This is the latest article in our Hungry Pilot series, where we profile some of the best airport restaurants. Do you have a nominee? Write a report and email us: [email protected]
Restaurant name: Piccadilly Lilly Airport Diner
Airport: Tri-County Regional Airport, Lone Rock, Wisconsin (LNR)
Famous for: “The best biscuits and gravy around.”
Restaurant tips: The Piccadilly Lilly is a breakfast and lunch place, open from 6am to 2pm, seven days a week. It is a classic airport diner, with basic facilities, friendly staff and home cooking. Park on the ramp out front, walk inside and you’re sure to meet some new friends, whether it’s a farmer from Wisconsin or a flight instructor from Chicago.
The menu features diner favorites like omelets and burgers, plus heaping sandwiches and hearty sides. In particular, many pilots rave about their hash browns and their biscuits and gravy. “Made the way grandma used to make ’em,” according to one pilot. Portions are large and prices are very reasonable ($5 for a cheeseburger).
Airport tips: LNR is about 40 miles west of Madison, Wisconsin, on the beautiful Wisconsin River. It’s an excellent airport, with a 5000 ft. runway and LPV approaches to both ends for low weather days. There’s also a shorter north/south runway, so keep an eye out for traffic on landing. Self-serve avgas is available at pretty attractive prices. Facilities on site are basic, but there is a pilot’s lounge and rental cars are available through Enterprise with a prior reservation.
For a fun day trip, the home and studio of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright is in nearby Spring Green. Stop at the Piccadilly Lilly for lunch, then drive about 20 minutes to see Wright’s interesting estate, named Taliesin. It’s an easy adventure by general aviation airplane, and one you wouldn’t dream of on the airlines.
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A fantastic destination for breakfast and lunch. Very good food. Very friendly people. And most reasonable.
I visit as often as possible, the food is not good, it’s great. I’m less than one hour away (KFEP) and its our pilots association favorite breakfast stop.