You’re driving down Hayvenhurst Avenue, maybe stuck in that classic San Fernando Valley traffic, and suddenly you see it. A French farmhouse. It looks like it was plucked straight out of 1917 Verdun and dropped right next to the tarmac of one of the world's busiest general aviation airports. That’s the 94th Aero Squadron Van Nuys California. It’s weird, right? One minute you’re looking at a Gulfstream jet, the next you’re staring at a building with sandbags, a fake (but very cool) stone exterior, and an actual biplane parked out front.
It’s been a Valley staple for decades.
If you grew up in Encino, Sherman Oaks, or Van Nuys, you probably have a memory here. Maybe it was a graduation dinner, a wedding rehearsal, or just a Sunday brunch where you ate too many shrimp cocktails while watching planes take off. It’s one of those rare places that manages to be both a kitschy theme restaurant and a serious piece of local history. It isn't just a place to grab a steak; it’s a tribute to the "Hat in the Ring" squadron of World War I, the famous unit of Eddie Rickenbacker.
Honestly, the vibe is hard to replicate. Most modern restaurants are all white walls, Edison bulbs, and minimalist furniture that feels like an IKEA showroom. Not here. The 94th Aero Squadron is dark, wood-heavy, and filled with aviation memorabilia that would make a museum curator jealous.
The History Behind the 94th Aero Squadron Van Nuys California
The restaurant was the brainchild of David Tallichet. If you don't know that name, he was basically the king of "themed" dining long before the Rainforest Cafe was even a thought. Tallichet was a World War II pilot himself—flew B-17s—and he had this obsession with preserving aviation history. He founded Specialty Restaurants Corporation (SRC), and the 94th Aero Squadron Van Nuys California became one of his crown jewels.
He didn't just want a restaurant. He wanted an experience.
The building is designed to look like a World War I bunker/farmhouse. The detail is actually kind of wild. You'll see "battle damage" on the walls. There are sandbags piled up near the entrance. The whole idea was to transport people to the front lines in France, but with better service and much better food.
Why the Location Matters
Van Nuys Airport (VNY) is legendary. It’s where Casablanca was filmed. It’s where celebrities hide their private jets so they don't have to deal with LAX. By putting the restaurant right on the edge of the runway, Tallichet tapped into a specific kind of magic. You aren't just eating; you’re part of the airfield.
The headphones are the kicker. At most tables, you can put on a pair of vintage-style headphones and listen to the actual air traffic control tower. You hear the pilots checking in, the tower giving clearances, and the hum of engines. It’s oddly soothing. Or maybe it’s just nerdy. Either way, it works.
What to Expect on the Menu
Let’s be real: you aren't coming here for a deconstructed avocado toast or a kale smoothie. This is "Grandpa’s favorite spot" for a reason. It’s classic American prime rib, seafood, and heavy appetizers.
The Prime Rib is usually the star of the show. It’s thick, salty, and served with au jus that actually tastes like it’s been simmering for more than five minutes. They also do a Beer Cheese Soup that is dangerously addictive. If you’re there for the Sunday Brunch—which is the busiest time for the 94th Aero Squadron Van Nuys California—you’re going to see a massive spread. We’re talking omelet stations, waffles, crab legs, and enough desserts to trigger a sugar crash before you hit the 405.
Is it "fine dining" by 2026 standards? Probably not. It’s better. It’s comfort food served in a room that smells like old wood and history.
The Famous View
The patio is where the action is. If the weather is nice (and in the Valley, it usually is), sit outside. You are literal feet away from the taxiway. You’ll see Cessnas, Pipers, and the occasional massive private jet taxiing past. For kids—and let's be honest, for adults who like big machines—it’s better than any TV show.
Why It Still Survives in a World of Chains
A lot of these themed restaurants died out in the 90s and early 2000s. People wanted "authentic" and "modern." But the 94th Aero Squadron Van Nuys California hung on.
I think it’s because it doesn't feel fake. Even though the building is a "recreation," the passion behind it was real. Tallichet was a guy who actually loved planes. He wasn't just a businessman looking for a gimmick; he was a pilot who wanted to share the thrill of flight with people who might never leave the ground.
Also, it’s a community hub.
- Weddings: They have a massive banquet space.
- Business Meetings: It’s a great place to close a deal because the noise level is usually manageable and the booths are private.
- Holiday Dinners: Christmas and Thanksgiving here are legendary. It feels cozy in a way that modern restaurants just can't pull off.
The staff often stay for years. You’ll find servers who have been there for two decades. That says something about a place. In the high-turnover world of Los Angeles hospitality, the 94th is an anomaly.
Addressing the "Dated" Rumors
Look, if you read Yelp reviews, you’ll see people saying the place feels "old." And yeah, it does. But that’s literally the point. If they renovated it to look like a West Hollywood lounge, the soul of the place would vanish. The carpet is patterned, the lighting is dim, and there are framed photos of pilots everywhere.
It’s supposed to feel like a memory.
If you want sleek marble and neon lights, go to Sunset Blvd. If you want to feel like you’re in a 1940s movie or a WWI outpost, you come to Van Nuys. The slightly worn-in feel is part of the charm. It’s like an old leather jacket—it’s better because it’s been around the block.
Practical Tips for Visiting
If you’re planning to head down there, keep a few things in mind.
- Reservations are a must for brunch. Don't just show up on a Sunday morning and expect a table. The line will be out the door.
- Ask for a window seat. If you’re there to see the planes, the middle of the dining room won't cut it.
- Check the VNY flight schedule. If there's an airshow or a special event at the airport, the restaurant becomes ground zero for enthusiasts.
- Explore the grounds. Don't just eat and leave. Walk around the exterior. Look at the military vehicles and the planes parked on the grass. It’s a free museum.
The Cultural Impact of the 94th
There’s something about the 94th Aero Squadron Van Nuys California that captures the spirit of the San Fernando Valley. The Valley is a place of contradictions—it’s the home of the movie industry, but it’s also deeply suburban. It’s high-tech aerospace mixed with old-school diners.
This restaurant sits right at the intersection.
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It reminds us of a time when aviation was the height of glamour and danger. Every time a plane takes off while you’re mid-bite, you get a tiny hit of that adrenaline. It’s a reminder that even in the middle of a sprawling city, there’s room for a bit of wonder.
How to Get There
It's located at 16320 Raymer St, Van Nuys, CA 91406. It’s tucked away near the Amtrak tracks and the airport perimeter. It’s not on a main "mall" drag, which makes finding it feel a little like discovering a secret.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Honestly? Yes.
Even if you aren't an "airplane person," the atmosphere is unique. There are very few places left in Southern California that haven't been "gentrified" into oblivion. The 94th knows exactly what it is. It’s a steakhouse. It’s a museum. It’s a front-row seat to the miracle of flight.
You’ll leave with a full stomach and maybe, just maybe, a slightly better appreciation for the pilots who used to fly those rickety canvas-and-wood planes into the unknown.
What you should do next:
- Book a reservation for late afternoon. The "Golden Hour" at Van Nuys Airport is spectacular. The sun hits the hangars, the planes glint, and the restaurant's fireplace starts to look really inviting.
- Check their event calendar. They occasionally host live music or special commemorative events for veterans.
- Bring someone who loves history. If you have a parent or grandparent who remembers the "glory days" of aviation, take them here. They will spend two hours pointing at things on the walls, and you'll get a better history lesson than any documentary could give you.
- Don't skip the bread. It sounds simple, but the bread service here is a throwback to when restaurants actually cared about the little things.
The 94th isn't just a business; it's a landmark. In a city that loves to tear things down and start over, it’s a relief to see those sandbags still standing.