The 57th Fighter Group Restaurant - Review - Chamblee - Atlanta - The Infatuation

"The 57th Fighter Group Restaurant has been around for over 40 years, sitting at the edge of Peachtree-Dekalb Airport, where planes taxi so close to the patio it almost feels like you could high-five a pilot mid-meal. photo credit: Jacinta Howard photo credit: Jacinta Howard video credit: Jacinta Howard Pause Unmute It’s not just a restaurant—it’s also a WWII aviation museum, with sandbags stacked from floor to ceiling, dramatic archways, and black-and-white photos of soldiers on every wall. If it sounds like there’s a lot going on, that’s because there is. (Did we mention there’s a huge plane parked out front?) But the full commitment makes The 57th Fighter Group Restaurant feel less like a gimmick and more like an experience. Add in the incredible views of planes landing and taking off just beyond the dining room windows, and eating at this place always makes for a story you’ll want to tell later. Less exciting is the just-fine American food. Plump Bourbon-glazed wings and garlicky fried shrimp are satisfying enough to keep business folks and families coming for dinner, along with the brunch squad who pack the place for the $45 weekend buffet. But mostly, everyone is here for the planes and the history. Food Rundown Fried Shrimp The big shrimp are battered and fried until golden. The seasoning is light, but it works. Bourbon Wings The mild bourbon sauce is cooked into the plump wings. These will do just fine for plane watching. photo credit: Jacinta Howard Catfish & Hushpuppies The batter on the catfish is thin. And just like the shrimp, it could use a bit more seasoning but it gets the job done, especially when dressed up with tarter sauce. The hushpuppies are mildly sweet with a crunchy shell." - Jacinta Howard