The Skillet
About This Spot
Stepping into The Skillet feels like finding a cherished corner of Arkansas tucked away just off the beaten path. Nestled among the whispering trees of Mountain View, this American restaurant offers something quietly rare—a place where time slows a little, and the pace of the day melts away alongside the warmth of friendly hellos and familiar comfort food.
The atmosphere here is unpretentious and calm, with soft natural light filtering through windows that seem to bring the outdoors in. Watching the local wildlife—squirrels playfully navigating miniature swings, hummingbirds flitting just outside—adds a gentle, almost whimsical rhythm to the meal. It’s a dining experience where the steady hum of conversation blends with the soft calls of nature.
The fare at The Skillet is deeply rooted in the heart of American homestyle cooking, offering the kind of dishes that evoke simple pleasures and shared moments. Whether it’s the generous portions of fried chicken and mashed potatoes or the fresh variety at the well-loved salad bar, each plate is a quiet celebration of flavor and tradition. House-made touches like ranch dressing or perfectly baked coconut cake echo the sense that every detail matters here, not for show but because of care.
Visitors often linger not just for the food but for the feeling of gathering—a place where families unwind and friends reconnect while savoring familiar tastes that comfort and satisfy. It’s the kind of spot where the staff's warmth feels as integral as the meal, and the quiet wildlife just beyond the windows offer a reminder of the simple joys waiting to be found in everyday moments.
What’s Available Here
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Has wheelchair-accessible car park
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Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Has wheelchair-accessible seating
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Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Offers takeaway
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Serves dine-in
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No delivery
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Has fast service
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Serves great coffee
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Serves great dessert
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Popular for breakfast
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Popular for lunch
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Popular for dinner
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Good for solo dining
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Has all you can eat
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Serves beer
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Serves coffee
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Serves comfort food
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Serves food
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Serves healthy options
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Quick bite
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Serves small plates
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Serves wine
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Serves breakfast
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Serves brunch
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Serves lunch
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Serves dinner
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Serves dessert
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Has seating
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Has toilet
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Casual
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Cosy
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Historic
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Quiet
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Good for groups
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Popular with tourists
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Accepts credit cards
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Good for kids
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High chairs available
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Has kids' menu
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Plenty of parking
Taylor Smith 29 Dec 2025
I stopped in to have dinner while in town and was pleasantly surprised. The pictures on Google were what brought me in, but the place itself kept me here. The food looked a little pricey when looking at the menu, but the quality and portion sizes make it well worth it. I ordered the fried jalapeño chips, ozark onion, and the fried chicken with potatoes and gravy and the homemade rolls. All of it was great, and my server, Marlena, was superb. I'd suggest everyone stop by at least once for some good food and a great atmosphere.
Kelly Galipeau 18 Dec 2025
Great little salad bar. Super fresh and homemade items. I had the chicken fried chicken with mashed potatoes and white gravy. I enjoyed it. Another person at our table ordered the hamburger steak with brown gravy and fries and enjoyed it. Another friend ordered the "World Famous Stir-fry ". She said it was awful. It looked totally over cooked to me. Our server was very nice about it and offered to bring her something else. Blackberry Cobbler and ice cream was her choice! And she really enjoyed that! They did not charge her for her meal. It's a lovely room to sit in with windows all around. There are multiple squirrel feeders outside the window that were entertaining to watch while we ate. The employees were super nice and were very attentive.
Sabrina Aimee Elizabeth 16 Nov 2025
This was a great experience for our family! The service was very kind, caring, and friendly. The food was tasty. More than anything though, we enjoyed watching the wildlife from the windows! The squirrels were cracking us up the whole time. Will come again for sure!
Richard Harpe 31 Oct 2025
Do you want to eat with the wildlife of Arkansas, then you have found the PERRFECT place! We not only enjoyed our delicious meals but also got to watch the squirrels and humming birds enjoy theirs as well. The restaurant is located in the forrest off the beaten path. Trust me, you'll love it.
Cynthia Lockhart 29 Oct 2025
Amazing ambiance ! We watch the squirrels on the squirrel swings, the hummingbirds and chipmunks while we dine on perfect fried chicken, with all the fixings. Buffet is substantial and all was delicious. Chicken tenders, green beans, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes , okra, ham and beans, and my favorite chicken and dumplings-so good, or my other favorite fried catfish and yummy cornbread, or my other favorite blackberry cobbler. Service is excellent too. Restaurant is very clean. We come a few times a year when visiting Mtn View. Never disappoints. Ask for a table near the windows. The entire restaurant is surrounded by windows.
Dakota Franks 11 Oct 2025
It was a very peaceful environment with a good and affordable buffet option. There was a trail beside the restaurant too. Lots of parking and lots of great food options from southern style sides and entrees to a salad bar, soup, and several dessert options. Check this place out if you are in the area! It's very nice!
Dan Graff 03 Oct 2025
We had the buffet. The food was excellent. The service was great. It was a nice atmosphere. Quiet and you could talk easily. We had fried catfish and Shepherd Pie on the buffet. Ask to be seated near the window near the Squirrel Twirl. It's fun to watch the Squirrel play on this thing
Kelli Stone 21 Sep 2025
The Skillet is a beautiful place with incredible food!! Everything we had was delicious! I personally had a salad with a ton of fixin’s, the chicken fried chicken with mashed potatoes, gravy, a roll and pan fried cornbread. We also had blackberry cobbler. All of it was incredible. 10/10 recommend.