The final installment in our $100 hamburger and fly-in restaurant recommendations will be in the May issue, when we’ll look at some unique destinations and what makes them so appealing. But for now, let’s look at a few more places, by region, that promise to tantalize your taste buds.
West:
Denali Brewpub
Talkeetna Airport (TKA)
Talkeetna, Alaska
Website: www.denalibrewing.com/denali-brewpub
Winter Hours: 3:00-9:00 p.m., Mon., Wed., and Thurs.
4:00-9:00 p.m., Tuesday (bar only)
Noon-9:00 p.m., Friday-Sunday
Founded in 2009, the Denali Brewpub is located in downtown Talkeetna, about one nautical mile from the airport. In addition to brewing craft beers, they raise their own produce in a 2,100 square foot tunnel to give their customers a farm to table experience. Known for their Twister Creek Burger.
What Our Pilot Is Saying:
“What makes this place special? The Twisted Creek Burger; thick, juicy, half-pound premium Kobe beef patty with your choice of pepper jack, cheddar, Swiss or provolone cheese.”
Robert Kelly
Chugiak, Alaska
Southwest:
The Oso Grill
Sierra Blanca Regional Airport (KSRR)
Ruidoso, New Mexico
(Take one of two crew cars 30 minutes north from airport to restaurant in Capitan, New Mexico.)
Website: www.facebook.com/osogrillcapitan
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Saturday, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Oso Grill is known for its friendly service and exceptional food. Their award-winning chili cheeseburger is a must, though the Oso burrito is also very popular. Oso Grill also has a gift shop worth perusing.
What Our Pilot Is Saying:
“The Award-Winning Green Chili Cheeseburger has won the competition at the New Mexico State Fair several times. The julienne cut, battered and fried, green chilis on the burger are a treat — and bring a friend to help with those French fries! Be sure to order your burger as above because there is a lesser green chili cheeseburger on the menu.”
Dan Marotta
Tijeras, New Mexico
Midwest:
Stearman Field Bar and Grill
Lloyd Stearman Field (1K1)
Benton, Kansas
Website: www.stearmanbarandgrill.com
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Friday, 11:00 a.m.-Midnight
Saturday, 8:00 a.m.-Midnight
Sunday, 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Stearman Field Bar and Grill has a reputation for serving exceptional food and generous portions. Its location and atmosphere make it a popular destination.
What Our Pilots Are Saying:
“This is a vibrant flying community that we have been going to for over 10 years. The restaurant is excellent and always has great service. They have a variety of “two-handed” burgers that are cooked to order. The rest of the menu is full of real comfort food to assure there is something for everyone. On most weekends, you will find local musicians and bands entertaining from the gazebo. During the spring, summer and fall there are a variety of special events going on at the airport.”
Kenneth Mishler
Lawrence, Kansas
“Great little airstrip with a great bar and grill open seven days a week. Nearly every weekend feels like a mini fly-in or air show. They also have 100 low-lead gas at a reasonable price.”
Todd Cavins
Stillwater, Oklahoma
“Great breakfast and pie, too!”
Wayne Thomas
Powell, OH
“Restaurant at the northeast end of the runway. Airpark with hangars on east side of runway and houses with plane hangars on west side of runway, which is very cool. Runway long and in great shape. Plenty of space to park plane. Being in the Wichita area, plenty of airplane enthusiasts to connect with while grabbing a bite to eat. Six craft ½-pound burgers to choose from with all the fixin’s. Plus, plenty of other breakfast, lunch and dinner food options.”
Mike Youngwirth
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Northeast:
Katama Kitchen
Katama Airpark (1B2)
Edgartown, Massachusetts at Martha’s Vineyard
Website: www.katamakitchen.com
Hours: Thursday-Sunday,
8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Katama Kitchen offers local seafood and farm fare in a laid back atmosphere consistent with Martha Vineyard’s vibe and views. If you’re looking specifically for a $100 hamburger, Wednesday is the day to be there.
What Our Pilot Is Saying:
“A beautiful grass strip that has a parking area 100 feet from the beach. The New England hamburger is called a lobster roll and theirs are great!”
Steve Galett
Canton, Connecticut
Southeast:
Messina’s Runway Café
New Orleans Lakefront Airport (KNEW)
New Orleans, Louisiana
Website: www.messinasrunwaycafe.com
Hours: Tues.-Sun.: 8:00 a.m-3:00 p.m.
(Brunch on weekends.)
Located in a 1930’s terminal, Messina’s offers delicious food in a classic setting. The menu includes burgers, seafood, and authentic regional selections – and gets rave reviews.
What Our Pilots Are Saying:
“Flying in over Lake Pontchartrain on the final. The restaurant, Messina’s Runway Café, is located on the field where you can taxi up to the restaurant. You can sit in that old terminal building that has art deco architecture or sit inside the restaurant overlooking the field. Great food!”
Michelle Burford
Madison, Mississippi
“Great food! 1930’s facility!”
Ty Ashe
Notasugla, Alabama
International:
Café at Flugplatz
Hamm-Lippewiesen Airport (EDLH)
Hamm, NRW, Germany
Website: www.flugplatz-hamm.de
Hours: Tues.-Sun., 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Also Worth a Visit:
Recommended by:
Dennis Solomon: Odessa, Florida
Taco Truck
Acadia Municipal Airport, Acadia, Florida
Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Recommended by:
Dean Fawley, Sr.: Newnan, Georgia & Pat Bratton: Lawrenceville, Georgia
The Flying Machine
Gwinnett County Airport (KLZU), Lawrenceville, Georgia
Details at: www.theflyingmachine.com
Recommended by:
Scott Newell: Seeley Lake, Montana
Lindy’s Prime Steak House
Seeley Lake Airport (23S), Seeley Lake, Montana
Details at: www.lindeysmontana.com
Recommended by:
Michael Gagnon: Nashua, New Hampshire
The Airfield Café
Hampton Airfield (7B3), North Hampton, New Hampshire
Details at: www.theairfieldcafe.com
Recommended by:
Alex Trembley: Sumter, South Carolina &
Todd Cokeman: Augusta, Georgia
Runway Café
Greenville Downtown Airport (KGMU), Greenville, South Carolina
Details at: www.runwaycafegmu.com
Recommended by:
Thomas Wiedenbeck: Holman, Wisconsin
The Jet Room
Dane County Regional Airport, Madison, Wisconsin
Details at: www.jetroomrestaurant.com
Located in the heart of Hamm, this restaurant features German and Yugoslavian cuisine at reasonable prices. Guests are welcomed into a cozy setting where they can watch the planes landing and taking off.
What Our Pilot is Saying:
“Great steak! Great schnitzel! Nice place! Airstrip is in the middle of town.”
Dr. Andreas Adrian
Hamm, NRW, Germany
*This article is not excerpted from nor related to John F. Purner’s book, The $100 Hamburger.
