Hangar 54 Grill — Restaurant in Eau Claire

Burgers and Flights

My readers know that when I find something fun, great or simply fantastic, I can’t wait to share it with them. Well that’s how I feel about Hanger 54 Grill. Located at the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, this bar and grill has history. At the entrance and at the back of the bar you’ll notice airplane propellers. They’re the real deal, a donation from some local aviation enthusiasts. The restaurants décor is that of flight with a story behind it. On the booth tables you’ll find historical news print from Pearl Harbor, Amelia Earhart, the Bermuda Triangle and the Wright Brothers. The clocks on display along the back-wall feature nine different time zones. Even the name itself, Hanger 54 is a part of history. It comes from the actual hanger by the same name in Oahu, HI at Pearl Harbor. It is part of two hangers that survived the attack on December 7, 1941. The menu offers an extensive variety; seafood, ribs, pasta, soups, sandwiches, burgers and wings to name a few. They serve wine, spirits, cocktails, beer on tap and bottles. I decided to break from my comfort zone and try the Bleucy Lucy; a fresh ground steer burger, chargrilled, stuffed with blue cheese and bacon crumbles topped with bleu cheese sauce. The minute I cut into the burger, juice spilled out, while the inside revealed tender meat throughout as the bleu cheese sauce oozed over the burger. The flavor wasn’t overwhelming, adding the right balance to the meat. Crispy fries come with the meal. I even tried the carrot cake; three, moist layers of cake with alternating icing between each layer, chocked full of carrots and nuts. The serving size was enough to share with another person; my invisible boyfriend. Finally, customer service is top priority here and it shows. In this day and age, it’s a rarity. Ryan, whom I found out later is one of the owners, checked on me throughout my meal making sure that I had everything I needed to make my visit a pleasant one. Overall: If I lived near the area, I would surely become a regular. If you’re ever in town, Hanger 54 is one...

This place wasn't hard to find, but you definitely feel like you're going out of your way the first time. At the end of your journey is a clean aviation themed restaurant with a slightly upscale feel to it. The booths are large and comfortable and there are multiple large screen TVs available if you like dinner distractions. If not, it is possible to sit facing away from nearly all of them as well.

The food, oh the food! The menu is deceptively large and varied, and exceptionally good. We had banzai, bone in wings and shrimp tacos, but were tempted by the lure of other sumptuous fare like a Cajun and Bluesy Lucy burgers, and a wide range of pasta dishes. I almost got their special, fried Bluegill. What place has fried Bluegill (my favorite fish to eat)? Hangar 54 does. I was impressed.

Their drink selection was nice, though I was not impressed with the Hangar 54 Amber ale. Oh well, not enough for me to write the place off. My friend tried the Pig Nose whiskey and his wife had an old fashioned and both were great. Their drink list is enough for anyone to find what they like, including wines as well.

I have to say though, the clocks made no impression on me whatsoever. I was to busy enjoying the food and my company. The service was excellent to boot.

Looking forward to returning to give those...

I arrived yesterday In EAU and had my business meeting today. I Google from my phone Steak House. Without looking I pressed the first restaurant listed in the line up. So without paying attention to where I was headed and at the mersey of Google's direction I ended up at the airport I arrived at last night. I thought google made a mistake but saw Hanger 54 Grill. I said to myself, self keep going good at an airport Suc##. So I hit the gas peddle then the break about three times in all. If someone was watching they might just though I was crazy. So I said what the hell and drove back into the airport and ordered a 14 oz. Steak with grilled onions and chunks of blue cheese. I will l tell you this. I am a Steak lover and when I want to treat myself that's what I eat. I have had steak from all over the world! And this little airport Hanger 54 food is exceptional! I give the steak a 10 !! And jasmine is such a lovely host she checked on me often with a big friendly smile. So I wanted to post this message because I thought being a top notch Steak House in a little rural airport would not be on anyone's list of quality. It wasn't on mine! Great job everyone at Hanger 54 You should change your name to Area 51 because your steak is...