For some, deciding if there’s life in the universe is easier than deciding where to go for dinner. Leaving the philosophical for later debate, your Dining Divas Connie Post and Sandy Collins transported themselves to a place that’s rumored to be well-versed in both subjects.
Hangar 18, at 156 Kauffman Ave. in Fairborn, has taken over the former Cadillac Jacks. The space-themed and newly renovated restaurant is out of this world. Well, no, it IS in Fairborn, near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. It’s rumored that the aliens that crashed near Roswell, N.M., back in the 1947 UFO incident, are stored on the base in Hangar 18. We wanted to hop the fence and see for ourselves, then realized that spending life in federal custody reviewing prison food wouldn’t be fun. So we opted to explore the civilian version of Hanger 18. We found it’s really cosmic.
This is a traditional alien-themed restaurant, with the stereotypical gray-skinned, bug-eyed space travelers seemingly peering out the front window, as if to imply, “Hey look, humans! Why don’t you come in?”
And with that, Connie and Sandy crossed the portal and found themselves in a beautiful, whole new world of hardwood floors, pool tables, bar stools and tables, elevated stage and plenty of locals.
The atmosphere was very warm and inviting. A newly-laid hardwood floor was pristine and added a sense of class to this cantina, which did not have any outer-worldly beings picking fights with each other or blasting each other with lasers. It did have both younger and older folks enjoying a couple of games of pool and conversations at the long, modern bar.
What we had:
We couldn’t wait to see the menu, anticipating alien-themed fare and funny-sounding foodie delights. Sandy was a little bit disappointed that the food menu didn’t continue the space alien theme … but the drinks were themed.
We opted for the Space Odyssey and Alien Invasion.
Space Odyssey is a specialty drink featuring two kinds of rum, grenadine, orange and pineapple juices, with Meyers and creme de banana.
Alien Invasion is borne of vodka, gin, rum, tequila, blue curacao and sour mix.
Now we all know that wings have allowed birds and humans to fly high above the clouds. Here at Hangar 18, they also double as a great source of sustenance. Boneless to traditional, the ones at Hangar 18 come with a choice of seven flavors, including the exotic “garlic bourbon.” While typically adventurous, we passed on this option. We are women, so we have the right to change our minds.
Hangar 18’s menu is pretty traditional in terms of appetizers, burgers and even pizza. Prices are affordable and the service was great. Our astro-ver (astronaut-server) was friendly, helpful and fun.
To take the alien theme to the next level, Sandy stuffed Scully and Mulder into her cargo-carrier slung cross-body. The six-inch X-Files action figures gave the Divas insights in alien abduction and a government cover-up, and opened the door to conversation from space travelers who realized these two foodies have serious growing-up issues when working together.
We ordered the most interesting item on the menu, the Killer Burrito. Immediately, action-figure Mulder launched an investigation into why the Burrito kills. While he and skeptic-action-figure-Scully pretend-talked, humans Sandy and Connie boldly went where no Diva has gone before, and split that burrito in two. Sharing a potentially lethal meal has a way of allowing meal-mates to bond.
The mini-burrito is plenty big for two people. Imagine the regular size. We imagined Jabba the Hut would be stuffed to his fifth chin, after showing no mercy to the big delicious tortilla, filled with beef, beans, lettuce, cheese, onions and sour cream.
We also ordered a half-slab of ribs, on special that evening, for $5. You couldn’t beat that price in any quadrant of the Milky Way. You’d have to trek to the Alderaan system to find a deal like that.
The half-slab is enough, with an adorable mini-fry-basket of French fries. The ribs were tender and the sauce was sweet and good. Not too much that it makes holding on impossible.
After the meal, we enjoyed a bit of karaoke then fired up the rocket and headed home. Hangar 18 is definitely a new favorite stop-off in our travels across the galaxy. Save us a spot at the bar.
The info: Hangar 18, 156 Kauffman Ave., Fairborn, (937) 754-1061
Hours: Sunday -Thursday, 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.; Friday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.
Final musings:
Connie Post and Sandy Collins are two of the Dayton Daily News’ Dining Divas. Check out our dining adventures Fridays in Active Dayton in the Dayton Daily News and online for DDN subscribers at MyDaytonDailyNews.com. If you have a place to eat that’s far out, send an email to life@coxinc.com or post your comments at
VIDEO: Our out-of-this-world experience at Hangar 18. MyDaytonDailyNews.com
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