The Best Atlanta Restaurants for Plane Spotting
Caroline Eubanks Caroline Eubanks is an award-winning writer and author of A Boozy History of Atlanta: People, Places & Drinks that Made a City. Her work has appeared in Bon Appétit, Punch, VinePair, InsideHook, and Wine Enthusiast.
We all know the Atlanta airport is the busiest in the world. You can't pass through the terminals without hearing the familiar voice of Mayor Andre Dickens telling us so. But as a self-described aviation geek, I know it's not the only one in town.
I grew up in the shadow of Dobbins Air Force Base, where I still hear the weekly drills with massive military planes on Thursday evenings. We also have several airports serving private planes, including DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK), Cobb County International Airport (also known as McCollum), and Fulton County Airport (also known as Charlie Brown Field).
So if you like eyeing planes and can differentiate a 747 from an A380, grab a table at these local spots.
The restaurants are listed geographically from south to north. Caroline Eubanks Caroline Eubanks is an award-winning writer and author of A Boozy History of Atlanta: People, Places & Drinks that Made a City. Her work has appeared in Bon Appétit, Punch, VinePair, InsideHook, and Wine Enthusiast.
We all know the Atlanta airport is the busiest in the world. You can't pass through the terminals without hearing the familiar voice of Mayor Andre Dickens telling us so. But as a self-described aviation geek, I know it's not the only one in town.
I grew up in the shadow of Dobbins Air Force Base, where I still hear the weekly drills with massive military planes on Thursday evenings. We also have several airports serving private planes, including DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK), Cobb County International Airport (also known as McCollum), and Fulton County Airport (also known as Charlie Brown Field).
So if you like eyeing planes and can differentiate a 747 from an A380, grab a table at these local spots.
The restaurants are listed geographically from south to north.
Because of the pure sprawl of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, at over 4,000 acres, it's safe to say there are plenty of places with an 'airport view.' But this Southern-style cafeteria on the northeast end, only open for weekday lunch, is worth planning around. Sit near the large windows over a plate of baked chicken, turnip greens, and apple cobbler. 3670 Georgia Avenue, Hapeville, Georgia 30354, United States
(404) 763-0707
Sitting beneath the flight path on the northern end of Hartsfield since 1979, you've definitely driven by Spondivits and its bright neon sign and shark statue. Folks come for the award-winning clam chowder and overflowing buckets of crab legs. If you're looking to hang around, sample the tropical drinks as it stays open until the eye-watering hour of 4 a.m.
Jebena Bistro is one of several restaurants on this stretch of Clairmont Road, straddling Brookhaven and Chamblee, making it an unexpected Ethiopian enclave across from PDK. Open for breakfast and dinner, diners can enjoy Ethiopian-style eggs, cooked with tomatoes and peppers, with injera bread and a side of strong coffee. Sit on the patio to take in the plane views. 3654 Clairmont Road, Chamblee, Georgia 30341, United States
(404) 987-4466
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. 3829 Clairmont Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341
(770) 234-0057
(770) 234-0057 Visit Website
Also at PDK, this second restaurant also leans into its aviation theme. Downwind has been family-owned and operated for over 35 years above a hangar. The outdoor patio is the best spot for watching planes take off, especially the scenic biplane rides that operate out of the airport. Enjoy your burgers and club sandwiches over live music. There's even a playground next door. 2000 Airport Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341
(770) 452-0973
(770) 452-0973 Visit Website
Dobbins has a huge footprint in Marietta, so you don't have to go far to see planes on the 10,000-foot-long runway. Bernhard's has been crafting German-style bread and pastries since 1999. Since there's no seating, snag the Bavarian breakfast, with a pretzel, mustard, and sausage, or an apple strudel, and take it to The Aviation History & Technology Center, with 15 (now grounded) aircrafts to admire.
The strip mall restaurant Falafel Cafe sits between Dobbins and Life University, where it has been for decades. As the name would imply, it's known for its falafel and hummus, plus traditional Turkish coffee and baklava. The patio feels like a little parking lot oasis with foliage and a fountain, only disrupted by the sound of incoming planes.
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