Bloody Marys in a Flying Saucer: The Theme Building at LAX

We have previously extolled the virtues of futuristic buildings, here and here and here. 

Today, our dear pal the notorious TEB (of the sadly now defunct StuntedDC) shared with us the upside of a long layover at the world’s fifth busiest airport: a visit tothe Theme Building, designed by James Langenheim, and completed in 1961.

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On a recent, unplanned, seven hour layover at LAX, I decided to do it: go into the flying saucer/mid-century spider looking restaurant that sits in the middle of the airport terminals.  The Theme Building dates from 1961 and was designed by the architecture firm Pereira and Luckman. Perhaps this architectural gem was an inspiration for Saarinen’s TWA Flight Center a year later?

Visitors take note: the Encounter Restaurant, perched at the top of the Theme Building, does not open until 11am, when the purple sign outside begins to rotate.  If you’re early, like I was, sit in the middle of LAX’s spaghetti bowl of overpasses and acres of parking lots; it is truly a pleasant experience. 

Once open, I took the shaky elevator to the top, while the groovy 60s music pumped through the speakers.  Stepping into the low-ceilinged restaurant, you feel like you’re in a cheap imitation of the Jetsons set, if they had a set.  Yes, there are lava lamps.  Yes, there are ovular mirrors in the bathroom.  Yes, I wanted to say groovy and smoke a cigarette.  My mind wandered to a different time of aviation unknown to me.  This time was before security lines, cranky service, and cramped seats.  I somehow felt nostalgia for a time that I never experienced when I would have wanted to be at the airport with a long layover in order to hop over to the hip bar.  I was feeling all chilled out, and the overpriced menu didn’t even bother me, but the staff’s insistence to broadcast NFL hockey on the televisions seemed inappropriate to me.  

Unfortunately, I only had 45 minute to enjoy the place before I had to get back in the security line, but if you are stuck in LAX after 11am, they do serve a surprisingly good Bloody Mary!