Best Things To Do In Mammoth Lakes, CA: Make Your Night Matter

John
Posted Apr 03, 2020
| 6 min read

If you’re under the impression that Mammoth Lakes, California goes to sleep after the sun sets, it’s vibrant night scene begs you to reconsider your opinion. With its dynamic series of lively bars, pubs, and lounges, Mammoth Lakes transforms into an atmosphere of intrigue, once night proves an excuse for the city to come alive!

1. Mammoth Tavern


This easy night out on the town allows you to experience some of the best food and alcohol that make Mammoth Lakes a nightlife staple. Their rib eye steak is absolutely to die for, and with an extensive wine list and on-tap draft beer register, you’re sure to find the perfect combination to satisfy your taste buds. Mammoth Tavern has discovered the perfect recipe for easy relaxation: affordable IPAs, great music, delectable food, and a happy hour that will undoubtedly surround you with warm smiles and friendly faces. Let this go-to tavern kick your nightlife experience off to a Mammoth start!

Mammoth Tavern

Address: White Mountain Ranger Station, 587 Old Mammoth Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Website: Mammoth Tavern

2. Mountainside Bar & Grill


Keep a good thing going at the Mountainside Bar & Grill! This location specializes in the classic American dining experience. It boasts a family-friendly atmosphere, personalized service with a smile, and some of the best comfort food you’ll find anywhere. With floor-to-ceiling windows providing you with an uninterrupted, panoramic view of the mountains behind you, you’ll enjoy breathtaking glances at the natural majesty of the area, all while enjoying the familiar company of loved ones, and a drink in your hand. This location also plays host to a variety of local events, oftentimes supplemented by fine local chefs! Cash in on a diversified variety of food, including a full vegetarian menu, and breakfast options! Come for the view, and stay for a good time at the Mountainside Bar & Grill.

Mountainside Bar & Grill

Address: Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, White Mountain Ranger Station, Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge, 10400 Minaret Rd Suite 1200, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Website: Mammoth Mountain bar & Grill

3. 53 Kitchen & Cocktails


This unique venue, for the best drinks Mammoth Lakes has to offer, is presented in a trendy, modernized venue, close to the slopes! 53 Kitchen & Cocktails offers hearty lunch and dinner menu items for all: try their iconic warm salted pretzel bread or crispy brussels as an appetizer tune-up, before settling down with an avocado turkey burger, pan seared salmon, or any one of their well-recognized meals, on offer. The menu really comes alive during Happy Hour, with a wide range of domestic and imported draft selections, as well as a selection of red and white wines well capable of facilitating a good time. Or, turn up the adventure and try one of their specialty infused drink selections, like their raspberry beret! Make yourself at home at 53 Kitchen & Cocktails.

53 Kitchen & Cocktails

Address: White Mountain Ranger Station, 6201 Minaret Rd #153, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Website: 53 Kitchen & Cocktails

4. Mammoth Rock N Bowl


You’ll find that at Mammoth Rock N Bowl, the distance between yourself and a good time is as close as you and the fun of next frame. Capitalize on the exciting atmosphere and vibrant setting, with lounge options while you bowl. Mammoth Rock N Bowl takes elegant bowling to the next level, with its relaxed environment and friendly service. And now, with its unbeatable series of specialized events and leagues, this location is better than ever! Select quality drinks and complete meals from their restaurant and bar menu while you bowl, and make sure to visit the pro shop for the newest deals! Mammoth Rock N Bowl redefines late night thrill - don’t miss out!

Mammoth Rock N Bowl

Address: White Mountain Ranger Station, 3029 Chateau Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Website: Mammoth Rock N Bowl

5. Clocktower Cellar


If you’re looking for the best whiskey and beer in the area, allow the Clocktower Cellar to simply close the door on the competition. A favorite hangout among Mammoth Lakes locals, the Clocktower Cellar boasts amazing ambience and an unrivaled draft selection. Owned by brothers Kirk and Robert Schaubmayer since its inception in 1993, this aged tavern now plays host to over 160 whiskeys, and when paired with its legendary beer list, you have the recipe for a Mammoth Lakes winner, since the start. Featuring wines from 13 different countries and a great food menu, to boot, you’ll want to come discover why the Clocktower Cellar aptly lives up to its hype!

Clocktower Cellar

Address: White Mountain Ranger Station, 6080 Minaret Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Website: Clocktower Cellar

6. Rafters Restaurant & Lounge


Since 1967, Rafters Restaurant and Lounge has existed as a viable staple in the mountains of Mammoth. Featuring New American cuisine, this location understands that good service is more than a menu, with its local live music, every Friday and Saturday night. And be sure to drop by on Monday evenings, for their weekly movie night! Factor in Thursday’s all night Happy Hour, and seasonal community events, and Rafters Restaurant & Lounge has the appearance of a real winner. Of course, what’s a great location without an unforgettable menu? This location more than satisfies the taste buds along the way, with home run dishes like zucchini linguini, margherita flatbread, and its award-winning bison chili! Take your Mammoth Lakes experience to the next level, with this highly-ranked local outing.

Rafters Restaurant & Lounge

Address: White Mountain Ranger Station, 202 Old Mammoth Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Website: Rafters Restaurant & Lounge

7. Lakanuki


If you’re under the impression that you can’t find the perfect island setting while relaxing in the mountains of Mammoth, Lakanuki encourages you to think again. Within the ranks of its island cuisine, you’ll find more than enough reasons why locals revere this location, not only for its unique definition of a good time but for staying true to island culture while at 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) above sea level! Their all-natural Meyer ranch loco burger is mouth-wateringly delicious, and when paired with organic greens and an infectious island atmosphere, you’ll find that Lakanuki makes enjoying yourself as easy as a mouthful of island food and a heart full island culture. With gluten free options and exciting tiki drinks, all you need for a night of fun is a Pina Colada, a Mai Tai, and the right blend of island music and fun people!

Lakanuki

Address: White Mountain Ranger Station, 6201 Minaret Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Website: Lakanuki

8. Slocums Grill & Bar


Slocums Grill & Bar does casual relaxation the right way. Its simple setting and no-nonsense menu make the distance between a good night and a great one, a drink in your hand and a smile on your face. Since opening in 1983, Slocums Grill & Bar has touted a recipe for success that hinges upon its great reputation with locals, its friendly service, and its simply incontestably positive atmosphere. Once inside, you’ll understand immediately why this location is a winner in the community. Snacks like Japanese Shishito peppers and fried pickle spears will always have you coming back for more, and its New Zealand rack of lamb can’t be beat, for price or for quality. Whether you’re in the mood for a great pasta, a juicy burger, a fulfilling sandwich, or insanely cheesy fries, when you pair their meal selections with their authentic craft beers, on tap, you won’t want to find yourself anywhere else when night falls.

Slocums Grill & Bar

Address: White Mountain Ranger Station, 3221 Main St, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Website: Slocums Grill & Bar

9. Austria Hof Restaurant


An authentic Austrian atmosphere easily comes alive within the walls of the Austria Hof Restaurant, where fine dining is only a “yes” away! This sit-down location introduces you to the Austrian finer things, extending genuine European hospitality before delivering on the promise of meals true to culture. Locals love the osso buco, and the rack of elk is always a favorite entree. Choose from a wide variety of German specialties, including wiener schnitzel, sauerbraten, and jaeger schnitzel - if you’re not sure which dish will best suit your interests, try all of them with the sausage sampler plate! Quality desserts and accurately paired drinks with all entrees round out the Austria Hof Restaurant, your destination for authentic travel food in the comfort of your Mammoth Lakes backyard!

Austria Hof Restaurant

Address: White Mountain Ranger Station, 924 Canyon Blvd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Website: Austria Hof Restaurant

10. Bistro Restaurant Sports Bar

Mammoth Lakes is not without its go-to sports location: Bistro Restaurant Sports Bar is the next best thing to getting a reserved seat at the big game and the food, we promise, will have you coming back for more. Bistro Shitake mushrooms, miso soup, and shoestring fries only scratch the surface of this loaded menu. Take advantage of their pool tables while your food is on its way and immerse yourself in the comfortable, friendly atmosphere. And by definition, a great Mammoth Lakes bar isn’t complete without its fair share of amazing drinks. The Grapefruit Sculpin IPA is a local favorite and headlines a Happy Hour menu that you won’t want to live without. Come and partake of the best sports bar venue that Mammoth Lakes has to offer, with unbeatable prices!

Bistro Restaurant Sports Bar

Address: White Mountain Ranger Station, 51 Club Dr, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Website: Bistro Restaurant Sports Bar

The perfect ending to an ideal day

With our recommended list of the top locations to frequent in Mammoth Lakes, at night, you can bank on the perfect ending to an ideal day. Take advantage of the best bars and on-tap drafts found in the area, and mingle with others who have made mountain relaxation their sole priority. Take it from us: you won’t find such a collection of high-profile, exciting locations in this proximity, anywhere else!

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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