There is only one word to describe the owner of the Mountain View Restaurant in Hartford…visionary. Bryan Tabor has managed to tastefully preserve the historical elements of the building while creating a clean, modern, and inspirational dining space for his customers.
In fact, it may very well be one of the best-kept secrets in the River Valley! The food coupled with the amazing atmosphere is what you would expect to find in metropolitan areas like Fayetteville, or Fort Smith.
Tabor, whose family roots run deep in the area, was visiting from Tulsa. He was preparing to launch a new business venture, although at the time, he wasn’t quite sure what that would be. While visiting his ailing mother, the beauty and potential of Hartford’s main street caught his eye. He knew it was time to birth a business where customers would come to him. Soon, plans were underway for the opening of Mountain View Restaurant.
Since opening his doors in the fall of 2020, Tabor has prided himself on listening and responding to the needs and wants of his customers. He is there every time the doors are open and works hard to ensure an all-around positive dining experience. That relationship has kept his doors revolving with returning customers ever since.
The restaurant, located at 20 S. Broadway, has a historic past and Tabor has managed to preserve it. Inside, carefully and purposefully lining the walls, some original artwork by his aunt, now stricken with Alzheimer’s. Pieces of art reminiscent of Tabor’s heritage are scattered throughout the dining room. Those include hand-crafted leather pieces and an etched guitar designed by his son.
Among the beautiful turquoise hand-stenciled ceiling tiles are tiny gold crosses, one element gracing the stunning centerpiece. From the Bible bearing his name at the entryway to the artistic-inspired decor, it’s clear to see Tabor has poured his heart and soul into every aspect of the business.
“We did a lot of work to the building…But, one of the things I enjoy most is listening to the stories of people who come in here reminiscing of days passed,” Tabor shared. “At one time this building was a Jewish Synagogue, a game room, a feed, and grocery store.”
He welcomes anyone to come, sit and visit over a cup of coffee or a slice of pie. It’s a welcoming space, with a comfortable sitting area and an open dining room.
Inside the kitchen, Tabor runs a tight ship. The spacious and newly renovated space is extraordinarily clean.
Routine patrons stop in from Poteau, Spiro, Greenwood, Lavaca, Hackett, and Fort Smith. Locals come and go throughout the day ordering items specific to their own tastes. “Some regulars come in, I know just what they want each time and can have it to their table around the time they pull out their chair,” Tabor added.
Tabor serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner. His menu is comprised of traditional foods, but with his own unique twist. It includes high-end sandwich offerings like the Big Auggie, hot hamburgers, as well as soups and stews.
Mountain View Restaurant is open from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday; 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Sunday and is closed on Monday.
Tabor flirts with the notion of his future plans, and admits he has a vision that is not quite fulfilled!
As Tabor often says, “it’s my night to cook!” With the beautiful setting and delicious food, you certainly won’t be disappointed!
