Dining At Skyline Cafe Is A Timeless Arkansas Tradition
By Carol Ann Carson|Published September 04, 2019
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
For nearly 100 years, Skyline Cafe has been whipping up great food and even better memories to those traveling through Mena. As one of top 10 oldest restaurants in Arkansas, it isn’t surprising to see what has kept the eatery thriving for so long. Let’s stop for a bite and quick history lesson at this timeless dining tradition.
This little cafe is as historic as it is delicious!
The Skyline Cafe has served Mena locals and travelers for almost a century. Breakfast and lunch are a timeless tradition at this beloved Arkansas eatery.
Address: 618 Mena Street, Mena, AR 71953
The cafe really has stood the test of time (and nature).
The cafe originally opened 1922, nearly 100 years ago! Skyline has had quite a few different owners, including (by word of mouth) one of the hosts of Lum and Abner. Candon Burrell is the current owner and has been for almost 20 years now.
In addition to the different owners, Skyline even withstood a tornado in 2009. After some remodeling the restaurant was able to reopen and has stayed strong ever since.
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Stepping inside for the first time you may not realize the breadth of history of this place.
That is until you start looking at the photos on the walls. Bits of history are framed all throughout the restaurant. Many of the photos flew during the 2009 tornado but were returned to the cafe by local residents.
Tuck into a classic southern spread complete with grits or biscuits and gravy. We highly recommend the eggs and hash. Skyline's hash is mixed with potatoes and peppers for a mouthwatering experience. Breakfast is served all day too so brunch is never out of the question.
You can't go wrong with a burger and fries for lunch.
Burgers, chicken fried steak, and sandwiches are favorites on the lunch menu. The side of chili is the same recipe used when the restaurant first opened! Daily specials are offered as well in case you're craving something different.
The next time you're in Mena, be sure to stop for a bite at this delicious establishment.
It won't take but one whiff of frying patties to make a new tradition of visiting Skyline anytime you're in town. For more information you can visit the Skyline Cafe Facebook Page.
What’s your earliest memory of the Skyline Cafe? Reminisce with us in the comments below!
Here’s the full list of the oldest restaurants in Arkansas, in case you were curious. But before you head to your next historic diner, take this nearby train ride for a fun little adventure in Mena.
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