When the air is crisp, snow is falling, and the wind is blowing, you might be in the mood to stay inside and warm up with a hot drink. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and coffee shops that serve a range of traditional and original hot beverages. Wear a comfy sweater and boots and head to one of our top picks for a hot drink at Mammoth Lakes.
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Best Coffee Shops in Mammoth Lakes, California
1. Giant Coffee Roasting Company
The latest coffee shop on the Mammoth Lakes scene, Mammoth Coffee Roasting Company has been selling whole-sale coffee in the city for a few years, but it just opened its coffee shop in 2021. The coffee shop has comfortable seating options and a donut for work. Selections to die for (including vegetarian options!) and other pastries.
2. Stellar Brew & Natural Cafe
A local favorite for hot coffee and organic sustainable food, Stellar Brew is located in a small blue cabin on Main Street near the Chevron gas station. A long hand-carved wooden table is a great place to sit and meet other travelers while you sip on a freshly brewed cup of Fair Trade coffee or one of more than 20 loose-leaf tea options. An extensive menu of healthy, grab-and-go menu items includes gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan meals.
3. Looney Bean
Mammoth Lakes Specialty Coffee Shop has been a mainstay since 1992, with Looney Bean getting new ownership and a makeover in 2021. Pair a hot cup of locally roasted coffee with a freshly baked pastry or muffin. Their drinks and pastries menu always have great seasonal flavors (such as the ever-popular Search and Rescue bar, and kick back in a large leather chair next to the stone fireplace.
4. Vida Coffee
New to the Village of Mammoth, Vida Coffee is the perfect place to grab a hot morning drink before catching a free bus to one of Mammoth Mountain’s lodges. The coffee shop also has some seating if you’re a little early for your bus and want to warm up before hitting the slopes.
5. Black Velvet Coffee
Black Velvet serves pour-over coffee that is organic, made to order from the Rain Forest Alliance, and fair-trade coffee and drinks from the espresso bar are made with style. With a rotating craft beer selection on tap and over 30 bottles of wine including the biodynamic California Winery, Black Velvet has a hot drink or an adult drink for everyone in your group. Love their coffee? Take some home with you! Each bag of Black Velvet Coffee is locally roasted to guarantee the freshest beans.
6. Starbucks
Yes, of course, there’s a Starbucks in Mammoth Lakes—two in fact! Starbucks on Main Street has plenty of seating, meeting space, and a drive-thru for that full-service experience. Or grab a quick drink from Starbucks next to Vaughn’s as a reward for doing your grocery shopping.
Other Spots to Warm Up at Mammoth Lakes
side door cafe
Located in the Village of Mammoth, Side Door Wine Bar & Café is a casually elegant respite from the outside. In front of the cafe, a walk-up and order counter serves hot food such as crepes, paninis, soups and fondue, while the rear is a cool wine bar. Locally roasted Black Velvet coffee is served at the espresso bar (we recommend one of the adult coffee options) and a wide selection of wines and cocktails are available by the glass.
Tamarack Lodge
After a snowshoe or cross-country ski adventure at Mammoth Lakes, there’s no better place to relax than by the fireplace at Tamarack Lodge. Located just steps from the Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center, the historic log cabin is rustic and cozy. Inside the main log cabin, a roaring fireplace with sofas and seating provides a respite from the outside. Order a cup of hot chocolate, or a drink from the bar and enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the fire.
Mill Cafe
Mammoth Mountain’s sloping restaurant and bar have indoor and outdoor fireplaces to warm your fingers and toes. The Mill, located near Stump Alley Express (Chair 2), is the perfect place to escape a cold day on the slopes. Order a hot toddy or peppermint patty from the bar and let your gloves and hat defrost. You’ll be refreshed again and ready to adopt some more, or maybe just order another hot drink and call it a good day.
About the Author: Monica Prele is an outdoor, wine and travel writer who enjoys running, climbing or mountain biking. See more of Monica’s posts here, read more of her work at monicaprelle.com and connect on Twitter @monicaprelle
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