By Grant Rambo
Located on Kutztown Road not too far from KU campus’s edge is an eatery perfect for people who need a moment to recover their mental energy or for families to get together for a nice hour in a classic style diner.
Holding well onto the spirit of the 1950s diner aesthetic, Airport Diner sports booths, tables, and a long counter ready to dish out some excellent foods from chicken parmesan to their wonderfully potent red velvet cheesecake.
As the finals for the Fall 2024 semester are on the horizon, there will of course be a time where the mere concept of eating is not the only factor of importance, but the “atmosphere” as well. The low rumble of neighboring conversations mixing with the solitary tapping of spoons stirring around in a cup of coffee make for a nice environment to catch up on some personal reading, take a moment for some relative quiet contrast the hubbub of the campus, or catch up with friends and family.
Last month, on Friday, Nov. 8, I was rendezvousing with a member of my family. As we passed the mini-arcade zone in the mouth of the diner’s twin conjoined entrances, the immediate welcome we faced by the staff was on full display. Not wasting a single second we followed our host to a booth, nestled in accordingly, and the two of us were handed our respective menus. Though we already knew what we would opt for. As the waitress approached and handed us our drinks, my usual being a glass of cold water, (riveting I know), my companion and I did not even bother with the menus, as we promptly ordered two of our favored dish.
We then enjoyed Airport Diner’s french onion soup (which on this latest venture to the establishment sported some wonderfully crisp croutons).
I do not know what it is about Airport Diner that rings to my soul personally. Perhaps it is the sight of the cat swarm lingering by the next door sheds? Maybe the sun shining through the large windows on all sides? Or maybe it is just the fact that when one enters Airport Diner, they are sure to have a moment of calm and peace to break up the constant high-octane of daily life.
Regardless of what may speak to your spirit specifically, I cannot praise enough Airport Diner’s downright therapeutic effect on the minds of those fortunate enough to try some of their hot french onion soup on a chilly winter day. So before the final exams come around, why not take an hour out of your day and see what Airport Diner has to offer.