The 57th Fighter Group Restaurant
American restaurant · DeKalb County ·
WWII aviation museum with runway views, dancing
WWII aviation museum with runway views, dancing
"The quintessential spot for small-plane spotting over the last 40 years doubles as a weekend dance floor: go for prime rib sandwiches and vintage plane decor, then stay for themed disco nights and roaring ’20s parties that draw a wide range of ages and sounds, with a comfortable last call at 11:30 p.m.; last time I went on a Saturday, a woman in a sparkly sash was celebrating her 80th while my gaggle of girls and I danced to Gaga’s “Abracadabra” before joining a group for line dancing—just remember, no drinks on the dance floor, so pony up at the bar before you bust a move." - Caroline Eubanks
"The 57th Fighter Group Restaurant in Chamblee sits alongside the southern end of PDK’s runway with a loyal following over the past 40 years. With vintage planes parked out front and bric-a-brac covering the walls, it’s a popular spot for the aviation set, including my late uncle who was a pilot. For lunch, you can chow down on the prime rib sandwich and buffalo dip. But on weekends, bring your dancing shoes for line dancing." - Caroline Eubanks
"The 57th Fighter Group Restaurant is a twofer for kids—part WWII aviation museum, part prime plane-watching spot. Sandbags are stacked to the ceiling, and you’ll walk through dramatic archways to find black-and-white soldier photos. Further inside, massive dining room windows give front-row views of planes taking off and landing at Peachtree-Dekalb Airport. If you want to be closer to the action, grab a patio seat. There’s more space for kids to stretch out and go wide-eyed at the runway while digging into bourbon-glazed wings or crispy shrimp. On weekends, hit the breakfast or brunch buffet ($45 adults, $20 kids)—it’s a solid deal, especially since plane-watching is an unexpectedly great meltdown deterrent." - demarco williams, nina reeder, jacinta howard
"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
"Sitting on the patio of 57th Fighter is pretty cool (especially if folks are with kids.) Watch the planes land and take off at Peachtree-Dekalb Airport while relaxing by the outdoor fire pit with food and drinks here." - Lia Picard, Eater Staff
