Country Kitchen is the classic small-town diner; cozy booths, great food and plenty of local color. Millions of visitors have hit the brakes driving through Big Pine for some coffee, chicken fried steak or a shrimp Po boy or breakfast, anytime. Folks looking to beat the crowds in Bishop or Mammoth, Big Pine has it. ‘Crowd’ is a relative term in a community of 1,700.
Locals come in for coffee and shoot the breeze. A few regulars have their own coffee behind the counter. Big Pinians have been known to stop and talk anywhere, but the Country Kitchen is a nice place to sit. Locals usually have the best fishing or hiking beta or, if you’re lucky, you’ll hear a harrowing tale of a trip into the backcountry.
A true Mom and Pop operation, the Big Pine staple was purchased by the Nersesians, Nick and Jackie with their sons, Avo and Andre, work the kitchen. The Nersesians bring some new blood and an expanded menu to the weathered establishment. There’s views of the Sierra Nevada from the patio dining area.
And, just like at home, the food is fresh and everything is made from scratch. The Breakfast Burritos are worth the drive, from wherever you’re coming from.
The Country Kitchen is open 7 days a week, 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Call 760.938.2402 for more information.
Mike Bodine has been reporting on the small town news and gossip of the Eastside for more than 15 years.