7 Great Places for Craft Beer in Mammoth Lakes, California
This article has partner links that I may receive compensation from at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site by using them!
Mammoth Lakes is one of the most beautiful areas of California, which is really saying something considering how much there is to see in the state. Between Yosemite National Park, Mono Lake, Devils Postpile National Monument, and the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, there’s plenty to do outdoors year-round. After a long day of hiking or skiing, there’s nothing better than a cold beer, which is why it’s a good thing that there are some great breweries in the area. Here are the best places to drink craft beer in Mammoth Lakes, California, including breweries, taprooms, beer bars, and bottle shops.
The best breweries in Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth Brewing Company
Mammoth Brewing Company is a mainstay in Mammoth Lakes, having been around since 1995. The brewery & restaurant is conveniently located at Lake Mary Road & Minaret Road.
There’s a massive outside patio with trees, making it a bit like drinking in a forest. The water stations have helpful reminders that you are at a higher elevation, so be sure to stay hydrated with something in addition to the delicious beer.
The beer selection at Mammoth Brewing Company includes year-round standards, as well as rotations of seasonal & barrel-aged beers. You can create your own flights to try as many as you’d like.
In addition to all of the beer, The Eatery at Mammoth Brewing Company has some of the best food I’ve had at a craft brewery. The crispy chicken confit & hotcakes were delicious. It was the best chicken I’d had in a long time, & I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Address: 18 Lake Mary Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 (map)
Distant Brewing
Distant Brewing head brewer Drew Wallace (previously of Black Doubt Brewing Company, which was located just to the north in Mammoth) brews small batches of unique beers in constant rotation, so you never know what you might find here. I always enjoy it when breweries can get creative like that. The taproom has up to 20 taps, but as is the case with nanobreweries, not all of them may be running.
Distant Brewing is located in a commercial center on Old Mammoth Road near Chateau Road. The food menu consists of appetizers, flatbreads, and sandwiches. There’s a nice patio out front with heaters.
Address: 568 Old Mammoth Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 (map)
Shelter Distilling
While Shelter Distilling may primarily be known as a distillery, they also brew craft beer. Their taproom & restaurant has 4 taps of their beer available. It’s located in The Village at Mammoth. The cocktails here are especially great. Liquor before beer, you’re in the clear.
Address: 100 Canyon Blvd #217, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 (map)
June Lake Brewing
Beautiful June Lake is located a short drive away from Mammoth. Not far from the lake, there’s a great little brewery called June Lake Brewing. Grab a beer from June Lake Brewing, and have it with lunch from the excellent Ohanas 395 next door. It’s a match made in heaven.
Address: 131 S Crawford Ave, June Lake, CA 93529 (map)
The best craft beer bars in Mammoth Lakes
Clocktower Cellar
Local favorite Clocktower Cellar has been around even longer than Mammoth Brewing Company. The bar first opened its doors in 1993 and offers a rotating beer selection in addition to a massive whiskey list.
Located in the Alpenhof Lodge, the basement bar has everything you’d want in a sports bar. Tons of TVs, foosball, pool, and tons of craft beer.
There are 26 taps of craft beer, including local selections like Shelter & June Lake. Clocktower Cellar also has over 150 whiskies.
In addition to the great beer selection, there is also a full food menu, with a focus on Bavarian classics. The schnitzel is the sort of hearty meal you’d expect in a mountain town like Mammoth.
Address: 6080 Minaret Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 (map)
The Best Bottle Shops in Mammoth Lakes
Busy Beez General Store has a solid selection of craft beer, while Mammoth Liquor has a sign saying they have over 300 beers available.
For more craft beer in the Eastern Sierra, be sure to check out Bishop. If you’re doing a road trip along 395, I also recommend visiting the ancient bristlecone pines, Manzanar, and the Eastern California Museum.
Do you love craft beer? Check out more of my recommendations for the best craft beer around the world!
Here are some great things to see & do in Mammoth.
If you’re looking for a place to stay near Mammoth, check out these Mammoth hotels.
