The Hangar Restaurant & Flight Lounge

The Hangar Restaurant & Flight Lounge Restaurant Review:

If you like airplanes, the small version, then this restaurant offers a unique perspective of private plane flights in and out of Albert Whitted Airport, a view of the sparkling waters of Tampa Bay and a trendy menu that’s a bit pricey. It's another venture from the prolific Steve Westphal (Parkshore Grill, 400 Beach Seafood and others). The restaurant's motto is "café by day, bistro by night," an interesting plan. The décor is chrome and glass, surrounded by displays of old National Airlines uniforms, photos and memorabilia. Menu selections come with airport-friendly terms like Tri Wing Club, tall club sandwiches with chicken salad or shrimp salad. One of our favorites is the Bi Wing Burger, an eight-ounce patty on a buttered Kaiser roll. Burger add-ons (grilled onions, a fried egg) are billed as "Baggage" at a buck each (very timely, given extra charges by commercial airlines). Other substantial entrées include chops, chicken, pasta, steak and nightly specials; pesto grilled salmon is paired with artichoke hearts, grilled lemon, and a goat cheese polenta cake. You’ll find milk shakes on the menu, too: chocolate, vanilla or strawberry. Desserts, or Landings, include mile high carrot cake.