One of the highlights of my trip to Tucson this past June was lunch at the Iron Door. Gorgeous setting. Friendly service. Great food. Never had such good cornbread and the pies... Sitting outside on the porch with the hummingbirds and the local raven, Rufus, visiting us on a lazy afternoon was idyllic! Wish I lived closer (I'm in New York City). Will definitely visit again on my next trip to Tucson! read more

So a long trip up the mountain but the restaurant is a welcome site. The view at the top is worth it. Restaurant is a nice warm place with a real fireplace. Only complaint was, if you order the "grilled" cheese sandwich it is not grilled. It's toasted bread with cheese, tomato and bacon strips. I was a tad disappointed. I make excellent grilled cheese at home so was looking forward to it being rather similar. German potato salad was tasty. This will probably be the only time we make it up to Mt Lemon so won't be ordering anything else. read more

the food is excellent and the service is on par with you would expect for a place as out-of-the-way as this is however it is not a very Mobility friendly. For someone in a Mobility Scooter such as myself, I had a very difficult time. the disability access ramp is in the back of the restaurant. I had to squeeze past a huge truck that was blocking the way. then when I came in, there was a chair blocking the way and I actually ran into the door jamb on two separate occasions just trying to get into the restaurant. I had similar issues getting out. As a matter of fact, there was a metal bar going across the entire driveway that I had to go down in order to get back out of the restaurant. Luckily, my husband was with me and was able to move it also I am lucky that I am able to get out of my mobility scooter and walk short distances as none of the tables were really conductive to anyone in a Mobility Scooter. A wheelchair, perhaps but not a scooter. that being said, they were very kind and accommodating as they could be. there was a safe place for me to store my scooter while I was eating. really it was a huge issue of getting in and out. And had I needed to use my scooter to go to the restroom, it would have been completely impossible. so for the able-bodied, this place is excellent. but not for anyone with mobility issues read more

Ever go to a place and order only coffee and get that "look" from staff that you realize they figured out you aren't getting food and that their tip will thus be small? Yeah, that was this experience. It wasn't from one waiter, it was from two (since the first one vanished after bringing the coffee). Staff were pushy about the food. Felt uncomfortable. When you just want to sit outside in the morning checking out the ski lift and the pretty surroundings, a cup of coffee is just fine, but apparently not? Ended up ordering some pie and that was a weird experience too- not to mention the waiter really emphasized how big the pie was, and 6" inches around it was not. But it was good pie and ice cream. Overall, I'll skip the Iron Door next time I'm here unless I'm ordering food. read more

We drove all the way up to Mount Lemmon just to have pie! And you will not be disappointed! Our waitress, forgive me for forgetting her name, was absolutely adorable and very helpful. There really is not a bad pie on the menu so I cannot recommend one over another. It all Depends on what you like! The last time we were there, it was in the summertime and it was lovely to sit out on the deck and watch the hummingbirds. Too cold for this visit but we do get to see the lovely ravens that live on top of the mountain. They're the size of small cats! And from what I've been told, are very friendly and will eat out of your hand. Next time we'll have to try! read more

After going up the chair lift in February and walking around Mt. Lemmon awhile we were ready for some food. So glad this lovely place was right there. Great views, cozy comfort food. We don't usually get dessert, but after seeing others go by we just had to share one. So glad we did! The pie was delicious!! Definitely recommend leaving room for dessert, its all home made. read more

Delicious! Wonderful chili! Felt like I was in the woods in a log cabin. Chef had just made a mouth watering lemon strudel, was going to take it to go but one bite and we wolfed it down. read more

One of the few eating establishments in the Mt Lemmon area. Ambiance inside the restaurant is comfortable, especially with the seating area arranged in a semi circle around a huge fire place. There is an outdoor deck with great views. Unfortunately, at the time I visited, they had a bee problem that had prevented us from using the patio. Ordered 2 coffees and the mixed berry crumb pie. The coffee was not good, but the pie was. The price for everything was a little on the steep side with the bill totaling about 16 dollars. Our server was quirky and unusual. He was entertaining and completely baffling. I was amused, but there were times when the jokes was a little too much, and you just wanted him to hurry up. The pie and coffees came out at a reasonable time, but trying to get our bill was when things moved at a snails pace. With a nearly empty restaurant, we had to hunt our server down to get our bill paid. It was an OK place to visit once, but I do not think I will be returning. read more

I understand that businesses are hurting and the recent fire on the mountain only made that worst, but I was very disappointed with the food here. We have been up the mountain twice since the road re-opened and ate at restaurants both times as well as purchased cookies at the cookie place. On the first trip, we had hamburgers in Summerhaven and although a little pricey, they were good and we enjoyed them. At the Iron Door, sandwiches are $14.99 and consist of 3 pieces of thin-sliced deli meat on toast and a small scoop of potato salad. I understand the need to make up the revenue, but the best way would be to offer a product that makes a customer want to return, this was not. I have lived in Tucson for 40 years and been to the Iron Door many times, but this was the worst sandwich I have ever had. I will not return and will never recommend eating there to anyone. I will continue to support the businesses on Mt. Lemmon, just not the Iron Door! read more

This place really deserves zero stars but since that is not an option I will give it one based on the fact that our waiter was very friendly (if not overly so). The food was frighteningly bad. Absolutely the worst food I have been served in a restaurant. I am shocked at all the good reviews! Three of us had lunch there on a Thursday and they could not even pull off a turkey sandwich with success. We were all a bit nervous that the small amount we did eat would make us sick later. Luckily it did not. However, the joke of the horrendous meal at the Iron Door continued at our house for days. What was not a joke was the $50 tab for the totally sub par garbage we were served. read more

7/23/16 (12:30-2:30pm) Host took us to a table with bees. Requested indoor seating by the window view. Stated it was not possible as they couldn't due to the servers. Sat us at another table. Minutes later the same host have another family the same table we requested. Our server "Kenny" (female) was great. Food was moderate. Another family came in and also asked for the inside view spot right next to the family that was allowed to sit in that area. He host also declined them stating to them that that area was behind and could not be seated there. There was 1 table. Behind? Really? Poor hosting. Poor excuse. read more

So happy to have lunch here after our hike around Mount Lemmon. We didn't have to wait too long because we got there just before the lunch rush. The place serves up great homemade cooking. They are known for their chili and corn bread and their homemade pies. We had both and I will say the chili was a little spicy for me. The pies are flaky and very fresh. Great views of the ski hill. Nice and cozy place with an very entertaining waiter. Service was very slow but the food was worth waiting for. read more

Went up to Mt Lemmon and on the way down we stopped at the Iron Door. The food was good and the service was good too. If you buy breakfast on the weekend you get free ski lift tickets. On a hot summer day in Tucson this is a great bonus after breakfast. read more

Awesome hot cider! And we ate mountain berry pie that was devine! We wanted to buy a whole pie, but at $25 bucks a pie it seemed a bit much. We got here 15 min to close, so didn't get to really get a look at the full menu, but I am sure everything is fairly tasty. The execution of the ski lodge atmosphere is great. You sit around the fireplace which is sort of underneath the seating area, its pretty cool. read more

We came back for the bowl of chili and also ordered the quesadilla, a sandwich and peach cobbler this time around. Chili and peach cobbler were good. Quesadilla and sandwich were meh. Service crew and the lady at the front did an excellent job. However, they were short on staff today and weren't able to open the entire dining floor. So, customers had to wait awhile before getting seated even though lots of tables were technically available. (Not the fault of the service crew but maybe better management?) Good thing folks keep coming back for the chili and pies! read more

We started out at the competition in Summerhaven and we were rudely treated so we headed up to the IronDoor, very friendly service, Nick did an outstanding jobwaiting on several tables at once no still providing excellent service! The chili and cornbread are good but nothing compares to the pie! Worth the trip up for sure! read more

My wife and I are from Seattle and spent the day driving up Mt. Lemmon. We had no idea there was a restaurant at the top but were hungry and stepped inside. Wow, what a hidden jewel. The atmosphere was great with the big fireplace blazing and the view out the back. Our waitress was great- she commutes each day from Tucson! That's like 25 miles on a winding/curvy mountain highway. I'm amazed. We ordered chili, mushroom soup, corn bread and got pie for the road. All very good. I was told the chili is a recipe the owner got from her mother and has been cooking it since 1976. The corn bread is the best I ever had. My wife really enjoyed the soup. And the pie- made fresh every morning. In fact we had to wait for my apple pie to come out of the oven. I highly recommend the Iron Door. read more

Atmosphere is nice and staff was friendly but the service was spotty and the food just OK. Chili isn't great. I wouldn't recommend it. They do not soak their beans so you feel miserable for about 3 hours after eating. One daughter got 1/2 Claim Jumper sandwich and soup, the other got the whole Claim Jumper with chips. The half sandwich was bigger and better made than the whole sandwich and there were only crumbs instead of chips. Looked like the leftover chips from another plate. Will eat before we go next time. Overpriced for what you get. read more

After waiting 30 minutes for a table (understandable due to Oktoberfest) our server, Amber, took an hour and a half to get us our order, which was not large or complicated. We sensed that she was going to continue taking her time serving us, so we asked for the check when she finally brought our drinks (after we had gotten our food). 20 minutes after she left with our money, the host (who was very kind and helpful) tried to bring our checks because he noticed she never came back. He didn't have the check my friend paid in cash though, and when we went to the counter they were both trying to figure out where the cash went. We eventually got the change back, but it seemed suspicious. Whatever happened, the terrible service made us late to the Oktoberfest, which put a damper on our day. read more

I'll hit the mountain an hour or two early just to make it to the Iron Door and cap off the day with one of Lorri's pies. Try the hot chocolate on a cool day, and ask for a table on the porch to enjoy the aspens and the view. Ask to sit in Nelson's section for a good side of laughs. read more

Great service and a good meal. I really loved the chocolate bread pudding. I would definitely return.

Went Sledding with the family, and we got hungry! We walked over across the street and had an amazing meal, the chili and Corn bread are a must try!!! read more

No idea how this place is reaching 4 and 5 stars...Let's start off with our waiter outright telling my husband and I that their meat comes frozen and they just pop it in the microwave. He was "just being upfront." Well sir, you didn't really even have to say anything, the food tastes frozen. We were hungry though and heard the sandwiches were good. I don't know if it's because everyone is so isolated up there that "good" is such a relative term, but for a 2 person meal totaling $30 (for sandwiches!!!) better be amazing. It was not. It was far from amazing. First off, the chicken was clearly frozen until it was heated up, I won't even say cooked, the bread wasn't toasted..just kind of microwaved along with the meat. It was a small sandwich, about the size of an average palm and the "side" that came with it was a joke. We got the German potato salad and when it came, it looked like a single spoonful, it was hot (what kind of potato salad is hot?!) and it contained, I kid you not, 2 to 3 potato slices with sauce...are. you. kidding?! $30 for this!! Never in our life will we go back and I hope someone reads this review before their unfortunate souls dine in such a low quality rip off of a restaurant. read more

I love going to the Iron Door for its delicious menu. A lot of the reviews mention how long it takes and the attitude of the staff -- but these have changed. I was there in October 2013 and despite how busy they were, the service was very fast and very friendly. Unfortunately, the food was not very warm. Our soups and other items were merely warm, although they can't have sat long because the food came quickly. Prices are high because of the location, but it's a great restaurant. read more

The Iron Door is a unique gift to the Mt Lemmon area. My 13 year old and I decided to head up the mountain on a rare rainy/cloudy day in September and were greeted with a 57 degree temperature. Iron Door had the fire place cracklin' and our server, Nelson, was quite humorous and engaging. The decor reflects the German heritage of the restaurant, and they offer a few German beers as well. My son had the sliders with grilled onions and I chose to have one of their specials, a green chile chicken & rice soup. No complaints from either of us, the service was great, the food was great, and the atmosphere was perfect for a rainy day. read more

The best chili and cornbread on the mountain. We always stop here when we go up Mount Lemmon. The service is fast and friendly, and the wood burning fire is wonderful. German food is awesome too. No complaints at all about this place we love it read more

Good corn chowder, really solid chili and cooked/grilled sandwiches. Spiced wine was an excellent highlight - feels like a taste of the mountains. Cornbread was slightly dry and cold sandwiches were pedestrian. Service really brought the review up to 4 stars though - attentive, friendly, and humorous. Definitely a great place to eat if you're skiing or in the area. Not sure if I'd make the drive just for the food though. I definitely will visit again! read more

This place was exactly what I had hoped for. .Good service with a smile, delightful sandwiches, cornbread to die for, and the right amount of ambience for a ski valley/mountain decor. My girlfriend and I will be back again. The Iron Hand restaurant is worth the drive up. Kudo's to this place. read more

Pretty tasty food for a random little mountain restaurant. The service was very fast and friendly, can't complain! I ordered a turkey sandwich and my friend got the chili with cornbread - both very good, but definitely not gourmet. The waiter kept our lemonade constantly refilled, which was perfect after a long day of hiking! And the PIE (rhubarb) was stellar. I'd go back. read more

Met up with my sister and brother in law in Tucson and went up to Mt Lemmon for a drive and to see something other than cactus and rocks. Beautiful drive up to the top. Stopped at this restaurant before we took the ski lift for the view. Ate on the patio. Weather was perfect. Food was very delicious, (sandwiches and soup). Great assortment on their menu. Pie fantastic. . Service great. I talked to the owner, who is also one of the cooks, afterwards and told her its too bad thy didn't have a restaurant in San Diego where I am from. She told me that she used to have one there but moved because of the high cost of living there. Can't blame her for that. Friendly service, great selection and quality. Casual dining but that's what you would expect on a mountain top. read more

I used to go to Iron Door because it was the only place to have a meal on the mountain (The Sawmill Run has changed that fact for the better). The Iron Door has a good setting and the hummingbirds are cool. That is about it. The menu is limited, the food is uneven, the service is rude when they show up and the hours are irregular. My understanding is the Iron Door is owned by the Forest Service and it feels that way with the poor delivery. So go up to ski valley and take the tram but pass on the iron Door. read more

AMAZING food! Okay service. Beautiful view. A MUST see, eat and enjoy.

Beer was cold, the Bratwurst was hot, and Barbara, our server was fabulous! What a great end to our drive to Mt Lemmon

A great end to a day hike after riding the chair lift to the top. We enjoyed reat chilli and pie as Bob played great live music on the patio. read more

We were pleasantly surprised with the food. Everything we ordered was pretty good and could tell it was all made in house. Spin and Artichoke dip was great. Chile looked like it had pieces of steak in it instead of ground beef. Little disappointed they didnt have the "world famous" corn bread available. Didnt order desserts but they looked good at other tables. The view was a bit of a let down with just 2 small windows and you couldn't see anything unless your table was next to it. Fireplace looked grand and would be really nice if they used it in the colder months. If we were local we would definitely go back. read more

Went here for the first time and had a wonderful experience! Had great service and amazing food. When they say they are known for their chili and pie, they mean it! Had the mountain berry peach crumbled pie and it's probably the best pie I've had to date! Would definitely go again! read more

Great view. Friendly service. Good food but basic menu

Well after driving all the way up to Mt Lemmon from town you need to do what?? Umm....eat some pie!! So we stopped off here and had us some pie! Really any of the pies looked good but we ordered the personal mixed berry crunch. It comes with a side of ice cream. But it better come with that because it's 7 a pie! But it was good...heck if not great! So I'm glad that the $7 was worth it. We also ordered coffee and had a wonderful server that just kept making us laugh. Overall a nice stop on top of Mt Lemmon. read more

Wow. Rarely do you have a super unique atmosphere, with fabulous wait staff, and excellent food all at the same time. Iron Door satisfied all three. It is housed at the top of Mt. Lemmon at the ski resort in an old, wooden cabin with a HUGE stone fireplace in the center of the restaurant and sweeping views out of the antique glass windows. There are antiques everywhere, including historic photos and posters in the bathrooms. The food leans towards the German palette but has some of the BEST cornbread I have ever eaten anywhere. The chili is spot on and makes your nose run, just a little bit. :) Oh - and don't pass up dessert, their Mtn Berry Rhubarb pie was delicious. Of course, we can't forget to mention our waiter, Nathan(?). He provided compliments, a smile, a joke or two, and some history. I cannot wait to make it up to Iron Door again. read more

oh my gawd i was so hungry after cycling up the mountain. there was tons of people here but still tons of open spaces. there are private little booths, tables, or anywhere on their huge outdoor patio. the chili is the BEST I HAVE EVER HAD. the sandwiches are a close second. and the apple cider was so good i ordered 3 of them. haha. i would actually drive up the mountain for 25 miles just to have lunch here. it was that good! read more

Iron Door - Sandwich and chili - Salad Near Me - Mount Lemmon, Arizona