Downwind Restaurant

at Dekalb-Peachtree Airport

From Stephen Arnold on 04-Aug-2008

I've worked in enough restaurants, and flown through enough, to feel like commenting fairly. The food here is lower mediocre. The service is good, if you're based here and they know you. Otherwise, good luck. Carl at the bar is always a nice guy, and on top of it. The owners tend to lurk uncomfortably. The place is a dive, without some of the real character of a dive. Essentially, it just feels old. At the end of the day, it seems like it's just getting by, and not trying. I eat there when it's very convenient, but if I have enough time I'll avoid it. It's too bad, because the location could be a good one, and the difference between lower end of mediocre and "pretty good" is not that much. Just a little effort. I'm constantly surprised that it hasn't closed. Just seems like nobody cares enough to keep it going, let alone DO anything proactive. A real disappointment, but with a captive audience.
 

From Brett Justus on 31-Mar-2007

Arrived quite hungry since I had eaten breakfast at 0300. I noticed no one was eating yet, but there were employees around. I looked at my watch; it was a few minutes before opening time. I was greeted by mean looks from 2 or 3 of the employees. I asked if I could have a seat until they opened. The lady that seemed to be in charge said in a disgusted tone, "I guess, but we're not open until eleven." I said, "Okay, I guess not, I'll come back then." While I was in the hall waiting, one of the waitresses walked by - another angry look. I walked in and asked a waiter where I should sit, he told me anywhere was okay. He was not rude, but definitely not cheerful either. Another indifferent server got me some water and then after what seemed like confusion and/or argument over who was serving what area, I finally got, the right server for my table and she was very nice. Felt very unwelcome, wouldn't go there again.
 

From Sam Mathis on 14-Mar-2007

Bad/no service. I went to the Downwind on a nice spring day for lunch. I arrived just before 12; there were plenty of seats. I chose a seat on the porch and waited. After a few minutes, the party beside me wrapped up their meal and left. Their table was bussed. I watched the waitress clean the table, but I got no acknowledgement. Time goes by...At this point, I've been sitting for 10 minutes. Two gentlemen arrive and sit two tables down from me. Within minutes, the waitress appears (same one who bussed the table beside me) and takes their order! Perhaps the food is ok, I'll never know. I didn't even get as far as the drink. If you go there, wear a bright shirt or do something to stand out. In the future, I'll just pick up food elsewhere and watch the air traffic from the nice park outside.
 

From Michael Martin on 01-Sep-2006

Though not a pilot, I am an aviation photographer. I venture to PDK once a week and I always stop in at the Downwind for lunch! Very friendly waitresses, great food and a great view. During the spring and fall, I highly recommend eating from the deck (outside). I suggest the bacon cheeseburger and the meatloaf lunches!
 

From Daniel Andrew on 30-Jul-2006

Stopped in for lunch at the end of June. One of the best places I've ever been to at an airport. The food was great as was the service and also amazing views. I sat out on the deck despite the heat but was not disappointed. The prices were great as well! I will definitely stop in here anytime I am at PDK.
 

From James Cox on 01-May-2006

Some airport restaurants seem to think that having a monopoly means bad food and service, but not at this place! The food is tasty and offers good value for money and service is friendly and prompt. Plus the view is a big bonus. This place is rarely quiet, seems their efforts are paying off!