Step Into The Airplane Restaurant In Colorado Springs For A Meal Above The Ordinary
Ever dreamed of dining inside a real airplane? The Airplane Restaurant in Colorado Springs makes this unique experience possible!
Housed within an actual Boeing KC-97 tanker, this extraordinary eatery combines aviation history with delicious food.
From Military Marvel to Dining Destination
Built in 1953, the Boeing KC-97 tanker (serial #52-2718) served the United States Air Force for decades before finding a new purpose in 2002.
Local entrepreneur Steve Kanatzar transformed this massive aircraft into a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
The 275-seat restaurant preserves the plane’s history while creating a comfortable dining space.
Fascinating fact: the restaurant’s airplane section, nicknamed “The Colorado Springs Solo,” weighs an impressive 42 tons!
Step Inside a Flying Time Capsule
Walking through the restaurant feels like entering an aviation museum.
Authentic airplane parts, over 500 historic photographs, and genuine memorabilia line the walls.
The cockpit remains intact, allowing curious diners to peek inside the pilot’s domain.
Forty-two guests can dine inside the actual aircraft fuselage at tables nestled against windows that once offered views from 30,000 feet.
The remaining seating extends into an attached building designed to complement the plane’s aesthetic.
Sky-High Flavors on Your Plate
Unlike typical airplane food, this menu soars with flavor!
The restaurant serves up American classics with aviation-themed names like “The Bomber Burger” and “P-38 Lightning Chicken Sandwich.”
Their famous “Tower of Nachos” could feed an entire flight crew.
Kids especially love the “First-Class Children’s Menu” with options like “Co-Pilot’s Cheese Pizza” and “Lindbergh’s Chicken Strips.”
Each meal comes with a side of aviation history, making dinner both delicious and educational.
A Runway Success with Families
The Airplane Restaurant ranks among Colorado Springs’ most popular family destinations.
Children receive pilot wings and flight certificates, creating lasting memories beyond the meal itself.
Staff often share fascinating aircraft facts, enhancing the educational aspect.
Military families feel particularly connected to the venue’s Air Force heritage.
The restaurant honors service members with photos and memorabilia from various eras of flight.
Birthday parties here feature special announcements over the aircraft’s intercom system!
More Than Just a Meal—It’s an Adventure
The Airplane Restaurant doubles as an unofficial aviation museum.
Visitors can take self-guided tours throughout the aircraft, examining authentic gauges, switches, and equipment. Many guests spend an hour exploring before their meal even arrives!
Located near Peterson Air Force Base, it attracts aviation enthusiasts from across the country.
The gift shop offers unique souvenirs from model planes to aviation-themed clothing.
Pro tip: Reservations are recommended, especially if you want guaranteed seating inside the actual aircraft section.
