Yosemite Mariposa County's evenings are enchanting. The inspiring night air, indiglow sky full of stars, hoo-hoo-hoot of a great horned owl "“ all amplify that revitalizing "we did it" vibe as the sun sets on an epic day rambling around Yosemite.
Heed the call of the Yosemite "night owl"! With a range of post-sunset restaurants and watering holes, Yosemite Mariposa County has the perfect places to gather, refresh and reflect on the adventures of the day and discoveries to come. Bars in Mariposa CA range from real old west saloons to bespoke boho chic, with at least one thing in common: signature Sierra hospitality.
Mariposa
The historic and hip Gold Rush town of Mariposa offers a spirited mix of watering holes, restaurants, and hotels. From rock-wall speakeasies to finely-crafted cocktails with a comfy bed steps away, the Mariposa reveler has go-to nightlife options.
The Alley
The Alley's a local fave for its deep list of local boutique wine, craft beer on tap, pizza, and artisan appetizer plates. Warm nights are the best for taking your glass out to the downstairs patio, even more so when local singer-songwriters take the patio's well-hewn stage to perform. Check The Alley's Facebook page for the occasional live music show or trivia nights for an added bonus with the Mariposa locals.
Frederick's of Savourys
Recently renovated and offering perfectly grilled steaks, chops, and seafood, Frederick's of Savourys Restaurant is equally on-point with elevated cocktails at one of the best bars in Mariposa CA. A veritable Mother Lode of cosmopolitans and martinis, shaken not stirred.
Hideout Saloon
Among Mariposa's real old west saloons, the Hideout Saloon may be the best "“ and hardest to find. Tucked away just off Highway 140 and 6th St., the Hideout oozes Gold Rush character with 150-year-old stacked rock walls and reclaimed barn wood pinned with autographed cash. The place is popular with visitors and locals alike, featuring a pool table, darts, karaoke and live music. On nights without scheduled events, the Hideout even offers the use of house musical instruments for impromptu jam sessions. Burning the midnight oil (and beyond midnight) is best done at the Hideout Saloon where the hours of operation extend into the early morning.
1850 Brewing Company
The culinary dream of hometown hero Jake Wackerman and his wife Hanna, 1850 Brewing Company is equal parts craft brew haven and farm-to-table find. 1850's rotating taps of flagship and seasonal brews include suds stalwarts like Cowboy Lager (4.2% ABV), Timberline West Coast IPA (6.8% ABV), and Dark Horse Coffee Stout (5.9% ABV), complemented by an awesome, food-for-all omnivore menu.
The Local Grape
Located in one of the oldest buildings in Mariposa right in the heart of Old Town, you'll find The Local Grape where Sierra Foothills wines are the specialty. The "Grape's" owner, Travis Medlock, shares his passion for the Sierra Foothills American Viticultural Area (AVA) and showcases wines from Mariposa County as well as wineries from neighboring counties. Looking for something to pair a wine with? Why not a bowl of homemade ramen? The Little Shop of Ramen operates in the same building where homemade noodles are the first building block in a bowl of delicious, fresh ramen. Ramen and wine: A paring as unique as Mariposa County itself.
The Grove House
Bounce over to The Grove House for quality drinks, board games with friends, and inspired live music. Who knows, some friendly locals might share their own tales and tips to guide your touring ways in Mariposa.
Inn for the Night
With rooms at the inn for every budget, Mariposa has centrally located hotels, all within easy walking distance to all the main attractions. What's even better? You're staying at the high-spirited gateway to Yosemite's Arch Rock entrance. Properties range from independents to national flags like Best Western and Quality Inn.
Coulterville
Charming Coulterville is a historic Mariposa County town with a bohemian vibe. The grand Hotel Jeffery, est. 1851, entertained many famous guests including Teddy Roosevelt, Mark Twain, and John Muir when Coulterville was a regular stage stop for travelers on their way to Yosemite.
Old Johnny Haigh Saloon
Located on Coulterville's Greeley Hill Road just a few swinging bar doors down from the Hotel Jeffery, Old Johnny Haigh Saloon is a trip back into this town's historic past. The brick building houses a beautiful, rough-hewn plank with cocktails, local beer and wine on the list. Check ahead on hours, the Old Johnny Haigh Saloon has limited operating times.
Magnolia Saloon
Noteworthy for future hooting: the reopening of the Magnolia Saloon adjacent to the historic Hotel Jeffrey. When it returns in 2024, the former Gold Rush-era fandango/cantina will regain its status as one of California's oldest watering holes.
Inn for the Night
Places to stay in Coulterville are grounded with Gold Rush roots. Book the Vacation Station for one-of-a-kind California dreaming. This 1964 boxcar and caboose has been lovingly reappointed as a comfy studio with a deck and raised seating in its cupola.
Coming soon: the Hotel Jeffery, is set to reopen in 2023 following a fully eco-responsible restoration down to the original adobe, beams, and studs.
Buck Meadows
Buck Meadows is located along Highway 120 and serves as a gateway to Yosemite National Park's Big Oak Flat and Hetch Hetchy entrances. Buck Meadows was originally called "Hamilton's Station," a popular stagecoach stop on the way to Yosemite renowned for having the coldest drinks in the area "“ natural refrigeration courtesy of nearby artesian springs. It's still a great place to refresh.
Lucky Buck CafE
Buck Meadows' tradition of hospitality lives on at the Lucky Buck Café, a perfect pit stop on the way in or out of Yosemite for ice-cold drinks and great eats.
Inn for the Night
Buck Meadows Lodge is just east of Groveland and 12 miles from Yosemite National Park's Big Oak Flat entrance. The property offers 10 clean and comfortable motel rooms for budget-minded travelers. Gas and EV charging stations are available to keep you rolling on.
Fish Camp
The postcard-pretty hamlet of Fish Camp is a whistle-stop along Highway 41, set two miles from Yosemite National Park's South Gate. Big Creek burbles cold and clear through Fish Camp on its merry way to the Wild & Scenic Merced River, and the surrounding Sierra National Forest offers a rewarding tangle of hiking and biking trials.
Jackalopes Bar & Grill
Billed as "pub fare with flair," Jackalope's at Tenaya Lodge is the place to kick back and enjoy Sierra Alpine libations. Relax with a well-curated selection of craft beer, local wine, and signature cocktails like the Sure-Footed Mule and Half Dome Hot Chocolate. Drinks are served at the convivial bar under the watchful gaze of the horned hare, or outside on the perfect patio around glowing fire pits under the stars. Seasonally-inspired lunch and dinner menus, too.
Inn for the Night
Fish Camp is well-stocked with great lodging options, ranging from room-for-all vacation cabin rentals to Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, one of the Sierra Nevada's most fully-featured resorts.
Yosemite Valley
Carved by glaciers and framed by soaring granite walls, Yosemite Valley is the heart of the Park. The valley floor is an enchanted confluence of some of the world's tallest waterfalls, forests, meadows, and the Merced River, flowing along the valley's east-to-west contour. Bars in Yosemite Valley? Talk about an A-list setting for sharing a drink.
The Ahwahnee Bar
The Ahwahnee is one of the crown jewels of national park lodges and a must-visit destination within Yosemite Valley for its carefully-crafted sips, décor, and architecture. Public spaces like the Ahwahnee Bar deepen the experience. Order an El Capitini, Yosemite Sour, Ginger Margarita, or signature Yosemite Hot Toddy and sidle over to the Ahwahnee's giant fireplaces for an epic nightcap.
Mountain Room Lounge
Located at Yosemite Valley Lodge, the Mountain Room Restaurant and Lounge boasts picture windows with views of Yosemite Falls. The cocktail menu riffs on local icons and heroes with drinks like the Moscow Muir, Glacier Martini, and Merced Margarita.
Bar 1899
Sip an Agave Smash, Mother Curry Margarita, or local craft beer at Bar 1899 in Curry Village. Before retiring to your heated tent cabin and resting up for tomorrow's trail mix, nibble on Bar 1899's selection of bistro small plates. Named for the opening date of historic Camp Curry, Bar 1899 is open seasonally.
Inn for the Night
Overnight options in Yosemite Valley range from campsites with a view and Curry Village tent cabins to luxury hotels like The Ahwahnee, one of America's original national park lodges.
Bars in Yosemite Mariposa County: Last Call Comes Early
Restaurants/bars in Yosemite tend to be managed by a single set of staff, and last call can come early. Plan your nights accordingly! "Early to bed and early to rise" works well, considering all the outdoor recreation and sightseeing on tomorrow's itinerary. Cheers!
To explore lodging options, things to do and places to eat, visit Yosemite.com, the #1 trip planning site for vacations to Yosemite National Park and historic Mariposa County. To stay up to date, follow @YosemiteNation on social media and subscribe to our newsletter, "The Wanderer". Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for great videos on the people and places of Yosemite Mariposa County.