Business as Usual: How about a Little Mammoth with that?

The phrase “hidden gem” gets thrown around a lot, but in the case of the Little Mammoth Steakhouse, it is the perfect description.

Located upstairs on the Snowmass Village Mall, the steakhouse is sometimes overlooked by unaware diners. But it just takes one visit to get hooked on this fine-dining establishment with a warm, friendly vibe.

Little Mammoth opened about five years ago with several partners, but today the restaurant is owned by Petar Milinovic and Nemanja Ilic. The men are part of a tight-knit Serbian community in the Aspen-Snowmass area, and bring their traditions of good food and genuine hospitality to the steakhouse’s operation.

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“This is simple, homemade cooking, mountain style,” Milinovic said. “You’ve got to make them feel like they’re in your home.”

Milinovic has lived in the U.S. for 10 years and moved to Snowmass after working in a steakhouse in Miami. He says he learned everything he knows about cooking from that restaurant and his grandmother.

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The Little Mammoth adds a special touch by cutting their own steaks. In addition to the cuts, the steakhouse serves specialty dishes like osso bucco, sea bass, and new this season, octopus and duck. Their sides include fried avocado and a Serbian twist on potato salad.

“Our kitchen is bigger than the restaurant, and we use all of it,” Milinovic said.

Little Mammoth’s wine list features bottles from all over the world. By the glass, the steakhouse offers six whites, nine reds and two bubblies, so there’s something for everyone.

When asked what the best thing is about running a business in Snowmass, Milinovic named his returning customers.

“We have families who’ve been coming here for years,” he said. “They’re the most important thing for me.”

Little Mammoth Steakhouse is open for dinner from 5:30 to 10 p.m. every night.

jill@snowmasssun.com