Runway Cafe — Restaurant in Florida

Like many other pilots, I look to lunch destinations to fly to. It's very convenient when a restaurant is on the field (airport). I've been to Runway Cafe on two occasions, and each time, I was incredibly disappointed, almost to the point of disgust. I really hate to write such a review, but I feel my experience has to be shared, I mean, that's the whole point of a review. I've eaten at airport restaurants many times before and I go in with a very low expectation. Many airport restaurants know that pilots will eat at their restaurant because of its convenience. Pilots fly hundred(s) thousand dollar airplanes and will fly out of their way to an airport that has fuel that is $0.10 cheaper (ok, less expensive?) then to one much closer by. Cheap? Maybe. But, to pilot's credit, they want to fly their airplanes anyway, so it makes sense to do so. If there is a restaurant on the field, then they can meet up with other pilot friends and have lunch while talking about airplanes. So, these restaurants get an influx of customers by default, so many don't even try to improve the quality of the food and I think they actually try to maximize profits by purchasing the least expensive food they can. This is where Runway Cafe actually surprises me. Where do they purchase their food that is so much worse than other already bad airport restaurants? None of these restaurants, for example, deal with fish mongers to get quality fish, let's all agree on that, as these large conglomerates prepare thousand of fish patties. But does this restaurant "deal" with them to get the cheapest of the cheapest? I had a fish sandwich there that had such an incredibly strong odd flavor that it was inedible. It literally had a spoiled fish "stink" taste. I also had the pork sandwich another day, and it was by far the worst pork sandwich I ever had. It's indendescribable how bad it was. Someone there should really take a look at what they are doing and revamp the entire kitchen. I would never allow my children...

The Runway Cafe is a great spot for a layover and to fuel the belly.

This morning I had the Veggie Omelette and added Bacon…I know-I know! Everything was very tasty. Their home-made jam made the meal. They had both (made from Florida) blue berries and strawberries. I did ask for “hash-browns burnt”. I think the chef tried to set them on fire with grease. They were very greasy to the point of dripping but they were crispy on one end BUT APPARENTLY, They weren’t too bad or I wouldn’t have eaten them all. I’m not complaining, but I ruined the Veggie Omelette with bacon and after that I didn’t need the extra grease. It was a little cool for the outside dining experience this morning next to the ramp. I love this place! It always feels like coming home with all the friendly ladies making sure I’m fat & happy! My oh my! Gotta try The Runway Cafe - Inside the Sebring (KSEF) Regional Airport General Aviation facility...

If I could only give negative stars! The service was so bad we didn’t even get to the food. Never before been treated so poorly by a rude bunch of employees in a service industry. If you’re having a bad day…leave it at the door. Not only was the waitress rude and belligerent her supervisor at the time was just as bad. As soon as we walked in the negative attention was just dismissive. If these rags are the face of this restaurant I suggest the owner reestablish employee requirements. Being a local and with friends that run and own restaurants we know good help is hard to find… but it’s out there. We left the airport cafe and ended up at Azul Tequila. Boy, what a difference in service! Refreshing to know there are others that understand that customers are important for business. Thanks for my first and last visit to this establishment. As soon as I land I will be looking elsewhere...