By Michelle Adserias
We started out searching for the best $100 hamburgers our readers have had the pleasure of eating. In the end, we got recommendations for great burgers and much more – from all over the United States and from several other countries, as well! We’re going to begin passing along your recommendations, by region, beginning with the restaurants and cafes mentioned by the most pilots.
West
Spruce Goose Café
Jefferson County Airport (0S9)
Port Townsend, Washington
Website: sprucegoosecafe.com
Hours: 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday
Established in the 1960s, the Spruce Goose Café is known for its classic dinner fare, homemade soups and from-scratch desserts.
What Our Pilots Are Saying:
“The burgers are great but the pie for dessert makes it my go-to place. Made in house. I would tell you to try the rhubarb pie but that might mean it will all be gone when I get there. In a 50-yard radius, I can feed myself and my airplane. To top it off, there is a well-stocked and maintained aircraft museum right next door.”
David Emerson
Bellingham, Washington
“The scenery flying in is hard to beat, south of the Straight of Juan de Fuca, between Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The burgers are great and so are the breakfasts, but the specialty is the homemade pie. Fantastic! The neighboring Port Townsend Aero Museum is definitely worth a visit as well. Parking is right across the ramp.”
John Walsh
Lacey, Washington
Southwest
Mesa Grill Sedona
Sedona Airport (KSEZ)
Sedona, Arizona
Website: mesagrillsedona.com
Hours: Daily 7:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Mesa Grill serves throughout the day, with a special brunch available from 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on weekends.
What Our Pilots Are Saying:
“The dishes are above and beyond what you normally find at GA airports. They use white cheddar brioche buns, and it’s just an unbelievable hamburger, not only for an airport but for restaurants that even specialize in hamburgers.”
Jason Gauer
Chandler, Arizona
“It [their hamburger] is literally called the $100 Burger. A beautiful airport up on a 4800-foot mesa surrounded by the beautiful red rocks of Sedona.”
Michael Buenger
Gilbert, Arizona
“Just a beautiful place up on the mesa. The red rocks are beautiful, too. Mesa Grill is known for their amazing food. Not a cheap place but excellent food. The FBO is wonderful. They treat you like gold!
Kevin Stevens
Scottsdale, AZ
Midwest
Mindy’s Airport Café
Grimes Field (I74)
Urbana, Ohio
Website: https://www.urbanaohio.com/airport-café
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Saturday, 6:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Mindy’s Airport Café serves everything from omelets to steak dinners but is known for its delicious burgers and its BLT sandwich.
What Our Pilots Are Saying:
“You can park your plane right next to the restaurant. The people are nice and the food is good with very reasonable prices. They also serve breakfast all day.”
Michael Mayor
Union, Kentucky
“The restaurant is right on the ramp, making it fun to fly in and eat. The food is good.”
Todd Shiverdecker
New Carlisle, Ohio
“Great breakfast and pie, too!”
Wayne Thomas
Powell, OH
Northeast
Betty Boop’s Airport Café
Cherry Ridge Airport (N30)
Honesdale, Pennsylvania
Website: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556810751476
Hours: Daily, 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Betty Boop’s Airport Café serves up classic American comfort foods for breakfast and lunch. They frequently run specials, which you will find on their Facebook page. When the weather is pleasant, you can enjoy outdoor seating near the runway. Known for their $100 burgers and their $100 omelette!
What Our Pilot Is Saying:
“The restaurant is on the field. Self-serve 100 low-lead gas is available.”
Michael Shannon
Honesdale, Pennsylvania
Southeast
Simply Suzanne’s Café
Blue Ridge Airport (KMTV)
Martinsville, Virginia
Website: www.facebook.com/simplysuzanne’scafe/
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sunday, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Simply Suzanne’s Café received more recommendations from our members than any other fly-in restaurant. Their core menu of burgers, sandwiches, salads and desserts offers something for everyone.
What Our Pilots Are Saying:
“The burger is the thickest burger I ever saw. Also, made to order. If you want your burger to be rare, they will gladly cook it that way! Plus, the club sandwich – you simply can’t eat it all. Onion rings are awesome as well. Plus, fuel at KMTV is generally very reasonable.”
Andrew Doebler
Mebane, North Carolina
“Great tasting 1/3 lb. burger with great services.”
Dal Butle
Hillsborough, North Carolina
“Large, clean restaurant with gate access to the flight line, indoor/outdoor seating with easy viewing of the runway, and a great menu! Burgers are homemade, generous portions, fresh lettuce and ripe tomatoes plus, friendly service. The locals love Suzanne’s, too – had to wait for a table several times – that says a lot!”
Mike Ginter
Oakland, Maryland
“Great diner at the FBO. Desserts are sensational, portions great, daily specials board is nice, and the ground crew is prompt.”
Joel Curtsinger
Nolensville, Tennessee
International
Restaurant
Hedlanda Airport (ESNC)
Vemdalen, Harjedalen, Sweden
Website: https://www.ivc.meadia.com/hedlande/
Hours: Thursday-Sunday, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
We were unable to track down the name of this food establishment, but the airport is located in scenic mountains near national parks with wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities. The airport’s restaurant is known for its burgers.
What Our Pilots Are Saying:
“Wonderfully located in a mountainous area with wild animals near-by. Large barbequed burgers with bread, and salads are made while waiting. They’ve got their own brand of “pilot beer.”
Åke Olsson
Stockholm, Sweden
The next time you take to the skies, you may want to try a $100 Hamburger, or some other delicious menu item, at one of these beloved fly-in restaurants or diners. A big thank you to everyone who took the time to send in your favorites!
*This article is not excerpted from nor related to John F. Purner’s book, The $100 Hamburger.
