Encounter Restaurant

I recently ate at the Encounter Restaurant at Los Angeles International Airport. Its in the unique looking building located near the center of the airport. Not quite sure why, but in 1962 the City of Los Angeles decided to commission and build this slightly futuristic building. Up in the higher floor is a restaurant and down below it appears to have been a place to purchase tickets. I had quite a long layover in Los Angeles, the Pacific Surfliner train to a flight at LAX and decided to catch a bite to eat in the unique restaurant. The architecture of the building is extremely 60’s and retains much of its original look.

The restaurant’s main draw, other than the exterior appearance, is a futuristic Star Trek type theme inside. Futuristic 60’s music blares over the load speaker on the elevator ride up. The surfboard themed decorations appear slightly out of place though. The bartender’s dispenser is shaped as a phaser, ready to stun your alcoholic spirit of choice with a sugary splash of  soda. The menu comes on board the trip with references to atoms, aliens and atoms. Groups of 15 or more will have to pay a 15% docking fee. Another nod to the 60’s is the numerous lava lamps complete with adorning flying saucers.

From the restaurant one can partake of views of departing and arriving flights  from throughout the world. On my visit the skies were a bit hazy. Not quite sure how the movies make LA skies always look fresh and clear; I guess a bit of visual trickery. 

I was a bit disappointed by the entrance sign, it doesn’t quite match the exterior or interior decor.  The warning sign within the elevator made up for it, though it was rotated 90 degrees and easy to miss. I know if I was panicking in the elevator because it stopped I’m sure to have missed it’s helpful reassuring prose.

The menu has the basics, burgers, sandwiches and salads, as well as some higher end menu items such as steaks. Since I was on a budget I went with the Smoked Turkey BLT. The $14 sandwich had ample amounts of turkey, avocado and tomatoes. I found the bread was a bit too small for the amount of filling as some squirted out in the first bite.

The sandwich comes with a choice of salad or garlic parmesan fries. I went with the fries. The fries could have been crispier and the  amount of parmesan could have been more plentiful. Overall the meal was delicous though the price tag was relatively high and comparable at the same time. High for a sandwich, but comparable when compared to other airport food choices.

If I ever have a long layover at LAX I’ll probably visit again, though I wouldn’t make it a regular stop on my frequent trips from Central Coast to Southern California.