Wings Cafe at Fullerton Airport

Perfect place to watch (and judge) takeoffs and landings

March 1, 2025 By Alicia Herron

The Wings Cafe is a cozy aviation-themed airport restaurant that’s a great place to visit whether you fly or drive in.

Photography by David Tulis

Gorgeous glass doors with an etched DC–3 invite you in from the terminal building at California’s Fullerton Municipal Airport (FUL), and local history, memorabilia, and aviation art line the walls.

Flight plan:

I have fond memories of getting my first ever actual instrument time on tower en routes from Torrance to Fullerton, and I still highly recommend it for just that. Far enough away from the coast to miss out on that super low thick 0/0 marine layer, Fullerton can still get a solid (yet stable) overcast that can keep the VFR-only folks on the ground until afternoon. But the higher yet still marginal or IFR ceiling makes it a manageable first actual IMC experience. Why not file in and debrief over breakfast? The restaurant was called Tartuffles back then, and under different ownership, but the cozy vibe remains, and it is certainly updated now. No matter whether you come in VFR or IFR, watch out for the tall tower southwest of the field—pilots have flown into it more than once. —AH

The windows are ceiling tall and give a clear view of the field, so you can watch (and judge) takeoffs and landings. The booths have six pack-style condiment holders—a thoughtful detail for pilots that also makes it a great place to bring kids.

And now, the food! Wings serves breakfast all day, adding to the classic diner vibe, with lunch options available as well. I’ve never met a hashbrown I didn’t like, but the ones I had with the classic egg breakfast seemed a perfect blend of crunchy on the outside, and light and fluffy (yet not undercooked, a common hashbrown pitfall) on the inside.

The transient ramp is right in front of the cafe with code access to the terminal building.

Wings is open for breakfast and lunch, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

[email protected]

Follow on Instagram at @wings_cafe_fullerton

Alicia Herron

Publications Content Producer

Publications Content Producer Alicia Herron joined AOPA in 2018. She is a multiengine-rated commercial pilot with advanced ground and instrument flight instructor certificates. She is based in Los Angeles and enjoys tailwheel flying best.

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Wings Cafe at Fullerton Airport

Perfect place to watch (and judge) takeoffs and landings

Flight plan:

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