The mountain is cool and all, but it’s the restaurants and bars that make Mammoth a truly great winter destination.
If you ’re going toMammoth , it ’s probably not for the nutrient . You ’re most likely there toshred the slopes , or in the warmer month to boost , mountain motorcycle , camp , drink , and explore thegorgeous Eastern Sierras . But maybe it ’s worth reconsidering your finish — Mammoth Lakesis a surprisingly solid food for thought town , especially considering its escapade - first focus . The best restaurants in Mammoth are diverse , interesting , and so much better than they have to be .
Whether you ’re calculate for pub classic , pizza pie , ramen , or breakfast burritos , this mountain township has you wrap up . Here ’s our template to the best eating place in Mammoth Lakes .
Mammoth Brewing
The mountain classic Mammoth Brewing is an crucial stop , whether you ’re a beer nerd or not . It ’s been around since 1995 , serving solid beer and first-class vibes in their taproom and in the beer garden out front . Get a flight of brew to sample their wide compass , and to pair with their interesting pub food , from Falafel Tacos to BBQ Chicken Flatbreads and beyond .
Latin Market
This mostly anonymous and generically - describe market has a not - so - hidden long suit : there ’s an excellent taqueria indoors . The tacos are smashing , they have a rockin ’ California Burrito , and if you take a solid pre - ski meal you ca n’t beat their breakfast burritos . And best of all , this place is the antonym of a tourist gob ; you will be eating with local ski bums , outside guide , and building workers , not the couple in the Tesla with unmarred skis and twin pristine Canada Goose parkas .
Café Crêpe
For a more or less squeamish breakfast , maneuver to the solid food garden atOutbound Mammoth , where the Café Crêpe truck is post up . They have a full menu of savoury and fresh crepes , from options with smoked salmon and pick cheese to treats like the house special Fireside crepe with apples , cinnamon , caramel , and whipped emollient . They also make excellent espresso drinks using local Black Velvet Coffee .
Capybara Empanadas
If you ’re headed to theice rinkfor some hockey game , skating , or curl — or to the excellent vacation spot just outside — you’re in luck . You ’ve also stumbled into the immediate neighborhood of one of Mammoth ’s hidden dining gem , Capybara Empanadas . The Argentine - style empanadas come in several varieties , include Beef , Chicken , or American with cheddar cheese and bacon . There are also several vegetarian option like Truffle , and for something a little dissimilar do n’t neglect the sandwiches like the Choripan or the eponymic brie and sun - dried tomato Capybara Sandwich .
Gojira Ramen
There ’s nothing good for recovery on a cold nighttime than a crowing older bowl of ramen , and Gojira is the go - to spot in town . The Godzilla - themed spot serves excellent stock , from the Black Garlic Tonkotsu to their vegetarian Mothra Ramen , and they make some very firm rice sports stadium too . There ’s an talkative sushi menu if you ’ve got a craving , and they lean into exuberant intemperately - sauced ringlet that are consistent bunch pleasers .
The Mogul
If you visited Mammoth back in the day , you remember The Mogul — an unpretentious steak - cabin where you could grill your own steaks near your table and savor an all - you - can - eat salad bar . meter may have changed , but you may always count on The Mogul to provide a fun , casual , vintage steakhouse dinner party . Save way for the Cinnamon Charlotte cupcake and deoxyephedrine pick concoction , a house specialty since 1971 .
The Stove
The Stove is a Mammoth fix that ’s been in operation for more than 50 years . It ’s fabled for diner - style breakfasts , but that lofty position mean you should expect a delay on weekend . The carte du jour has all of the easy brunch classics like Pancakes , Omeletes , and Huevos Rancheros , and The Stove is also undefendable for tiffin with a full bill of fare of sandwiches , soups , and salads .
Dos Alas CubaRican Café & Lounge
This sport and noisome eatery is located between downtown Mammoth and Snowcreek Resort , do up a admixture of Cuban , Spanish , and Puerto Rican culinary art and showcasing stunning lot sight from the dining room . Lean into the Caribbean specialties like Escabeche and Puerto Rican skewer , and then undulate your shoulder as you eat to the live medicine and dancing on weekend .
Distant Brewing
This brewery caters mainly to locals and chit-chat beer insider who come here to unwind with an splendid IPA , a game or two of pool , and some solid straightforward pub solid food . It ’s in a former police station in a strip center in the heart of townsfolk , so what it lack in larger-than-life survey and stylish ambience it makes up for with calibre , convenience , and mellow , good vibe .
Mammoth Rock Brasserie
Usually there ’s nothing good find above a bowling alley , but in Mammoth Lakes it turn out that ’s the local go - to for fine dining . Executive Chef Gaby Fernandez has put together a carte du jour of refined Continental classics in the upstairs portion of Mammoth Rock ‘ N ’ Bowl , with Escargot a la Bourguignon , French Onion Soup , and Duck Confit . The way is beautiful with spectacular views of the mountains and an atmosphere that is grown - up and still — you ca n’t even hear a peg drop .
Shelter Distilling
As you make your way through The Village , cheat on into Shelter Distilling and take a seat at the prevention or one of the high table inside . If you could find a seat , that is — Shelter is one of the most systematically pop spots in township . That ’s because it does so many things so well : it ’s not only a distillery and brewery that makes all of its flavor and beer in - house , it is also a restaurant with a full Browning automatic rifle that serves eclectic gin mill intellectual nourishment to gibe their Mountain West - inspired spirits . That means there are hand rolls , tacos , pizza pie , and pasta to twin creative cocktails and flights of either tone or beer . They also have a very solid happy time of day .
Photo courtesy of Shelter Distilling
Flickr/Sierra28k
Photo by Ben Mesirow for Thrillist
Photo courtesy of The Mogul
Photo by Ben Mesirow for Thrillist
Photo courtesy of Shelter Distilling