1850 Restaurant and Brewery

1850 Restaurant and Brewery is an independent craft brewpub, steakhouse, and boutique inn located at 5114 Highway 140 (Yosemite All-Year Highway) in the historic Gold Rush town of Mariposa, California. Founded by Mariposa native Jake Wackerman and his wife Hanna, the establishment honors the year 1850—when both California achieved statehood and Mariposa County was officially incorporated. Situated in the heart of the Sierra Nevada foothills along the primary all-season corridor into Yosemite Valley, the venue draws hikers, road-trippers, and local residents for house-brewed ales, hand-cut steaks, gourmet burgers, and elevated American comfort food served in a warm, timber-lined dining room and shaded outdoor beer garden.

What to Expect at 1850 Restaurant and Brewery

The dining format at 1850 Restaurant and Brewery transitions seamlessly from day to evening to match the rhythm of Yosemite travelers. Lunch operates as a relaxed, fast-casual service where guests order at the counter and settle into the wood-paneled dining room or the dog-friendly outdoor patio. The midday menu centers on half-pound burgers served on brioche buns—including the signature 1850 Burger topped with cheddar, bacon, crispy onions, and house-made 1850 sauce—alongside fried chicken sandwiches, beer-battered fish and chips, crispy Brussels sprouts, and fresh salads. Families with children aged 10 and under can order from a dedicated kids’ menu featuring buttered noodles ($8), mac and cheese ($9), and chicken strips with fries, each including a fountain drink.

At dinner, the restaurant shifts to full table service with an expanded menu focused on hearty Sierra foothill fare. Evening entrees highlight hand-cut ribeye and filet mignon steaks, slow-roasted prime rib on select nights, buttermilk fried chicken, pan-seared salmon, and seasonal pasta dishes. On the beverage side, the in-house 1850 Brewing Company produces small-batch beers inspired by regional landmarks, including the flagship Bootjack IPA, Tailings Pilsner, and seasonal stouts, porters, and pale ales available by the pint, flight, or takeaway cans. A full bar also pours California wines and craft cocktails, while five upstairs boutique guest rooms offer convenient overnight lodging right above the taproom.

• 1850 Brewing Company Small-Batch Beers: House-brewed craft beers poured straight from the tanks, led by the flagship West Coast-style Bootjack IPA, crisp Tailings Pilsner, and rotating seasonal ales.
• Hand-Cut Steaks & Full-Service Dinner: Evening dining features charbroiled ribeye and filet mignon steaks, buttermilk fried chicken, and rich house sides in a warm, vintage timber interior.
• Signature Burgers & Fast-Casual Lunch: Midday counter service delivers gourmet burgers like the bacon-and-cheddar 1850 Burger, alongside crispy Brussels sprouts, tri-tip sandwiches, and craft beer flights.
• Dog-Friendly Outdoor Patio: A spacious, shaded exterior dining area along Highway 140 welcomes leashed dogs and offers a breezy setting for post-hike pints during spring, summer, and autumn.
• Upstairs Boutique Lodging: Five well-appointed guest rooms above the restaurant provide travelers heading to or from Yosemite National Park with comfortable, walkable accommodations in downtown Mariposa.

1850 Restaurant and Brewery at a Glance

Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings

Because Mariposa sits roughly 45 minutes southwest of Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance along Highway 140, dinner hours between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM draw heavy crowds of returning park visitors. Online reservations are not accepted; travelers planning an evening meal should call ahead to +1 209-966-2229 to reserve a table, whereas lunch remains walk-in only via counter ordering. Motorists will find free parking in the lot adjacent to the building and along Highway 140 and Charles Street. Travelers relying on public transit can ride the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) Highway 140 bus, which stops at Midtown Mariposa just a two-minute walk away.

The main ground-floor dining room, bar area, restrooms, and outdoor patio are step-free and wheelchair accessible, making navigation straightforward for guests with mobility devices or strollers. Attire is casual throughout the day and evening, with hiking boots and outdoor gear welcomed. Before or after your meal, stroll along Charles Street (Highway 140) to explore historic downtown shops, visit the Mariposa Museum and History Center (a 3-minute walk north on Jessie Street), or view the 1854 Mariposa County Courthouse—the oldest continuously operating courthouse west of the Rockies—located five minutes away on Bullion Street.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours of operation and best times to visit 1850 Restaurant and Brewery?

1850 Restaurant and Brewery opens from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM (extending to 9:00 PM during busy seasonal stretches) Tuesday through Sunday, and closes on Mondays. For the shortest wait without a reservation, arrive for lunch between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM or early dinner around 4:30 PM before hikers return from Yosemite Valley.

Do I need a reservation for dinner, and how much does a meal cost?

Lunch is counter-service and walk-in only, while full-service dinner reservations are strongly recommended and must be booked by phone at +1 209-966-2229 since online booking is not offered. Prices fall in the moderate $$ tier, with kids’ meals at $8–$9, burgers and sandwiches around $15–$22, and evening steak or seafood entrees ranging from $24 to $48.

How much time should I budget for a meal at 1850 Restaurant and Brewery?

Plan on 45 to 75 minutes for a fast-casual lunch on the patio or in the taproom. For full-service dinner with craft beer flights, appetizers, and hand-cut steaks, budget 1.5 to 2 hours.

Is 1850 Restaurant and Brewery family-friendly and dog-friendly?

Yes, the restaurant welcomes families with a dedicated menu for children 10 and under, and the ground-floor dining room and patio are step-free for strollers and wheelchairs. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome in the outdoor patio dining area.

When planning your Mariposa travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and nightlife in Mariposa, pair this stop with standout local spots including Fredricks of Savourys, Mariposa Museum & History Center, The Alley, and The Monarch Inn (0.4 km away).