Daniella A.

**REVIEW IS FOR RESTAURANT & CAFE ONLY** This is definitely what I would consider old school fine dining. The type of food is no frills, but it's still steak and seafood prepared in a more upscale manner, and the servers are dressed like it's a fine dining establishment. I'm very much into the new age dining with creative and eclectic menus. Chefs nowadays are pushing boundaries, but I can also appreciate this more classic and simple style of food. This is the type of restaurant that would be safe to take any person to. It's also a good place to stop on your drive down to Seward or Homer. They're open until 9pm, but I think the restaurant stops taking their last seating at 8:30pm so keep that in mind. They also have a cafe (cash only) on property that closed at 9pm with pizza, deli sandwiches, ice cream and a full service coffee bar. We've gotten ice cream from there, which is the same brand of ice cream served at the Ice cream shop in Girdwood & Twin Peak treats in Eklutna. The service at the restaurant is always friendly and attentive. The menu hasn't changed in the past 5 years, and I've dined there 3 times now. They do run specials ever so often. There's a full bar, which is a plus especially if you're a hotel guest. The food menu isn't very big. My favorites appetizer are coconut shrimp. The steaks are prepared to your specifications and are always cooked properly. I think the steaks are the best menu item here. The seasonal veggies change depending on availability, and all the entrees come with veggies, rice or masked potatoes. I like the stuffed halibut, but wish it came with some type of sauce on it as parts of the fish can be over cooked. It's a simple preparation that really showcases the fish so not over cooking it is crucial. We also like the salmon Mac & cheese, which comes with a very hearty portion of salmon. I've found that the seafood tends to be overcooked at some points, but not at others so it's not cooked evenly. You cannot choose your burger temperature, but the burger pattys are seasoned well. Burgers come with a choice of fries or side salad. The food here is prepared exactly as stated, and it's always a satisfying, hearty meal. It's just nothing really fancy. The desserts here are all house made, and rotate. They are truly excellent. I've had fruit pies or cheesecakes and they're delicious. Overall I think you'll have a good experience dining here as long as you're expectation are set for old school fine dining and not something more eclectic!

Beautiful place. Amazing lodge /rustic setting but the rooms have luxurious towels and bedding. Big bathrooms. The fire pit area is beautiful and the lake has lots of options - from fishing to kayaking that is available for free if staying at the lodge. The restaurant was fabulous. Exquisite food options and drink menu. Dessert at the ice cream shop was great too. The owners and employees were awesome. I would definitely stay here again!

Christy M.

A lovely little spot between Anchorage andSeward. A full restaurant and bar, and a smaller building with ice cream, some bakery items, and a few gifts. Inviting fireplace lounging and beautiful lake and Mountain views! It's a great spot to stop and stretch your legs, grab a meal or snack, and relax

Varshini S.

We did not stay at the Lodge but stopped by for a quick coffee and to enjoy the scenic view point. Definitely worth it! The coffee was wonderful, I loved the cute to-go cups, and the view is amazing. Stop by for a fun break!

E G.

We stayed in the lake-front cabins. They are very cute, new and clean and the views are next level. Bed was comfortable and I loved the wood furniture. A few suggestions: not a big deal at all, but I would have liked to sit out on the deck. Alaska is cold and an extra blanket would have been very useful. Kind of a big deal: there's nowhere to set luggage aside from on top of the one piece of wood furniture in the cabin. A luggage rack is needed, for sure! The lodge food is OK - not great but definitely edible, staff is very friendly and the grounds are beautiful. Really enjoyed our stay here and would definitely stay again!

April H.

Summit Lake Lodge is one of the most gorgeous places I have ever stayed. The views are exactly what you dream of when you dream about a cabin on the lake. We flew into Anchorage, got a rental car, and made our way to the lodge. The drive is easy and the views along the way are amazing. One of the most picturesque drives you could ask for. The lodge is far enough away to feel like you are out in the wilderness but not far enough away to make it a challenge to get anywhere. We stayed in one of the lakefront cabins and were pretty much happy to just sit on the patio and enjoy the view of the lake and the hills. The property is nice to walk around and explore. The dock makes for some great photos. Our cabin was clean and had everything we needed. As I said, we spent most of our time outside but there were comfy chairs and a TV inside. The bathroom was beautiful and the bed comfortable. The cabin had a bunch of windows and we kept the curtains open the majority of the time so we could enjoy the view, even from bed. All the employees we talked to were very nice and seemed to love their jobs. Since we were here two weeks before they closed for the season we were able to talk to some of the employees that were getting ready to leave for home. They came from all over the world and said that they loved this summer job. The restaurant was good and our stay included breakfast each morning. The breakfasts were tasty and filling. The bar was a nice place to end the evening as well. If I ever come back to Alaska I would love to stay here again.

Keith T.

A very pleasant place to spend a few days. We have stayed here several times. On our visits we reserve a nice lakeside cabin with a great view of Summit Lake. Owners and staff are wonderful, courteous and helpful. Restaurant meals are very good. We stop here for lunch when driving enroute from Soldotna to Anchorage. Canoes and kayaks are free for lodgers. Lots of birds and waterfowl to see; trout are in the lake. There is a State Campground with day-use picnic tables and firepits on the lake, opposite from the lodge; a good place for family to bring logs and gather for an evening fire and cookout. The pace is leisurely around the Summit Lake Lodge grounds. While we enjoy being on the lake, many visitors drive to all points from Girdwood to Seward to Cooper Landing during the day.

Kaitlin R.

Summit Lake Lodge is a great stop on your way to and from The Kenai Peninsula or Seward and Anchorage(and North of there) for what I like to call "a pee and a cone". It's simply a good test stop for the restroom on the drive and to grab a snack. They have a ice cream, but also pizza by the slice amongst other quick snacks and a pretty view if you need a longer stop.

Miss S.

Fantastic cabin set up. Atmosphere, first off I have to say that the views here were spectacular, we had a mountain view cabin, the mountain on the first evening when we arrived was bare, then when we awoke it was covered in a light dusting of snow, very gorgeous; the lake added to the beauty of it all; not to mention the cabins and buildings that had the log cabin look, extraordinarily gorgeous. It had a very "out in the middle of nowhere feel" with being 45 minutes to Seward and a little over an hour to Anchorage. There is also a lot of gorgeous wood carvings around from the carved and stained glass doors to the adorable bear bench out in front. Rooms: The cabin was decorated nicely, very rustic, and an Alaskan theme, the beds were on large hand carved wooden frames and the bathrooms and art around the cabin were stunning, there was a television (double queen) for the kids. Service: The man whom checked us in was extremely friendly and professional, top of the line service when checking in. We went to the pizza/ ice cream parlor; we had a bit of a wait so we relaxed on the back porch for a while watching the lake and chipmunks; however the pizza was delicious, the crust was chewy. We had a private escort, a small terrier back to our room it was adorable he led us all of the way to our room, then waited out on the front porch :-) super cute. Overall a fantastic experience and very comfortable rooms, I would suggest stopping by for an evening or two if you get the chance !

Yael H.

We stumbled onto this place by accident and were pleasantly surprised. The cabin was clean and comfortable, the staff was friendly and helpful. Best of all, they have canoes and kayaks that you can take out on to the beautiful lake for no extra charge. Great way to start the day after the made to order complimentary breakfast.

Danielle E.

Arguably, Alaska isn't normally a winter destination place - so when our family decided to reunion at Summit Lake Lodge I was skeptical about how enjoyable sub-zero temperatures could be... I was blown away from the moment we landed in Anchorage - Alaska is stunning!! The rugged mountains topped with white dwarf everything around them - it is unlike anything I have ever seen. When we arrived at Summit Lake, which is about an hour and half away from the Anchorage airport we were greeted by a warm lodge (and about five feet of snow), plowed walkways and a warm cabin. There are two different places you can room in: the motel and the cabins. Both are adorably adorned, but if you are staying for a couple days the cabins are an awesome deal. The cabins are larger than the motel rooms and come with an HD television and are newly renovated - the motels, not to be outdone, are warm, cozy and really make you feel like you are in your own little log cabin in the woods. I won't say much about the scenery except that it is breath taking - you can look to the pictures I posted if you need proof. Each morning we awoke to a breakfast menu cooked to order - the food was fabulous (and included in the price)!!! After breakfast we lounged around the lodge, reading by the fire until the sun rose so that we could take advantage of the precious Alaskan winter daylight. During the day we snowmobiled (they have four), sledded (there is an abundance of hills), cross country skied, snow golfed and even snow bowled. Although there was limited daylight, by the time the sun set we were ready to get back to the lodge for more delicious food. Each night we arrived in the bar attached to the lodge and ate appetizers and enjoyed drinks while we waited for the bell to ring indicating that dinner was being served... I will only tell you this: I haven't eaten this well EVER. We chose from three items each night, and everything was fabulous! I should note several things: 1. The lodge is not normally open in the winter, our very large family reunion was a special situation. 2. In the summer the owners help to set up "tour vacations" meaning they can help you plan a fishing trip or whale watching etc. - the owners Marty and June are truly lovely - you won't find nicer people. 3. Also in the summer, they have a pizza parlor and gift shop that weren't open for our use. 4. Lastly, they are on a lake (for all you summer travelers) In summary, we all had an amazing, memorable vacation - it's hard to believe the pricing (it is ridiculously reasonable). Summit Lake Lodge is a hidden gem - they don't advertise like the big corporate lodges, but take my word for it - it will be the best money you spend if you go to Alaska!!!