. Massive amounts of carbs, it was perfect. The size of the pancakes are huge. It was so large the 12" plate could not contain the girth of these mammoth monsters and they were pretty tasty too. Apparently, I am a goddamn liar because I couldn't even finish half. But at least I felt worthy enough to order food there. While my breakfast was being prepared, I had Doug Sr. autograph my copy of his book, "Mount Whitney. Mountain Lore From The Whitney Store", By Doug Thompson and Elisabeth Newbold. Probably the most useful book about climbing Whitney. In the mean time we had a nice conversation about hiking and backpacking. Doug Sr. is a really nice guy, I am glad to have met him. What a great Weekend! I'll be back for more. PS. Although we made the summit, technically we failed because we did not return to the Store in time and we did not have "The Cheeseburger" aka Mooseburger. Another attempt will have to be made in the future. read more

To be clear, 238 South Main Street is the location of the satellite store housed with the Lone Pine hostel (separate review), 10.4 miles or so from the actual Whitney Portal. The hostel store has Marmot puppets, postcards, emergency camping provisions, "I Climbed Mt. Whitney" t-shirts, and hand crocheted molars (apparently for kids who lose teeth while there, but I didn't see a single kid there, thank god). The store at the actual Portal at the top of Whitney Portal Road (beginning at the hostel, perpendicular to Lone Pine's Main Street) has more of the same, plus a wider range of shirts and more camping/hiking stuff like iodine tablets, altitude pills (but you have to take these days in advance of your exposure), and books...PLUS food. FOOD! Alas, I never got to kick back with any beer because it took me 21 hours and 38 minutes to do the hike, and I wouldn't have been in the condition to consume alcohol at elevation even if the store had still been open. Did, however, split a hot meal of burger and fries with my mom. Best pre-made pattie I've probably ever had, and there's something about those fries...halfway between In-N-Out Burger's wholesome crispiness and Burger King's starchy content. At 8000+ feet, we were more than full from our halves of the burger, which was big by sea level standards, anyway. Chipmunks and Bluejays vyed for people's spoils, but it was a hell of a prettier sight than the rats, roaches, and pigeons of the city. Whoever feeds the tiny chipmunks ketchup dipped fries will have to answer on Judgment Day...it would be like if we ate a six foot long churro as thick in diameter as a PVC pipe... Anyway. Great place to collect inspiring and anxiety-inducing anecdotes from hikers on their way down. A surprisingly unintrusive business for how much it offers - you won't find this at the foot of just any mountain. read more

We decided to eat here after the descent. We just finished hiking (and getting to the top of!) the mountain so we wanted to grub. For under 10 bucks you get 3 eggs, 3 sausage patties, and the BIGGEST PANCAKE OF YOUR LIFE. This is the breakfast menu only obviously. But seriously the pancake is the size of your head and more. Under $10? Huge amount of food? In a location where the hungry are? Gold Mine. read more

JMT South bounder July 2012 I spent about 3 weeks thinking about a cheeseburger while hiking the JMT. A small bird, the Mountain Chickadee has a three-syllable song that sounds like they are saying "Cheeseburger" .... the bird was everywhere and extremely vocal throughout trail. By the time I finished the 220+ mile trail, I was ready to trade my left leg for a cheeseburger. And the verdict ... everything I wanted and more. Personally I thought the fries were better then the burger but it was all tasty and hit the spot. They sell only classy beers and have a nice shop full of souvenirs, hiking/camping supplies and fishing gear. I dig it. read more

Friendly little store with a bit of everything: camping equipment, souvenirs, beer, water, soda, munchies, you name it. If you feel the need for a hat with "Mt Whitney" emblazoned upon it, this is the place to get it. High up by the Whitney Portal, this is NOT in Lone Pine proper, as Ed says, but the drive up to the Portal is well worth a bit of your time. read more

After a successful summit in July 08 and hike back down I needed a cold beer and some real food. I was able to get both at the Portal Store; the best burger, fries and beer I ever had. The burger ended up going down a little slow because my body was still in shock from the hike but I killed the beer and fries. The store is not a place to get last minute provisions for a overnight hike. Don't plan on getting supplies here other than chips or a candy bar. The best thing about the Portal Store is after the hike not before the hike. read more

Great store with all the little things you may have forgotten to pack before embarking to hike Whitney. They have some souvenir type items, but also have extra batteries, hand warmers, Jetboils and other small hiking essentials. The burgers are wonderful! You get a huge stack of crispy, shoestring fries on the side and they have a decent selection of bottled beer. Sit outside to eat and you'll have a great view of the surrounding mountains and a small pond. Lots of interesting people to talk to that are returning from or embarking on mountaineering adventures. If you're in the area... GO! You won't be disappointed. read more

Whitney Portal Hostel - Hostels Near Me - Lone Pine, California

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Forgot something? No worries, this place is stocked with everything a backpacker/hiker might need and the best part of all... it's a bargain! I went into this amazing store right after I came back down from Mt. Whitney Trail and I was greeted by a nice fella who was more a serious friendly type (Still, awesome!). After a good look around, I was happy to see that most items were available for around the same exact price you would be getting them for at a major store. After two longs days, we were happy to have a beer and snacks. I would highly recommended you check this place out before you head up the forest. You literally don't lo$e anything by doing so! read more

Either when you just finished a 20 hour epic day hike up and back to Mt. Whitney, or you've just woken up in the same clothes you wore after getting back at 1 AM from your hike, this place is a godsend! The food is plentiful and tasty. There is a limited menu, but what they have is tasty and filling. I had the pancake with eggs and bacon. You can see by the pictures that it's gianormous, but it's also pretty good as well. This is where you go to get a hot shower at Whitney Portal. They only charge $3 per person. The way I felt after going up the Mountaineer's Route and back down the Main trail, I'd have paid $20 to get freshened up for the 4.5 hour drive home. It's not the cleanest or nicest setup, but I didn't fricken care! I a fellow named Doug, who helps out at the Store. A fellow Land Surveyor and all around great guy!!! Thanks for being there Whitney Portal Store!!!! read more

This is your last stop for all necessities prior to embarking on one of the sweetest hikes in the lower 48. We came here for our last breakfast before living a life of nuts, Clif Bars, dried fruit, and dehydrated food for the next two days. If I had to compare their food to anything, I would say it's like a glorified Denny's. There were two things on the menu: 1) Pancake, sausage, and eggs 2) Hash Browns, sausage, and eggs. Before ordering your food, do not take the sign stating the grandiosity of their portions lightly. Each meal is large enough to serve 3 people, especially at those elevations. But it is one great last grease and calorie filled meal before a hike where you'll probably burn up to 10 times the calories. Also, the store has a lot of great souvenirs and outdoor stuff for any forgotten last minute items, including sleeping bags and hiking poles if you need them. Great place and even if you're not there to hike, you should check out Whitney Portal. read more

I have been here several times and every time I come here, it is mandatory that I order a bacon cheeseburger. They are soooooo good. I mean I will literally take the 30 minute side trip from the 395 just to get this burger. I can't comment on any of the other items because I always get the same thing. Why fix it if it isn't broken, right? I don't know what the key ingredient is here that makes their burger so good...is it the altitude? Give it a try, you won't go wrong. read more

What a breakfast! massive plates of eggs, hash browns, sausage patties and the pancakes are so massive, its enough for two or three people. For $3.00 you can shower there, beware its a little scummy and dirty bathroom. Bring your flops.... Overall, the folks there are real nice. Note: If you need a pair of walking sticks, look behind the door. There are several sticks that people have lost or left behind. Just be kind enough to return them for the next person that forgot or misplace their own. Enjoy the switchbacks! :) read more

The store itself is small and cramped. But there are picnic tables all around outside the store to watch the hikers take off or return from the Mt. Whiney trailhead. We had the veggie burgers with fries and it was delicious. I wanted to buy a souvenir, but, why did they all have to be Made In China????? The weather today was a perfect 70 degrees, not a cloud in the sky, parking lot full of cars. We stopped here after hiking over at Golden Trout Wilderness. And we enjoyed the majestic view of Mt Whiney, read more

Loved it here! Food is amazing. Try to beat their pancake challenge, I dare you. Loved talking to the guys at the register- tons of knowledge of Whitney and surrounding areas. Def stop by when you are getting off or onto the portal. read more

This store is a gem! They have everything that you may have forgotten to pack for camping...so don't you worry about that bug spray, rope,or if you just need an extra bag of ice... The staff are friendly and the food they make are very filling! Those damn fries are so addicting!!! read more

Fantastic place to fill up before/after the Whitney hike! I actually passed out because the food was too damn good! No seriously, I fainted and busted up my lip and nose pretty good on the asphalt. I was low on electrolytes and probably dehydrated. After eating I stood up, felt light headed, leaned against the wall and blacked out for a few seconds. Doug from the Whitney Portal Store helped nurse my wounds, provided electrolytes and shared some crazy stories of other severe injuries he's witnessed. He definitely helped me feel much better! Anyway, the food is great (really big portions and they even have a veggie burger) and the store has cool merchandise for sale like replicas of the Mt. Whitney summit marker. read more

After hiking the Mt Whitney trail up to Lone Pine Lake we hit the portal store just in time for lunch, and the burger and fries were just the ticket. Really fresh and hot. read more

Whitney Portal Hostel - Burger and fries. - Hostels Near Me - Lone Pine, California

The thought of this store and their grill are what keep you going for the last 15 excruciating miles. read more

Whitney Portal Hostel - Hostels Near Me - Lone Pine, California