57th Fighter Group |
I had wanted to go to 57th Fighter Group, situated on the southern runways of Dekalb Peachtree Airport, for a number of years and now I've been twice in the last couple of weeks.
I knew it was a themed restaurant, but had no idea it was quite as well-done as it is. Between the jeeps, cannons, Check Point Charley, and fighter plane on the grounds and the vintage photos and posters, the uniforms, and the sandbag walls, you know even before you sit down that you're in for a treat.
The service is first-class. From the time you're greeted at the hostess station through your entire dining experience (and that's precisely what it is…an experience), you’re treated like a four-star general, minus the saluting.
57th Fighter Group |
Our hostess escorted us to our table, a window seat overlooking the south runways…it was perfect. Our waitress, Michele, arrived promptly and told us about the delicious sounding specials.
Preparing for Takeoff |
My friend ordered the Italian panini and I had the fresh blackened catch-of-the-day sandwich. Like any good soldier, we ensured that nothing went to waste.
Throughout our meal we talked business, talked about old times, and commented on the loads of fun the table of silver-haired giggling girls were having at a table nearby…they were having a grand time!
57th's Interior |
While we’re enjoying our meal, I'm trying to take some video of the planes taxing down the runway, but kept getting caught up in conversation and taking in the overall experience to the point that I missed a number of screen captures. But fortunately, the Dekalb Peachtree Airport is busy enough that I was able to get quite a few clips in the end, which tells you that there’s ample airplane traffic to keep you entertained.
Approaching 57th |
After our meal, being the explorer that I am, I wanted to walk through the restaurant to see what the rest of the place looks like, so off I went exploring.
There are quite a few dining rooms. You'll notice that the tables on the other side of the restaurant are elevated so that those diners too get a view of the planes taking off and landing. The kitchen is open, so you get an indoor "show" as well. There's a lounge with a dance floor, complete with a mirror disco ball hanging from the rafters. And there are private rooms for group events.
Patio Bar |
The 57th Fighter Group gets a soaring thumbs up from this particular diner…it's unexpected, it's quite tasty, and the staff gives you a hero's welcome.
Plane Rides!
57th Fighter Group |
Biplane Rides Over Atlanta, Inc. offers open cockpit rides for one or two persons, for a relatively nominal fee. The excursions take passengers over downtown Atlanta, Stone Mountain (the number one tourist destination in Georgia), and Lake Lanier. For those with a more romantic agenda, they also offer sunset tours.
Biplane Rides over Atlanta is not owned or operated by 57th Fighter Group.
The Return
Will I follow orders to return to 57th Fighter Group Restaurant? You won’t catch me going AWOL on this dining establishment...I'll definitely be back. The one feature they offer that I've not yet taken advantage of, aside from the biplane rides, is their aviation headsets. You can listen to the Dekalb Peachtree Tower while enjoying your meal…again, very cool!
Dining at 57th Fighter Group Restaurant
Date Dined: Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Location: 3829 Clairmont Road (directions and map)
Parking: Free onsite parking
Menu: Menus vary by time of day and dining area
Hours: Sunday: brunch 10am-2:30pm; dinner 5pm-9pm; Mondays: closed; Tuesday-Saturday: lunch 11am-2:30pm; Tuesday-Thursday: dinner 5pm-9pm; Friday-Saturday: dinner 5pm-10pm
Website: http://www.the57threstaurant.com/
57th Fighter Group entrance |
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