Soak Up the Summer Sun at Mammoth’s Top Outdoor Dining Spaces

Mammoth Lakes Tourism food writer Lauren MacLeod reviews the fresh and favorite restaurants of the Eastern Sierra – and tells the stories behind them. If you have ideas for local restaurants she should cover, please let us know!

After enduring a long and bone-chilling winter, it’s time to bid farewell to frosty temperatures and embrace the warmth of summer. What better way to thaw out than by indulging in al fresco dining amidst the breathtaking beauty of the mountains? Mammoth Lakes offers an array of top-notch outdoor dining experiences that entice even the most discerning palates. Leave behind winter’s icy grip and discover the best of the Mammoth Lakes’ outdoor dining scene.

Cafes

Indulge in the mild temperatures and beautiful morning sun at one of Mammoth Lakes’ top cafes. Looney Bean’s warm, south-facing patio provides the perfect place to start a day of alpine adventures. The cafe will launch its summer menu shortly, featuring fresh beverage flavors inspired by fresh fruits and herbs. Looking for a caffeinated pick-me-up? Try their honey lavender latte, featuring espresso drizzled with honey and a hint of lavender, topped with fresh lavender buds. If you’d rather forgo the buzz, try their strawberry peach iced tea made with fresh strawberries. Other warm, inviting morning spaces include Stellar Brew and Mammoth Coffee Roasting Co.

Lunch

Lunchtime provides the ideal time to revel in the warmth of summer in Mammoth Lakes. Elixir’s front patio is my top choice for a warm, inviting midday space. Look out for their seasonal summer bowl, the Tuscan Bowl, featuring fire-roasted tomatoes. Their summer-exclusive watermelon cooler makes the perfect meal pairing. 

Located at the Sierra Nevada Resort, the brand-new BBQ restaurant Bar Sierra might be your new favorite summer hangout. Enjoy fresh, local food and brews on tap, with a sizeable patio that looks out to the still-snowcapped Sherwin Ridge. Once warmed up, head inside to enjoy its vintage arcade and game room. 

The Best of Apres Ski

If you’re looking for a fun atmosphere to match your outdoor dining experience, look no further than Liberty Bar and Restaurant. They’ll play fresh tunes all summer, including DJ sets on Wednesdays, acoustic performers on Thursdays, and live bands on Fridays and Saturdays. Liberty just rolled out a full summer cocktail menu, including its strawberry lemonade margarita made with real strawberries. 

Hop right off the mountain and down to the Village; Mammoth Brewing Company plans to bring back live music Sundays on their patio. Listen to local favorite bands while sampling the fresh flavors on tap. Try a flight of all their seasonal selections, including the huckleberry sour, Sierra Wave hazy double IPA, or even a peanut butter stout.

For a relaxing afternoon atmosphere, DISH Bistro plans to launch its outdoor patio this summer – the perfect pairing for their new Happy Hour menu. 

Gourmet quick eats at Mammoth Lakes food trucks

Year-round adventures await in Mammoth Lakes, and summertime is no exception. We understand you might want a quick bite before embarking on your next adventure. Luckily, you can find two excellent food trucks in town all summer long. Rolling Chef 365 offers a fusion of the best Latin American flavors – from the iconic Cubano sandwich to shrimp tacos and more. Cafe Crepe specializes in traditional French crepes, even offering a choice of hearty buckwheat crepes to create the perfect savory breakfast or lunch. 

Mammoth Lakes offers the perfect blend of outdoor dining spaces, capturing the natural beauty and local fare of the Eastern Sierra. From charming patios under the alpine sun to spacious decks featuring live music, each eatery celebrates summer in its own way. So pack your appetite and start planning your Sierra summer getaway.