LAX: Encounter Restaurant
You can’t miss seeing it when you fly into (or out of) LAX. Although it looks like something out of The Jetson’s, the Theme Building, home to the Encounter restaurant, is an oddly comforting sight.
The Theme Building is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Los Angeles. It looks like a giant insect hovering over a building, and with its ever-changing lighting scheme, an alien insect at that. Those parabolic arches are over 130 feet tall!
The building was originally completed in 1961, and housed a coffee shop where travelers could grab a quick meal.
A few years back, Walt Disney Imagineering was hired to give the place a new look. The interior was gutted and the coffee shop was converted into a space-age restaurant and bar named the Encounter, offering a spectacular 360-degree view of the airport and surrounding area. The outdoor Observation deck has, unfortunately, been closed for security reasons.
The interior of the restaurant now matches the theme of the exterior with its sci-fi décor. There is a crater-shaped bar, and the bartenders use bar guns that emit laser lights and futuristic sounds. The bar stools appear to float in the air, and lava lamps through the place give off an odd retro-futuristic feel.
The Encounter appeals to tourists who have significant ground time at LAX, and are looking for something to eat that’s a little more nourishing that what’s found at the airport food courts. It is not within the screened security area, however, so if you have a continuing flight you will need to allow for time to get back through security. If you have luggage with you, it can be kept at your table or seat.
Restaurant management has also worked hard to attract local residents, by offering CHEAP valet parking. Hollywood has responded, and the Encounter has been the location for a number of movie previews and wrap parties. Austin’s Apple Martini (Absolut Vodka with apple Pucker) was created for the “Austin Powers” movie wrap. Other Hollywood events held at the Encounter include: John Travolta’s 43rd birthday party, “Air Force One” wrap party, and a Shaquille O’Neal’ video shoot.
So what about the food? Lots of time and money have gone into theming the restaurant, but in my opinion, some additional focus could be used on the food and presentation. Much of it seems like typical airport bar food. Don’t get me wrong ““ it’s not all bad ““ just that it’s a little unimaginative, with uneven results. My service there has always been quick, however, and I’ve never worried about missing a flight.
Restaurant hours are Sunday-Tuesday, 11 am-9 pm, Wednesday-Saturday, 11 am-9:30 pm. Happy Hour (Sunday-Thursday, 4-7 pm) features special drink pricing, and a discounted bar menu. Reservations are not required, but are helpful.
Photo credit: flickr
Tags: airlines, airports, b5media, California, flight+attendants, flyaway-cafe, LAX, Los-Angeles, restaurants, travel, vacationRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Air Travel, Food & Beverage, Things to See & Do
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