Nobody wants to eat on a moving airplane. The seats are crowded, the smells are…not appetizing, and the in-flight meal selection leaves so much to be desired. But everyone wants to eat on a stationary plane that’s been converted into a restaurant, right? It’s the perfect spot to drag your airline-obsessed better halves. Or, your airline-obsessed selves. We don’t judge around here.
We’re talking about taking a visit to The Airplane Restaurant in Colorado Springs, a restaurant that is exactly what it sounds like. The establishment is housed in a converted Boeing KC-97, one of the largest piston aircraft ever built by Boeing. The plane is parked outside a Radisson, and while you won’t have to eat while strapped in next to a stranger, you will be VERY close to your dining partner, because, well, it’s a converted plane, for Christ’s sake.
This place is rad, and it’s made for airplane fanatics of all ages. Much of the plane has been preserved – not the seats, of course – making it look like this aircraft could prepare for liftoff at any point. There’s even a proper cockpit still intact. But, if you want to eat in the plane, you’ll have to be in parties of two, because with the space restrictions of a plane-cum-restaurant, there are only a handful of two-person booths available to sit in. (Converting that plane didn’t widen the damn thing.)
But if you’re visiting with more than two guests, or are slightly claustrophobic but still want to hang out in an airplane-themed restaurant, there is hope. This restaurant is also on land, so you can opt for the main dining room, which is an actual brick and mortar restaurant. The main dining room has a ton of vintage aviation memorabilia, which means airplane fanatics can still get their jollies without having to ever step foot in the plane. And, you know, the main dining room is where the bar is, too. You might need the close proximity to booze if you have kids in tow.
Wherever you sit, you’ll drown in this restaurant’s airplane-themed kitsch. Not only is part of the restaurant an old plane, and the main dining room filled with plane goodies, but the food menu is also centered around plane references. Take, for example, the Reuben von Crashed or the Philly Flyer, two options on the lunch menu. Oh, and the bar menu is, too.
You can choose from drinks like the Arctic B-52 or Canadian Bomber, two booze-laden, airplane-themed options, to be served as your in-flight beverage, making the entire visit complete, and completely cheesy. We love it.
Angelica Leicht