The idea of "dinner and a show" is not usually something I seek out. When I go out to eat, I really want to focus on the food, the atmosphere of a restaurant, and the company I am going out with. Recently, I made my way out to Schaumburg Regional Airport to try the iconic Pilot Pete's. For I think one of the first times in my life, I actually enjoyed eating airport food. That's because when you dine at this aviation-themed restaurant, you can celebrate the art of the flight without the impending stress of going through security or boarding a plane.

Pilot Pete's shares its parking lot with the Schaumburg Regional Airport.

I was nervous walking in that you might need a boarding pass to get in, but rest assured Pilot Pete's is completely open to the public.

Stormy skies cast a rain cloud over our Pilot Pete's visit, but I think the moody weather actually enhanced the views.

Once you go inside, the airport has a very distinct vibe compared with some of Illinois' larger airports like O'Hare or Midway.

Pilot Pete's is located on the ground floor so you will see the entrance right when you walk in.

Old airplane seats and photos of local sports teams the restaurant sponsors line the waiting area.

Inside, the restaurant's style pays homage to all things aviation with some tropical overtones.

A huge mural above the kitchen has beautifully painted scenes of planes in flight.

Once we sat down, we had to spend a few minutes going through the entirety of the menu.

The menu had dishes ranging from seafood to egg rolls.

It took me a moment to choose my order, but once the big decision was out of the way my eyes were glued on the windows.

With sweeping views of the runway, you can watch single engine planes take off and land while enjoying lunch or dinner.

Even if your trip doesn't align with the flight schedules, there are planes all around Pilot Pete's.

It was hard to keep focused on conversation at times as the colorful models dangling over our heads kept drawing our attention to the ceiling.

When our food came out, I was delighted with my choice of the $100 burger (for the record, that's just the name-- not the price!)

The name of the $100 hamburger comes from pilots who fly for less than two hours to eat at their favorite airport restaurant, then go home.

Granted, I did not fly in for this meal, but knowing the legacy of my dish made it even more enjoyable.

We also ordered the buffalo chicken melt sandwich which came with delightfully crispy fries.

Some of the decor inside made me chuckle, especially this puppet-like statue in the middle of the restaurant.

There is a raised section of the restaurant with a wrap around bar for those afraid of flying who would rather keep their backs to the planes.

You can't leave Pilot Pete's without walking downstairs to see the huge mural in the airport.

You can also take a seat in the lobby on this level to watch plans on the runway at eye-level.

When you go up the stairs, be sure to peak through the window at the hangar.

Going to Pilot Pete's feels like the closest I've ever gotten to some of the innermost workings of an airport.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visited to Pilot's Petes and think this memorable dining experience would be ideal for families. If someone in your party has aspiration to be a pilot, be sure to sit close to the window so they can watch the planes take off and land. Better yet, experience Schaumburg in the air with a helicopter ride. There is so much to explore in this suburb of Chicago, I suggest giving yourself a whole day to make a few stops around the town! Have you been to Pilot Pete's before?