Top of the Sierra Cafe

This place was terrible. First of all while we were waiting on the two workers to prepare our sandwiches the cashier came over and picked up someone elses sandwiches that were in these small paper plate bowls and to hold this he placed his thumbs on top of the sandwiches, no gloves on! I can only imagine how dirty his hands were. Also, I saw one of the employees working in the kitchen handling the food and again no gloves on. Disgusting after I see her scratch her head then handle the food. I ordered the veggie sandwich. I took two bites and threw it out. The bread was so hard and stale, and the contents consisted of half of an unripe tomato, one lettuce leaf, one 3 inch piece of a red pepper and two strings of an onion. I ordered «pasta» salad for my side and I guess their idea of pasta salad was macaroni salad. No way was I touching that stuff. Also, there are dogs laying all over the place in here on the already filthy carpet. Never again would I eat here.

Newly renamed Elevation 1153, the Top of the Sierra remains California’s highest eatery, with a view that in itself far outstrips any work of man. Mammoth Mountain took advantage of its finest asset in the early 2000s when the upper gondola station was revamped and expanded to incorporate a café and interpretive center, and in so doing transformed what was originally the domain of expert skiers and mountain bikers into a tourist trap. But a good one.
It takes about 15 minutes for the ride to the summit, which, one should note, requires a ticket (though if you want to bypass the fare you could hump it up the five mile climb to the summit on foot and reward yourself with food upon your arrival.) During the peak summer months, such as this past July 4 weekend, it appears that such fare causes very few to take pause — the place seems perpetually packed, which is a problem because there is extremely limited seating.
The menu is quite small — chile bread bowls and a soup of the day, a turkey sandwich, a roast beef sandwich, and wraps of the same, and a rotating daily special (I sampled the chicken tacos), along with a selection of caffeinated beverages. The culinary offerings are the same as during the winter months, when the Top of the Sierra plays host to a completely different brand of clientele. And just like everything else on Mammoth Mountain, there is a heck of a premium — you won’t likely get out of here without paying at least $ 15 a person on food.
That said, the quality of the food is only acceptable. The chicken tacos were generously portioned, with a heavily seasoned chicken laced with shredded cheddar cheese and lettuce. No avocado to be had up here, unfortunately. The turkey melt sandwich was also generously portioned, with melted swiss cheese and sourdough rounding out the filler. Nothing is terribly great, nothing is terribly bad. The service was friendly enough. You don’t come up here for the culinary offerings, but rather for the view, which goes on forever.
The interpretive center attached to the restaurant has been augmented with new displays this summer, including an exhibit on natural history with some touch-​able animal furs, a 3-​d relief map of the entire Sierra Nevada, and interactive exhibits. There is also a new theater attached to the gondola building where one can view a number of rotating films (if you get a chance «Mammoth Dreams: The Dave McCoy Story» is without a doubt the best of the group. Pick up a DVD copy if you can find one at any of the stores in town.) A number of other displays pick out natural features and landmarks.
Random Fact: Contrary to Mammoth Mountain lore, Half Dome is NOT visible from the summit of Mammoth Mountain. The imposter rock formation is actually «Balloon Dome» deep in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. If you want to see Yosemite, look north to Mt. Lyell and its glacier.
Top of the Sierra/​1153 is first and foremost a viewpoint and educational center. It is, secondly, a restaurant. An okay restaurant. No more, no less. Come up for the view and find sustenance, but don’t expect to be wowed.

Just finished a black diamond and stopped here for a beer and a snack. Amazing spot in the middle of the mountain. Views are insane! Atmosphere is warm and welcoming. You have to check ot out

I really don’t know whether the actual mountain is reviewable, but why not review this too, while I’m at it?
So many «Sierras» around the Cal-​Neva border, but do any stand out? This café located at the very summit of Mammtoh Mountain, accessible only through a, I think 7 minute, gondola ride, certainly does. It IS expensive compared to what you’ve seen before, but that’s really the sole tradeoff. Now, note that the atmosphere plays an enormous role here. Not to mention, the food tastes very good, and is fitting to energize one for a long, downward mountain bike ride.
Food quality: It’s a café, which naturally doesn’t truly compete with other «five star» restaurants, but it all conglomerates to provide an amazing thrill at the very least. The actual food is very well prepared and tasty, if expensive.
Food quantity: Any restaurant must offer more than a few handfuls but less than the size of the mountain itself. The café does that well. No complaints warranted. Prices: expensive? Yes, but: annoying or ridiculous? Not in the slightest. After all, the greatest portion of the whole thing lies in the atmosphere (different from ambience; after all, this is not an upscale establishment).
Service: Well, it’s a café. Nicely done order station.
Atmosphere: Now, this is where the experience really shines and warrants a five star rating, because for this alone, the top is worth it. Not only is there a breathtaking view of the mountain and part of its trails (when not obscured by fog or other bad weather), the actual interior has two floors, and gondolas do not distract at all. The order/​pick up station is nicely done and presented as a bonus. The best part? All the nice extras packed in the building. When you have a spectacular view of the outside mountain sloping ever downwards on an expert trail, what else to do but top it off with entertaining and wonderful perks from the inside? An interactive view of the trails’ map, a view of mountain peaks on a portrait, and a descriptive board near the dining area to name a few.
Overall: It’s not the food that does it for me, not as much; it’s the atmosphere and extra effort they packed into the building. They really took their time here to make it amazing for everyone. Unsurpassed views and amazing entertainment and navigation perks, if distractions, give this and the mountain the leg up. Particularly noteworthy and should be explored if not eaten at and enjoyed on any and every visit.
¹¹⁄₁₂ (5 stars) — Switched to x/​12 system
Food quality: 90%
Food quantity: 85%
Service: 85%
Atmosphere: 100% — my first 100?

Aside from a few pools in LA and restaurants in SF, you won’t find a venue with a better view

2 bowls for chilli for $ 17!
Bother me? NO!
If I’m eating at the Top of the Sierra Café, that means I’m at the top of Mammoth where the black diamond/​snow enthusiasts are. You can only get there by gondola. You can take the Gondola down or slide down on your board or skis.
This café is tiny and doesn’t offer much — but it’s decent. A hot bowl of chilli when it’s cold and windy is a nice touch before hurling yourself down the mountain.
It is pricey but it is what it is. If I’m up there in the snow, I’m having a blast and I’m not letting something like money bring me down.

Yeah, they should really call this the «BadA$$ Café» haha Café for hardcore skiers and snowboarders cause you must be pretty insanely crazy at what you do to be up this high. Super crazy winds & conditions. I lost my Flip on Dave’s Run & that was only 1Black Diamond. This place has like 3 runs by it — 1 black diamond and the other 2 black diamonds on the other side.
Food? Not sure, wasn’t hungry after feeling how crazy the wind was when blowing our gondola back & forth. Yeah, only way to get up there is the gondola and its only open when weather permits.
Website Info:
Located at an amazing 11,053 ft. with stunning 360 degree views of the Minarets and all surrounding peaks, the Top of the Sierra is the perfect venue to host a cocktail and hors d’œuvre reception or wedding ceremony. While your guests watch the sunset we will tempt their palates with world-​class cuisine. Finish the evening there or descend to one of our other breathtaking venues and continue the festivities.
* Located at the top of Mammoth Mountain, 11,053ft
* Accessible by an 10 minute gondola ride