Just off of Route 281 in Preble next to a patch of farmland lies a local joint ideal for laid-back fun, warming up and pigging out.

Mountain View offers its guests the comfort of a Mom and Pop diner with a spacious banquet hall perfect for parties and weekend shows. The dining area leads to the bar, adorned with Christmas lights, beer cans on strings, trophies and streamers, where my friend and I were happy to purchase two good-sized mixed drinks for only $6.50.

While the band warmed up, we lounged in the back at a seating area with a large flat screen and woodstove - ideal for snowmobilers to stop and warm up in the winter.

It was apparent given the middle-aged men with Elvis sideburns and women in flip flops slow dancing, along with the staff wearing comical t-shirts with pig graphics surrounding the question “Have You Been Porked Lately?” that Mountain View is a let-your hair-down scene rather than one of the numerous clubs for 20 year olds in sparkly tops.

Around 9:00 p.m. the 6-member band Chain Reaction began playing catchy jukebox favorites like, “Your Mama Don’t Dance and Your Daddy Don’t Rock and Roll,” and country hits like, “A Little Less Talk A Lot More Action,” with a husky Stevie Ray Vaughn sound. A small-sized younger crowd came in later to hear, “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” and “Hurt So Good.” Other Saturday entertainment includes acts like Fully Loaded, Infinite Jester, and Blood Line and seasonal Nascar and Football specials. Each group moving past the door after paying their $3/per person cover charge melded together and gave their friendly hellos, indicating Mountain View was no stranger to satisfied regulars.

Although Mountain View’s late-night menu behind the bar was filled with chili, zita and ½ pound burgers for only $5.50, a second visit is in store to try out their BBQ ribs, pork, and beef brisket with a tasty-sweet sauce doctored up for visitors and catered events where their roasters are guaranteed to travel.

If you’re hungry near Preble, or looking for a bite to eat at the State Fair - and choose to ignore the healthy pleas of Carrie Lazarus - think outside the Dinosaur Barbeque box and give Mountain View a try.