Little Aviator Café: Perfect landings, great meals in Apple Valley
A lifelong love of “everything restaurant” and a developing interest in flying have come together at the Little Aviator Café at the Apple Valley Airport.
For owners Pam and Tony Spagnuolo, who owned Pop’s and Pam’s in Lucerne Valley for several years, running a family business meant emphasizing “family.”
Their daughters, Sarah, Melissa and Melanie, spent their after-school hours doing homework and helping out when it got busy. The “family” atmosphere naturally included customers who were always made to feel right at home.
Pop’s and Pam’s closed in the early 1990s, but the Spagnuolos' desire to cook for and feed others remained strong.
Well-earned success
Not exactly their first “air show,” the Spagnuolos opened the original Aviator Café at the Hesperia Airport in late 2016, and in no time, the restaurant had a loyal band of followers. When the Apple Valley airport location became available, the Spagnuolos jumped at the chance. The Hesperia location closed, but the Apple Valley Airport was a fine place to land.
New landings
The Little Aviator Café has been busy from the start. Even with restrictions created by the pandemic, customers remained loyal, and the cafe was busier than ever.
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It is easy to find. Just follow Corwin Road north until it dead ends in the café parking lot. California Highway Patrol and San Bernardino Sheriff Aviation hangars are located next door, and Pam Spagnuolo says there cannot be any better landlords than the County of San Bernardino.
Making room for all
The café is open seven days a week, serving tasty breakfast, brunch and lunch options from a very comprehensive menu. There is always room for additions to that steady stream of regulars who show up, um, regularly to start their day with a hearty breakfast or hit the afternoon running after eating a wonderful lunch.
That said, seating is limited, but the Little Aviator Café has made this no problem. Be seated in a timely manner by calling ahead to make a reservation or checking on available seating and arriving when the table awaits.
Breakfast, brunch and lunch
Eggs and potatoes make up a tasty series of dishes for breakfast with a choice of potatoes and toast, or substitutions like cottage cheese, sliced tomatoes, or fruit instead of potatoes.
A check of the online menu includes nine omelets, pancakes, waffles, French toast and several starters and sides, as well as salads, sandwiches, soups and desserts.
Three breakfast specialties that are popular with guests include Churro French Toast and two omelets — the Tamale and the Chile Relleno.
Aviator menus for all ages
Little Aviators 12 and under have their own menu with kid favorites like grilled cheese, mini corn dogs, chicken strips, hot dogs, fish and chips and more. Kids have choices, too, with all meals available with fries or cup of fruit.
Seniors also have their own menu with breakfast and lunch options sized — and priced — to please.
Burgers and more
Angus burgers are a third of a pound and come with Thousand Island dressing, lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion with your choice of cottage cheese, fries, or cup of fruit. You can substitute a Gardenburger on any burger choice at no extra charge.
Four chili dishes are also available. Select from a cup or bowl, Frito Pie or Chili Size.
Sandwiches range from favorites like grilled cheese and BLT — classic or with avocado — to grilled chicken or turkey with extras like bacon or cheese. There are bread choices as well as fries, fruit or sliced tomatoes.
Salads are just as varied, and soup and sandwich options are available as well. View the full menu online.
Apple Valley Airshow in October
The 19th annual Apple Valley Airshow and Car Show is on Oct. 8 this year, and the Little Aviator Café will be open for extended hours that day. Circle the date.
When you go
Little Aviator Café, Apple Valley Airport, 21600 Corwin Road #13, Apple Valley. Open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 760-946-0044.
Website is www.littleaviatorcafe.com. Join the Frequent Flyers Club, and you can reserve a Table link on their Google site. Follow them on Facebook he. Dine-in, takeout and delivery available for large orders only. Offsite catering is also an option, with 48 hours’ notice.
Dining Around
If you would like your restaurant profiled in Dining Around or want to tell readers about your favorite eatery, please contact Kathy Young at the Daily Press by text, 760-953-8682, or by email at kyoung3@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Little Aviator Café at Apple Valley airport serves hearty breakfasts, brunch
