Finding a favorite bar in Mammoth isn’t a tough thing to do. So you are visiting Mammoth Lakes for the first time and you and some friends are looking for a fun place to go. Let me offer a few suggestions:
Clocktower Cellar: “Clocktower” is less of a bar a more of an underground pub. Created by two Mammoth Locals after completing their college stint at Chico State University, this is certainly a local favorite as well as a favorite of anyone that enjoys a variety of beer. They do serve hard alcohol and have reasonable lodging accommodations just upstairs. Clocktower is located just across the street from the Village at Mammoth, making access to Canyon Ski Lodge very easy during the winter months. Clocktower was recently rated #5 top Apres Ski pubs in North America… Clocktower is #5 in North America
Nevados Restaurant: Nevados is perhaps best known for their friendly hosts and their ability to pour 16 ounces of alcohol into a 12 ounce glass. How do they do it? Most restaurants get 4 glasses of wine per bottle, but these folks are lucky to muster up 3. If its your first time in the place, introduce yourself to Tim or Clay Dawson… they won’t likely forget you when you come in for your next visit. Get the Filet Minion!
Slocums Grill and Bar: This is a long time favorite of Mammoth Lakes, located at the center of Main Street. Slocums, named after the first man circumnavigate the world along, is perhaps best described as Mammoth’s version of “Cheers”. Voted the best Happy Hour several years running by Mammoth’s working crowd.
The Outlaw: These guys located adjacent to John’s Pizza Works on Old Mammoth Road. This is a fun place if you have a large group looking and your considering a pizza with your drinks. I like Outlaw because they have consistent hours and they are open late.
The Mill: I like the Mill for “Apres Ski”! If you are spending a day on “The Hill” (aka Mammoth Mountain Ski Area) make sure you pop into the Mill for a drink and appetizers on the patio. Imbibing under the bright blue ski while watching skiers and snowboarder funnel into chairs 10 and 2 is tough to beat.
Gomez’s Mexican Cantina: I think that I have to vote Gomez’s the best outdoor patio in Mammoth with the most tasty sangria. Gomez’s is great for people watching and its a great place to watch music events in the summer.
Austriahof: Austriahof is not on the beaten path, but you will realize that many find their way to their recently remodeled bar around happy hour. This underground bar has been around since the early 1970’s and is a great stopping point after a day of skiing or mountain biking. The quality of their bar food may shock you… in a good way!
Sidedoor: Looking for a mellow and quaint wine bar? It’s sidedoor! Located in the Village at Mammoth, Sidedoor has a wide variety of wines and no shortage of friendly service. They offer a limited food menu, crepes, salads and panini’s
Laka Nuki: or “lack of nuki”? This tiki style bar and nightclub doesn’t typically live up to its name for lacking anything, particularly nuki. On Friday or Saturday nights this is where the young crowd goes for late night entertainment and it can turn into a pretty wild time; of course the wild nature depends on the night and the time of year.
There are more than I can include in this post, so keep your eyes open for future comments on good local bars.
