We do not ski Crystal Mountain very often as we are season pass holders at White. So, we hadn't tried out the Snorting Elk apres ski until this year and we have been missing out! Fun atmosphere and really yummy food. You order at a bar, no table service and the deli for the food is off to the side so can not really say much about service quality. We had a BLT and 1/2 order nachos and they were both very good. We will definitely hit this spot again! read more

Snorting Elk - Pubs Near Me - Crystal Mountain, Washington

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Been trying to get here for a visit since I saw them featured on Evening Magazine - definitely worth the wait! Even though the AFC playoff game was on & the place was packed, the service was great! Really enjoyed the tap selection, and the ski-themed fireplace really makes it inviting! Not too many restaurants at Crystal that are ski-up; this place is worth the visit! read more

Snorting Elk - This fireplace is a great place to hang out! - Pubs Near Me - Crystal Mountain, Washington

This place has epic reviews. Now I know why Just go! It's that good! The food was exceptional and the drinks great. I can't wait to go back and work my way through the menu! read more

This is the best ski bar in America hands down!!! Ok I'm sure it's among the best but they have great food also and it's a real local hangout where you are always sure to see your friends (or make some)! read more

Great casual, slightly divey atmosphere. I stopped in today after a long day of skiing at Crystal. What surprised me most was that no one had written a review! My boyfriend and his dad recalled drinking here for the last 12 or so years after hitting the slopes together. And better yet, my boyfriend even remembered not being old enough to drink here and was left to hit up the deli next door whole his dad grabbed a quick post-ski beer. That must've been 20+ years ago! This place looks and feels like it's been around forever. We had Coffee Nudges before our nearly 2 hour drive home. The TVs around the. At were playing awesome 80s ski videos, the food and drinks were solid, and the space felt cozy and aged - in a homey way. The stools around the room are worn and unique. Each looked like it was made 30+ years ago. The fireplace had a big fire crackling in it, and if you were in a big group there were plenty of large booths and tables around the room for people to choose from. Definitely a spot I'll stop at every time I visit. I loved that you could literally ski right to the front door too! read more

Me and my family came here and let me say, we were disappointed. The crab cakes didn't taste fresh, the salmon was undercooked, and the cheese on my pasta dish was cold and mushy. My family also waited for our waiter for 15minutes till we were able to get our drinks and menus. Plus, we politely asked him to shut the door-since our table was next to it-and he forgot to do it each time we asked. Will NOT be returning. read more

Exclusive beer selection from Elysian Brewers? WOO-HOO! Isolated bavarian themed pub at a ski resort? WOW! Normally ski resorts are ultra modern or very run down and grimy. Not here. They like it classic with the bavarian architecture and old school ski paraphernalia on used as decor on the wall. The best part about this place is how it maintains a "well-kept secret" feel to it. Because it is off to the side behind a row of trees you feel special for discovering it. This comes with the added benefit of not being over crowded or filled with loud children. Also, it comes with its own Elysian brewed beer named after the establishment and sold exclusively here and no where else. Smooth soft tasting beer with a bit of a kick to warm you up. The Pub is also next to a deli where you can get some amazing quick bites to eat before you head out for a run. I really enjoyed the veggie sandwich which served avocado, carrots, lettuce, tomato, and cucumber. More quality than I expected from a pub up in the mountains! Next time, I will spend the night at the Inn above the pub to get the full experience. read more

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Underwhelming and expensive. Expect this to a be a long meal based on how long getting anything takes

If you've spent the day skiing at Crystal but are still looking for more fun, walk down to the parking lot, cross the bridge and head towards the Alpine Inn. Through the basement door of this Austrian inspired lodge is the best watering hole on the mountain, the Snorting Elk! Full of ski bums, mountain employees and "dirt bags", the Elk offers something for everyone... usually in the form of a strong drink or huge pizza. Unwind after your day on the slopes with their warm fire, constant stream of ski videos and plenty of drunken ridiculousness. read more

A few weeks ago, we got a very early start (small miracle) and caught first chair. We skied hard through lunch, but by about 2pm, the snow was softening up and our legs were begging for a rest. We decided to call it an early day and a few folks we met on the chair suggested we head down to Snorting Elk for a beer. Best Decision Ever! At 2:30, there were still seats open and we snagged a big booth right by the window. There are no waiters - you order beer from the bar, and food from the family-friendly deli around the corner. There are only a few taps for draft beer but the selection included several quality local microbrews. Our BLT sandwich was top-notch and the peanut butter cookie was maybe the best cookie I've had in years. We were totally fortified for our drive back to Seattle. By the time we left at 3:30, the small bar area was starting to fill up - I imagine this place is hopping after the lifts close. I love the rustic ski lodge feel and the massive tables. My only small gripe is that I wish they had a few more hooks around for wet jackets and gear. If you're looking for a cozier, more laid-back spot to relax after a good ski day, check this out as an alternative to the bustling Bull Wheel. You can ski straight to the back door, too - just cut left above the gondola terminal. The front entrance is just a short walk down the hill from the base lodge. read more

Very mediocre food. To be fair, went at an off time- a Tuesday at 4:30. But food was sub par and service left little to be desired. Wouldn't recommend. Overpriced for what it is- okay bar food. read more

This place had wonderful ambience, very cozy, real fire. You go up to the bar to order your drink, lots of yummy beers on tap and a few wines as well. If they have it when you're there DO try the Vanilla Stout - yummy! There's a deli around the corner, I saw some people had brought the meals (I think it was taco night) into the pub and it all looked delicious! read more

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Tucked away across the bridge from the Crystal Mt parking lot this family owned Restaurant and bar is the locals spot. If you have a season pass show it to the cashier in the Deli to get a 10% discount on your food order. Food: They are not open for breakfast but will open at 11am for lunch in the Deli. I usually go for The Italian sandwich, it's a good size and comes with potato chips (only option). They have a great assortment of sandwiches a soup of the day and an awesome chili. They do have pizzas which are amazing but they don't start making them until 3pm which is pretty late for lunch but perfect for a bite while waiting for the traffic to crawl down the boulevard at the end of the day. Atmosphere: The inside looks like a cellar bar in the Alps. Big fire place for warming up on cold days. Big wood tables and chairs gives it that lodge feel. It does fill up quick on the weekends at the end of the day so if you want a table for food you should plan on being in there by 3pm. The line to get drinks will wrap around the bar. They have 2 tv's which are usually playing the top sports games of the day otherwise they are showing the latest ski flicks. Bartenders are on top of their game, fast and friendly. I'm definitely a regular here so if you see me say hi. read more

Had drinks one night and pizza and beer another night. Both great experiences in a homey, cozy bar. A very "local" flavor. The pizza was SO good (chicken thai), and they have a great selection of Northwest beers on tap. After dinner a stop at the adjoining Deli for a huge homemade cookie topped the evening off. One downfall was being moved from our table of choice twice so that the band could set up. We were cozy by the fire and had to move to a huge booth. read more

Snorting Elk Enumclaw, Washington. Located in the "cellar" of the Alpine Inn, this place is a combination pub meets small ski lodge. . Pro's · Amazing Scenery (You can watch the skiers ski by as you sip a beer) · Great soup and sandwiches from the adjacent deli · Décor-ambiance was just cool · Small but stocked bar · European feel · Sports on the televisions in the bar area · Awesome bartenders · Alcohol prices were comparable to bars and taverns anywhere else · Has a rustic charm to it · Large fireplace to warm skiers Con's · Food was pricey · Baked goods were dry · Food was mediocre · Since the bar is small and seating is limited, it gets loud when full Summary- This pub/bar is really amazing. It was so much fun to sit at the rustic German looking booth and sip a beer and watch the skiers pass by. The longer we sat there, the more the bar filled up, the louder it got, however when it was just about dark, most of the skiers went back out to get their gear and head out. We were so taken in by the scenery and the ambiance of not just the bar, but the entire experience that we stayed as long as we could, even giving thought to staying the evening at the Alpine Inn. We were actually one of the last ones to leave. I will return, the price for dinner (2 sandwiches, a beer, a cola, chips, a cookie and a brownie was about $32.50 and the gondola ride was $40.00, it was so worth it. Just as I would recommend Crystal Mountain, I would recommend wrapping up the evening with a trip to the Snorting Elk. It made the day one of the most perfect, if not the most perfect we have had since being here. read more

I just had the most unpleasant experience in my entire life at this Alpine Restaurant Crystal mountain. If anyone have an under 2 1/2 years old who cant eat food from the restaurants then don't come to this place. Apparently, I've made some chicken and veg pasta soup (nothing smelly) for Sofia coz she's a fussy eater. By the way, as I was pouring the hot pasta into a bowl and was 1 second away from feeding Sofia. A waiter came right up and said "sorry, we're not allow food from outside because of health & safety reasons". It was so pathetic that I didn't even apologize coz did he expecting a 6 months old eating the restaurant food too? I had to explained 2/3 times to the guy that she is TWO years old and she doesn't like other foods thats why I brought it with me. I get it if she is 4/5 years old and we've tried to save money for not ordering food from there but that was not the case. I was nearly over the roof that he was so reluctant to say it was the restaurant POLICY and they can't do anything about it. We had a table of FOUR adults and 1 child. I was so angry that he wouldn't let me feed her with my own food. As I was trying to put the pasta back into a thermal cup getting ready to leave the shitty place so I can feed her in the car. The waiter then came up with the topic let me speak to the manager. Manager came out with a straight face. He said that we are okay this time but make sure we don't bring in the food next time. I had to explain it to the second guy again that Noooo, she is only TWO years old and that she doesn't like other food. He then said the same thing again.. The way he explained it as though I was committing a crime. How stupid is that? A restaurant that treat me like shit expecting next time? Oh please! How can some people doesn't use their discretion to distinguish between POLICY and COMMON SENSE. Every restaurant and every other thing that has a little print written on it but you have to use your own little part of your brain sometimes before you speak to a person about rules and policies. read more

In a maze of cookie cutter sports bars, Starbucks clones and all so trendy, edgey cool places the Snorting Elk Deli rises above the rest. Authentic by action not design. The folks who work here are mountain people, cat drivers, rangers, riders and skiers. Food is fantastic, wholesome, tasty and localvore. The Elk is the locals hang out for apre for good reasons, stroll across the bridge, check the attitude at the door and prepare to be welcomed read more

Snorting Elk - There's a reason the Elk is continually voted best ski hill bar. No Bogner or Hermes just great local vibe &honest comfort fuel - Pubs Near Me - Crystal Mountain, Washington

Matt is a legend and the nachos were huge. Also the guy maintaining the fire pit was a legend. The bartender made me a fancy drink even though we were annoying (also a legend). read more

Seriously awesome RIGHTEOUS, RIGHTEOUS All the food is right on. This is a place you'll reminisce over, and the memories are lasting. But watch out, things can get wild on Saturday nights during peak winter season read more

The nachos alone are worth going to the Snorting Elk. They're huge! Aside from the nachos, this place has such a neat and cozy vibe, great beer on tap, and tasty sandwiches and pizza. We ate here both nights we were in the area and were not disappointed. read more

So grateful for tasty food and beer in front of a fire after a day of skiing. Matt and Noah were exceptional servers.

Food was mediocre and customer service was the worst I've had in awhile, owner needs to put his bar crew thru some training, half drunk bartenders are only fun when they're in a good mood. read more

The Snorting Elk Cellar and Deli are quintessential fixtures in Washington state ski and mountaineering culture. You can find the Snorting Elk at the base of Crystal Mountain ski resort and on the edge of Mount Rainier National Park. Tucked nicely in to a wooded area just off the main base area parking lot, "The Elk" serves up tasty food and reasonably priced beer an well drinks. During Winter months, it's a haven for skiers and snowboarders that long for a pint and place to tell tall tales of what happened on the slopes. During summer months, you can find hikers and mountain bikers doing the same. The Elk serves up in of the most insane nacho plates iI've ever seen. Pyrex pie plate piled high with chips, cheese, salsa, guac, onions, and olives. Rumor has it that Manny's sells more kegs to The Elk than virtually every other venue in the Northwest. The deli in the bck of the Elk is family friendly and home to the best sandwiches and pizzas on the mountain. A cup of soup, hot chilli, bratwurst, and veritable selection of sandwiches await eager eaters. My favorite is the Snorting Elk Italian, but they make a mean Reuben too. Live music is played often by local bands and resort employees. Ski movies are running almost constantly providing a backdrop for people to gaze in awe or lie about their own conquests. The Snorting Elk is a family owned business thta has been serving up good times, great tastes, and memories that only come from a local watering hole without any pretentious attitude. Drink it in my friends, the Snorting Elk is the real deal... read more

Snorting Elk - Pubs Near Me - Crystal Mountain, Washington

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It's a great little place to hang out after kickin it on the slopes. The beer selection is fair and the pizza alway's hit's the spot. I like to roll in there after four or so and stay till I can't see straight. I think i've even recognized other Yelpers in there too. read more

DO NOT EAT THE MACARONI AND CHEESE!! I ordered the mac and cheese with chicken (14.00) and it was gross! Chicken was hard to eat and the mac was blah. It was not worth it at all! Had to eat it because it's the only place open. read more

Disappointed. This place reminded me of the basement at LUV in Colorado from the pics. Unfortunately, the only friendly local seeming guy was the bartender. There are rules to follow - you can't take your beverages out the bar and up onto the nice patio with fire pit. The deli is very small, the food yucky, and the girl working acted annoyed to be there. I wanted one of their stickers, she said she had them, and instead of telling me they cost money, tacked it onto my bill. We ordered nachos ($20!!) bc they were out of nearly everything else on the menu. Now I have had $20 nachos at Breckenridge, but they make them worth $20. This was canned, processed, stale chips, grease, and a massive amt of onions. No meat, guacamole, sour cream, or even slightly red tomatoes, and this is May 30. Really limited beer selection. 2 on tap, the rest in cans. read more

I tried very hard to have a good time here with a group of other Canadian parents up for a recent spring break vacation. The "friendly" bartender wanted us out the second we stepped in (before 9 pm on St. Patrick's Day) so he could ski the next day. "I was about to state last call". The bar is supposed to close at 10 pm at the earliest according to the pamphlet at the Inn. He accused our group of parents away with their kids for spring break of having a "sense of entitlement" when they went to the bar to order drinks. I still don't know how he arrived at this conclusion. I accuse us of being tourists. He had us all packaged up and figured out and was rude and caused friction with multiple people in our group until we left the bar around 11. There were still others in the bar at that time so he wasn't "keeping the bar open" for us as stated by him the next night. The next night... Came back the next night with my wife once we put the kids to bed hoping for a different bartender. Nope. Got the same guy and the same treatment. Greeted right off with "oh you again" and eventually refused service because of our "sense of entitlement". It unfortunately turned physical as I was violently removed from the bar and punched in the face with a ringed fist during a grappling match. I did fight back but I left bleeding from my lip, nose and eye listening to the local that we befriended on the way in inquire "what happened last night?". Apparently as bewildered by what just happened as we were. An investigation by management following my complaints the following day has revealed that the reason my wife and I were removed from the bar was because we were "too intoxicated to be served" according to the bartender (not mentioned at the time of ejection of course) and his local proponents. This is exactly what we predicted he would say in defense of his actions. I do appreciate the fact that the management of the bar and the Inn associated with the bar took my complaint seriously and they have done their best to look into what caused the incident. Unfortunately they find the actions of the first night more of a concern than the violence occurred the second night which is upsetting because the ejection happened as a direct result of the first night, not because of me and my wife being "too intoxicated". This bartender was not fired as a result and still works there. He is seemingly well liked by all the locals that he caters too and treats nicely. "Friendly bartender" states the pamphlet at the Inn. Judging by the ease in which this situation went sideways I doubt this is the first or last time this man has acted like this. If you've ever been treated rudely by a bartender in this place I urge you to speak up here or on social media or call the management to complain. So yes, fellow tourists, if you're from out of town and like being prejudged and treated like crap based on something about your conduct that you'll never be able to figure out, go and have a great time at the Snorting Elk. It was a warm and cozy place to go after skiing on a trip away with the family. Love from Canada, Nick Thomas read more

The snorting elk is the best apres ski bar around, drinks are strong and clientele is awesome, it offers a self serve bar and just plain acceptable food. but still fun is there to be had for all, I love watching snowboard movies by the fire all the time while I get smashed up too. They even have pizza after 4. this place is all about the cool customers, and there is a really cool and highlarious dude with leopard hair that goes there alot that I have a bit of a crush on but he doesn't know it yet. giggles. read more

too expensive, bad staff, slow service. not ok

15 Beers on tap...not too shabby for a small pub in the cellar under a hotel.

This place is great. The ambiance, the beer and bourbon selection, the location (off the beaten path, crossing a bridge), everything. Plus, I LOVE apres ski. So happy my friend recommended this place, if nothing else, a big warm fire, some ski movies all wrapped up in a wood cabin makes my day. Awesome. read more

Stopped in after a horseback ride. Delicious hummus plate and artichoke dip. Good drinks and service. Lovely patio. Dog friendly.

I usually head down the mountain after a day of skiing, occassionally stopping at Naches Tavern. But ended up hanging out at the Snorting Elk this weekend for the first time. It was decently busy, even on a Sunday night, with a roaring fire and ski videos playing on the TVs. Beer and drinks were fine . The pizza was decent and I appreciated that they would make it half and half. This place has pretty high reviews, probably cuz it's the only option around and not a bad one at that. read more

This is my happy place! Always have to make a stop into Snorting Elk after shredding the slopes! Great beer selection! Love the mountain atmosphere, laid back feel and Bavarian theme. read more

Great drinks, food and staff. The band was fun the other patrons were great, we had an amazing time.

No trip to Crystal Mountain is complete without a visit to the Snorting Elk (not to be confused with the Alpine Restaurant upstairs). Always a fun place to hang out. Good beers on tap and good food from the deli in the back. Only bad thing is that the deli closes early -- 8 pm on a Thursday (but maybe it stays open later on weekends?). One TV shows a constant stream of retro ski footage - good stuff. read more

Up on the mountain with 5 other friends? Are there any strangers in the vicinity? Get a shotski; don't ask what it is, just order one. I celebrated my 23rd birthday here and it turned out to be one of the best parties I've ever been to. The people you meet are all extremely friendly and the drinks are cheaper than some of the bars in Seattle. The restaurant above the cellar is a little pricey but very good. There was live music that night too, and the band played an assortment of cover songs quite well. By far the best seats in the house are directly in front of the fireplace. Good corner to get drinks and mingle with new people. read more

I haven't been to the Snoring Elk in probably 40 years but was going through some old junk and found a badge that signified I was a member of the "Snorting Elk left handers club" That signified that I had to drink with my left hand and if caught by another left hander drinking with my right hand I would have to by a round for all left handers present if I remember correctly. Part of the great apres atmosphere at the "Elk" A quick google search tells me that the place is still hopping. Good to hear. read more

We had a great time enjoying a beer in this rustic and inviting pub after a really bad meal at the restaurant on top of the gondola. This place does not own the other restaurant, thats a good thing. Next time we come back, we'll be having dinner here! Love this bar! read more

We really enjoyed this spot! Friendly service, ski lodge decor, and surprisingly great food (huge portions too!). It was a cozy spot to spend a few hours. The only downside was that the drink selection was pretty minimal, I guess since we came in the off-season (mid-September). I would definitely come back! read more