Oregon’s Best-Kept Mac and Cheese Secret Lies in the Woods

Finding extraordinary comfort food in the mountains often means stumbling upon places that locals guard fiercely.

Skyway Bar & Grill sits along Highway 26 in Zigzag, Oregon, serving mac and cheese that has earned a cult following among skiers, hikers, and anyone willing to venture into the woods for a truly memorable meal.

The creamy, customizable dish has become the star of this rustic roadhouse, drawing crowds who return again and again for that perfect combination of gooey cheese and crispy edges. What makes this spot special goes beyond just one incredible side dish, though the mac and cheese alone is worth the drive.

The entire experience, from the crackling fireplace to the eclectic decor, creates an atmosphere that turns a simple meal into something worth writing home about.

The Legendary Mac Bar Experience

Skyway Bar & Grill transforms a simple side dish into an interactive culinary adventure with their famous Mac Bar. You choose exactly what goes into your bowl, turning each order into a personalized creation that matches your cravings.

The base starts with incredibly creamy, gooey macaroni that tastes remarkably similar to the renowned Beecher’s Handmade Cheese style.

From there, you can add smoked brisket, crispy bacon, peppers, or any combination that strikes your fancy.

This customization option means no two visits have to be the same. One day you might crave something smoky and rich, the next something with a spicy kick.

The portions come in both cup and bowl sizes, though regulars warn that even the cup size proves surprisingly filling. Many guests find themselves ordering it as a main course rather than relegating it to side dish status, which speaks volumes about its satisfying nature.

Gooey Perfection with Crispy Edges

The texture of Skyway’s mac and cheese achieves what many consider the holy grail of the dish. Perfectly baked edges create a golden, crispy crust that provides satisfying crunch with every spoonful.

Beneath that crispy top layer lies an incredibly creamy, gooey interior that stretches when you lift your fork.

The cheese sauce maintains its silky consistency throughout the dish, never becoming dry or grainy like lesser versions.

This contrast between textures elevates the entire experience. You get that comforting, melty cheese pull that makes mac and cheese so addictive, combined with the textural interest of those caramelized edges.

Achieving this balance requires precise timing and temperature control during baking. The kitchen clearly understands the science behind creating that perfect crust while keeping the interior luxuriously smooth.

Multiple reviews specifically mention this texture combination as a standout feature that keeps them coming back for more visits.

Signature Toppings That Steal the Show

Beyond basic additions, Skyway offers unique toppings that transform their mac and cheese into something extraordinary. The gingery jalapeños provide a sweet-heat combination that cuts through the richness beautifully.

House-smoked brisket tops the list of favorite additions, bringing tender, flavorful meat that has been slow-cooked to perfection.

The smokiness complements the creamy cheese sauce in ways that feel almost magical.

Adding a fried egg creates another dimension entirely. When you break that yolk, it mixes with the cheese sauce to create an even richer, silkier texture that coats every noodle.

These aren’t random toppings thrown together without thought. Each option has been carefully selected to either complement or contrast with the base dish.

The jalapeños add brightness and heat, the brisket brings depth and smoke, and the egg provides extra richness.

Locals often have their own signature combinations that they order every single visit.

Perfect Pairing with BBQ Meats

While the mac and cheese shines on its own, it reaches new heights when paired with Skyway’s acclaimed BBQ offerings.

The combination of smoky meats and creamy cheese creates a symphony of flavors that defines comfort food.

Ribs, pulled pork, and brisket all make excellent companions to the mac and cheese. The tangy BBQ sauce cuts through the richness of the cheese, while the tender meat provides protein to balance the carb-heavy pasta.

Many guests order the meat sampler specifically to enjoy multiple BBQ options alongside their mac and cheese. This allows you to experience different flavor combinations in a single meal.

The kitchen clearly designed these dishes to work together. The portions are sized so you can enjoy both without feeling overwhelmed, though the generous servings still ensure nobody leaves hungry.

This pairing has become so popular that servers often recommend it to first-time visitors.

The Cozy Fireplace Setting

Enjoying mac and cheese takes on special meaning when you’re sitting near a roaring fireplace after a cold day on the mountain.

Skyway’s interior features a massive fireplace that becomes the heart of the dining room during winter months.

The warmth radiating from the fire combines with the comfort of the food to create an experience that feels almost therapeutic. Guests arriving chilled from skiing or hiking find themselves thawing out both physically and mentally.

String lights supplement the fireplace glow, creating intimate lighting that makes the space feel welcoming rather than dark. The eclectic decor, including mannequins and stained glass windows, gives you plenty to look at while you wait for your food.

Locals particularly prize the fireplace seats, though the restaurant reserves these prime spots for regulars during busy times.

The atmosphere alone makes the meal memorable, but combined with exceptional food, it creates the kind of experience people talk about for years.

The Outdoor Garden Experience

When weather permits, Skyway’s expansive outdoor garden area offers a completely different but equally appealing dining atmosphere.

Picnic tables spread across the space, surrounded by towering trees that provide natural shade and mountain ambiance.

Eating mac and cheese outside in the fresh mountain air might seem unconventional, but it works perfectly here. The casual picnic-style seating matches the comfort food vibe, making the whole experience feel relaxed and unpretentious.

The outdoor space includes a stage for live music performances, adding entertainment to your meal during summer months. Fire pits provide warmth on cooler evenings, extending the outdoor season beyond what you might expect.

This garden setting attracts a different crowd than the cozy interior. Families with kids appreciate the outdoor space where little ones can move around more freely.

Groups celebrating after outdoor adventures find the casual atmosphere perfect for their needs. The flexibility of having both indoor and outdoor options means Skyway can accommodate various preferences and occasions.

Frickles and Other Perfect Sides

Skyway’s menu extends beyond mac and cheese to include sides that complement it brilliantly. Their frickles, or fried pickles, provide a tangy, crunchy contrast that cleanses your palate between bites of rich cheese.

The acidity of the pickles cuts through the heaviness of the mac and cheese, preventing flavor fatigue. The crispy coating adds another textural element to your meal, making each bite interesting.

Truffle cheese grit cakes represent another standout side that guests rave about in reviews. The earthy truffle flavor pairs surprisingly well with the mac and cheese’s creamy richness, creating a decadent combination.

Baked beans offer a more traditional BBQ side option, though Skyway’s version uses kidney beans with a chili-based sauce rather than the typical sweet preparation. This unique approach provides savory depth rather than competing sweetness.

Garlic cheese fries with truffle oil create an over-the-top indulgent option for those who want to fully commit to comfort food excess.

Post-Ski Destination Paradise

Location along Highway 26 near Mt. Hood makes Skyway the perfect stop after a day on the slopes.

Skiers and snowboarders stream through the doors, still buzzing with mountain energy and ready for serious comfort food.

The timing works perfectly, as the restaurant opens at 3 PM on weekdays, exactly when people start finishing their ski days. Weekend hours starting at noon accommodate those who want an earlier meal or a break between morning and afternoon runs.

Nothing satisfies cold, tired muscles quite like a bowl of gooey mac and cheese after hours of physical activity. The generous portions provide the calories your body craves after burning energy in the mountain cold.

This post-ski crowd creates a lively, energetic atmosphere that feels celebratory rather than rushed. Everyone shares the common experience of having just come from the mountain, creating an instant camaraderie among diners.

The restaurant understands this clientele perfectly, offering exactly what exhausted adventurers need most.

Live Music and Alpine Vibes

Skyway elevates the dining experience by featuring live bands regularly, transforming a meal into a complete evening out. The music ranges across genres, but always maintains that laid-back mountain town feel that defines the venue.

The outdoor stage becomes the focal point during warmer months, with performances creating a festival-like atmosphere. Guests can enjoy their mac and cheese while tapping their feet to live tunes under the stars.

This combination of excellent food and entertainment explains why locals consider Skyway more than just a restaurant. It functions as a community gathering spot where people come to socialize, celebrate, and enjoy the unique mountain culture.

The funky, eclectic interior decor reinforces this artistic vibe even when bands aren’t playing. Mannequins, interesting ceiling designs, and quirky touches throughout create visual interest that keeps the space from feeling like a typical roadhouse.

The whole package works together to create what guests describe as an authentic alpine eatery experience.

Hidden Gem Status Among Locals

Despite solid popularity among skiers and hikers, Skyway maintains a hidden gem quality that surprises first-time visitors. Many people drive past it for years before finally stopping, then wonder why they waited so long.

The location deep in the woods along Highway 26 means you need to know about it or be willing to explore. It doesn’t benefit from heavy foot traffic or prominent visibility, which actually helps preserve its special character.

Locals fiercely protect their favorite spot, though they’re generally happy to share it with visitors who appreciate what makes it unique. The restaurant has built a loyal following that returns regularly, sometimes weekly, for their mac and cheese fix.

This best-kept secret status extends to the broader Oregon dining scene. Food enthusiasts seeking authentic comfort food experiences increasingly list Skyway as a must-visit destination.

The combination of exceptional food, reasonable prices, and genuine mountain atmosphere creates something increasingly rare in tourist-heavy areas near popular outdoor recreation spots.