Let’s catch you up to speed: Back in the summer of 2023, the owner of Mt. Lemmon Coffee Bean, Debbie Weatherly, announced that the shop would be temporarily closed. Then, in October, the caffeine provider reopened under new ownership and with a new name — Mt. Lemmon Coffee and Tea Co. Nick Avram, who also owns Sawmill Run Restaurant on Mount Lemmon, became the new owner in September, introducing new housemade syrups under the name Elevated Espresso.
You’re all caught up now and Avram couldn’t be more excited about the new venture happening 8,000 feet up at 12925 N. Sabino Canyon Parkway.
The New Mt. Lemmon Coffee
“I personally craft our sauces and syrups daily at the Sawmill with as many local ingredients as possible,” said Avram. “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.”
Another neat tidbit is that they’re exclusively using Decibel Coffee. “They have been exceptional in providing us with quality coffee,” Avram added. “We also source milk from Tirrito Farms. I’m most excited about providing Mount Lemmon visitors with exceptional coffee and pastries using local ingredients.”
Now, the name of the coffee shop changed from Mt. Lemmon Coffee Bean to Mt. Lemmon Coffee and Tea Co. because, well, they’re serving tea now as well. The menu features a variety of hot tea drinks, including classics like Earl Grey and Green Tea.
“For chai drinks, we use Maya Tea chai concentrate, and our matcha offerings feature Maya’s Matcha,” said Avram. “Additionally, we use Maya’s cola concentrate to create our unique Coati Cola.”
Mt. Lemmon Coffee is also serving a selection of fresh pastries. One of the highlights is the Monsoon Chocolate Chip Cookies, something Avram refers to as the “perfect blend of rich chocolate and Hayden Mills flour in every bite. Our chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with our exceptional coffee and tea offerings.”
“Our pastry selection goes beyond the ordinary, featuring a variety of rotating seasonal treats. Inspired by the freshest and finest ingredients, our seasonal pastries promise a delightful surprise with every visit.”
They’re also selling dog treats from The Pack’s Snacks — a nice way to show appreciation for your furry friends up on the mountain — they have seating and board games set up outdoors (weather permitting).
What’s New at Sawmill Run?
Over at the Sawmill Run Restaurant, the team offers seasonal specials with seasonal ingredients while refreshing the menu from time to time — ensuring that “there’s always something exciting” for folks to try. Right now, there are a few new items you need to try as soon as you can make it up the mountain.
First, let’s talk about the two new burgers on the menu.
Watching the sun rise on Mount Lemmon is truly a treat and so is Sawmill’s Sunrise Burger. This smash burger is topped with white cheddar, tomato-bacon jam, sauteed onions, and chipotle aioli in a potato bun.
The other smashin’ burger is the Alpine Burger topped with yellow and white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and Sawmill Sauce in a potato bun. Each burger “offers a unique and delicious flavor profile to tantalize the taste buds,” Avram added.
“We’ve stepped up our pizza game by crafting the sauce in-house and tossing the dough on-site,” he said. “Our pizzas are now a delightful addition to the menu, promising a savory experience for pizza enthusiasts.”
“As part of our commitment to supporting local businesses, we’re expanding our beer selection with offerings from the brewery at Tirrito Farms,” said Avram. “It’s our way of bringing the best of local flavors to our customers. Also, starting this month, we’re excited to announce a variety of grass-fed beef options on our menu. Our partnership with Rafter M Meats ensures that our customers can enjoy high-quality, sustainable, and delicious beef choices.”
Hours of Operation
Sawmill Run Restaurant is open 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Wednesday – Thursday, 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday – Sunday, and closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Mt. Lemmon Coffee and Tea Co. is also closed on Monday and Tuesday, but open from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday – Friday and from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday – Sunday. In the summer, Mt. Lemmon Coffee is aiming to be open daily.
HEADS UP: If there’s snow in the forecast, call (520) 351-3351 to make sure the roads haven’t been closed.
Sawmill Run Restaurant is located at 12976 N. Sabino Canyon Park and Mt. Lemmon Coffe and Tea Co. is located at 12925 N Sabino Canyon Parkway. For more information, visit sawmillrun.com and mtlemmoncoffeeandteaco.com.
Where to Eat & Drink on Mount Lemmon
If you’re planning a trip up the mountain, check out our interactive guide to where to grab a beverage, eat a snack, or order a full meal.
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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.
