If you’re planning a Highway 395 road trip through the Eastern Sierras, there’s one place you absolutely have to stop: Erick Schat’s Bakery in Bishop. Known for its legendary sheepherder bread, mouthwatering pastries, and hearty sandwiches, Schat’s isn’t just a bakery — it’s a beloved Sierra tradition.
Erick Schat’s Bakery: A Must-Stop on Highway 395
We make it a point to stop here every time we’re traveling Highway 395, whether we’re on our way to Mammoth Lakes, Lone Pine, or Lake Tahoe. Trust us, your road trip won’t be complete without a taste of this Eastern Sierra gem.
The History of Sheepherder Bread
Erick Schat’s Bakery rose to fame in 1938 with its now-iconic original sheepherder bread, but the story begins even earlier. During the California Gold Rush, Basque sheepherders brought their traditional bread recipes to the Owens Valley. Missing the bread of their homeland, they shaped loaves by hand and baked them in rustic stone ovens.
Today, Schat’s proudly continues this tradition. Every loaf is still hand-shaped and baked in European stone hearth ovens, using pure artesian well water sourced from the Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s history you can taste in every bite.
Best Things to Eat at Erick Schat’s Bakery
Walking into Schat’s is like walking into bread heaven. The display cases are overflowing with sweet and savory options, making it hard to choose just one. Over the years, we’ve found a few favorites that keep us coming back:
- Sheepherder Bread — Born during the California Gold Rush, this iconic loaf was crafted by Basque sheepherders who craved the hearty bread of their homeland. Hand-shaped and baked in traditional European stone hearth ovens, it’s a soft, slightly dense white bread with a golden, crusty exterior. Made with pure Sierra well water, unbleached stone-ground flour, real butter, grade AA eggs, and cane sugar—no preservatives here—this bread stays fresh for days, just like it did for those shepherds out on the range. Often called the “gold standard of white bread,” it’s perfect for sandwiches or simply slathered with butter.
- Blueberry Strudel – A flaky, buttery pastry filled with sweet blueberries.
- Chili Cheese Bread – A bakery classic with a kick of spice that pairs perfectly with soups or chili.
- Dense Energy Loaf – Packed with plump raisins, chopped dates, dried apricots, walnuts, and oats. Ideal for hiking snacks or long drives.
- Mule Bread — Named after Bishop’s famous Mule Festival. Like a mule, a hybrid of donkey and horse, this bread blends Sheepherder’s Bread, tangy sourdough, hearty squaw bread, and wholesome whole wheat. Naturally leavened, it’s soft like white bread with a hint of honey sweetness. It makes fantastic toast!
These are the kinds of treats that fuel your Eastern Sierra adventures, whether you’re hiking Bishop Creek, skiing in Mammoth, or fishing at Convict Lake. They even make their own Beef Jerky — perfect for taking on the trails!
Don’t Miss the Sandwich Bar
While bread and pastries are the stars, Schat’s sandwiches deserve their own spotlight. Perfect for a picnic stop or road trip lunch, the sandwiches are fresh, hearty, and unforgettable.
Our favorite? The fresh roasted turkey sandwich on sheepherder bread. The bread is soft and pillowy, the turkey is carved fresh, and the combination is the kind of simple, satisfying meal that makes your road trip even better.
Another standout is the Mule Kick Sandwich, made with roast beef, jalapeños, sprouts, lettuce, tomato, onion, Swiss cheese and spicy mustard on their house-baked Mule bread. (Scroll to the bottom of this post for my recipe!)
A Highway 395 Road Trip Tradition
There are a lot of great things to do in Bishop, CA, but visiting Erick Schat’s Bakery tops the list. For travelers heading up or down Highway 395, it’s the perfect stop to stretch your legs, grab a bite, and stock up on treats for the drive.
Can’t make it to Bishop? The good news is you can order your favorites from anywhere. Call 760-873-7156 or email mailorder@shatsbakery.com to have their famous breads and pastries shipped straight to your home. (Be sure to scroll down for the latest 2025 Erick Schat’s Bakery menu and prices).
Final Thoughts
From its Basque sheepherder roots to its spot as a must-visit Eastern Sierra bakery, Erick Schat’s Bakery is more than just a roadside stop — it’s a tradition. Every time we’re on Highway 395, we make sure to pull over for a sandwich, a pastry, and (at least) one loaf of that famous sheepherder bread.
If you’re road tripping through the Eastern Sierras, don’t miss your chance to experience this iconic bakery.
Erick Schat’s Bakery Menu (2025 Prices)
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Mule Kick Sandwich (Schat’s Bakery Replica)
Ingredients
Method
- Slice the Mule Bread into thick, sturdy slices.
- Lightly toast the bread if you like a bit of crunch, or leave it soft for a pillowy bite.
- Spread a generous layer of spicy mustard on each slice of bread.
- On the bottom slice, layer the fresh carved roast beef so it’s stacked high and hearty.
- Lay the jalapeño slices evenly across the roast beef for that mule-kick heat.
- Add Swiss cheese, tomato slices, red onion, and lettuce leaves for freshness and crunch.
- Top with a handful of sprouts for a peppery, earthy finish.
- Place the top slice of Mule Bread over the fillings, press gently, and cut the sandwich in half.
- Serve immediately with a crisp pickle spear on the side.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a smear of horseradish cream or swap spicy mustard for a chipotle aioli.
- Make it a Mule Kick Melt by adding a slice of pepper jack cheese and pressing the sandwich on a hot griddle.
- Pair with kettle chips, potato salad, or a cold Sierra Nevada beer for the full experience.
