Sedona Airport Restaurant Takes Off

By Staff Writer | Sedona.biz

(Sedona, Arizona) - I'm from New York City.  I've been to diners where the staff treats you like they couldn't care less.  In NYC, that's called "charm."

So when my wife and I came to Sedona we were looking for a little "charm."  We found it at the Sedona Airport Restaurant.  Frankly, we would never have known it existed if my cousin and her husband, a pilot, hadn't decided to fly in for the weekend in their little Cessna.

They suggested we have breakfast at the Sedona Airport Restaurant and see them off on their flight back to Maryland.  I'm glad we did.

As many Sedona locals know, the Sedona Airport sits perched on an aircraft carrier shaped mesa high above Sedona on Airport Road off of Hwy 89A.  They say that the Sedona Airport is "America's Most Scenic Airport," and it's hard to disagree.  What's even nicer about it, it's small and only supports general aviation, corporate, and military aircraft, not commercial aircraft...for now.

If you walk to the terminal and go outside, you may be lucky enough to see the Red Baron biplane taking off.  At a minimum, you'll see a bunch of cool looking light aircraft parked out on the tarmac.  You might even decide to take an airplane ride before your meal.

But, back to the restaurant.  Okay, it's a bit of a dive.  The windows on the outdoor patio area are lined with plastic, and the staff doesn't always get the order right.  The Sedona Oak Creek Airport Authority is currently seeking proposals for the construction and build out of an additional terminal facility for a new restaurant and lounge.

In the meantime Bob and Debbie Calia, whose family has operated the restaurant since 1980, have signed a new lease through August 2009 and have agreed to limited remodeling such as new carpet and paint.

The food is regular diner fare, but the "charm" is in the presentation.  For breakfast you can have the Pilot's Choice of corned beef hash, eggs benedict, or "Stealth Bomber Skillets."  For lunch how about a "Throttle Bendin' Burger," or a nice NY strip steak for dinner?  It's the kind of hardy food you expect from a down-to-earth diner.  Because my cousin and her husband were flying out early, a cup of "Liquid Fuel" at breakfast hit the spot.

For a hardy meal, scenic views, and airplane watching, you can't beat the Sedona Airport Restaurant.

Average breakfast/lunch costs between $10-$15 per person, and dinner about $15-$25 per person.

Located at 1185 Airport Road.  Reservations: (928)-282-3576.  They also have a fun website with good "snoopy" music and a flying biplane at www.sedonaairportrestaurant.com

Hours of operation: 
7am - 8:30pm (Sunday - Monday)

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