The Colorado Springs Restaurant That's Literally Located Inside An Old Airplane

Only the most dedicated foodies endeavor to sample cuisine from bucket list destinations around the globe, like the world's oldest restaurant and Anthony Bourdain's favorite Paris classic. Most folks looking for something unique generally stick a little closer to home, and if you live anywhere near the Centennial State, you have the opportunity to experience a one-of-a-kind restaurant unlike any other in the U.S. Fashioned out of a retired Boeing KC-97 tanker, The Airplane Restaurant is an aptly named dining establishment in Colorado Springs for aviation enthusiasts and those simply wanting to experience something different while getting a bite to eat.

A former pilot, Steve Kanatzar, bought the airplane in 2001, and after remodelling it to accommodate hungry customers, the enterprise now seats 42 guests on the plane. Because seating is limited, folks are encouraged to make reservations if they want to dine within the plane. Yet, those who can't land a seat inside can still eat in the full restaurant located right next door that welcomes over 200 people.

From servers donning flight attendant attire to historic navigation charts laminated onto the surface of the tables, The Airplane Restaurant is dripping with the aviation theme. Photographs and memorabilia from the aircraft's time in service line the walls of both the "terminal" restaurant section and the plane itself. Those lucky enough to obtain a spot inside have the unique opportunity to sit at the pilot's chair in the open cockpit to get a glimpse of what it may have been like to fly the gigantic airship.

Since 2002, The Airplane Restaurant has been serving food from a kitchen adjacent to the massive cargo and transport carrier. Keeping with the aviation theme, the menu stars items like the BBQ Bomber Burger, with hickory-smoked bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and cheddar cheese, and the restaurant's take on a Philly Cheesesteak called the Philly Flyer. Being located in Colorado Springs, it appropriately features some dishes you might find at Colorado Mexican restaurant destinations around the state, like the Flying Fortress Fajita Salad, which boasts chicken, Mexican cheese, jalapeños, and green chilies inside a tortilla bowl.

The extensive beverage menu is teeming with aeronautical lingo as well, with "jet fuel" cocktails like the Arctic-B52, made with Kahlua, Irish cream, Gran Marnier, and ice cream. For an even more dessert-like drink, the Chocolate Touchdown features hot chocolate, peppermint schnapps, and whipped cream. Overall, it sounds like a dream dining destination for aviation enthusiasts or anyone looking for a supremely unique restaurant atmosphere.