Great news for aviation fans and plane spotters! The legendary 50-year-old, LAX-adjacent Proud Bird restaurant has reopened after closing for more than a year (they came close to closing for good). The new Proud Bird looks nothing like the old except for the sign, vintage plane replicas in the parking lot and back yard.
It’s no longer a dark steakhouse. Instead, the mini aviation museum with amazing views of LAX’s approach runway is now bright, with high ceilings and a food bazaar. The unique food hall has six culinary kitchens that are open for lunch, dinner, and brunch.
When it first opened, customers on arrival would check in with a docent to get a “boarding pass” but I went back today (September 18, 2017) and I’m happy to report they nixed that entry process. Now customers just go to any of the culinary kitchens and pay at each station.
Their menu is inspired by the melting pot of Los Angeles and features Asian, Italian, BBQ, burgers, and American cuisines. The most popular is Compton’s own Bludso’s famous, mouth-watering BBQ ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. Prices range from $4 to $12 for entrees and $2 to $5 for sides.
On my first visit, I went with my wife, son, and dad and we all enjoyed it although service was slow (they were so new everyone was trying to get familiar with the computer system and ingredients). I had the ¼ chicken and waffle ($10), which was okay. The waffle was good but chicken wasn’t like Roscoe’s. Natalie liked her pulled pork sandwich and my dad liked his salmon teriyaki.
When I went back today with my dad and buddy David I noticed it was a much smoother operation and that the food was way better than the first time. My dad had the medium size ($10) pulled pork and he loved it though he said he should’ve had the small portion (1/4 lb and $6). I had the beef brisket sandwich and a side of baked beans and it was delicious.
I will definitely be back for the food and of course the plane spotting. My photos are below including screenshots from the ProudBird website of their menus.
Does anyone remember the Proud Bird in the 70″s? You could go to the second floor which was the bar and listen on head phones to the control tower.