Gomez Restaurant and Tequileria

            Today I am going to profile Gomez Restaurant and Tequileria, located at 100 Canyon Blvd in the Village in Mammoth Lakes.  Gomez’s serves good Mexican food, great drinks, and is always hopping.  The claim to fame is a large wall behind the bar with almost 1,000 bottles of tequila. 

The Quick Details

• Hours: Every day from 12:00 to 8:30 PM, closed Christmas and Thanksgiving day.

• Kid Friendliness Level:  Very welcoming with a kids menu, highchairs, and a sandbox with toys outside for the littles to enjoy during the warmer months.   

• Dog Friendliness Level: Dogs are welcome on the patio.

• Vegetarian options: Many vegetarian and vegan options that are well signed on the menu.

• Gluten Free options:  Many options available for “gluten sensitive” dishes.   

• Drinks: Famous for tequila, but a wide variety of drink options, including Horchata. 

• Price point: small plates range from $7 to $17, and entrees are $18 to $30.

• Parking: Parking can be limited in the Village.  There is some street parking, a paid parking lot, and a lot below the Westin.  The village is easily accessible by bus, trolley, and gondola, and is walkable from many spots in Mammoth. 

• Reservations: None.  

• Ability to accommodate large parties:  Seating is first come first serve, and they can get busy.  I’d recommend going at a slower time or calling ahead to ask about the wait time.      

The Experience

            It was a warm, sunny afternoon and I wanted a margarita.  The best place to quench this particular thirst is Gomez Restaurant and Tequileria, I mean tequila is in the name.  So my husband and I packed up our toddler and dog and walked to the Village. 

            We sat outside because we had our pooch, which worked out well because there were a bunch of kiddos playing in the sandbox.  My son immediately joined them and had a blast.  Our table was comfortable with heat lamps and an umbrella, and it overlooked the Village stage.  Even though we went early, it was still pretty busy.  Gomez’s does not take reservations, and in my experience if you go during the busy season at dinnertime you should expect to wait for a table. 

            I perused the drink menu and chose the Paloma, a tequila and grapefruit drink, and my husband ordered a beer.  If you want an experience, Gomez’s offers a tequila tasting flight menu.  My Paloma was beautiful and delicious.  It came in a curvy glass with a pink salted rim and an orange slice.  Gomez’s adds some Jarritos grapefruit soda to the drink to add a sweeter flavor and some bubbles, which I personally love.  Of course, the tequila hit the spot. 

            We started with a large guacamole and the sample platter – chicken tenders and yucca root fries for the boy, and coconut lime shrimp for me and hubby.  We chose this in lieu of the kids’ menu for our little one, but the options on that menu look good for an older batch of children.  The guacamole was fresh and mild, which is great if you aren’t into spicy food or you are sharing with kids.  We always devour it quickly.  The chips also come with salsa that is tasty and good for mixing with the guac.  The sample platter was also a hit, especially that shrimp with the jelly sauce.  The shrimp were lightly fried and not overdone.  I usually order the Mexi-corn fritters appetizer and regretted not doing so this time, though we had plenty of food. 

            For an entrée I had the combination platter with two ahi tacos with black beans and rice.  The fish comes on a bright purple bed of cabbage on tortilla, and the cilantro sauce to drizzle on top makes this dish a winner every time for me.  Sometimes I mix it up with an enchilada instead of two ahi tacos.  My husband always gets the duck tacos.  Not exactly traditional, but he loves it.  The fajitas are always a good choice as well, and the sizzling platter they come out on is not only delicious but also highly entertaining.  I am a huge fan of mole and have not tried it here yet, so if you get this dish then please leave me tantalizing details in the comments section. 

            Throughout the meal our waitress was attentive but not overbearing.  She did not skip a beat when I ordered the caramel churros with raspberry drizzle to go and had them promptly delivered with the check.  My son had hit his restaurant limit, but we took the dessert home and enjoyed them later.  The traditional Mexican pastry did not disappoint, and the tart raspberry sauce balanced the sweetness of the churros. 

            Mexican food is absolutely gorgeous, with bright colored garnishes and melted cheese and green limes on the side for squeezing.  The plates are always hot and when the waiter places them down in front of you with potholders and gives you a warning, the excitement for that content feeling of warm, nourishing, and satisfying fullness washes over you.  Plus Mexico is the land of tequila and mezcal. Praise the higher powers that California borders Mexico and its food and culture permeate our own.  If you want a taste of that fusion, check out Gomez’s in the Village. 

As always, please comment with any questions, thoughts, or your own experiences. 

Eastern Sierra Eats