Encounter

Everyone is familiar with the funky spaceship-looking building which has been a symbol of Los Angeles since the 1960s.

Most of us know there is a restaurant in there but so few people actually go inside.

Since we were visiting the LAX observation deck, it only made sense to stop and have a drink in the retro futuristic restaurant called Encounter.

While not among the many free things to do in Los Angeles, a visit to the restaurant at LAX is worth paying $2.50 for a coke to sit at the bar and take in the ambiance. Now that the 30 week challenge is over I’m glad we can cover this in the Almost Free section.

Just seeing the building reminds you of the Jetsons and what the future looked like to people back in the early 1960's when the “Theme Building” was constructed.

But you know you are in for a treat as soon as you hop in the elevator. When the door to the small elevator opens you see the Tahitian shield looking panels and funky pink lights. The real kick is when you hit the button and begin your ride to the top. Once the door is closed you begin to trip out on what sounds like the music from Ed Wood’s Plan 9 From Outer Space!

The whole place has a 1950's Sci-Fi feel complete with blaster soda dispensers and lava lamps built into the bar. The décor is cool enough to make this a must see but the view is equally exciting.

It is truly amazing just how big LAX really is. The size of the jets you see landing and taking off are enormous.

One of the runways looks long enough to land the space shuttle.

We went during the day but you can bet I’ll be back on the first really clear night to see all the lights and planes coming and going.

If you go on a weekend during the day check out...

The Free Observation Deck On The Roof!

To learn more about the observation deck click here .

And...here are the videos. Enjoy.

View LAX Encounter in a larger map 

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