The locally owned and operated café that’s been rising to the occasion since 1998 has taken its bread, sandwiches, and soup to new heights — literally.
Since last summer, Beyond Bread has been dishing out the goods in Summerhaven, nestled inside the Mount Lemmon Lodge at 12833 N. Sabino Canyon Park.
“We have had a tremendous turnout since the café has opened and have received nothing but love and support from the community,” said Zach Wills, Assistant Manager at the Mount Lemmon Lodge. “We are packed almost every weekend especially when our music season starts up.”
And, with the weather heating up just a bit lately — when the pavement is scorching down here in Tucson, too — Beyond Bread on Mount Lemmon is a perfect day trip nearly 8,000 feet up.
“Folks now have an additional place to enjoy what the mountain has to offer: music, fun, laughter, friendship, and good food,” Wills added.
“I love being able to work in such a beautiful place with the best community,” said Cassidy, who’s a Café Associate.
Currently, Beyond Bread is opening daily from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., which is perfect for the early risers (breakfast is 7 – 11 a.m.) and the later-in-the-day munchies. Speaking of waking up early, it isn’t required to book a room at the lodge to eat at the cafe so pop your head in there whenever you’d like (when they’re open, that is).
You never know, though. A planned day trip can easily turn into an overnighter.
It’s easy to get lost in the atmosphere that Mount Lemmon provides — the scent of the pine trees, the sound of trickling water from nearby creeks, and the local dining options. Beyond Bread fits right in with the other restaurants and the staff is savoring the experience, too.
“Working at the café on Mount Lemmon has been welcoming,” said Deric, a Café Associate. “It’s a beautiful place. It’s taught me to be in the moment and enjoy the beauty around you.”
The menu at Beyond Bread is similar to the other locations in Tucson — salads, soups, beer, wine, and sandwiches galore!
Frida’s Flight soars up on the mountain, just as impressive as it is down in the lower elevations. The only thing better than the stack of turkey, bacon, sharp cheddar, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise on the toasted jalapeno cheddar bread is a solid nap afterward.
Heck, hop in one of the Swedish saunas to sweat it off and head back in the café for round two.
“Watching the café grow since opening has been a joy to watch and experience,” said Lindsey, Café Manager. “We love to see people leave happy and full.”
Perched atop Mount Lemmon, Beyond Bread offers more than just additional spot to eat — it’s a sanctuary where community, food, and nature intertwine. Whether you’re craving a hearty sandwich or seeking solace among the pines, Beyond Bread promises a memorable experience that nourishes both body and soul.
Beyond Bread is located inside the Mount Lemmon Lodge at 12833 N. Sabino Canyon Park. For more information, visit mountlemmonlodge.com. For a map of more places to eat on Mount Lemmon, take a look at our interactive guide.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
