Skyway Redux
We live in an incredible environment that can bring snow one week and have us mowing the lawn the next. It is early spring in the Northwest and we do get jerked around a bit by the weather, but this, of course, keeps things interesting. Heck, it’s one of the reasons I love living here! So when we got that sudden snowstorm a short while back, I was reminded how much I love the snow and how I needed to get back up on Mount Hood for all kinds of reasons. And aside from riding my snowboard, which is reason enough to driven 1.2 hours to the west, I had a particularly interesting restaurant to finally visit “in the mountains,” The Skyway Bar and Grill...
The cool and funky ambience starts in the parking lot at the Skyway. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
You might have seen the article I wrote last year about the Skyway Bar and Grill, courtesy of my mom having visited and taken copious photos. I wrote the article as a prelude, noting that I would get there eventually to do a review, but espousing the great impression of another…my mom (who is a tremendous cook and great judge of restaurant food and ambience). So finally, after 14 months, I personally made it to this great venue of barbecue and funky, historical decor. Was I disappointed? Not one bit ;).
Here you can see the outdoor, COVID-19 set-up at the Skyway. Pretty nice and warm. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
You don’t see Paul McCartney and the Lone Ranger hanging out much…but at the Skyway? All the time. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Visually, the Skyway reminds me a lot of a McMenamin ‘s, although even quirkier as one might expect from a restaurant that has had so many extra years to uniquely develop. Some of the paintings are straight out of Alice in Wonderland, although with some kind of Mount Hood twist. Various photos espouse a fondness for the Grateful Dead and its ensuing lifestyle.
From the floor of Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Or…The Grateful Dead and their scene make the napkin dispensers at the Skyway. Yes, I added the black bar ;). Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
But let’s get to the food… This is one joint you don’t want to miss if you are a fan of chard meat! Here you will find some of the best barbecue west of the Mississippi, heck, maybe even east? The brisket and pulled pork are just that good. And the macaroni and cheese with bread crumb crust? Outstanding.
Pulled pork, grilled veggies and the best darn mac and cheese I may have ever had…this was my meal ;). Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
To imbibe at skyway is also a ticket to happiness. Their unique take on the gin and tonic left me impressed and needing to wait a few extra minutes :-). Great drinks, great food, incredible vibe.
Interesting indeed, the Skyway features a big fireplace, wonderful bar and live music (a lot of this in non-COVID times). Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
So if you are in transit on Highway 26, heading up or down the mountain, don’t miss the skyway which finds it home just outside of Zig Zag, Oregon. Not only will you find an entertaining, funky atmosphere that you might expect in some hole in the wall southern Oregon town, you will be treated too some of the best food you can find on earth. I am sure coming down from a day of snowboarding at Timberline and being ready to eat a tree doesn’t hurt in terms of one’s impression…but I am convinced that even the most ardent restaurant critic would struggle not to give high marks.
Details
The Skyway is located in Zigzag, Oregon east of Welches on East Highway 26 at Milepost 43 (also just a short 12 mile hop west downhill from Government Camp). 71545 E HWY 26, Zigzag, OR 97049. TURN ONTO WOODLANDS ROAD to enter their spacious parking lot. Parking accommodates customers with RVs, boats, campers and bike trailers.
Enjoy!!!