Proud Bird: The Best Family-Friendly Place to Eat Near LAX

Whether you’re flying out of LAX or just looking for a fun place to eat in the area, Proud Bird is an awesome place to check out!

On a trip to Belize, we flew out of LAX and stayed at the Residence Inn the night before our flight. We decided to check out Proud Bird for dinner and loved it! This aviation-themed eatery has a little something for everyone, with a plethora of food options to please everyone, a bar, a playground, airplane exhibits, TVs with sports, and the excitement of planes flying over.

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The Proud Bird Quick Summary

Website: www.theproudbird.com
Location: 11022 Aviation Boulevard
Free Parking: Yes
Kid Friendly: Yes
Dog Friendly: No. Service dogs only.

History of The Proud Bird

The Proud Bird restaurant opened in 1967 to honor aviation accomplishments and provide a spectacular view of planes landing at LAX. David Tallichet, the founder of Specialty Restaurants Corporation, established this restaurant. He also developed numerous famous destination restaurants across the United States.

During World War II, David Tallichet served as a pilot and flew over 20 combat missions. His love for aviation inspired him to incorporate this theme into The Proud Bird. The restaurant is situated along the LAX runway, allowing guests to enjoy a front-row view of planes as they land.

Inside The Proud Bird in Los Angeles, California near LAX

Eagle Squadrons plane exhibit in front of The Proud Bird in Los Angeles, California near LAX

Plane exhibit in front of The Proud Bird in Los Angeles, California near LAX

Planes on exhibit at The Proud Bird in Los Angeles, California, near LAX

What’s to eat?

Bludso’s Bar-B-Que offers delicious, slow-cooked meats such as ribs, brisket, chicken, and pulled pork. They also have hearty sides like mac’ n cheese, baked beans, cornbread, and more.

A few of the Asian cuisine options offered are salmon bowls, orange chicken, and fried rice.

You can indulge in chicken and waffles with whipped honey butter and maple syrup, as well as chicken tenders and wings.

Enjoy individual-size craft pizzas that include options like classic cheese, smokehouse (with brisket, pepperoni, and pork), pepperoni, mushroom truffle, bar-b-que chicken, and Hawaiian. You can also create your own.

The Farmer’s Market offers a selection of salads such as California, Cobb, Chinese chicken, Poke, and Ceasar. You can also snack on chili or their soup of the day.

For all the burger and taco lovers, Tasty Burgers has mouthwatering choices, including breakfast, bar-b-que, double, and veggie burgers. They also have a southwestern chicken sandwich, grilled cheese, and a taco trio with the choice of pulled pork, chicken, or brisket (or one of each!).

There are a number of kid-friendly options that get a thumbs up from my very picky eater. Kid-size foods include bar-b-que brisket, cheeseburger, fried rice, cheese pizza, chicken tenders, grilled cheese, ice cream, brownie sundaes, and ice cream cones.

What’s to drink?

The Proud Bird is a great place to enjoy an adult beverage while your little ones have a blast on the playground. At the Mile High Club, you can order cocktails, beers on tap, bottled beers, and red and white wine on tap.

Happy Hour is Tuesday through Friday and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. It features select beers, cocktails, liquor, and wine.

Starbucks inside The Proud Bird offers coffees, lattes, espressos, teas, frappuccinos, and more.

You can sip on a number of non-alcoholic beverages, including coffee, iced tea, juice, soda, milk, sparkling and still water, and mocktails.

Playground

The playground was full of kids and was a hit with my seven-year-old son. It’s a good size with multiple slides.

Where to stay and park near LAX

If you’re flying in or out of LAX, check out Where to Stay and Park When Flying Out of LAX.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me or email holly@howtoholly.com.

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