I did the PCT in 2008 and i remember hearing complaints that even though Mammoth Lakes was a great town, it was expensive. Last summer i was back there for 2 weeks working at a festival, and i made a discovery that might not be on hikers’ radar, but should be.
It’s called The Stove. It’s on the south part of downtown, on Old Mammoth Road. The portions are gigantic, and what we got was very good. (Steak, lasagna.) Big basket of bread, all the sides, etc. Next to us was a table of 3 senior citizens, and they all split one entree. If you order a slice of pie, expect to get about 1/4 of a pie. Either get there early or late…it was packed at 6:30.
I have no affiliation with the place…just thought it deserved mention. Another not too expensive way to go is the happy hour specials at Whiskey Creek, corner of Main and Minaret. And there’s always Angel’s all-you-can-eat ribs. Not great, but maybe the only AYCE in town.
Happy town days, thru-hikers 2011!
markv