Tucked away at 1665 Newport Rd in Colorado Springs, The Airplane Restaurant is one of those places you have to see to believe. A real Boeing tanker plane sits right on the property, and yes, you can actually eat inside it.
With over 4,000 reviews and a 4.2-star rating, families keep coming back for the food, the fun, and the one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Whether you are a kid who loves planes or just someone looking for a meal that feels like an adventure, this spot delivers in a big way.
Dining Inside a Real Boeing Tanker Plane
Not many restaurants can say their dining room is a real aircraft, but The Airplane Restaurant absolutely can. Guests are seated inside an actual retired Boeing tanker plane, complete with the original fuselage, small windows, and that unmistakable feeling of being aboard a flight.
It is cozy, tight, and completely thrilling.
The booths line up along the narrow aisle just like seats on a real plane. Servers dressed in flight crew-inspired uniforms add to the immersive vibe, making the whole meal feel like a journey.
Kids especially go wild for the experience from the moment they step on board.
One reviewer summed it up perfectly: “From the moment you enter this restaurant, you really feel like you are completely immersed in it.” If you visit, always ask to be seated inside the plane. It is the centerpiece of the whole experience and worth every second of any wait.
Cockpit Access for Photos and Exploration
One of the most talked-about highlights at The Airplane Restaurant is the chance to step into the actual cockpit. The original controls, gauges, and instrument panels are all preserved, giving visitors a hands-on peek at aviation history.
It feels less like a restaurant perk and more like a mini museum exhibit.
Families with kids absolutely love this part. Multiple reviewers mentioned snapping photos in the cockpit as one of their favorite memories from the visit.
Even adults who have never been close to a real aircraft find themselves geeking out over the details.
You do not have to be seated in the plane to visit the cockpit, either. Guests dining in the main building can still walk over and take a look.
The hostess often shares a bit of history about the aircraft on the way in, which makes the whole stop feel educational and exciting at the same time.
Aviation Memorabilia Covering Every Wall
Walking into The Airplane Restaurant feels a lot like stepping into a living aviation museum. Every wall, corner, and ceiling space is packed with model planes, historic photographs, aircraft parts, and military memorabilia.
There is so much to look at that conversations naturally pause just so people can take it all in.
Reviewers consistently describe the decor as genuinely impressive rather than just decorative filler. One guest called it “a plethora of additional aviation memorabilia,” while another said the collection of life-sized items and plane parts made the whole place feel special.
The attention to detail is real and obvious.
Whether you are a history buff or simply someone who appreciates a well-curated space, the decor alone is worth the visit. Kids will spot cool things they have never seen before, and adults will likely recognize pieces tied to famous moments in aviation and military history.
It sparks great conversation at the table.
The Famous BBQ Bomber Burger
If there is one menu item that keeps coming up in reviews, it is the BBQ Bomber Burger. Guests rave about its bold flavor, generous size, and satisfying combination of smoky barbecue sauce with a well-seasoned beef patty.
One reviewer simply said it “definitely delivered on flavor,” and that sentiment echoes across multiple visits.
The burger fits right in with the restaurant’s go-big personality. Portions at The Airplane Restaurant are consistently described as large, and the Bomber Burger is no exception.
Many guests end up taking leftovers home, which is honestly a win in anyone’s book.
Paired with the restaurant’s uniquely thick-cut fries, which are closer to fried potato skins than traditional fries, this meal is a standout. The fries have their own fan club in the reviews section, with several people calling them the best they have ever had.
Order both together and you will not be disappointed.
Baked Spaghetti That Steals the Show
Not everyone expects a baked spaghetti dish to be a highlight at a burger-and-fries kind of place, but The Airplane Restaurant has a way of surprising people. Multiple reviewers specifically called out the baked spaghetti as a must-order, praising it for being loaded with peppers, onions, and sausage in every bite.
One guest described it as “very good and loaded,” while another named it their personal favorite from the entire menu. That kind of repeat praise for a pasta dish at an aviation-themed American restaurant says a lot about the kitchen’s range and commitment to quality.
The portion size is generous, staying true to the restaurant’s reputation for feeding people well. Families who have picky eaters will appreciate that the menu goes beyond burgers and sandwiches.
Baked spaghetti is one of those comfort-food choices that hits the spot, especially after a fun and busy afternoon of exploring everything the restaurant has to offer.
Sweet Potato Fries Worth Writing Home About
Sweet potato fries show up on menus everywhere, but the version at The Airplane Restaurant has earned some serious praise. One reviewer went so far as to call them “the best I have ever had,” which is a bold claim that seems to hold up based on the enthusiasm across multiple reviews.
They come out crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned.
Ordering them as a side or even as a starter is a smart move. They pair well with just about everything on the menu and add a slightly sweet contrast to savory burgers and sandwiches.
For kids who are a little hesitant about trying new things, sweet potato fries are usually an easy win.
The regular thick-cut fries also get plenty of love, so the kitchen clearly knows what it is doing in the fry department. Either way, you are getting a side dish that goes beyond the ordinary and adds something memorable to an already fun meal.
Bison Menu Options That Set It Apart
Here is something you do not see every day: a restaurant that proudly features bison on its menu in multiple ways. The Airplane Restaurant offers corned bison as part of its Reuben sandwich, giving a classic deli staple a Colorado twist that genuinely works.
Reviewers who tried it came away impressed by both the flavor and the novelty.
Bison is leaner than beef but still packed with rich, savory taste, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to try something a little different. Offering it on a Reuben shows some real culinary creativity that matches the restaurant’s quirky personality.
It is the kind of menu detail that makes locals proud and tourists excited.
For families visiting from out of state, ordering the bison Reuben is a great way to get a taste of Colorado’s food culture alongside the aviation theme. It is a small detail that adds a lot of character to an already distinctive dining experience.
A Kids Menu That Actually Delivers
Taking kids out to eat can be stressful when the menu does not have options they will actually enjoy. The Airplane Restaurant solves that problem with a kids menu that reviewers describe as “fabulous.” It covers the basics that children love while keeping portions and prices family-friendly, which parents genuinely appreciate.
Beyond the food, the setting itself does half the job of keeping kids entertained. Between the cockpit visits, the aviation memorabilia on every wall, and the thrill of eating inside a real plane, children are engaged from start to finish.
Meals feel less like a chore and more like part of the adventure.
One reviewer noted that the owner was present and actively greeting guests, which sets a welcoming tone that filters through the whole staff. That kind of family-friendly energy is hard to fake and easy to feel.
For parents, knowing the whole crew is genuinely happy to have kids around makes the experience so much more relaxed and enjoyable.
Two Fireplaces in the Cozy Main Dining Room
Not everyone wants to squeeze into the narrow booths of the airplane fuselage, and the main dining room at The Airplane Restaurant is a genuinely lovely alternative. One reviewer mentioned spotting two fireplaces inside, giving the space a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels surprisingly cozy for a restaurant built around an aviation theme.
The main building is decorated just as enthusiastically as the plane itself, with aviation photos, models, and memorabilia filling every corner. Guests who prefer a bit more elbow room or who are dining with babies and strollers will find the main room much more practical without missing out on the overall experience.
Reviewers noted that kids can still visit the cockpit even when seated in the main dining area, so no one feels left out of the fun. The two fireplaces make the space especially appealing during cooler Colorado evenings when the warmth of a crackling fire pairs perfectly with a hearty American meal.
Restrooms With a Surprising Airplane Engine Soundtrack
Some restaurants add a little theming to their restrooms, but The Airplane Restaurant takes it to a whole new level. Guests who step into the bathrooms are greeted by the roaring sound of airplane engines, loud enough to make you feel like the plane is actually about to take off.
It is completely unexpected and absolutely hilarious.
One reviewer described the moment perfectly: “It feels like a plane is about to take off or crash.” The fact that they gave the restaurant five stars anyway says everything. It is the kind of quirky detail that people talk about long after the meal is over, and it shows how committed the owners are to the full aviation experience.
Little moments like this are what separate a good restaurant from a truly memorable one. Kids find it especially funny, and even adults who are not easily amused tend to crack a smile.
It is a small touch that adds enormous personality to an already unforgettable place.
Friendly Staff Who Know Their Aviation History
From the moment guests walk through the door, the staff at The Airplane Restaurant set the tone for the entire visit. The hostess typically shares a bit of history about the aircraft and the restaurant as she seats guests, turning a simple walk to a table into a mini guided tour.
It is a small gesture that makes a big impression.
Multiple reviewers praised individual servers by name, including Tina, Lexi, and Naomi, which speaks to the genuine warmth that the team brings to each table. One guest noted that the owner himself was spotted taking out recycling and offered to take a group photo before sharing stories about how the plane was brought to the property.
That kind of top-down friendliness creates a culture that guests can feel throughout the whole experience. When the person running the place is that invested, it shows in every interaction.
Staff knowledge, enthusiasm, and helpfulness consistently earn high marks and keep people coming back for return visits.
Reasonable Prices for a One-of-a-Kind Experience
For a restaurant that offers this much in terms of atmosphere, history, and entertainment, the pricing at The Airplane Restaurant is surprisingly fair. Most reviewers describe the prices as reasonable, especially given the generous portion sizes that often result in leftovers.
Chicken tenders come in around $15.99 and quesadillas near $15.95, which is solid value for a themed dining experience.
Drinks like Coke and iced tea run about $3.75, keeping the overall bill manageable for families. Several guests mentioned that the food quality matched or exceeded what they expected at the price point, which is always a good sign.
Getting a lot of food for your money makes the whole outing feel even more worthwhile.
Compared to theme parks or tourist attractions that charge high prices for average experiences, The Airplane Restaurant offers something genuinely special at a cost that does not sting. For families planning a Colorado Springs trip on a budget, this place hits the sweet spot between affordable and unforgettable.
Conveniently Located Near Colorado Springs Aviation Attractions
Location matters, and The Airplane Restaurant sits in a sweet spot for anyone exploring Colorado Springs’ aviation scene. Located at 1665 Newport Rd, it is close to the Colorado Springs Airport and just a short drive from the National Museum of World War II Aviation.
Several reviewers stumbled upon the restaurant while visiting the museum and were thrilled by the discovery.
One group even visited three times in two days, which says a lot about how well the restaurant fits into a broader Colorado Springs itinerary. Guests staying at nearby hotels like the Radisson have easy access, making it a convenient stop for travelers who want a memorable meal without going far out of their way.
The restaurant is open seven days a week, from 11 AM to 8 PM most days and until 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. That schedule makes it easy to plan around, whether you are catching lunch after a museum visit or wrapping up a full day of sightseeing with a satisfying dinner.
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