Update 8/6/2026. Matt and his crew are amazing! Still have the best BBQ and I'm in love with their Tri Tip Burger. In response to Katie B once again, your review is total and utter garbage. You are spreading untrue information. The local businesses in the Owen's Valley are amazing and you have no appreciation for good food, the Eastern Sierra and these amazing people. FYI, this woman (Katie B) gave another untrue review to another business . She's deliberately spreading false information and I'm sure she's being payed to do so. read more

Copper Top BBQ - Copper Top BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Big Pine, California

We were driving to Mammoth and spotted Copper Top BBQ along the way best road trip decision we made! The smell alone had us pulling into the parking lot faster than you can say "BBQ." Everything we ordered was packed with smoky flavor, the meat was tender, the portions were generous, and the sides were just as good. It was the perfect fuel stop before heading into the mountains. If you're passing through on your way to Mammoth, do yourself a favor and don't just drive by, pull over! Your future hungry self will thank you. We'll definitely be making Copper Top BBQ a tradition on every trip up the mountain. read more

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Alright. I've been driving the 395 for 20+ years. I've wanted to stop here for a while and we finally did. I ordered the ribs, and so did my wife. 4 ribs, a side and a drink was $25. The ribs were nothing great, sadly. I felt somewhat ripped off for the price vs the size of the ribs. I ordered the green chili as a side, my wife ordered the Mac and cheese. The Mac was really good and one of the only redeeming items of this meal. The green chili was whatever. The spicy bbq sauce was good. All the staff working were polite and helpful. The outside seating area is nice. $50 for 8 ribs is highway robbery. Literally. For reference, Costco sells 8lbs of the same ribs for about $45. I don't foresee us stopping here ever again. Save your pesos and eat somewhere else along the 395 Separately, when you order, there's toys for kids, my son got the pink squishy pig. Within an hour it exploded in the car and was all over him, the dogs, and the inside of the car. Wasn't to happy about that. read more

Copper Top BBQ - 4 ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Big Pine, California

We've been trying to eat here for a couple of years on our way to or from Mammoth . Well it finally worked out ! We split a tri tip burger with a side of Cole slaw - so good . Everything was fresh and delicious. Their sauce is amazing ! The staff & owner are very friendly and helpful. Loved sitting outside & smelling the smokers. They do have indoor seating as well. Great parking & DOG friendly !!!!!! Can't wait to stop on the way back next week read more

Copper Top BBQ - Delicious Tri tip burger - Barbeque Near Me - Big Pine, California

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On a road-trip to Mammoth Copper Top BBQ was on the list for a pit stop. This place was exactly what we were hoping for after a long stretch on the road. One of the highlights was the outdoor patio, which was the perfect spot to relax with my two doodles. It's dog-friendly, comfortable, and made for a great break before getting back on the road. We ordered the Big Pine Mega Platter for one, and honestly, it was more than enough for two people to share. Everything was delicious, but the standouts for me were the mac and cheese and the sausage. The mac and cheese was rich and comforting, and the sausage had incredible flavor with just the right amount of smoky goodness. Speaking of smoky goodness...the aroma coming from the smokers was amazing. The smell was so good that I ended up wearing it in my hair the rest of the day, and I didn't even mind! read more

Copper Top BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Big Pine, California

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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. read more

Copper Top BBQ - A bit of everything plus Sierra views - Barbeque Near Me - Big Pine, California

The perfect post-hike meal! Stopped by to replenish my tank and ordered the "Big Pine Mega Platter for 1" (tri-tip, pulled pork, chicken sausage, ribs, two rolls, a side, and a drink). Don't let the plate size fool you; it is packed to the brim and incredibly filling. Everything was delicious. Tip for first-timers: Grab your drinks and condiments inside by the first sliding door and wait there for your number. You won't hear them call it if you go sit outside or next door right away. Highly recommend! read more

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. read more

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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!) read more

Copper Top BBQ - Big Pine Mega Platter (2 person) - Barbeque Near Me - Big Pine, California

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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!! read more

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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. read more

Copper Top BBQ - Tri tip sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Big Pine, California

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. read more

Copper Top BBQ - pulled pork sliders with a mac and cheese side - Barbeque Near Me - Big Pine, California

On road trips this is our go to spot for lunch. I'd love to give them five stars but sadly they forgot our potato salad which we were looking forward to enjoying with our ribs. We were too far to return when we realized we were missing it. Bummer. read more

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If you're driving along Highway 395 and don't stop at Copper Top BBQ, you're doing the road trip wrong. Yes, the dining area is small, but you'll forget all about that the second you take your first bite. This is barbecue that makes you pause mid-chew just to appreciate what's happening. We ordered the pulled pork sandwich and the chicken sausage, and both were smoky, juicy, packed with flavor, and downright addictive. You can order your meat as a meal with two sides or go straight for the meat if you're here on a mission (no judgment). Fair warning: the smell of the smoker should come bottled as a cologne because it practically pulls you off the highway. Whether you're passing through or exploring the Eastern Sierra, this place isn't just a meal! It's a mandatory pit stop !! Your stomach will thank you, even if your road trip schedule won't. read more

I came here a little while ago on my way home from vacation and I'm so sad I'm not closer to eat this more often! The food and service was amazing!!! The girl taking orders was so kind and patient and helpful!! The food came out quickly and was so fresh and amazing! Had such a good experience here, I'll be back when I have the chance! read more

Copper Top BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Big Pine, California

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! read more

Copper Top BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Big Pine, California

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. read more

Copper Top BBQ - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - Big Pine, California

As a gym athlete who loves good food, I recently visited Copper Top BBQ after a long drive from Southern California to Mammoth Mountain. I ordered their 1/2 lb tri tip with potato salad, and I must say, I was quite impressed with the quality of the food. The 1/2 lb tri tip was cooked to perfection with a smoky flavor. The meat was tender, juicy. It was evident that the meat had been slow-cooked, and the seasoning was just right. The potato salad was a great side dish that perfectly complemented the tri tip. The potatoes were boiled to the perfect texture, It was a refreshing contrast to the richness of the tri tip. In terms of service, the staff was friendly and accommodating, and the ordering process was straightforward. The only minor downside was the limited seating arrangements, which may be an issue during peak hours. However, the food was well worth the visit, and I would highly recommend Copper Top BBQ to anyone who loves great food and is passing through the Bishop area. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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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! read more

Copper Top BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Big Pine, California

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Every time I drove by, I always saw smoke and would think that they are barbecuing around the clock... However, I found out that they just burn wood all the time to create the thought that they're always cooking. After you park in the small lot, if you find one, you come to the front left side to wait in the line to go up to a window to tell the cashier what you want. We tried a variety of stuff, but nothing was great. Nothing was good. Some of it was ok. Sorry, actually, the Mac N' Cheese was the only thing that was ok. Everything else was below par, but considering it's out there in BFE, it's probably good because that's all they really have. There is another place down the street, but I haven't tried that yet. Ambiance is good, lots of seating that is covered from the sun. Try it if you must, but don't have high expectations if you are already reading this. The best thing was the chili. read more

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I'm vegetarian... and I ordered the potato salad and mac and cheese. Both were amazing! Everyone is super friendly. I would definitely recommend while driving through Big Pine! read more

10/10 tritip!! Chef's kiss! Not just surprisingly good but legendarily amazing!!! The owner Matt is doing all the right things: phenomenal ambiance, high quality ingredients, friendly staff, efficient execution. The sky is the limit for this diamond in the rough!! Honestly, the hype is more than real, one of the best tritip experiences I have ever had! read more

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. read more

Copper Top BBQ - Meal for two combo 9.5/10 - Barbeque Near Me - Big Pine, California

actually such a good spot the tri tip was so good i need more they play country music n smoke smell is amazing would get a larger plate nxt time but their food is pretty reasonable n potato salad was bomb read more

Copper Top BBQ - tri tip - Barbeque Near Me - Big Pine, California

I remember this being amazing years ago. This time, it was just OK - the ribs and pulled pork were alright I suppose, but I have had better. Beans were pretty darn good but not super amazing like before. Also, it seemed more built-out and commercialized than I remember, which I suppose comes with some level of success and notoriety. I'm afraid I have to downgrade this from a must-stop on the way to Mammoth, to a reasonable choice if you have a hankering for BBQ but otherwise missable. read more

Copper Top BBQ - BBQ next to the Sierras - Barbeque Near Me - Big Pine, California

I am a little surprised at the reviews and the amount of people that stop here. I get the tourist attraction, but the food really wasn't as good as I expected. You do get a decent amount of food. I wasn't able to finish mine. The ribs were really good, juicy with loads of flavor. The pulled pork was a soggy wet and hard to eat, everything else was surprisingly dry. The sides were okay, but I was not happy that it was over $5 for a very small toddler sized side. They have a large selection of drinks and the BBQ sauce is pretty good. Overall I wouldn't come back unless it was for someone else or there was no where else to stop on the way through. I'd suggest they put some BBQ sauce by the tables so that you don't have to stand in line again to get more. read more

This place was so good. Best barbecue I've ever had. If you are in the area going north or coming back down stop here and enjoy some incredible food. read more

I have driven through Big Pine multiple times a year my whole life and we have regularly commented on how nice it would be to stop here sometime. I am so glad we finally did! They have a very nice and comfortable indoor/outdoor seating area and everyone is very friendly and helpful. On top of that, the food was just absolutely spectacular! I had the Tri Tip Mac and Cheese which was perfectly cheesy and the meat was tender. All of their sauces were also fantastic! My whole family just loved their dinner and it was perfectly located on the roadside for us to continue on our way! Will be back soon ! read more

Copper Top BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Big Pine, California

My husband and I have drove past this place the last time we were leaving Mammoth and finally had the chance to try it this past trip! We stop by 30 minutes to close and you're able to place our order with no issues. I ordered the tri-tip sandwich combo and my husband ordered the pulled pork sandwich combo. The food came out fairly quickly. You pump your own sauces so you can decide your spice level. There is plenty of outdoor seating with a small indoor seating section as well. Our sandwiches were really tasty and great quality meat. If you're interested you can also order some tri-tip to go from their vending machine, which I thought was hilarious. Really cute stop for bbq, glad we were able to check it out. read more

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The BBQ is awesome! If you are in the Big Pine area, you need to stop and check this place out!! I give it 5 stars

Unreasonably good BBQ in the middle of nowhere. Delicious, delicately smoked meats. Best-in-show tender tri-tip, great flavorful pulled pork, and pretty good ribs, and the fixins (we got mac + greens) were solid. We've eaten our share of 'cue in the South, TX, and AZ and this one is surprisingly comparable in yumminess. I know them's fightin' words but I'll put myself out there because the food deserves it. Service is great, and the place is a pleasant oasis in the middle of nowhere. Would totally go out of my way to drive through here when we hit up Vegas next just to eat here again. read more

Copper Top BBQ - 2 person platter - Barbeque Near Me - Big Pine, California

We stopped at Copper Top BBQ in Big Pine today and grabbed the ribs, tri-tip, and the potato salad. Literally every single item was a perfect 10/10. The ribs and tri-tip were incredibly tender, just packed with flavor, and the potato salad was perfectly seasoned. You can tell they put a ton of love into the food. I will definitely be back. read more

Visited Copper Too BBQ because our friends mentioned it had great BBQ. Had a nice experience. I ordered the tri tip, which was good and tender, with a generous portion for one. The atmosphere was relaxed, with plenty of seating inside and outside, and the staff was friendly with quick service too. read more

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Icees were the best! Reverse gravity beer is so cool, I didn't even want a beer but I had to have one for the experience. Definitely order the big platter! It was so good, we loved it! Staff was amazing as well! read more

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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! read more

Copper Top BBQ - Nothing makes me hungrier than the thought of a dementia-addled tantrum-throwing fascist with a poopy diaper! - Barbeque Near Me - Big Pine, California

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A must stop on our way back to la from mammoth. Staff is very friendly and you will always see a line at the counter. The dining area is very clean and it has a very homey backyard bbq ambiance to the restaurant. The meat is always cooked right, juicy and tender - we got the platter to share, additional sides and extra meat. This time we got coleslaw and mac&cheese with extra tri-tip. I am not a huge fan of pulled pork in general but mind you their meat was tender, not dry! and pairs well with a roll that is served in a platter. Tri tip is cooked just right in medium rare, well seasoned and got smoked flavors. Last but not least, everyone's favorite, the ribs. Cooked so well that the meat falls right off the bone. We will be back! read more

Copper Top BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Big Pine, California

I have wanted to stop here on my drives many times but it was never a good time. We will be stopping here again, I have no doubt. The BBQ here is really top notch. I had their Tri-Tip Burger with all the toppings and it was excellent. As a side I had their Green Chili which was also very good. My son enjoyed his Pulled Pork Sandwich and my wife loved her Tri Tip Mac and Cheese. Everyone left full and happy after a wonderful meal. Additionally, they were very patient with us while we made our selection and helped with toppings. They have a nice seating area inside on colder days and plenty of out door as well where you can sit and enjoy the amazing smells wafting from the grill. This is the place to stop on your long drives. read more

Stopped by on the way back to OC from Mammoth. There was a pretty big lunch rush, which I wasn't expecting since it's in a small town-- looks like this is a pretty popular place amongst both travelers and locals! The ambiance had a family backyard bbq feel. They had smokers cooking the meat right outside, smelled delicious! In terms of food, we ordered the bbq sampler platter with mac and cheese. My favorite meats were the ribs and tri-tip. Ribs were very tender and flavorful. The tri-tip was also very good, but could use more smokey flavor. The pulled pork and sausage were okay, nothing memorable. The mac and cheese was delicious, very cheesy! Overall, great pit stop on the 395 if you're looking for some family-style bbq! read more

Copper Top BBQ - BBQ sampler plaster for 1 - Barbeque Near Me - Big Pine, California

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