Spotlight On: Bonanza Mexican Restaurant
As part of our ongoing series, we are interviewing people of interest in the area who are having a positive impact on our community.
This time, we reached out to Bonanza Mexican Restaurant in Lone Pine!
Can you tell us about the history of Bonanza Mexican Restaurant? How did it all begin?
Bonanza Mexican Restaurant began in 2002 when my parents, Yolanda and Maximo, took over from the previous owners. Owning a restaurant had always been their dream, and when the opportunity came, they jumped at it. At the time, my dad worked a full-time job while my mom was a server at Bonanza under its former ownership.
When they took over, my mom continued working hard at the restaurant while also raising me and my brothers. My dad would come in after his day job and work a second shift in the evenings. We were practically raised at Bonanza—my younger brother wasn’t even born yet when it all started. We always joke that we grew up in the restaurant, and it’s true—we’ve all worked there at some point as servers or bussers. It’s truly a family-run business.
The name Bonanza was kept from the original “Bobo’s Bonanza,” which was famous for its chicken fried steak and diner-style charm. Even today, you’ll still spot little touches of that classic diner feel throughout the restaurant. Yolanda now runs Bonanza full-time, and her passion continues to shine in everything we do.
What are the most popular dishes on your menu, and what makes them stand out?
We have three standout dishes that our customers love. First, our Chile Rellenos—they’re made fresh daily in limited quantities, and we almost always sell out by the end of the day. Second, our Chile Verde, which was even featured in the LA Times! Every bite is rich, savory, and comforting.
Third, our Carnitas, which are slow-roasted in the traditional Michoacán style. They come out perfectly moist with crispy edges—people love them! What truly sets our food apart is that everything is made in-house, from the sauces to the meats. Yolanda refuses to cut corners, and that commitment to quality shows in every dish.
Do you have any signature dishes or special recipes that have been passed down through generations?
Yes! Our red enchilada sauce is a family creation—my parents developed it with help from my aunt. It’s not your typical red sauce; it has a slightly sweet twist thanks to a special ingredient: Mexican chocolate. It’s not mole, but it does have a unique richness. This sauce is a favorite on our Wet Burrito, which is one of our top-selling items.
How have tourists and the community in Lone Pine responded to Bonanza Mexican Restaurant over the years?
We’re incredibly grateful for our community—they’re the reason we’re still here. In a town like Lone Pine, tourism peaks in the summer, but the rest of the year we really depend on the support of our locals.
Tourists have also been a huge blessing. Many families return to Lone Pine year after year, and it’s been so special building relationships with them. We also love seeing familiar faces during events like Badwater. Bonanza has become a place where people can gather, whether they’re locals or just passing through. The friendly environment keeps them coming back.
What is one thing you wish people knew about your restaurant?
Everything is made from scratch! We want our guests to feel like they’re dining in our home, with our family. We also offer catering—whether it’s for a wedding, business lunch, or commercial shoot, we’ve got all the equipment and experience to make it happen.
And if you’re into sports, we’ve got big TVs in our back room where we play MLB and NFL games during the seasons. It’s a great spot to catch a game with good food and good company.
Lastly, how do you make your amazing chips and salsa? They are seriously, seriously addicting!
Haha, thank you! We make our chips fresh every day—we cut and fry them in-house. As for the salsa, we roast the tomatoes, which brings out all the natural sweetness and depth of flavor. As Yolanda always says, “Only the freshest ingredients make all the difference.” We’re so glad you enjoy them—they really are addicting!
A big thank you to Myriam Balderas for answering our questions!
Bonanza Mexican Restaurant is located at:
104 N Main St Suite B, Lone Pine, CA 93545
Calling ahead? Reach them at:
(760) 876-4768
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