This Quirky Roadhouse BBQ In Oregon Offers Ribs That’ll Melt In Your Mouth

by | Jan 23, 2023 | Featured, Food & Drink, Mt. Hood | 0 comments

Headed down Mt. Hood from a long day of skiing or snowboarding? If you've passed the Skyway by then you're definitely missing out on some of the yummiest barbeque to be had in Oregon.

The Skyway Bar and Grill

The classic restaurant was hand-built in 1972 by Al and Opal Salazar, but things really got cookin' when Tom and Tracie purchased the structure in 2000. They decorated the unique building with art, antiques, and photographs in an unforgettable style, then brought in Texas transplant and chef, Jason Hornor. He came with a passion for barbeque, and the Skyway took on the presence we know and love today.

skyway bar and grill oregon

Image via / Google Local

skyway bar and grill

Image via / Google Local

The name itself is a reference to the "Skiway" tram system that ran for a short time in the 1950s. The sky tram literally consisted of two buses, retrofitted as cable cars and offering daily rides from Government Camp to Timberline Lodge. You can read more about this epic fail of Oregon history in our recent article.

mt hood skiway

Image via / OHS Research Library / Org. Lot 1284, Al Monner Photographs, 1936–1974

Inside you'll find the most unique architecture (with entire walls having been built from salvaged stained glass), cozy fireplaces, a live music stage (come on the weekends for bands from all over Oregon), and funky decor for days.

skyway bar and grill oregon

Image via / Google Local / Louis Pieper

The menu at the family-friendly establishment is wonderfully sparse, offering a few options based around the delicious meats that are prepared daily. I'll admit it: I'm an appetizer freak, and our family went wild for the "Frickles" (southern fried dill pickle chips with aioli for dipping), and Skyway's classic Garlic Cheese Fries (topped with fried garlic, fresh parmesan cheese, and drenched in house-made cheese sauce).

skyway bar and grill oregon

Parmesan Garlic Fries with a background of Frickles / Image via / Google Local

All of the BBQ'ed meats look so good that you'll have a hard time choosing what to get, trust me. I finally settled on the "Yard Bird", a brined and smoked chicken breast (wing still attached) with the crispiest skin holding in all the juiciness of the flesh. The rest of the fam had such a tough time deciding that they finally went with "The Sampler" and received plates (i.e. TRAYS) loaded with tender brisket, pulled pork, and a 1/4 rack of ribs.

skyway bar and grill oregon

"The Sampler" / Image via / Google Local

While all of the cow and pig is amazing, where the Skyway also shines is in the generous sides. Of course, you can go healthy with a salad or daily veggie choice, but I say that since you're already packing it away, you might as well go big or go home. My choices were the "Lumpy Mashers" (super creamy mashed potatoes with the skins left on), and the Baked Beans, which are so full of smokey, BBQ deliciousness you'll wish you had a bowlful.

skyway bar and grill

Image via / Google Local

For just $3 more you have the option to add a cup of the gooey, creamy Mac-N-Cheese to your order, or to make a meal out of it. Their mac can be served in a "boat" and is fully customizable with bake-ins such as grilled onion, jalapeño, and pulled pork.

skyway bar and grill

Image via / Google Local

Make the Skyway your next stop along US 26, and be sure to bring a full belly along. You're going to need it.


The Skyway Bar and Grill

71545 E Hwy. 26
Zigzag, Oregon 97043
503-622-3775
Milepost 43
(12 miles downhill from Government Camp)

Web: skywaybarandgrill.com

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Written By Danielle Denham

Danielle Denham is an award-winning and published photographer who loves her home state of Oregon. Recently she was featured on a regional-Emmy-winning episode of Oregon Field Guide, and is currently writing a book on Abandoned Oregon. When she isn't out and about exploring for derelict places to photograph, you may find her hanging around in Eugene Oregon with Tyler Willford and his two awesome kiddos.

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