Imagine sitting down for a burger inside a real Boeing aircraft — not a replica, but an actual vintage plane. That’s exactly what you get at The Airplane Restaurant in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Located at 1665 Newport Rd, this one-of-a-kind spot has been wowing locals and tourists alike with its aviation-themed atmosphere, hearty American food, and genuinely fun vibe. Whether you’re a plane enthusiast or just looking for something totally different, this place is worth every mile of the drive.
A Real Boeing KC-97 Tanker Plane You Can Eat Inside
Most restaurants offer a nice view or cool decor — but The Airplane Restaurant takes things to a whole new level by seating you inside an actual Boeing KC-97 tanker aircraft. This isn’t a themed room designed to look like a plane.
It’s a real, retired military aircraft that has been carefully converted into a dining space with cozy booths and tables running along the fuselage.
Guests who’ve eaten here say walking through the cabin door feels like stepping into another world. The narrow aisles, curved walls, and overhead compartments all remind you that you’re dining inside a genuine piece of aviation history.
Families with kids especially love the experience. Reviewers have called it a “mini museum” and said their children were buzzing with excitement from the moment they stepped aboard.
Asking to be seated in the plane is absolutely the move here.
The Cockpit Photo Opportunity Everyone Talks About
One of the most talked-about moments at The Airplane Restaurant has nothing to do with the menu — it’s getting to explore the preserved cockpit of the Boeing KC-97. Multiple reviewers mention snapping photos there, and for good reason.
The original flight instruments, gauges, and control panels are all still intact, giving you the feeling that the plane could take off at any moment.
Kids go absolutely wild for it. Parents have shared that their children were so captivated by the cockpit that they barely wanted to leave.
Even guests seated in the main dining room, not the plane itself, are welcome to walk over and check it out.
One reviewer called it a “life-sized” experience that felt more like an attraction than just a restaurant stop. Bring your camera, because this is one photo opportunity you won’t want to skip.
Aviation Memorabilia That Turns Dinner Into a History Lesson
Walk through the doors of The Airplane Restaurant and you’ll immediately notice something special — the walls are loaded with aviation history. Photographs, model aircraft, plane parts, and military artifacts cover nearly every surface, giving the whole place the feel of a living, breathing aviation museum.
Guests have described spending time just wandering around and reading the captions on photos before their food even arrives. It’s the kind of place where curiosity pays off, because there’s always something new to notice.
The staff often shares stories about the plane and the history behind the memorabilia, making the experience even richer.
For anyone who loves history — or just wants to learn something cool over dinner — this spot delivers in a big way. Reviewers who visited the nearby National Museum of World War II Aviation said The Airplane Restaurant felt like the perfect way to cap off a full day of aviation discovery.
The BBQ Bomber Burger That Keeps People Coming Back
Some burgers are forgettable. The BBQ Bomber Burger at The Airplane Restaurant is not one of them.
Reviewers have called it a standout, with one guest saying it “definitely delivered on flavor” after a first visit. The burger is stacked, satisfying, and sized to match the big personality of the restaurant itself.
The menu at The Airplane Restaurant leans into classic American comfort food, and the burgers are clearly a highlight. From the Guacamole Burger to the Bomber, there’s something for every kind of burger fan.
Portions are generous, so don’t be surprised if you end up taking some home.
Pair your burger with their famous thick-cut fries — described by multiple guests as unlike any fries they’ve had before, more like crispy potato slices than traditional fries — and you’ve got a meal worth flying across town for. Honestly, the food alone earns a return visit.
Thick-Cut Fries That Have Their Own Fan Club
Ask just about any regular at The Airplane Restaurant what they always order, and fries will likely come up. These aren’t your average fast-food fries — they’re thick, hearty slices of potato that are fried to a golden crisp, landing somewhere between a classic fry and a thin potato skin.
Multiple reviewers have gone out of their way to rave about them. One guest said they were “the best fries I’ve ever had,” which is a bold claim, but based on the sheer number of people who echo that sentiment, it’s hard to argue.
Another noted the unique spin on a familiar side dish was a pleasant surprise.
They pair beautifully with the burgers and sandwiches on the menu, and they hold up well enough that leftovers reheat nicely. If you’re the type who usually ignores the side dish, prepare to have your expectations flipped at this place.
Bison Menu Options That Set This Place Apart
Not many restaurants can say they offer corned bison on their Reuben sandwich, but The Airplane Restaurant isn’t most restaurants. The bison options on the menu are a genuine talking point among visitors, giving the food an extra layer of Colorado character that you won’t find at a chain restaurant.
Bison is leaner than beef but still rich and flavorful, making it a great choice for anyone looking to try something a little different. The corned bison Reuben has been specifically called out by reviewers as a must-try, and it fits perfectly with the adventurous spirit of the whole restaurant experience.
Colorado has a deep history with bison, so incorporating it into the menu feels both authentic and clever. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the meat or trying it for the first time, ordering bison here is a natural way to make your meal feel truly local and memorable.
Staff in Aircraft Uniforms Who Fully Commit to the Theme
From the moment you walk in, the staff at The Airplane Restaurant make it clear this isn’t just a gimmick — it’s a full commitment to the aviation theme. Servers dress in aircraft crew uniforms, and many of them lean into the experience by sharing fun facts about the plane and its history as they guide guests to their seats.
Reviewers have repeatedly praised the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff. One guest described the hostess as giving a mini tour while walking them in, explaining the history of the Boeing KC-97 along the way.
That kind of personal touch turns a meal into a genuine memory.
The owner himself has been spotted greeting guests and even offering to take group photos. That top-down warmth clearly sets the tone for the whole team.
It’s the kind of service that makes you feel like a valued guest, not just another table to turn over.
The Surprisingly Fun Airplane Bathroom Sound Effects
Here’s something you probably won’t expect: the restrooms at The Airplane Restaurant play loud airplane engine sounds. Guests have described the experience as feeling like a plane is about to take off — or maybe crash-land — while you’re just trying to wash your hands.
It sounds absurd, but reviewers absolutely love it. One guest gave it a shoutout as the funniest moment of the whole visit, saying it caught them completely off guard and had them laughing out loud.
It’s a small detail, but it perfectly captures the playful, all-in attitude that makes this restaurant so memorable.
Little touches like this show that the people behind The Airplane Restaurant genuinely care about creating an experience, not just serving food. Every corner of the place has been thought through, and the bathroom is no exception.
Come prepared to be startled — and to walk out grinning.
A Kid-Friendly Spot That Truly Earns That Title
Plenty of restaurants claim to be family-friendly, but The Airplane Restaurant actually backs it up. Between the cockpit exploration, the aviation museum atmosphere, and the excitement of eating inside a real plane, kids have an absolute blast from start to finish.
Reviewers with children consistently rate it as one of the most memorable dining experiences their families have had.
The kids’ menu has been praised as “fabulous” by more than one parent, and the generous portion sizes mean even the pickiest eaters usually find something they love. One family liked it so much they visited twice during the same vacation — once inside the plane and once in the main dining room.
One heads-up for parents of babies: the aisles inside the plane are narrow, making high chairs tricky to fit. Families with very young toddlers might want to request a table in the main dining room for easier maneuvering.
Two Fireplaces and a Cozy Main Dining Room
Not everyone wants to squeeze into a narrow airplane cabin for dinner, and that’s perfectly fine at The Airplane Restaurant. The main dining room adjacent to the aircraft is a warm, welcoming space with its own distinct charm — including two fireplaces that create a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere.
One reviewer described the dining room as “super cute and cozy,” and it’s easy to see why. The aviation memorabilia continues throughout the space, and one wing of the actual plane even extends into the restaurant area, so you’re never far from the theme.
It’s the best of both worlds — the fun of the aviation experience without the tighter seating.
For larger groups, guests who feel claustrophobic, or families with babies who need a bit more elbow room, the main dining room is a great option. The food and service are just as good, and the cockpit is still accessible for a quick visit and photos.
Steak and Seafood Options That Go Beyond Burgers
While the burgers and bison items get a lot of attention, the steak and seafood options at The Airplane Restaurant deserve their own spotlight. One reviewer ordered a medium-rare top sirloin and said it was cooked perfectly — no easy feat for a restaurant that also doubles as a tourist attraction.
Another guest raved about the steak and shrimp special, calling it excellent and reasonably priced.
The fish and chips and fish sandwich have also earned praise, with guests noting both were tasty and satisfying. The Philly cheesesteak is another popular pick, rounding out a menu that has a lot more range than you might expect from a novelty dining spot.
Knowing a restaurant can nail a medium-rare steak is reassuring — it means the kitchen takes the food seriously, not just the theme. That balance of great atmosphere and solid cooking is what keeps people coming back well after the novelty wears off.
Baked Spaghetti That Earns Its Own Fan Base
Baked spaghetti might not be the first thing you think of when you picture an aviation-themed restaurant, but at The Airplane Restaurant, it has quietly become one of the most talked-about dishes on the menu. Guests describe it as loaded with peppers, onions, and sausage — hearty, flavorful, and the kind of comfort food that makes you wish you hadn’t filled up on fries first.
One reviewer called it their absolute favorite dish of the visit, and another mentioned it by name when recommending the restaurant to friends and family. It shows up in reviews consistently enough that it’s clearly not an accident — the kitchen has perfected this one.
Portions are large, so plan accordingly. Many guests end up taking leftovers home, which honestly might be the best part — baked spaghetti tends to taste even better the next day.
Order it once and you’ll understand why it has such a loyal following.
Convenient Hours and Reasonable Prices for the Experience
Getting to The Airplane Restaurant is straightforward, and the hours are designed to work for most schedules. Open seven days a week starting at 11 AM, with extended hours until 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant fits easily into both lunch plans and dinner outings.
The address — 1665 Newport Rd, Colorado Springs — puts it conveniently near the airport and the National Museum of World War II Aviation, making it a natural pairing for a full day out.
Pricing lands in the moderate range, with menu items like chicken tenders around $15.99 and quesadillas near $15.95. Reviewers generally agree the prices are fair given the portion sizes and the overall experience you’re getting.
Reservations aren’t always required, but the restaurant can get busy, especially on weekend evenings. Arriving a bit early is a smart move if you want to snag a table inside the plane.
Call ahead at +1 719-570-7656 or check theairplanerestaurant.com for the latest details.