Cliff House Restaurant

The Cliff House was a wonderful addition to our family’s first visit at Stowe. With part of our group lazing around the lodge and the rest snowboarding, the gondola ride & lunch was a perfect meet-up. We had reservations, but arrived early and the manager readily offered a choice of tables. After reading reviews prior to our visit, we’d almost cancelled and were going to only ride the gondola. Glad we didn’t! The food arrived quickly and was excellent (chicken tenders were kid approved w/ mid rating). We were sure to compliment the manager that her staff provided the best service of any this week at Spruce Creek. While the prices are in line with other restaurants on property, the Cliff House team stands out with their professional mannerism and attentiveness to patrons.

Amazing spot that was a true winter wonderland when we went. The food is pricey but you are at the end of the day at the top of a mountain eating. We. Went here before during the fall and the views were amazing.

Friendly service, Incredible views! The soup could have been hot, but it was only warm. The hot citer hit the spot after riding all day.

This is a beautiful location & convenient spot to grab a bite if you are coming up the gondola! However, the food is probably a 2 or 3/5. The burger & fries is essentially $30 but is football concession quality unfortunately. It’s a fine burger, but the price is for convenience & location, not the taste. You’re better off grabbing lunch in town & then grabbing a hot cocoa at the top of the ski ride instead! 😃 The mac & cheese is pretty good; the main taste is butter & Parmesan. It’s a fine mac but nothing to call home about either. This place is just okay! :)

Patio is pet friendly however due to the weather the patio was not open. They allowed us to get a drink and sit out on the patio. I imagine the food is very good. As the drinks were good.

It’s a great location with a nice view (as long as it isn’t white out conditions….) Very slow service, I mean how long does it take to cook a burger and fries- more than 30 minutes is the answer. Expensive, but it is a ski resort, so that’s kind of expected. Portion sizes were good. Food was just ok, not bad but nothing to write home about. Staff seemed over worked. Unless you are starving or really want to admire the view, I’d skip it z

One of the most unique dining places in Stowe. Need to take the gondola to get to the top of the mountain. This restaurant has absolutely gorgeous views and food. Reservations required. Service was absolutely amazing and so was the food. I loved their waffle sundae! The spicy black bean burger is a great option for vegetarian food. It’s a must try. I highly recommend checking out this restaurant.

I rode the gondola up to the restaurant. It was an experience I will never forget. As I rode to the top, it began to snow! It was so amazing. If you want to eat at the restaurant, definitely MAKE reservations ahead of time!! I made mine and got right in, but other people didn't and were getting turned away.

The Cliff House was a wonderful addition to our family's first visit at Stowe. With part of our group lazing around the lodge and others snowboarding, the gondola ride & lunch was a perfect meet-up. We had reservations, but arrived early and the manager readily offered a choice of tables. After reading reviews prior to our visit, we'd almost cancelled and were going to only ride the gondola. Glad we didn't! The food arrived quickly and was excellent (chicken tenders were kid approved w/ mid rating). We were sure to compliment the manager that her staff provided the best service of any this week at Spruce Creek. While the prices are in line with other restaurants on property, the Cliff House team stands out with their professional mannerism and attentiveness to patrons.

4 stars for gorgeous views (obvious) & decent food (though quite expensive)... but 3 stars collectively. The reservation process seems like it'd make more sense but it didn't seem to. We were a few mins behind getting into a line in a small vestibule of other people who had reservations at the very same time. We were a bit stressed because they 'give away' your table after 15 mins of the reservation time. They seem to have a system of an employee bussing tables & filling water glasses. Then the server comes over for a total of 2 to 3 times to take the order, quickly ask how everything is then disappear for far too long to deliver the check. The food/beverages are served by another server or waitstaff as quickly as possible before you can ask for something else. It feels like a robotic set of motions, leaving you to believe you are a number. It is terribly expensive, I will admit this. However, my husband really loved his burger & the chicken salad (bountiful in the amount that it spilled out of the bun) was so good I want to make it myself. Their fries are perfectly seasoned. The Caesar salad was a bit 'out of the box' & had capers intermixed - gave a great amount of tang. I think aside from the anxiety / overwhelming process to check in for a reservation, it's an "OK" experience at the top of Mount Mansfield.

Tourist trap warning! Views and vibes: 10/10 Food was fine. There was nothing wrong with it but nothing special. For the price, it needed to be special. Our waitress was super sweet and attentive. Not worth it.

We came here during fall peak weekend. We took the gondola up and we were aware the bar/restaurant is PACKED. However, if you are patient you can walk up to the bar and order a drink to go on the patio which is what we did. We had delicious drinks and enjoyed our time checking out the foliage.

First of all, it is credit card debit card only no cash accepted. Food is very expensive. I had a tepid clam chowder for $17 The waitress complained about the people that come to see foliage when the whole reason this place exists is because people come to see the foliage. she came back and practically dropped the food on our saying it was piping hot when it was actually tepid. One positive thing was the location it was absolutely beautiful

First and foremost, the views from Cliff House are stunning! That is the majority of the reason why we dined with them. The service was ok, kind of bare-bones service-wise, which was surprising, given the amount of money we spent there. The food was fine, not a ton of options, but what we had was fresh. Overall, I think there are better restaurants if you're just looking for a bite to eat, but again, the views were fantastic.

One of those places you check out for the experience over anything else. The views are AMAZING, especially in the winter. After skiing for a couple hours, a couple buddies and I decided to grab a drink at Cliff House and we were thankfully seated immediately without a reservation (definitely make a reservation in advance though!! The restaurant fills up so quickly during lunch hours). For lunch, you order at the register up front and they bring the food and drinks to you. All the servers were so kind and really made this a great experience for us as well. I opted for a Stowe Cider, my favorite drink when I'm in town, and I thought it was great. Check it out when you're at Stowe! You do have the take the gondola up so it's convenient if you're mid ski or if you are not skiing and just want a relaxing lunch with great views.

HERE FOR THE (MOUNTAINTOP) VIEWS. Overhyped and underwhelming. The food is subpar (previously frozen fried / processed foods) and overpriced. Very disappointing. Better off having just a hot chocolate! So you get here by taking the Gondola ONLY. It's a nifty spot to stop in for an apres skii but that's it, IMO. We needed to check it out (as tourists) for the views, but it is 100% a tourist trap. It's also super packed (as expected), so definitely need to make reservations. They only sit you down and then tell you to get up and place your order (and pay) at the counter. The food is brought over to you at least. I wouldn't say avoid at all costs, BUT no high expectations for a delectable dining experience. And they are only open for lunch!

The Cliff House restaurant is a staple at Stowe located just at the top of the Mansfield gondola. Open for reservation and walk in they serve classic American fair with a full bar, amazing view and a moderate amount of seating room.

Our dining experience at the Cliff House could not have been more disappointing, especially given the absurd pricing. $24 for a watery chicken salad sandwich on old stale bread, with a "Caesar salad" on the side that tasted rancid. $28 for a thin "meh" burger on the same stale roll. Ugh. Without a doubt our worst meal in Vermont. Do yourself a favor and pack a lunch or dine someplace else.

Food took about an hour to come out. Mac & Cheese with chicken and burger w/fries. Mac & Cheese was cold and burger was lukewarm. Fries were warm. The server came to the table twice. Food was delivered by somebody else. And when she brought the check, it was over my shoulder. They asked us even though we had a reservation if we wanted to sit outside and being that it was a little bit colder up the mountain, we said no. They sat by a door that was opened and we were freezing. $71 for cold food and uncomfortable seating being cold. Not to mention the 80 something dollars we had to spend to get up there. Hopefully they do better with the next customer.

We booked in advance and timed our day perfectly. We took the gondola up to the restaurant. I booked my gondola Tickets to coincide with the restaurant opening. Restaurant opens at 11 am And thank god my reservation was for 11:00 am or else I don't know when we would of eaten because this place gets busy quick. You do have to get up to get your drinks and to order your food. Your servers only job is the serve you food when it comes out of the kitchen. We had an appetizer of wings, my husband had a burger, and I had a blt. The blt came with a side salad that was very good. Our food was all around great. Food was decent for the location and they do have a four seater bar. Seating available inside and outside. If I go back to Stowe and take this gondola ride again I will come Back to cliff house!

Great staff and good food atop Mount Mansfield (4300 feet). You take the ski lift to the top at 3700 feet. Reservations way in advance are a must as the location is minuscule. They have a full bar. You go to the counter place your order and they bring it to you. We had some old fashions and the pulled burger. It's bar food at the end of the day. The views are shrouded by the clouds. Besides you really don't come here for the food, but for the views and experience. And in winter the heat! They get points for the location and staff.

This place gets 5 stars just for location, location, location!!! Food was good too! Got there early enough to hike the peak, make my reservation time, and ride the gondola back down. I ordered the wrap. It was light and refreshing!

I would give a 5-star rating just for the location of this restaurant. We took the gondola ride to the summit, enjoyed the view and the meal at Cliff House. The menu isn't extensive, but we weren't too hungry, so we were fine with what we got. I believe what we pay is for the view and not for the food. Make sure to get a table by the window for a spectacular dining experience.

This is the only restaurant on top of Mt Mansfield. I didn't expect much of good food based on some reviews. However, what we ordered was not bad at all. We got tacos, burger and wings. All was fresh and good. The view is worth it of course. I made a reservation early and had no problem modifying a couple of times. The host and the waitress were nice. If you plan to take sky ride, this is where you should stop for lunch. View, convenience and all. Be sure to make a reservation. They open 11-2:30. I don't think they take walk in. If yes, it's a really long wait.

Great Autumn place to visit at the top of Mt Mansfield. Gondola ride needed to access. Ride and views don't disappoint. First grabbed a hot chocolate and coffee and scored a couple of chairs outside to soak up the view. Was able to get an outside deck table in the Cliff House at the front rail over looking the valley for lunch. Food exceeded expectations for a top of mountain lunch place. Chicken sandwich and Caesar salad ...dress accordingly if you are going to be outside. Order food at register and they will deliver to your table.

FOOD POISONING and POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE Party of four had caesar salad with chicken. Sick from Monday until Wednesday. Contacted Stowe and Cliff House to make aware resulting in poor customer service from Cliff House Manager. Requested reimbursement, "its not something we offer" (Also, table next to us reported glass in burger.) STAY AWAY

Food hot and served quickly. We didn't make reservation as it was two hours wait for one, but walked in and patio seating was immediate. Chicken sandwich was juicy and tasty. Shrimp tacos were good, two fried shrimp per taco , mediums sized. Tacos were small. For the price a bit too small. Service was attentive. Order at the service desk. Dogs are welcome also. Food was good although a bit pricey for what you get, but they do need to haul it up the mountain for you.

Food and service was great the staff was friendly the view and the ride up to the restaurant is amazing it's not overly priced they serve simple comfort foods and they have a full bar the view and ride up I'd beautiful!!!

I WISH I COULD GIVE 0 STARS. FUCKING BRUTAL. Awful service, took us ages to get sat down. lady needs help figuring out her shit. I get they are understaffed, but being the "premier spot on the mountain" for us to wait over 40 mins to get up, wait in line, and then place an order. a complete rip off for two burgers and drinks to be $91. NEVER AGAIN. GIVE ME MY REFUND.

Went in thinking that it would be another overpriced cafeteria food experience with a cool view, and I'm pleased to say that it most certainly was not the case! Really delicious food, wonderful selection, generous portions, and (I feel) fairly priced. The service was prompt and kind, and we really appreciate how many vegetarian and vegan dishes are offered as well. We will certainly add this to our list of "to-do" options when hosting out-of-state guests! Definitely make a reservation though! Even if you think it won't be too busy, it never hurts.

I ordered the spicy black bean burger. It was delicious! Pickled red onion and spicy aioli, arugula, and tomato all on a potato roll. It was the perfect meal after a long morning of skiing. It was not too heavy; the flavors all merged well. My boyfriend ordered the Cliff house burger, and he mentioned he was pleasantly surprised. It was unfortunately foggy the time we visited. The view reaching the top is spectacular. Worth the gondola ride, even if you don't have anything at the restaurant. The service was good, and the food came out quickly. I would recommend visiting this restaurant while you're at Stowe Mountain Resort.

From Food to service to ambiance, the Cliff House Restaurant in Stowe Vermont has it all. Atop beautiful My Mansfield, the view is breathtaking, and the food includes seafood, salads, burger, and vegetable choices, varied by the season And appropriate for families also with the children's menu.The people are friendly in the servers help you with anything you need. We had great service and wonderful food.Great place to go when you're in Vermont .

Let's face it, we're not dining here because of the culinary expertise but rather the novelty of catching the gondola up the side of the mountain and enjoying the views. Speaking of views, our day was very cloud covered and misty rain so the view from the top was extremely limited. That being said, calamari salad was refreshing, tomato soup was excellent and the burger was burger worthy. Not being a local, it was still a great experience to see the beautiful fall colors and experience the restaurant and gondola ride. Recommend!

Yes, the view was beautiful. The food was the worst I have ever had. It also smelled like old sour smelly sock vomit at our table. There was no table service. This was the most over priced, sad meals, I have experienced in 50 years on this planet. Step it up Cliff House. You can do a lot better.

The views here are stunning. You can see Mount Mansfield and the gondolas. The food was pretty good, but the menu is small. Everyone was very friendly and the place had a good atmosphere.

Five stars for the view, two stars for the chew. Maybe this was my fault... probably set my expectations too "high". I kind of expected white glove service eating a fancy brunch after an expensive cable car ride to summit of Mt. Mansfield with spectacular views.... which by the way, required reservations. Instead, we got a "walk up to the bar" and order from the uninspired selection of lunch entrees reminiscent of a bowling alley menu, minus the blue collar price tag. Never thought I would say this... next time, rather than pull up a seat to the table, I'd rather just "take a hike".

The highlight of this mountain top spot is the panoramic view, especially from the table overlooking the wooded valley. We visited for lunch on a brilliant fall Sunday around 12:30. If it weren't for their monopoly as the only food joint on top of the mountain, I probably would have ditched as service was painfully slow -not sure if they have more than a handful of staff. There was a short wait for the table then another 5-10 minute wait before we even saw a server. Then the first thing she said was that the kitchen was busy and to expect another wait. We ordered the arugula salad with Brie and a bacon burger with carmelized onions. The salad came out fairly quickly but was mostly greens with just four small slices of apple, a couple of small hunks of cheese and a few walnuts-rather underwhelming. Contrary to the warning about the wait time for food, the burger arrived just a few minutes later and had a great charred flavor and was moist and good as were the crispy hand cut fries. I'd definitely recommend the burger but not sure the overall experience was worth the slow service (which seems to be the norm at the restaurants we've visited in VT). Bring a picnic or wait until you go back down for lunch.

Very cool experience. You ride the gondola to the top and then can grab drink on the mountain even if you aren't eating at the restaurant. The food at the restaurant is simple but tasty. It's not an upscale place by any means but it has a relaxing feel to it. Drinks are reasonably priced. We will be back!

Food was good. Service was below standard. Ambiance is top of a mountain so beautiful. Here is my comments, to just visit this restaurant for the view during ski season in January, parking is $30, lift pass is $45 each, menu was small, you have to order your own food at the counter. Kind of chaos. It's a pass for me. Not a bad experience, but not a good one either.

My salad was amazing. Service was slow and long wait for a table even with a rez. We had an amazing view at an outdoor table in the summer.

When you've been working your butt off (literally on the slopes of Stowe), a restaurant w good view w insulation from minus temp and good food is much appreciated! Cliff house makes life that much better! lunch time during weekends can be hectic, be sure to reserve it in the morning on your first run or when it first opens! mac and cheese failed w not much flavor, my intention to order it in the first place was I deserved all the carbs after all the runs I did from the morning, but I regretted it after first ingestion, all that carbs w no flavor :/ on the other hand, burger was delightful :). Def get a table by the window, and be sure to wear your sunscreen as it is very sunny in the dining room!

Only accessible by riding the gondola to the top of the chin of Mount Mansfield. Most of the lunch crowd were skiers, but a few people rode the gondola just for the view and the lunch. The menu is pretty basic, but very well done. The views are incomparable. Good selection of beverages, and service was fast, and at the end of the day, no more expensive than eating anywhere else on the mountain, except they have tableservice, and it was quite civilized.

Three stars for the gondola ride & beautiful fall foliage. Lost stars due to the bearded bartender announcing loudly that if someone didn't stop these people from coming in he'd never get out of there & the other bartender saying they were closed for food but open for drinks but were out of everything was super disappointing. Friday at 3pm - peak foliage weekend. Lock the door if you are closed, way to make customers uncomfortable.

Fine dining on top of the hill to recover from one too many slope-side spills. Classy and clean scene to incredible panoramic views, sitting atop a 3621' cliff, sipping a brew. Black bean soup was as good as stew, which set the spinach salad a delight much renewed. Kids creamy mac-and-cheese made some happy ski runs careening with screams.

Even if you have no ski skills this is defiantly the place to go for that big mountain experience. Food was well prepared with a good selection. This is destination dining at its best and an experience to remember. You do have to take the ski lift up the mountain which isn't cheap if you don't already have a lift pass but it's def money well spent.

I am making this review of the Cliff House but it is for the Waffle House next to it at the top of Stowe Mountain and the gondola ride. I have never seen such a terrible system of food service or hospitality. There apparently were several employees but you wouldn't know it. They exited the hut and made several announcements in the 10 mins left before closing that they would be closing (wasting time). I highly suggest you select a cut off point and tell the rest of the line to leave. There was an employee standing around doing nothing except sipping his beverage. It took 3-4 minutes between parties for service despite the waffles being already made. With over a minute to go until stated closing time, they shut the line down early while the party in front of us had been waiting several minutes for someone to take their order. Horrible experience, horrible customer service.

Amazing views, great food and service = Awesome Experience! Eating on top of a mountain is just awesome. You take a $25 gondola ride up that's about 10 minutes long. It definitely adds up if you have a large group, but the only other option is to walk. The restaurant is warm and cozy. It gets chilly outside even during summer months, but they bring you blankets and you can also sit inside and still take in the view. I've always been happy with the food and service there. Their sandwiches have never failed us, servers are always eager to help and friendly, nice wines.... no complaints. This is a must visit place if you're in the area.

We were at a window seat, very nice view! All of our cocktails were delicious. Clams for appetizer, Neptune Fettucine SO GOOD !! Salads were all good. Especially the Salmon Salad, perfect serving sizes. Fish & chips yummy. We all shared bites of each other plate! Fun The dessert Martini is so melt in your mouth. The cake & ice cream sunday also totally Fantastic. If you are lucky Anastasia will be your server.

This place is an example of what's happens when a restaurant has no incentive to make a great food. Cliff house sits on top of Stowe Mountain and offers breathtaking views of skiers going downhill as well as the mountains in distance. It's a place where skiers go after hitting the slopes to eat and drink. Given that's it's essentially the only place of its kind in the mountain, everyone comes here from the ski lift. I came on a Saturday afternoon and had a really unenjoyable meal. The place was packed and filled jovial skiers. After a shorter than expected wait, we sat for lunch and admired the amazing views. The service was fine and unlike some other reviewers, I found the staff to be friendly and pleasant. I ordered the chicken which came with some potato salad. The chicken was incredibly dry, to the point where it was a bit hard to chew. The potato salad also wasn't good as the potatoes were very hard and seemed to barely be cooked. The most enjoyable thing was the tater tots side order we had. This was a very disappointing meal. It just seems that not much effort went into the food. Great place, awesome views and fun atmosphere, but the food is very disappointing.

Came for lunch with a friend who has been sober for 2 years. She ordered a mocktail off of the menu. After taking a sip she realized there was vodka in it. Anyone that knows anything about sobriety knows that this is a major issue. While my friend stepped away to compose herself I brought the issue to the servers attention. She flippantly said oh sorry, asked me if my friend drank the whole drink (which I had in my hand and it was clearly full), made the non-alcoholic drink and then said we can keep the vodka. She really did not seem to care about what just happened. My friend then returned and asked to speak to the manager. Although he did comp 50% of the meal he did not seem to appreciate the gravity of the situation. Complete lack of empathy for my friend who was clearly distressed. Overall a very disappointing experience. Servers need to be properly trained! DO BETTER or don't offer mocktails!

Visited Cliff House via the Gondola, which was a fun experience. Luckily the weather was good so there was a great view from the restaurant. The hostess was able to adjust our table so we could sit by the window. Food service and ambiance was very casual, order at the counter style. Food was fine, enjoyed the experience overall.

Great food with great scenery! Popped up from the lodge for a quick lunch and to enjoy the view. Food is flavorful and high quality. It's a bit $$ and if you consider the lift ticket to get up there... well trump it something special you don't do that often. The staff is nice and accommodating. Small bar for grabbing a drink too if you aren't needing a full meal. It does get busy so if going for lunch arrive before noon... but then don't show up too late because they close around 2 -2:30pm. Also be sure to have a good camera or phone with one. The view is awesome for photos!!!

Cliff House burger great with fries, kid friendly fast service and a friendly staff. Make sure you have reservations before you go.

My boyfriend and I stopped in yesterday 2/4/20 for a quick bite and a few beers after a full morning of skiing. Not sure if they were wildly understaffed but we were waiting at the hostess stand for maybe 10 min as the giant line started to form behind us. There were plenty open tables and no staff even made eye contact with everyone in line or came over and said "sorry we will be right with you". We were about to walk out, but then we got seated. Again, no apology for the wait / being understaffed. Then our waitress - Shannon was probably one of the rudest waitstaff I have ever dealt with. We didn't even spend too much time in here but Shanon handed us our bill before we were even able to tell her we wanted 2 more drinks. The food was fine- typical ski lodge fried food. I am I nurse I understand being busy, understaffed, and feeling like your downing and you can't ever catch up with your work but this is your job and you can at least do it with a smile on your face instead of having a hair across your a$$. The table next to me also told me they spoke the management about Shannon's attitude as well. I love the Stowe mountain and we were staying at the Stowe mountain resort and everything about this place is absolutely beautiful so the cliff house was a major disappointment and I definitely wouldn't go back.

Unique dining experience. The food and service were top notch. Put your name in as soon as you get off the gondola and then check out the scenery as you wait. They will call you on your cell once your table is ready. We got a table within 20 minutes and they were pretty busy. Prices are reasonable, there is a resort fee added to your bill but well worth a visit.

The Cliff House Restaurant at the Stowe Mountain Resort is an amazing all-in-one wedding venue. You park at the base and ride the gondola up to the top of the mountain-- how cool is that? It's about a 25 minute gondola ride over a ski trail and waterfall. Then your ceremony is out on a terrace overlooking the valley with mountains above you-- and it faces west which means spectacular sunset. Then you can pose for pictures under the gondola or out on the terrace surrounded by all that gorgeous Vermont-ness. Afterward you and your guests are seated at gleaming wooden tables for some pretty darn good food. I'd knock off half a star if I could because although the website says that it seats 100, it doesn't mention that in order to do so and also have dancing, you have to clear a few tables off the dance floor. So when dinner is over 20-30 guests lose their seats. But then you dance all night and the moon rises over the same terrace you were married on. It's pretty darn rad, especially if you're a ski bum. Even if you did get dressed in the inelegant 'warming room.'

Very meh. It's simply the only destination to grab a bite to eat at the top of Mt. Stowe, which is why it does the business it does, but there really aren't many options, food is subpar, and pretty expensive. Save your money and go elsewhere.