Canyon Lodge at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, at the top of Canyon Blvd.
Daily from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
$$

Since the debut of the Village Gondola two ski seasons ago, Canyon Lodge became the #1 starting point for skiers and snowboarders at Mammoth Mountain. In response to the huge volume of traffic traveling through Canyon Lodge on a daily basis, the food and beverage folks decided it would be a good place to invest some money. They invested wisely, as Canyon now has more culinary options than any other spot in town. Mexican, Chinese and a variety of other worldly culinary traditions are a nice touch indoors, as is the outdoor BBQ. The lively bar is a great place to chill out with some expensive drinks and live music (on weekends and holidays). It is a quality people-watching spot on sunny days, as Chairs 8 and 16 and the beginner's Poma, which never fails to entertain, are all in viewing range of the bar.