Sedona Airport Restaurant Takes Off

By Carl Jackson | Sedona.biz

(Sedona, Arizona) - I'm from New York City, which is famous for its diners.  There's almost one on every corner and they're comfortable, casual places to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner with friends.

So when my wife and I came to Sedona we were looking for our "diner fix." We found it , and a lot more, 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.  If you want upscale and fancy, we suggest a restaurant in Tlaquepaque; but if you want a comfortable atmosphere, great views, and regular American cuisine, the Sedona Airport Restaurant is hard to beat.

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.

Although the food is regular diner fare, the presentation makes you feel like a flying ace.  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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