The Summit House

[Midnights]

The Summit House | Evergreen Mountain Village, Colorado

Perched along the mountainside overlooking Evergreen, The Summit House is one of the village’s most prestigious fine-dining establishments, renowned for its breathtaking alpine views, exceptional cuisine, and sophisticated atmosphere. The restaurant occupies an elegant mountain lodge constructed from natural stone, rich timber, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the illuminated village below.

Inside, rustic mountain architecture meets understated luxury. Soaring ceilings with exposed wooden beams, grand stone fireplaces, elegant chandeliers, and warm ambient lighting create an inviting yet refined atmosphere. The dining room features intimate tables dressed in ivory linens, plush upholstered seating, crystal glassware, polished silverware, and flickering candles. During the autumn months, seasonal floral arrangements and the golden foliage outside complement the restaurant’s rich, warm interior.

The Summit House specializes in contemporary American fine dining with Rocky Mountain influences, offering an elevated seasonal menu featuring premium steaks, Colorado lamb, fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and locally sourced ingredients. An extensive wine collection, handcrafted cocktails, and beautifully presented desserts complete the dining experience.

Known for its attentive service, romantic ambiance, and exclusivity, The Summit House is among Evergreen’s most expensive restaurants. Reservations are often made well in advance, particularly for its coveted window tables. Although popular with visitors seeking an unforgettable mountain dining experience, locals generally reserve evenings at The Summit House for anniversaries, engagements, milestone birthdays, and other special celebrations.

Elegant without being ostentatious, The Summit House offers a luxurious and intimate dining experience that makes even an ordinary evening feel extraordinary.

The Summit House — Dinner Menu

Seasonal Autumn Collection

Starters & Small Plates

French Onion Soup
Slow-caramelized sweet onions, rich beef broth, toasted baguette, melted Gruyère cheese.

Lobster Bisque
Velvety Maine lobster bisque, crème fraîche, fresh chives, buttery brioche croutons.

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes
Pan-seared crab cakes, lemon-herb aioli, shaved fennel and arugula salad.

Burrata & Heirloom Tomatoes
Fresh burrata, heirloom tomatoes, basil, aged balsamic reduction, grilled sourdough.

Steak Tartare
Hand-cut prime beef tenderloin, Dijon mustard, capers, shallots, toasted crostini.

Crispy Calamari
Lightly fried calamari, roasted garlic aioli, spicy marinara, fresh lemon.

Seared Scallops
Pan-seared diver scallops, cauliflower purée, brown butter, crispy pancetta.

Salads

Classic Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine hearts, shaved Parmesan, garlic croutons, house-made Caesar dressing.

Autumn Harvest Salad
Mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, sliced apples, candied pecans, goat cheese, maple-Dijon vinaigrette.

Baby Arugula & Pear Salad
Fresh arugula, poached pears, blue cheese, toasted walnuts, champagne vinaigrette.

The Summit Wedge
Iceberg lettuce, applewood-smoked bacon, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese dressing, crispy shallots.

Prime Steaks & Chops

Served with a choice of signature accompaniment.

Filet Mignon — 8 oz
Center-cut beef tenderloin, herb compound butter, red wine demi-glace.

Prime New York Strip — 14 oz
Dry-aged prime strip steak, roasted garlic butter, cracked black pepper.

Bone-In Ribeye — 20 oz
Prime bone-in ribeye, rosemary-infused butter, roasted shallot jus.

Beef Wellington
Prime beef tenderloin wrapped in mushroom duxelles and golden puff pastry, Madeira wine reduction.

Colorado Rack of Lamb
Herb-crusted Colorado lamb, rosemary jus, whipped Yukon Gold potatoes.

Double-Cut Pork Chop
Thick-cut heritage pork, apple-cider glaze, roasted seasonal apples.

Seafood

Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass
Miso-glazed sea bass, jasmine rice, sautéed baby bok choy, ginger beurre blanc.

Atlantic Salmon
Crispy-skin salmon, lemon-dill beurre blanc, roasted fingerling potatoes, seasonal vegetables.

Butter-Poached Lobster Tail
Cold-water lobster tail, drawn butter, lemon, creamy Parmesan risotto.

Seared Ahi Tuna
Sesame-crusted ahi tuna, wasabi mashed potatoes, soy-ginger reduction.

Jumbo Shrimp Scampi
Sautéed jumbo shrimp, garlic-white wine butter sauce, fresh linguine, parsley.

Pasta & House Specialties

Wild Mushroom Truffle Risotto
Creamy Arborio rice, wild mushrooms, shaved Parmesan, white truffle oil.

Lobster Ravioli
Handmade pasta filled with Maine lobster, roasted tomato cream sauce, fresh basil.

Braised Short Rib Pappardelle
Slow-braised beef short rib, handmade pappardelle, red wine reduction, Parmesan.

Chicken Piccata
Pan-seared chicken breast, lemon-caper butter sauce, angel hair pasta.

Butternut Squash Ravioli
Roasted butternut squash filling, sage brown butter, toasted hazelnuts, Parmesan.

Roasted Half Chicken
Herb-roasted chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, natural pan jus.

Signature Sides

* Truffle Parmesan Fries
* Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes
* Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
* Lobster Macaroni & Cheese
* Creamed Spinach
* Grilled Asparagus with Hollandaise
* Honey-Glazed Baby Carrots
* Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
* Wild Mushroom Medley
* Parmesan Truffle Risotto
* Baked Potato with Traditional Accompaniments

Desserts

Warm Chocolate Lava Cake
Rich chocolate cake with a molten center, vanilla bean ice cream, fresh raspberries.

New York Cheesecake
Classic creamy cheesecake, graham cracker crust, seasonal berry compote.

Crème Brûlée
Silky vanilla bean custard, caramelized sugar crust, fresh berries.

Tiramisu
Espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, cocoa dusting.

Warm Apple Tart
Flaky butter pastry, cinnamon-spiced apples, salted caramel, vanilla bean ice cream.

Chocolate Mousse
Dark chocolate mousse, whipped cream, chocolate curls, fresh strawberries.

Sticky Toffee Pudding
Warm date cake, buttery toffee sauce, vanilla bean ice cream.

The Summit Chocolate Collection
A selection of handcrafted chocolate truffles, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and miniature chocolate desserts.

Signature Cocktails

Mountain Sunset
Vodka, peach liqueur, fresh lemon, cranberry, sparkling wine.

Evergreen Old Fashioned
Small-batch bourbon, aromatic bitters, maple syrup, orange peel.

Alpine Pear Martini
Pear vodka, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon, pear garnish.

Blackberry Bourbon Smash
Bourbon, muddled blackberries, lemon, mint, simple syrup.

The Summit Espresso Martini
Vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, vanilla.

Autumn Apple Mule
Vodka, apple cider, ginger beer, fresh lime, cinnamon.

French 75
Gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, Champagne.

Pomegranate Royale
Vodka, pomegranate juice, orange liqueur, fresh lime.

Wine & Champagne

Champagne & Sparkling

* Dom Pérignon
* Veuve Clicquot Brut
* Moët & Chandon Rosé
* Prosecco
* Sparkling Rosé

White Wines

* Chardonnay
* Sauvignon Blanc
* Pinot Grigio
* Riesling

Red Wines

* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Pinot Noir
* Merlot
* Malbec
* Red Bordeaux Blend

Rosé

* Provence Rosé
* California Dry Rosé

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

* Sparkling Mineral Water
* Freshly Squeezed Lemonade
* Blackberry Mint Lemonade
* Sparkling Apple Cider
* Cranberry Rosemary Spritz
* Strawberry Basil Fizz
* Freshly Brewed Iced Tea
* Espresso, Cappuccino & Latte
* Hot Chocolate
* Assorted Premium Teas

⸻

The Summit House menu changes seasonally to showcase fresh ingredients and regional specialties. Select wines, desserts, and chef’s specials may vary throughout the year.

[Lenora Callahan]

October had always been one of Lenora Callahan’s favorite months in Evergreen. The mountains were covered in brilliant shades of gold and orange, the mornings had grown crisp enough to require a sweater, and the evenings carried that familiar autumn chill that made everything feel a little more romantic. The village itself looked particularly beautiful this time of year, with pumpkins decorating storefronts, colorful mums spilling from planters, and strings of warm lights illuminating the streets after sunset. But October tenth held an entirely different significance for Lenora. Six years ago, she had married the love of her life, and although their lives looked considerably different now with two little ones running around the house, she still approached their wedding anniversary with the same excitement she’d felt during their first year of marriage. If anything, having Rhett and Charlie had made the occasion even more meaningful. Six years of marriage, two beautiful children, and a life together that she wouldn’t have traded for anything.

This year, however, her husband had apparently decided that their anniversary plans were classified information. For the better part of the week, Lenora had attempted to uncover even the smallest detail about their evening, only to find herself completely unsuccessful. All she had been told was that they had dinner reservations, that she needed to dress very nicely, and that she should bring a coat because it was going to be chilly. Naturally, those instructions had done absolutely nothing to satisfy her curiosity. She’d considered everything from a romantic dinner somewhere in the village to a surprise drive into the mountains, and at one point she’d even entertained the possibility that he had arranged something outdoors. Whatever he had planned, she was determined to look beautiful for their anniversary, even if she had absolutely no idea where they were going.

By late afternoon, their bedroom had become the temporary headquarters of her preparations. Two rejected dresses lay across the ivory comforter, a pair of heels sat abandoned near the closet, and her makeup bag occupied considerably more space on the bathroom counter than it probably needed. Lenora had finally settled on a fitted burgundy mini dress with an elegant neckline and a flattering silhouette that ended several inches above her knees. She paired it with sheer black tights and classic black heels, choosing a tailored black wool coat to keep her warm once the sun disappeared behind the mountains. Her long brunette hair fell loosely around her shoulders in soft, polished waves, and she’d taken her time with her makeup, choosing warm eyeshadow, softly defined lashes, and a rosy nude lipstick. A delicate gold necklace rested against her collarbone, while her two-carat oval engagement ring and thin wedding band sparkled together on her left hand. When she finally stepped back from the mirror, she smiled with satisfaction, smoothing her palms over the front of her dress before turning slightly to inspect the result from another angle.

Fortunately, the children had been in relatively cooperative moods that afternoon, which Lenora considered a small anniversary miracle. Rhett had been particularly interested in the fact that Mommy and Daddy were going somewhere without him, although his primary concern seemed to involve whether they would be bringing home dessert. Charlie, meanwhile, had been much more interested in investigating her mother’s makeup brushes than understanding the significance of the evening. Lenora had spent a few extra minutes giving both children kisses, reminding Rhett to listen to the babysitter, and making certain Charlie had everything she needed before returning to the bedroom to collect her handbag. She adored being their mother, but the prospect of spending an entire evening alone with her husband was something she’d been looking forward to all week.

“Okay, Lieutenant Callahan, I have officially followed all of your mysterious instructions,” Lenora announced as she emerged from the hallway, her small black handbag dangling from one hand while her coat rested over her opposite arm. A bright smile spread across her face as she gave a playful little turn, allowing him to see the outfit she’d spent entirely too long choosing. “I am dressed very nicely, I have my coat, and I have absolutely no idea where my own husband is taking me on our anniversary.” She tilted her head, narrowing her eyes with exaggerated suspicion. “Which, by the way, is incredibly rude. Six years of marriage, and apparently I still don’t have the security clearance necessary to know where we’re having dinner.”

Her expression softened almost immediately into an affectionate smile. She was far too excited to maintain any genuine indignation, and she knew it. Crossing the remaining distance between them, she reached up to straighten the front of his shirt, smoothing the fabric with both hands before allowing her palms to rest briefly against his chest. There was something about seeing Jack dressed for a special evening that never failed to make her stomach flutter. She loved him in his everyday jeans and comfortable shirts, loved the familiar sight of him coming home from work, but she certainly wasn’t going to pretend she didn’t appreciate an excuse to admire her husband dressed up. “You look very handsome, by the way,” she murmured, her smile turning a little more mischievous. “Almost handsome enough that I’m willing to forgive you for keeping secrets from me.” She rose onto her toes to press a quick kiss to his lips before lowering herself again. “Almost.”

Once they were ready to leave, Lenora made one final trip to check on the children, offering a few more kisses and reminding Rhett that bedtime was not a negotiation simply because Mommy and Daddy weren’t home. She knew perfectly well that her instructions would probably inspire at least one attempt to negotiate an additional story, but she trusted their babysitter to handle it. By the time she stepped outside, the evening air had already grown considerably cooler, and she was grateful she’d listened to the warning about bringing a coat. She slipped her arms into the sleeves, pulling the fabric comfortably around herself as she made her way toward the truck. The sky above Evergreen was fading into a beautiful mixture of lavender and deep blue, while the surrounding mountains stood dark against the last traces of sunset.

For the first several minutes of the drive, Lenora made a genuine effort to behave herself. She watched the familiar streets pass beyond the passenger window, admired the autumn decorations outside the little shops, and occasionally glanced toward her husband with an expression that suggested she was still attempting to solve the mystery through sheer determination. Unfortunately, patience had never been one of her greatest strengths when something exciting was involved, particularly when she knew Jack was responsible for keeping her in suspense. She shifted slightly in her seat, turning toward him with an innocent smile that was considerably less convincing than she probably imagined. “So, hypothetically speaking, if your very beautiful wife were to ask whether we’re staying in Evergreen tonight, would that be considered an unreasonable question?” She paused, looking pleased with her own approach. “Because technically, I’m not asking where we’re going. I’m simply narrowing down the geographical possibilities.”

She laughed softly, settling back against her seat as the lights of the village grew brighter around them. The evening was already shaping up to be wonderful, regardless of the destination. She had her husband to herself, the children were being cared for, and for once there was no laundry waiting to be folded before bedtime, no coursework demanding her attention, and no little voice calling from the hallway because someone couldn’t find a stuffed animal. They could simply enjoy being together. Lenora glanced toward the passing storefronts again, smiling to herself before returning her attention to Jack. “For the record, you know you could’ve taken me anywhere tonight, right? I would’ve been perfectly happy with cheeseburgers and milkshakes.” Her smile widened. “Although, considering how long I spent doing my hair, I would appreciate somewhere with actual cloth napkins. Maybe even a candle. I’m not asking for much.”

As they continued through the village, however, something about their surroundings began to catch her attention. The familiar restaurants and shops gradually gave way to a quieter, more exclusive section of Evergreen, where beautiful stone buildings sat beneath the mountains and elegant outdoor lighting illuminated carefully maintained entrances. Lenora recognized the area immediately. It was home to some of the village’s most expensive restaurants and boutique accommodations, the sort of places locals generally reserved for very special occasions rather than ordinary evenings out. Her eyes moved between the buildings as they passed, curiosity slowly replacing her earlier amusement. She sat a little straighter, studying the road ahead with renewed interest.

And then she saw it.

The Summit House.

Perched along the mountainside, the restaurant was one of Evergreen’s most beautiful and exclusive dining establishments. Its enormous windows overlooked the village below, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, while the interior featured elegant chandeliers, candlelit tables, rich wood accents, and beautifully arranged seasonal flowers. The menu changed throughout the year, featuring upscale dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients, and its reputation for exceptional food was rivaled only by its reputation for exceptionally expensive prices. Lenora loved the restaurant, but it certainly wasn’t somewhere they visited regularly. They’d been there only a handful of times throughout their relationship, always for occasions that warranted a little extra indulgence. Between raising two children, maintaining their household, and everything else that came with everyday life, spending that much money on dinner was something they generally saved for moments worth celebrating.

Her lips parted slightly as she recognized the illuminated entrance ahead.

“Oh, my God.”

She leaned forward just a little, looking through the windshield as though she needed to confirm what she was seeing. The warm glow spilling through the towering windows made the restaurant look almost magical against the darkening mountains, and the sight of a valet standing beneath the stone entrance only strengthened her suspicion. Her eyes widened as she turned toward her husband, an incredulous smile already spreading across her face.

“Jack.” She let out a little laugh, her voice rising with unmistakable excitement. “Baby, are we going to The Summit House?”

She looked toward the restaurant again, then back at him, one hand lifting to cover her mouth for a brief moment as the realization settled in. She’d spent the entire week imagining possible destinations, and somehow this particular possibility hadn’t seriously occurred to her. “Oh, my goodness, sweetheart. This place is so expensive!” she exclaimed, laughing as she lowered her hand. There was no criticism in her voice, only delighted disbelief at the effort he’d put into surprising her. She knew perfectly well that a special dinner was something they could enjoy without feeling guilty about it, but that didn’t make the gesture any less thoughtful.

Her smile grew impossibly wider as she reached across the center console, resting her hand affectionately against his forearm. “You sneaky, sneaky man,” she murmured, shaking her head with a delighted laugh. “You’ve been keeping this from me all week? And here I was, practically interrogating you in our own kitchen, trying to figure out where we were going.” She gave his arm a gentle squeeze before glancing toward the restaurant once more, taking in the beautifully illuminated windows and the couples making their way inside. “I cannot believe you managed to keep this a secret. I’m actually impressed. A little offended that you’re apparently better at keeping surprises than I am, but mostly impressed.”

She turned toward him again, her expression softening as the initial excitement settled into something warmer. Six years of marriage had given them plenty of wonderful memories, but it had also given them the ordinary responsibilities that made evenings like this feel particularly special. Their days were full of schoolwork, police shifts, bedtime routines, grocery lists, and two children who seemed determined to grow faster than either parent could keep up with. She loved that life wholeheartedly, but she also loved being reminded that beneath all those responsibilities, they were still Jack and Lenora. Still the couple who could make each other laugh over absolutely nothing, who stole kisses in the kitchen, and who genuinely enjoyed spending time together.

“Six years,” she said softly, her smile turning affectionate as she looked at him. “Six whole years of being married to you, and you’re still finding ways to surprise me.” She brushed her thumb gently against his arm, her eyes bright with happiness. “You know you don’t have to do all this to impress me, right? You already got the girl.” Her playful grin returned almost immediately. “Although, for the record, this is a very effective way to keep her.”

She laughed quietly before leaning a little closer, her voice softening into something more sincere. “Thank you, baby. Really. This is such a beautiful surprise.” Her gaze lingered on his face for another moment, full of the uncomplicated affection she’d never been particularly good at hiding. “Happy anniversary, handsome. I love you.”