Hangar 6 Air-Cafe in Uvalde, Texas is just the spot if you’re looking for a touch of nostalgia with roots that date back to World War II. A dining option worth the drive to experience a heaping dose of aviation history along with those fries. A “Fly’n Dining” experience located in the town’s airport and occupying the space of an old hangar, Hangar 6 Flight School at Garner Field, that was “one of the top-ranking army pilot training schools during World War II,” as shared on its Facebook page. The cafe opened its doors in 2016 and is proud to share the history that comes with the location as well as a full menu of classic meals from breakfast to dinner, and live music, events, and more.
History
Uvalde, Texas’ Hangar 6 Air Cafe Is a Destination Must
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1. History
Photo: Facebook/Hangar 6 Air Cafe
“Named for a significant part of the city’s history,” Hangar 6 was one of 65 Army Airfields in Texas “that helped contribute to the 200,000+ Army pilots that were trained during World War II…” shares its website.
“Under HANGAR SIX’s proficient leadership, Garner Field was recognized as one of the top ranking Army Air Forces training bases. Cadets came from all 48 states (1945), plus 21 Latin American countries and even Turkey.” Mr. John H. Lapham, of San Antonio, founded HANGAR SIX. In April of 1941, the city of Uvalde, TX purchased land for construction and relocation of HANGAR SIX from San Antonio to Uvalde. The base was named after Uvalde resident John Nance Garner. After the war, Garner was one of the last bases to close according to its website. “On June 27, 1946, ownership of Garner Field was relinquished to the City of Uvalde.”
2. Atmosphere
Photo: Facebook/Hangar 6 Air Cafe
The atmosphere surrounding this unique cafe is felt the moment you step onto its base. It’s as if you have stepped back in time flying in from a mission landing on Garner field, and walking into a piece of history full of nostalgia, and just “plane” good food to enjoy.
According to an article in the January 2018 issue of Texas Highways, “longtime aviation veteran Mark Huffstutler and his son-in-law Eric Reyes launched Hanger 6 Air Cafe.” The walls are lined with murals depicting homage to “Garner’s World War II warbirds.” The back wall is a stunning portrayal of a WWII dogfight, “a depiction commissioned from artist Nicola Vigini of San Antonio.”
A popular site for pilots of not only corporate jets but vintage aircraft, helicopters, and others are known to make a pit stop. As you sit and enjoy a meal you will also enjoy the view from the majestic windows as the planes arrive and take-off. Diners can also expect a jam-packed calendar of events throughout the year. Santa has been known to fly in with a bag of goodies for the kids as well as the Easter bunny coming in for a landing for the huge Easter-egg hunt held.
3. Menu
Photo: Facebook/Hangar 6 Air Cafe
So, what’s on the menu at the Hangar 6 Air Cafe? Just about everything you can imagine from burgers named after vintage planes such as the “T6 Texan” to the “P51 Mustang.” Pilots who purchase the “$100 Hamburger” will get their choice of any burger on the menu plus $100 of Avgas or Jet Fuel. “It’s a new twist on a time-honored practice among pilots,” shares the article by Texas Highways. “Some fly across the state just for the sheer joy of it.”
While burgers are probably the favorite item on the menu, there are also other options such as a “Cuban Missile” sandwich made of sliced ham, pulled pork, mustard, pickles, along with a breakfast menu not far behind in options to delight any palate early in the day. For more about this unique stop on your traveling bucket list, be sure to visit its website at hangar6aircafe.com for location, hours of operation, and their menu.
