Mammoth Tavern

Mammoth Tavern in Mammoth Lakes, California combines craft cocktails and stunning mountain views for a vibrant dining experience

Since meeting during the Guided Sunset Snowshoe Tour with Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center, Deja and I have become fast friends. She has since connected me to Brittany Colt & Shawn Reeder for my My Flying Dress Photoshoot Experience at Yosemite National Park and we met for lunch at The Warming Hut during a subsequent visit to Mammoth Lakes.

For this adventure, we conversed about trekking Lake Mary for me to take some stunning sunset shots. However, as the day got closer, one thing led to another and our adventure turned into sunset cocktails and dinner at Mammoth Tavern.

The walk from Outbound Mammoth to Mammoth Tavern was brisk and easy. Honestly, after being around the Los Angeles smokey air, the cool crispness of the snowy chill was deeply refreshing.

Arriving, I was pleased to see the expansive 180 degree panorama view of the restaurant. It made basking in the brilliant sunset of Mammoth Lakes effortless.

To start and settle in to the afternoon, I began with the 21ST CENTURY (Mezcal, Tequila, Crème de Cacao, Lemon, Absinthe).

We shared the SPINACH ARTICHOKE JALAPEÑO DIP (Panko Breadcrumbs, Flour Chips) as the conversation effortlessly flowed. It was like the months since I’d last seen Deja melted away.

I went back and fort a bit before I settled on the oysters two ways – one traditional OYSTER (Cocktail Sauce, Mignonette, Lemon) and one ASIAN STYLE OYSTER (Ponzu, Tobiko, Scallion).

For dinner, I sipped and savored the GOLDEN HOUR (Gin, Lemon, Banana, Sesame, Egg White). I loved this cocktail as well. It was smooth, creamy and delicious.

The FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH (Chopped Romaine, Sliced Pickles, Buffalo Sauce, Brioche Bun) was a solid choice. I loved the presentation, the fries and each bite.

As a nightcap, I ordered the DANCING QUEEN (Bourbon, Pisco, Aperol, Lemon, Boston Bitters). It was then that I discovered a surprising fact: Mammoth Lakes allows open alcohol carry! With my cocktail to go, I bid farewell to Deja.

Some people come into your life, and you can’t predict the impact they’ll have. Meeting Deja has been an unexpected joy, with each encounter bringing laughter, stories, and a profound sense of belonging to a larger community of black females existing in and making their way in this world.

Most importantly, my time with Deja fills me with gratitude for the way my life continuously guides me toward new adventures.

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