Totem Cafe

131 S Main St, Lone Pine, CA 93545, United States
+1 760-876-4726
$$$ Restaurant
(610 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Totem Cafe on South Main Street in Lone Pine feels like the kind of straightforward local eatery where both travelers passing through and locals looking for a solid, no-fuss meal come to refuel. The restaurant operates as a quietly comfortable spot, with a homey atmosphere that pairs well with the mountain town surroundings. It isn’t noisy or bustling, which might appeal to those who want a relaxed table to sit down without the usual diner rush.

The menu focuses on classic American comfort food and hearty portions—perfect if you’re loading up before heading out for a day of hiking or outdoor adventure in the nearby Alabama Hills and Eastern Sierra. Dishes like the Chicken Fried Steak, Half Rack of Ribs, and the Bacon and Eggs with biscuits and gravy are popular choices, reflecting a menu that’s both familiar and filling. The pasta options, including Chicken Alfredo and Pasta Primavera, add a lighter yet still satisfying alternative.

One of the consistent impressions is the steady pace of the service—food comes out hot and fresh, though sometimes with a little wait, which hints that meals are prepared thoughtfully rather than rushed. If you’re arriving early for breakfast, it’s often calm and quiet, a nice spot to start your day without feeling like a pit stop.

The staff here tends to be friendly and attentive, adding a neighborhood feel that complements the straightforward dining experience. The portions tend to be generous, so it’s easy to get a substantial meal that mixes protein, carbs, and veggies, catering well to both travelers needing sustenance and locals wanting a familiar plate.

Totem Cafe works well for anyone craving uncomplicated, classic diner-style meals in a small-town setting where the pace slows down just enough to enjoy a coffee or a comforting dinner after a long day outdoors. Early mornings and weekday lunches are quieter times to visit; evenings draw those looking for a hearty home-cooked dinner without the hurry of tourist spots.

Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves wine
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

7:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Sunday

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

610 Reviews
Monet Kumazawa

22 Dec 2025

Simple menu, packed with various options - a great spot to carb/protein/iron load before any strenuous hike! Kind staff, left with a jar of local honey.

Dang N

21 Dec 2025

A laidback local spot worth stopping in. I had dinner here on a recent work trip. I was not in the mood for fast food and noticed that there were many positive reviews for this spot. Based on some of the reviews, I decided on the half rack of ribs dinner. It came with a side salad, with a choice of baked potato or fries. Along with a seasonal veggie. The portions were more than enough. The ribs weren’t bad but not mind blowing either. The fries were excellent and the aide veggies were ok. The side salad was very simple. But overall I was happy with my meal mainly due to the great service from the lone waitress working there that night. She was very attentive and friendly. No regrets coming here. And if you’re in the area support this neat local spot.

Em

19 Nov 2025

Perfect place to stop for some breakfast although it was pretty empty and the food still took a while to come out. Regardless the food was good.

Jason Stow

15 Nov 2025

If you're driving on the 395 through Lone Pine, this place is a must try . You won't be disappointed. We had breakfast there, and it was bomb. I got the bacon and eggs with biscuits and gravy... portions are huge, and the biscuits and gravy were unbelievably tasty.

Dallas Cervantes

28 Oct 2025

We got the half rack of ribs, fried shrimp, and ravioli. Everyone really enjoyed their choice. Food was great, service was great. Atmosphere was quiet, but nice. Only a few other tables taken. Food came out fairly quick, and hot! May want to wait a little bit before eating.

Linda Curtis

15 Oct 2025

They were out of BBQ chicken so I ordered the 1/2 rack of ribs, and I'm glad I did. Fall off the bone good, not a lot of gristle, and great sides. Super attentive wait staff, and their blueberry pie disappeared quickly. I'll be back!

Scott Ferreira

14 Oct 2025

Totem Cafe in Lone Pine was a great spot for the family! The unique burger presentation and quality pasta dishes make this a solid choice when passing through the area, though dessert lovers might want to adjust their expectations slightly. [Food & Menu] The Chicken Alfredo was a standout dish, perfectly prepared with a rich, creamy sauce that complemented the chicken beautifully. The pasta was cooked to the right texture and the portion size was generous. The burger deserves special mention for its unique presentation on a french roll rather than a traditional bun. This creative twist worked surprisingly well and added character to what could have been an ordinary menu item. In general, everything we tried was delicious. [Service] The team here was notably friendly throughout our visit. Their welcoming attitude and attentiveness enhanced the overall dining experience, making us feel genuinely welcome rather than just another table to serve. [Atmosphere & Ambiance] The cafe maintains a comfortable, casual atmosphere that's perfect for travelers and locals alike. The setting feels authentic to the small-town character of Lone Pine. [Special Features] The french roll burger presentation is definitely a unique touch that sets Totem Cafe apart from typical roadside dining options. This also made it easier to share as a family! It's these kinds of creative details that make a place memorable. [Value] For the quality and portion sizes, the pricing felt fair and appropriate for the area. [Dessert] The Peach Pie rounded out the meal, though it leaned a bit sweeter than my personal preference. That said, it's still good pie, and sometimes you just need to embrace the indulgence! The flaky crust and fresh peach filling delivered that homestyle dessert experience you'd hope for. If you choose to visit Totem Cafe in Lone Pine, I hope you enjoy!

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