Restaurant Review: WACO Kitchen

15955 South Airport Rd • Battle Creek | Monday – Friday 11 AM - 8 PM • Saturday 7 AM - 8 PM • Sunday 7 AM - 2 PM

If you are ever looking for dining with an unforgettable view in Southwest Michigan, let me recommend WACO KITCHEN.

Enjoy panoramic views of the Battle Creek Executive Airport at Kellogg Field’s runway and large observation windows giving you a look into WACO Aircraft’s handcrafted production and service facilities – all adding to what I consider a unique dining experience. BUT LET’S GET TO THE FOOD.

Taking a look at the drink menu, I was delightfully surprised that one of the WACO owner’s makes the wines they serve! I gave the red wine, the Quinta do Paral, a taste and it was delicious. They of course offer a variety of handcrafted cocktails and beer, many with flight-related names. While my party and I waited for our entrees, we were provided with our own, individual bread and butter setups. I loved this because, one, I at least didn’t have to fight anyone for the best piece. And two, we were not all touching the same bread and butter. I am not sure if this was new due to the pandemic, but I certainly hope they continue it because I thought it was pure genius! I should also mention, the bread was, of course, delicious. One thing to point out as our entrees arrived is that WACO locally sources all their food, and the proteins and dairy are organic! Each plate is colorful, and fresh. It truly makes a difference in taste and presentation. For myself, I took on the WACO TACOS, with crispy chicken, marinated cabbage and a slightly spicy mango jalapeno salsa, with three, hard shell corn tacos. As you know, I can be a little bit of a wimp with spiciness and these tacos had some heat. Luckily, not so much I couldn’t handle it this round. I was able to eat two, and had one to take home for later. They also have a BREAKFAST/BRUNCH MENU for you brunchers out there! Dawn Patrol is on Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and Sundays from 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for the late risers. I know I will definitely be back to try it myself soon.

For my guests—my sister tried the FLYING FLATBREAD. As the title gives away, the flatbread is layered with their homemade tomato sauce, prosciutto, cheese and arugula, topped with big flakes of parmesan that appeared freshly-shaved. It was a decent size, enough she took home the other half for a later meal.

E.B. Precopio

Elizabeth is a hairstylist by day and 24/7 food enthusiast. She visits restaurants in the Kalamazoo area and blogs about her experience at feedmekzoo.com

Mom ordered the PILOT’S CAVATAPPI. The rich-baked pasta is nestled with a wine cream sauce, fried capers and tomatoes. She loved it so much, she would remind us just how good it was every few bites. And the portion again, did not disappoint as she took home a good portion. If watching planes land and take off while you dine doesn’t attract you, the food certainly will. And the service was outstanding as well. Our server was attentive and was sure to find answers to questions she might not have been able to answer.