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6 places to eat in Mount Lemmon, north of Tucson, Arizona

There's nothing quite like snow when you live in Arizona.

As soon as the first snow falls from the sky, we turn off our phones as we record desert landscapes that turn into winter wonderlands. In other words, you haven't lived until you've actually tried to build the world's smallest snowman from a tiny bit of snow on the ground.

For every sunny day in Tucson, it snows, but at Lemmon Mountain, about 60 miles away, the exact opposite happens. Lemmon Mountain often has the kind of white powder snow you've only seen in movies.

After a fun day of having snowball fights, skiing down the mountain, and building real snowmen, there's nothing better than warming up with some delicious food and hot cocoa.

For those who travel to have fun in the snow, we've put together a list of Mt Lemon restaurants and cafes to make your snowy day delicious.

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Sawmill Run Restaurant

This family-owned restaurant has roots in Mount Lemmon. According to the website, the restaurant is named after Lemmon Mountain pioneer Tony Zimmerman, who owned and operated his two sawmills on the site. Today, Zimmerman's son and great-grandson own and operate his fast-casual Sawmill Run restaurant. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, and pizza. There's also poutine, which has crispy fries topped with beef gravy, cheese curds and green onions. You can also order Smokehouse Fries topped with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese and chipotle sauce.

position: 12976 N. Sabino Canyon Parkway.

check out their Website For more information.

iron door restaurant

After a long day of skiing or snowboarding, you might have quite an appetite. Luckily, Ski Valley is home to the Iron Door Restaurant, where you can dine and warm up next to a giant fireplace. Iron Door offers both a lunch and breakfast menu, including sandwiches, soups, and pancakes. According to their website, they are also famous for their chili and cornbread.

position: 10300 Ski Run Road

check out their Website For more information.






Employees at Mount Lemon Cookie Cabin Pizzeria and Bakery in Summer Haven, Arizona, walk between two large trees that are starting to change color in front of the pizzeria and bakery on October 8, 2020.


Rebecca Sasnett / Arizona Daily Star


Mount Lemon Cookie Cabin

No trip to Mount Lemmon would be complete without a visit to the Cookie Cabin. It's been a local staple since 1990. Despite losing the original cabin in the 2003 Aspen fire, Cookie Cabin was rebuilt the following year and has been thriving ever since. Be sure to stop by and pick up a giant (I mean, as big as my head!!) chocolate chip, brownie, peanut butter, or oatmeal cookie to go with your hot chocolate. Need something tasty too? Cookie Cabin also makes homemade cheese and pepperoni pizzas that can be sold by the slice or whole pies.

position: 12781 N. Sabino Canyon Park.

check out their Website For more information.

Mount Lemon Coffee and Tea Company

It's never too cold to drink iced coffee. At Mount Lemon Coffee and Tea Company, he can choose one from a wide range of drink options to warm up or cool down. Mount Lemon Mocha, Summit Spice Chai Latte, and Cozy Cabin Cappuccino are just a few of the fun drinks you can enjoy after playing in the snow. All of the syrups are made in-house, and the cookies and pastries are also available in a variety of options. At Mount Lemon Coffee Company, we love taking our customers on a “flavorful journey.”

position: 12925 N. Sabino Canyon Parkwee

check out their Website For more information.






In addition to snacks and souvenirs, the Mount Lemmon General Store also sells fresh fudge.


Gloria Knott, this is Tucson.


Mount Lemon General Store and Gift Shop

Although this is not a restaurant, it would be a shame to leave Mount Lemmon without trying their famous fudge. Since Mount Lemon General Store and Gift Shop opened his doors in 2000, homemade fudge has remained in customers' memories. Butter Pecan, Chocolate Caramel Nut, Cookies and Cream, and Rocky Road are just a few of the fudges made here. There are also seasonal flavors, all of which are delicious. It's truly a chocolate lover's dream.

position: 12856 N. Sabino Canyon Parkway.

check out their Website For more information.

Pro tip: miner's sweet tooth Over 10 types of homemade fudge from Ski Valley!






Mount Lemmon Lodge features lobby games, a woodland garden, gift shop, Beyond Bread cafe and Swedish sauna.


MLL Photography, Blink Media


Beyond bread

Luckily, there are several Beyond Bread locations in Tucson, and now a cafe in Mount Lemmon. Beyond Bread Cafe inside the new Mount Lemmon Lodge features sandwiches, salads, soups, and macaroni and cheese that Tucson residents love. Don't forget the pastries!

position: 12833 N. Sabino Canyon Park.

check out their Website For more information.

While recent snowfall has turned Lemmon Mountain white again, let's take a look at some of Tucson's favorite winter destinations in recent decades.

Jesse Telles



Jamie Donnelly is the food writer for #ThisIsTucson. Contact her via email at jdonnelly@tucson.com.

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