Atop Mt. Lemmon, eating and drinking options are conveniently located at Ski Valley and Summerhaven.
It’s generally 20 to 30 degrees cooler than Tucson and less than an hour to the top. The cool mountain breeze and fresh forest air make patio dining sublime, especially after a hike on one of the many surrounding trails.
While beer and wine are available at a couple of places, make sure you also try a crisp glass of water. Sourced from springs in Carter Canyon and Upper Sabino Canyon, it’s easy to taste the difference even if you’re not a water snob.
HEADS UP: If there’s snow in the forecast, call (520)351-3351 to make sure the roads haven’t been closed.
Locally owned and operated cafe since 1998, Beyond Bread offers a variety of hand-crafted bread, delicious sandwiches, house-made soups, fresh salads, and decadent pastries. Plus, gettin’ a room at the lodge isn’t required to eat at the cafe so pop your head in there any time they’re open.
“I personally craft our sauces and syrups daily at the Sawmill with as many local ingredients as possible,” said Nick Avram, owner of Elevated Espresso and Sawmill Run Restaurant. “Using chocolate from Monsoon Chocolate, I create different mochas, and our Honey Lavender Latte features lavender from vendors at the Heirloom Farmers Market. Specials are inspired by the freshest finds at the market, while classic syrup flavors like Vanilla, Caramel, Brown Sugar Cinnamon, and Honey are always available.”
Mt. Lemmon Cookie Cabin is sadly not a cabin made out of cookies. However, it is a cozy two-story cabin that regularly cranks out Giant Cookies big enough to feed four people. There are standard options like chocolate chip and peanut butter, but try the Rachel, which includes oats, coconut, and butterscotch chips.
The other popular option is pizza, available by the half-slice, full-slice, or 16-inch pie.
For toppings, choose from pepperoni, sausage, chicken, olives, green peppers, mushrooms, and onions.
While you’ll mostly find food and drink at the restaurants, you’ll find the miscellaneous at Mt. Lemmon General Store & Gift Shop.
If you need a pocket knife with your name on it or you forgot to bring a bottle of wine for your camping trip, this is the place to stock up. Or, if you simply decide you’d rather picnic on the mountain instead of dining at a restaurant, this is where to pick up the goods.
In regards to edible items, they’re most famous for their homemade fudge.
Sawmill Run’s design embraces its mountainous surroundings, providing diners with scenic views and a cozy environment to enjoy their meals.
The menu offers a combination of handheld comfort foods, such as burgers and the Heirloom BLT, and seasonal dishes, such as the Lions Mane Steak with carrot puree, chimichurri, and red chili.
