Flight Deck Restaurant & Lounge - Salem

Went out for dinner a couple weeks ago with our out of town guest. We all enjoyed our dinner and had great service. We definitely want to return to watch the airplanes land on a nice weather day.. Being a mid week evening we did have a choice in seating .

I spontaneously decided to visit this place after errands one weekday. I arrived a little after 11am; I recommend arriving around then, as it got quite busy about 15 to 30 minutes later. The atmosphere is unique and cool, with big windows overlooking the Salem airport runway. There is a ton of cool model aircraft hanging from the ceiling. From the outside, the building reminds me of a baby Dulles International Airport. I love that mid-century modern style! The service was very friendly and the atmosphere comfortably relaxed. I think this place has a lot of regulars, but I felt very welcome as a newbie. I ordered a soft drink and took a look at the menu. It was quite large, with American diner type food predominating. I felt like getting something unique, so I picked the Off the Runway Melt with potato salad. This sandwich was different, but in a good way! It was pastrami, pepper jack cheese, coleslaw, and fries with mustard on grilled sourdough. It was better than it might sound, and all the disparate elements actually worked together nicely! The coleslaw lightened the sandwich and the fries provided some crunch. It was different but delicious and perfectly grilled. The potato salad was pretty good, creamy but a little strong on the onions for me. I got the peanut butter cheescake to go. I am not sure if they make their desserts or get them from another business. The cheesecake was just okay. This place has a great, unique atmosphere and view. The service is super friendly and the food is delicious, well-prepared diner fare. I am interested in trying more of their lunch offerings and also trying them for dinner. In other words, I will be back!

My guest ordered the fish and chips and it was awful. It was very dark and looked like it belonged on a bun. It was a round patty and the fish was a very odd color. He said it had no flavor. Do not recommend that. Generic frozen fries. I felt sorry for him. I'm kind of surprised they'd even serve that to him. It's a neat location and obviously very popular for lunch and a drink. Don't know if I'd try it again.

Have enjoyed occasionally dining at this unique location when we travel through Salem. Hadn't been in for a year or more so yesterday, decided to stop for an early dinner. The service was poor, food just barely so-so, and much to be desired for cleanliness. We won't bother stopping in again for a long, long time, if ever. Very disappointing, as we enjoy the wonderful view of the planes landing and taking off. Carol Allen

Always a great fly in destination. Great food, great service, model airplanes hanging from the ceiling, aircraft parking right outside the gate. Fantastic place to to come and eat. Even great for locals. Specials are always excellent can't recommend highly enough.