Bar Sierra

Bar Sierra in Mammoth Lakes, California, blends comfort food and craft cocktails to create a warm and inviting dining experience

After a fantastic early evening at Distant Brewing, I found myself in that perfect vacation mindset – relaxed, carefree, and not quite ready to call it a night. The walk back to Outbound Mammoth was brisk and refreshing. We simply didn’t want the night to end – just yet. So, we walked over to the on property restaurant, Bar Sierra, for one more round of drinks and some snacks.

Bar Sierra had the kind of vibe you crave on a laid-back night: warm, stylish, and buzzing with energy without feeling overwhelming. It was an unexpected gem, combining a well stocked bar (hello, Monkey 47)  with solid food and drinks.

Our server, Will was an absolute darling. He gave me a small tasting of Distinct Brewing’s beers:  SKY PILLOW (Hazy IPA with Citra, Simcoe and Motueka hops – 6.5% ABV), MISTER NELSON (West Coast IPA with Citra, Nelson and Columbus hops – 6.4% ABV) and HONEY BAKED (Amber ale brewed with honey malts – 5.4% ABV).

He also gave me some comforting tips on getting better at snowboarding, as he was also a boarding instructor at Mammoth Mountain.

After tasting his curated selection, I realized my tastes had changed for the evening. Instead of beer, I ordered the MAPLE OLD FASHIONED (Maple Whiskey, Bitters, Orange). It was a flawless blend of sweet and just the right amount of smokey.

Then came the food. I started with an order of WINGS (4 Lemon Pepper & 4 Buffalo). The wings were absolutely divine—crispy, perfectly seasoned, and so satisfying that I couldn’t stop eating them. In fact, I was so obsessed that I ended up ordering a second plate.

There’s something about drinking in the mountains and pairing it with chicken wings that just hits differently.

Another fun fact about Bar Sierra is that it’s not just a spot for great food and drinks—it also offers a touch of playful nostalgia with its arcade located in one of the adjoining rooms.

For dessert, we split the CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE ICE CREAM SANDWICH, which was every bit as indulgent and delightful as we wanted it to be.

As a bonus, I was treated to a complimentary CINNAMON WHITE RUSSIAN (vodka, happiness), as we moved to another area of the bar. This was a creative twist on the classic cocktail that felt like pure happiness in a glass. The cinnamon added a comforting warmth, making it the perfect drink to end the evening.

As the team at Bar Sierra began setting up for an evening event, the energy in the space started to shift. So, we opted to take our drinks to go – to one of the outdoor fire pits in the courtyard.

We settled into our seats with our drinks in hand. The warmth and glow of the fire was perfect alongside the  fresh mountain air. This was the perfect nightcap to an engaging and awesome day.

- -