The Airplane Restaurant

📍 1665 Newport Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80916

Dine inside a fully intact 1953 Boeing KC-97 tanker, one of the largest piston-powered propeller-driven refueling aircraft ever built. This unique aviation-themed eatery lets you eat in the main cabin or even the cockpit. It offers a nostalgic journey through aviation history alongside classic American fare.

Admission: Free admission (menu prices apply)
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours
Parking: Free on-site parking lot
Access: Wheelchair accessible dining room, though navigating the plane's ramp and narrow fuselage can be tight.

Housed inside a fully intact 1953 Boeing KC-97 tanker, The Airplane Restaurant in Colorado Springs offers a unique aviation-themed dining experience. Originally used for in-flight refueling, this historic aircraft was converted into a 42-seat restaurant in 2002.

Guests can choose to dine directly inside the plane's cabin or in the adjacent "terminal" building, which is filled with aviation memorabilia and historic photographs. The cockpit remains intact, allowing visitors of all ages to play pilot and explore the flight deck before or after their meal.

Beyond the novelty of eating in a historic tanker, the restaurant serves classic American fare like burgers, steaks, and seafood. It stands as one of only a handful of airplane restaurants in the United States, making it a memorable stop for families and aviation enthusiasts alike.

Ratings

restaurant

Food Quality

3.2/5

Atmosphere

4.8/5

Service

3.8/5

Value for Money

3.5/5

Portion Size

4/5

Menu Variety

3.7/5

Wait Time (5 = No Wait)

3/5

Local Favorite

3.4/5

Reservations Recommended ✓Good for Groups ✓Vegetarian Options ✓

Visitor Tips

◆ Request a seat inside the actual plane section when you arrive, as these spots are limited and fill up quickly compared to the terminal building.
◆ Be sure to walk up to the cockpit to take photos and see the original instrument panels.
◆ If you are traveling with a large group, you will likely be seated in the terminal room, as the plane's cabin is best suited for parties of four or fewer.
◆ The restaurant is located very close to the Colorado Springs Airport, making it a convenient stop right after you land or before you depart.

Heads Up

◆ Due to the historic nature of the aircraft, the plane section is narrow and is not wheelchair accessible, though the adjacent terminal dining area is fully accessible.
◆ Taller guests should watch their head, as the ceiling clearance inside the plane's fuselage can be low in certain areas.
◆ Wait times for a table inside the airplane itself can be significant during peak lunch and dinner hours on weekends.

Common questions

Can you eat inside the actual airplane?

Yes, a portion of the restaurant is located inside the actual 1953 Boeing KC-97 tanker, which has table seating for 42 people.

Do you need reservations to sit inside the plane?

Reservations are highly recommended if you want to sit inside the airplane portion of the restaurant, as those tables fill up much faster than the main terminal building.

Can you go into the cockpit of the plane?

Yes, customers are allowed to walk into the cockpit of the Boeing KC-97 to explore and take photos.