Summit Cafe

Summit Café is for REI employees at their headquarters in Kent. It isn’t open to the public, but one can attend with an employee.
The café is subsidized, and prices are low. There is the standard, small salad bar with pre-​made salads, sandwiches, burgers and pizza for lunch. They have pre-​made breakfast sandwiches and burritos for breakfast. Fresh fruit, cookies, pastries and snacks are available throughout the day. There is a sandwich station, grill station and a variety station. There are two specials at each station that change daily, along with the ability to ask for a sandwich or burger made your way.
The cuisine in the few times I’ve gone in has all been American or Americanized versions of Mexican and very simplistic in taste and presentation.
There is a coffee barista in the dining hall and also coffee available in the cafeteria.
All condiments, silverware and table service is self-​serve.
The dining hall looks like something out of a ski lodge, with a vaulted ceiling, long windows on three walls, and wood and steel architecture.
The staff and chefs have all been pleasant and courteous. The café is clean and well kept.
Payment is accepted only via cash or check.
There is outdoor seating available.
Food: 3
Service: 3
Parking: 3
Ambiance: 2

Let me preface by stating that this place is not open to the public. You have to either work at REI HQ or come join someone for lunch who works there. The café is a smörgåsbord of local, fresh, seasonal, and organic items with a constantly changing menu. They cater to all types of foodies and there are plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free friendly choices each day. Everything from soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas, grilled items and desserts. You want it, they got it. The staff is friendly and responsive and they are great at incorporating feedback.
I’m a huge fan of Chef Jonny behind the grill. He’s a culinary mastermind who’s able to whip up creative concoctions at a whim and blow me away each time. How he hasn’t opened up his own food truck or restaurant is beyond me.