A new bar and lounge built inside an aircraft is opening in New York City, but it’s not the only place in the world that brings the in-flight cocktail back to earth.
A 1958 Lockheed Constellation was taken back to John F. Kennedy airport last month, where it will serve as a chic, vintage cocktail lounge as part of a new hotel being built inside the formerly abandon TWA terminal at the airport.
The new hotel will be decorated as if you’ve just stepped into an episode of Mad Men — if it were set in an airport, that is. With so many beautiful mid-century modern 1950s and 1960s furnishings, artwork, and amenities, you might actually want to stay longer.
And the new TWA cocktail lounge will be another addition to the space. However, it’s not the first time an airplane was converted into a bar or restaurant. Here’s where you can find comparable airplane lounges around the world:
Springs Municipal Airport, Colorado
Solo’s Airplane Restaurant is made from a U.S. Air Force Boeing KC-97 and boasts seating for 275 guests, 45 of which are inside the plane itself. Aviation buffs would especially love this bar since every inch is decorated as a send-up to aviation history. It’s a great place to get classic American diner food like a Reuben or cheeseburger, as well as amazing margaritas.
El Avión: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
El Avión is famous for its seafood bar bites like calamari, ceviche, and coconut shrimp. Its inside a Fairchild C-123 Provider and located along the way to Manuel Antonio National Park, making it a fantastic place to stop and enjoy a beer or cocktail while taking in some of the most beautiful views in Costa Rica.
Steaks on a Plane: Bolton, UK
Steaks on a Plane is a Boeing-737-turned-restaurant. Specialising in finger foods and classic takeaway fare, this is a great, casual place for some in-flight meals right on the ground. If you’re in a hurry, you can even order a drink to go from the hatch of the plane.
Jumbo Bar: Stockholm-Arlanda International Airport, Sweden
Jumbo Bar isn’t just a bar and restaurant, it’s also part of a very trendy and modern hostel. The café and bar itself is located at the back of an old Boeing 747, while the rest of the plane holds several rooms and dorms. Both guests and the general public can hang out in the café for drinks, dessert, and delicious meals from breakfast to dinner.