Johnny Seesaw’s in Peru, Vermont: A Historic Ski Lodge Restaurant

There aren’t many Vermont restaurants where you can settle into an oversized leather chair beside an open fire, order a great Vermont craft beer and take in nearly a century of ski history. But that’s exactly what you’ll find at Johnny Seesaw’s in Peru, Vermont.

Located just down the road from Bromley Mountain Local favorite: Bromley Mountain, about 15 minutes from Manchester, Johnny Seesaw’s has been a gathering place for Southern Vermont skiers and locals for generations. The property underwent an extensive renovation in 2018, bringing new life to the historic restaurant while preserving much of its original character.

I first visited during a late-winter weekend at Seesaw’s Lodge. We arrived on a Friday evening to find the restaurant packed, with nearly every table occupied and a wonderful buzz of conversation throughout the room. After ordering a Vermont beer, I found a seat beside the circular fire pit and settled in.

I could have happily stayed there all evening. And after dinner, I understood why people have been returning to Johnny Seesaw’s for decades.

The History of Johnny Seesaw’s

Johnny Seesaw’s story dates back to 1924, when Ivan Sesow and his wife, Vinnie, established the Wonder View Log Pavilion, a roadside dance hall that became a popular gathering spot in Peru.

As skiing developed around nearby Bromley Mountain, the property evolved into a ski lodge and restaurant. In 1938, Lew deSchweinitz and Bill Parrish purchased the property, helping establish Johnny Seesaw’s as a destination for the growing Southern Vermont ski community.

Following years of changing ownership and declining business, Ryan and Kim Prins, working with partners, began an extensive restoration in 2015. The renovated restaurant and lodge reopened in 2018, with considerable attention given to preserving the property’s history.

And that history is still very much part of the dining experience.

A Dining Room Built Around a Fire

The main dining room occupies the footprint of the original 1924 roadhouse, with exposed log beams, a World War II-era mural known as the Seducerie and an old Wonder View Log Pavilion sign displayed above the stone fireplace.

But my favorite feature is the circular indoor fire pit, with its black hood and copper cutouts. Oversized leather chairs surround the flames, creating an inviting gathering space for cocktails before dinner or a beer after a day on the mountain.

During our first visit, the restaurant was buzzing with skiers, families and locals catching up with friends. We grabbed beers from the bar and found a spot beside the fire while waiting for our table. The atmosphere was lively without being overwhelming, and I loved how the historic details had been incorporated into the renovated space rather than replaced.

It’s a beautiful restaurant, but one where you’re perfectly comfortable arriving in jeans and a sweater after spending the day outdoors.

What to Eat at Johnny Seesaw’s

Johnny Seesaw’s menu has evolved over the years, with an emphasis on Alpine-inspired cuisine, house-made pasta and Vermont ingredients.

The current menu includes dishes such as roasted duck breast with polenta, Maine sea scallops with brown butter lemon emulsion and veal Wiener schnitzel. You’ll also find house-made pastas, including tagliatelle Bolognese, along with seasonal specials that reflect what’s available locally.

For a more casual meal, the bar menu offers familiar comfort foods with a little more creativity. Think duck poutine with Maplebrook cheese curds, a Bavarian pretzel with Cabot cheddar sauce and a Wagyu beef burger topped with Bayley Hazen Blue.

I love that Johnny Seesaw’s offers a menu that works for a casual dinner after skiing but also has plenty of options for a special occasion. And with the beautiful dining room and fireside seating, it’s easy to make an evening of it.

Don’t Miss the Fried Pickles

One of my favorite memories from our first visit involves an appetizer recommendation from a friend who happened to be sitting at the next table.

She lives in nearby Weston and frequents Johnny Seesaw’s with her husband. As soon as she realized we hadn’t eaten there before, she insisted we order the fried pickles.

Now, I eat fried pickles just about everywhere I find them, so she didn’t have to convince me.

They were fantastic. The beer-battered pickle chips were crispy, tangy and served with a dipping sauce that made them even better. I’m happy to report that fried pickles still appear on the restaurant’s published bar menu, although the preparation has changed over the years.

I’d happily order another plate on my next visit, particularly with a cold Vermont beer.

Vermont Craft Beer & Cocktails

Johnny Seesaw’s has always had a good selection of Vermont craft beer, which is another reason I enjoy visiting.

During our first dinner, I ordered Lawson’s Sip of Sunshine, and the bar also featured selections from von Trapp Brewing and other regional producers. The draft list changes, but Vermont breweries remain well represented.

The cocktail menu is also worth exploring, with creative drinks featuring fresh herbs, fruit and seasonal ingredients. Recent offerings have included bourbon cocktails with ginger-honey syrup and gin drinks with blackberry and basil.

I’d recommend arriving a little early for a cocktail by the fire before dinner, particularly during ski season when the restaurant is busy.

More Dining at Seesaw’s Lodge

Johnny Seesaw’s isn’t the only dining option on the property. The Hut offers a more casual experience with wood-fired pizza, local beers and a full bar, while Bootlegger’s Tavern serves family-style comfort food during the winter season.

The Hut is particularly appealing for après-ski, and the additional dining options give visitors more flexibility depending on the occasion.

If you’re staying at Seesaw’s Lodge, having several places to eat within walking distance is a wonderful perk. I love being able to settle in for the evening without getting back in the car.

Make Johnny Seesaw’s Part of a Southern Vermont Getaway

Johnny Seesaw’s location near Bromley Mountain makes it an easy dinner stop after skiing, but you certainly don’t need to be a skier to enjoy the restaurant.

Manchester is only about 15 minutes away, with excellent shopping, restaurants and attractions, including Hildene and the Southern Vermont Arts Center. During warmer months, the surrounding Green Mountain National Forest offers beautiful hiking and scenic drives.

I’d also consider staying overnight at Seesaw’s Lodge, which has beautifully renovated suites and cabins scattered around the property. During our stay, I loved waking up to mountain views and having the restaurant just a short walk away.

What to Know Before You Go

Location

Johnny Seesaw’s is located at Seesaw’s Lodge, 51 Seesaw’s Run West, off Route 11 in Peru, Vermont. The lodge’s main address is 3574 VT-11.

Dining

The main restaurant serves Alpine-inspired cuisine, house-made pasta and seasonal Vermont dishes.

Hours

Dinner is served on select evenings. Check the current schedule before visiting, as hours vary seasonally.

Reservations

Strongly recommended, particularly during ski season and foliage weekends. Reservations are available through Resy.

What to Order

The fried pickles, house-made pastas and seasonal entrées are good places to start.

Drinks

Vermont craft beer, wine and signature cocktails.

Other Dining Options

The Hut offers seasonal wood-fired pizza, while Bootlegger’s Tavern operates during winter.

Parking

On-site parking is available.

Nearby Attractions

Bromley Mountain, Manchester, the Appalachian Trail and Green Mountain National Forest.

Phone

802-824-5533

Johnny Seesaw’s is one of my favorite examples of a historic Vermont restaurant that’s been brought back to life without losing the details that made it special in the first place. The food has evolved, the accommodations have been beautifully renovated and the restaurant continues to welcome new generations of visitors.

But the old log beams, historic mural and that incredible circular fire pit remain. And the next time I’m exploring Southern Vermont, I’ll happily pull up a chair beside the fire and order another Vermont beer.