A long day on Mount Hood can leave a family running on empty. The kids are tired, the trail maps are folded wrong, and everyone suddenly agrees on one thing: dinner, and soon.
Along the highway in tiny Zigzag, Oregon, there is a roadside barbecue stop that looks like it was decorated by a very creative attic.
Mannequins, stained glass, string lights, and a forest patio all share space with a smoker that turns out brisket worth the detour. The mac and cheese has its own fan club, and it may be the most requested side dish on the whole mountain.
Keep reading to find out where this funky stop sits, when it opens, what to order, and how to plan a visit that keeps the whole crew happy.
A Roadside Secret on Highway 26
Blink on the drive up the mountain, and the turnoff slips right past. That is part of the fun of finding Skyway Bar & Grill, a funky roadhouse at 71545 E US-26, Zigzag, OR 97049, in the United States.
Zigzag is a small community on the western slopes of Mount Hood. The highway here carries skiers, hikers, campers, and families heading toward Government Camp and the high country beyond.
The building sits right off the road, tucked among tall forest trees. Because it is so close to the highway, some traffic noise drifts over to the outdoor tables, so plan for that if the family wants a quiet meal.
Slow down as the road passes through Zigzag and keep an eye out for the entrance. Missing it means a frustrating turnaround with hungry passengers.
Once parked, the trip from car seat to picnic table takes only a minute. For a family that has spent hours on trails or slopes, that short walk is a welcome gift, and the barbecue waiting inside is an even better one.
Mannequins, Stained Glass, and a Wild Ceiling
Most restaurants hang a few framed photos and call it a day. Here, the interior goes much further.
Mannequins stand around the room like quiet guests who forgot to order. Stained glass windows, a fireplace, and a ceiling with a striking design give the space a style that is hard to describe in one word, though eccentric comes close.
String lights hang throughout, and the room runs a little dark. That dim lighting gives the place a cozy, tucked-away mood, which suits a chilly mountain evening.
Kids tend to treat the decor like a scavenger hunt. Ask them to count the mannequins or spot the most unusual object while everyone waits for food.
Staff have been known to suggest a stroll through the interior, so do not be shy about taking a look around. There is plenty to explore in every corner.
Bring a phone with a charged battery. Between the odd decorations and the glowing lights, this is one of the more photo-friendly dining rooms on the mountain road, and the snapshots make great trip souvenirs.
The Mac That Steals the Show
Barbecue joints usually build their fame on meat. At this roadhouse, a side dish might be the real headliner.
The mac and cheese is by far the most talked-about item on the menu. Families call it their signature order, and plenty of diners say it could easily be a full meal instead of a side.
That is good news for picky eaters. A kid who is unsure about smoked meats will almost always say yes to a bowl of mac, which makes ordering for a group much easier.
There is also a pulled pork mac option that combines the smoked meat with the famous side. It is a smart choice for anyone who wants both favorites in one dish.
A practical tip for groups: order more mac than seems necessary. Sharing plates tend to empty quickly, and nobody wants to fight over the last spoonful.
Some people come for the mountain. Others come down from the mountain just for this, and after one order, it is easy to understand why the mac has such loyal fans.
Brisket Worth the Detour
Smoke and patience are the main ingredients behind good brisket. The kitchen here cooks its barbecue in its own smoker, following a Texas-inspired approach with a Northwest twist.
Brisket is the second most popular item on the menu, right behind the mac. Many diners rank it among the best they have had at any restaurant.
The beef is described as high quality and hormone free. That is a detail some families care about, and it is not always common at barbecue spots.
Like any slow-cooked meat, results can change from day to day. Most plates arrive tender, though now and then a slice may lean a bit drier, which is where the sauces come to the rescue.
For a first visit, brisket with mac and a second side is a solid, simple order. It shows off two of the kitchen’s strongest skills on one tray.
Hungry hikers often order it before even sitting down. After hours on a trail, that decision rarely takes long.
One Platter to Settle Every Debate
Every family has that one person who cannot decide. The sampler platter was practically made for them.
This plate brings together several smoked meats, such as brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. It is the easiest way to taste a little of everything without ordering four separate meals.
Servers often suggest pairing it with mac and cheese and beans. That combination gives a group a well-rounded spread to pass around the table.
The meat on the sampler typically rests on a slice of white bread. Some diners love it for soaking up sauce, while others simply set it aside, so do whatever works for your crew.
Pulled pork has its own following, too. More than a few people who try the full sampler end up naming it their surprise favorite.
Sharing a big platter also turns dinner into a game. Have everyone vote on the best meat, and do not be surprised when the winner changes with each visit, since that just means another trip down the mountain is needed.
A Patio Built for the Forest
On a summer afternoon, the best seat in the house is not in the house at all. The outdoor garden is one of the biggest draws at this roadhouse.
Picnic tables spread across a forest setting, giving kids and adults room to stretch out. After a car ride, that extra space makes a real difference.
The patio includes its own stage and an extra bar for busy days. Lights strung around the yard keep the area welcoming as evening arrives.
Ordering outside works a bit differently than a typical sit-down meal. Guests often order and pay at the bar first, then staff bring the food to the table.
Knowing this ahead of time saves confusion. Send one adult to place the order while the rest of the family claims a table.
The highway is close, so some road noise is part of the package. Most people seem happy to trade a little traffic sound for a meal under tall trees, especially on a clear Mount Hood day.
Live Music Under the Trees
Dinner with a soundtrack is always a bonus. On many evenings, local musicians take the stage on the outdoor patio.
Live music is one of the things this roadhouse is best known for. It adds energy to the yard and gives families something fun to enjoy after the plates are cleared.
The schedule leans toward weekends, especially Friday and Saturday nights. Weeknights like Monday tend to be quieter, which can be perfect for families who want a calmer meal.
Checking the restaurant website before the trip is the easiest way to see what is coming up. That way, the family can choose between a lively night or a relaxed one.
Kids often enjoy watching a real band up close. It can be a fun first concert experience in a laid-back setting.
There is also a popular Crawdad festival later in the year, a bigger event that draws crowds to the property. Families who enjoy a festive scene may want to mark it on the calendar early.
Timing Your Visit Right
Good barbecue rewards good planning. The hours here are a little different from many restaurants, so a quick check saves disappointment.
The roadhouse is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Monday, Thursday, and Friday, doors open at 3 p.m. and stay open until 9 p.m.
Weekends start earlier. Saturday and Sunday hours run from noon to 9 p.m., which makes lunch after a morning hike a real option.
Busy nights can mean a wait, sometimes 45 minutes to an hour for a large party. The staff works steadily right up to closing, and groups as big as 11 people have been seated together.
Families with small kids may want to arrive early in the afternoon. Shorter lines mean fewer meltdowns and more time to explore the decor.
Food can take a little while during rush times, so pack a snack for the waiting period. A deck of cards or a small game helps, too, and turns the wait into part of the outing instead of a test of patience.
The Perfect Pit Stop After Mountain Adventures
After a day at Timothy Lake or a long run of ski laps, energy levels drop fast. This roadhouse sits right where many families need to refuel.
Zigzag lies along the main route between the Portland area and the high country of Mount Hood. That makes the stop handy on the way up or the way home.
Hikers, trail runners, lake visitors, and skiers all pass through this stretch of road. Many of them plan their return trip around a barbecue dinner here.
Families celebrating birthdays and anniversaries also make the trip. The quirky setting turns an ordinary meal into something that feels like a special occasion.
Prices can feel a bit high for some, especially for drinks, so set a budget before ordering. Sharing a sampler and a few sides is an easy way to feed a group.
In the end, this funky forest roadhouse delivers what tired families want most: hearty brisket, famous mac, and a memorable place to end the day. That is a recipe worth returning to.
