Some of the most memorable meals in the U.S. begin with a journey. There are restaurants perched so far away that you can only reach them by tram, chairlift, or gondola. Here are 10 restaurants across the U.S. where the ride isn’t just part of the experience, it’s half the reason to go.
Aurora Summit Restaurant in Jackson, Wyoming 
The view from Aurora Restaurant in Jackson Hole
(Tamara Gane)
At Snow King Mountain, you load into a gondola right at the edge of town and climb above Jackson Hole as the Tetons stretch out in the distance. By the time you reach Aurora Summit Restaurant, the whole valley feels like it’s been laid out just for you.
The space leans modern-alpine, with large windows that make it hard to focus on your plate. The menu matches the setting with elevated comfort food. Think bison steak, fresh trout, fondue, and cocktails you’ll want to linger over as the sun drops behind the mountains. It’s one of those places where dinner naturally turns into a full evening.
Seven Glaciers in Girdwood, Alaska 
The Alyeska Resort tram offers breathtaking views on the way up to Seven Glaciers.
(Roy Neese)
Getting to Seven Glaciers at Alyeska Resort means riding the aerial tram straight up the side of a mountain. When the doors open, you’re surrounded by peaks, hanging glaciers, and views of the Turnagain Arm that feel almost unreal.
Inside, it’s white tablecloths and a refined vibe, but the view keeps it from ever feeling stuffy. The 6-course tasting menu leans into Alaska ingredients such as halibut, king crab, and locally foraged produce. If you time it right, you’re watching the light stretch across the mountains well into the evening, especially in summer.
The Roundhouse in Ketchum, Idaho
The Roundhouse Express Gondola, Sun Valley ski resort, Idaho, with the town in the background.
(raclro via Getty Images)
There’s something charming about riding a gondola up Bald Mountain at Sun Valley Resort and ending at a building that looks like it’s been there forever. The Roundhouse has been around since the 1930s, and it still feels like a classic ski-era hideaway.
The vibe is relaxed and a little nostalgic. You’ll find soups, sandwiches, and hearty mountain fare, the kind of food that makes sense after a morning outside. The wraparound deck is where you want to be, especially on a bluebird day when Sun Valley stretches out below you.
Summit House in Encumclaw, Washington
The gondola ride up Crystal Mountain sets the tone, but the real moment comes when Mount Rainier fills the entire horizon. It’s so close it almost doesn’t look real.
Summit House Restaurant keeps things simple, letting you focus on the setting. You’ll find Northwest staples like salmon, chowder, and local beers. Grab a table by the window if you can, but even if you don’t, you’ll end up outside at some point just to take it all in.
Il Rifugio in Keystone, Colorado
Arapahoe Basin doesn’t try to be flashy, which makes this spot a surprise. At 12,456 feet high, Il Rifugio is the highest restaurant in America, accessible by lift. It feels more like a European ski hut than anything you’d find in Colorado.
The menu leans Italian, with fresh pasta, charcuterie, and simple dishes done well. It’s cozy without being cramped, and on a sunny day, the patio turns into one of the best lunch spots on the mountain.
Peaks Restaurant in Palm Springs, California 
Couple on tram from Palm Springs to San Jacinto Mountians.
(Siri Stafford via Getty Images)
Not every gondola ends in snow. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes you from the desert floor up into the cooler air of Mount San Jacinto State Park, and the shift is dramatic.
Peaks Restaurant is a study in contrasts. Down below, it’s all heat and palm trees. Up here, you’re surrounded by pine forest and sweeping desert views. The dining room slowly rotates, so even if you stay seated, the scenery keeps changing. The menu is polished but approachable, with steak, seafood, and a solid wine list.
Cliff House in Stowe, Vermont 
A gondola at a Vermont ski resort in summer.
(apelletr via Getty Images)
Cliff House is perched atop Vermont’s highest peak. You ride the gondola up Mount Mansfield and step out into a scene that feels straight out of a postcard.
Inside, it’s warm woods, big windows, and that classic lodge feel. The food sticks to New England comfort fare, with chowder, braised meats, and seasonal dishes. It’s especially good on a snowy day when everything outside goes quiet.
The Landing in Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky lives up to its name, and the ride up to The Landing makes that clear pretty quickly. Wide open terrain, endless sky, and a sense of space you don’t get in many places.
Tucked inside the new One&Only Moonlight Basin, the restaurant feels polished without being overdone, with a menu that leans into high-end mountain dining, featuring steaks, fresh fish, and carefully crafted cocktails. It’s the kind of place where you settle in and savor each bite.
Lookout Cabin, Park City, Utah
There’s plenty to do on Park City Mountain, but Lookout Cabin deserves a spot on your itinerary. You ride up, step inside, and immediately feel like you’ve entered a mountaintop oasis.
The food is classic ski lodge fare: burgers, chili, and hearty plates that hit the spot after a few runs. The vistas reach out over the Wasatch Range, and on a clear day, you’ll want to grab a seat outside if you can.
Ten 3 in Albuquerque, New Mexico
A scenic view from above of Sandia Mountain and the Tramway in Albuquerque, New Mexico
(Karen Timmons via Getty Images)
The Sandia Peak Tramway lifts you high above Albuquerque, and it doesn’t take long to shift from city to mountain. At the top, Ten 3 sits at over 10,000 feet, with sweeping views of the desert scenery and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains that inspired artists like Georgia O’Keeffe.
The space is modern, almost sleek, which contrasts nicely with the rugged landscape outside. The menu is upscale, with many featuring New Mexico’s famed Hatch Green Chile. Sunset is the time to go if you can swing it.
Piste Mountain Bistro, in Teton Village, Wyoming
At Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the gondola ride up to Piste Mountain Bistro sets you up for one of the best views in Wyoming. The Tetons show up again here, but from a different angle that feels just as dramatic.
The vibe is a mix of lively and relaxed, with a menu that balances refined dishes and mountain favorites, ranging from steaks and salmon to casual burgers and salads. It’s easy to come for lunch and end up staying longer than planned.
Timberland Bar and Grill in Juneau, Alaska 
The Goldbelt Tram carries passengers up to the summit of Mount Roberts overlooking the city of Juneau.
(Douglas Sacha via Getty Images)
The Goldbelt Tram up Mount Roberts starts right from the Juneau waterfront, lifting you above the trees as the Gastineau Channel opens up behind you. By the time you reach the top, a universe of water, forest, and mountains stretches below.
Timberline Bar & Grill keeps things casual and easy. The menu taps into Alaska staples like salmon, halibut, chowder, and local beer, the kind of meal that fits the setting without overthinking it. If the weather’s good, head outside. It’s the kind of place where you keep looking up between bites just to take it in again.
Some meals stick with you because of the food. Others stay with you because of how you got there.
Dining and Cooking