When it comes to dining out, oftentimes the ambiance and views are just as important as the food. And if you’ve ever eaten at the Summit House Restaurant at the Crystal Mountain Resort, you know it has all three — especially the views. In fact, a gondola ride is required to dine there.

When we say you’ll be dining above the clouds, we’re not kidding.

DonDory / TripAdvisor Summit House Restaurant is located at the top of the Mt. Rainier Gondola on Crystal Mountain.

If you can brave the gondola ride to the top, you’ll enjoy mountain views as far as the eye can see…

management / TripAdvisor

…and luckily, the food happens to be excellent as well.

Summit Haus Restaurant Facebook Summit House serves a casual lunch and dinner menu of salads, sandwiches, steaks, burgers, and other hearty entrees. The menu rotates seasonally.

If you’re wondering if this magical place is open all year, the answer (thankfully) is yes.

Summit Haus Restaurant Facebook However, hours are more limited in the winter, and they’ll stay closed on days when the winds are too high.

During the winter, the outdoor area becomes the Ice Bar.

Summit Haus Restaurant Facebook Imagine sipping a cold Rainier while looking at Mt. Rainier.

No matter when you go, a meal at the Summit House is always delightful.

Summit House Restaurant Facebook Current winter hours are 10:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information on the Summit House Restaurant, check out their website. And if you can’t go anytime soon, check out these other unique dining experiences (they’re all on the ground).

DonDory / TripAdvisor

Summit House Restaurant is located at the top of the Mt. Rainier Gondola on Crystal Mountain.

management / TripAdvisor

Summit Haus Restaurant Facebook

Summit House serves a casual lunch and dinner menu of salads, sandwiches, steaks, burgers, and other hearty entrees. The menu rotates seasonally.

However, hours are more limited in the winter, and they’ll stay closed on days when the winds are too high.

Imagine sipping a cold Rainier while looking at Mt. Rainier.

Summit House Restaurant Facebook

Current winter hours are 10:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.