391st Bomb Group Restaurant, West Palm Beach, Florida Photo Gallery by Janet Donnelly at pbase.com

391st Bomb Group Restaurant, West Palm Beach, Florida

The last of the 391st Bomb Group's famed brunches was served Sunday, October 15, 2006, and before then, the final bowls of beer cheese soup and plates of prime rib.

The popular World War II-themed restaurant, which overlooks Palm Beach International Airport's runway 9 right, is closing after 24 years. An extensive collection of photos and military memorabilia from World War II decorates the restaurant and its grounds. A tank sits outside the entrance of the squat building that's themed as something of a bunker.

Music from The Andrews Sisters and Benny Goodman serve as soundtracks in the dining room. Speeches by Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt play in the men's room. Diners could request window seats that allowed them to watch the planes taking off and landing nearby. Headsets in the booths, popular with kids and aviation buffs, plug into the frequency of the airport tower's traffic control booth. We are all going to really miss this place!

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Tstoto		11-Jan-2024 12:52
Wonderful Article!

Sue Anne Rush		10-Feb-2022 09:24
Excellent and I have the Brady Bunch who live in Florida. V

Marcia Barry		07-Oct-2018 03:37
Trying to remember the business hours of the reseraunt and bar, it's been a long time. Any help would be appreciated.

Ben		31-Dec-2017 01:42
The closest thing in South Florida is the 94tu Aero Squadron in Miami. Wasn’t as good as 391st.

Kimberly Michelle Murdie		14-Aug-2017 22:04
My husband and I got married there on January 5, 2001. It was a beautiful wedding, with amazing food. Everything was perfect. We really miss this place.

Brian		08-Apr-2017 22:22
Anyone know of a place like this in South Florida?

Guest		02-Apr-2017 17:45
One of my most favorite places I have ever worked. I was a bartender there for a little while and also worked Sunday brunch. The atmosphere. The food. The employeesame. The entire experience here was just so unique and stays with you. Total shame it's gone. That beer cheese soup with the cracked wheat rolls were my favorite.

Tina Odowd		06-Mar-2017 14:47
So sad. I remember taking my parents and my brother there when they came to visit me in west palm beach in the 1984, from the UK. I was so looking forward to going back there this week with my son who now lives in miami in memory of my mum and dad, but sadly thats not going to happen.

Victoria		29-Dec-2016 16:42
So well-loved... all of them Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm in FL and the one in Nashville. Couldn't someone please reopen the chain with the same atmosphere and same recipes. Please! And put one in Springfield, MO too.

John Fusek		25-Oct-2016 20:59
Went there when i graduated from high school in 1987. moved to Orlando where I worked as a chef at there sister property 4th fighter group until the company folded in 2006. the same time they closed 391st and the other one in Miami.

Martijn de Wit		19-Jun-2016 15:54
This place reflects all my memories, the heroism,the daring, as an European to been here serves me great. It.s a loss of monemental value, Adieu.......

Jill Roberts		29-Jan-2016 02:08
My wedding reception was held there. Always hoped to make it back for an anniversary dinner with my husband. I have dreams of the beer cheese soup.

Jeff Herman		06-Jul-2015 00:07
Wow, I remember this wonderful restaurant/museum just today as I was driving by the location...thinking wow, Inwould love to take my whole family there and share a little bit of American history as well as my history. It is a shame a museum could not have taken over the location. The state should have kept it as a landmark out of respect to the brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives! Instead, one more example of what is wrong with our great nation. Happy 4th of July!!! Let's hope My fellow Americans have the sense to vote for a real president that can lead our nation back to the glory and values of yester year!!!

Lorna Smith		21-Apr-2015 22:11
I was recently in the UK and had lunch at The Chequers pub at Matching Green. The cover of their menu mentions the Matching Airfield, built in 1942 from the rubble from London's Blitz, and tells about the 391st Bombardment Group stationed there from 1944. They flew 6000 sorties and lost 197 brave men. Thank you 391st.

Andy		20-Jan-2015 21:38
The Corsair, P-47 and P-51 were Fiberglass Mock-ups, I often see pictures of the planes online labeling them as authentic aircraft which is not the case. I do not know the history of the planes, or who made them, but I photographed them after the Hurricane Damage and wondered where they went? This was a nice place to go and it was sad to see it close and torn down. The site sat empty for a short time, but now a new building/hanger is up on the location.

Sean M (NJ)		25-Oct-2014 17:36
Wow. What a bummer. I was here as a little boy on a family trip to Florida. It was October 1985 and the Royals and the Cardinals were in the World Series. i remember the headphones at the table, and the ambulance on the lawn. It was so cool. I recalled it again while watching the Royals again in the World Series all these years later. I just googled it to see if it were still there as will be in Florida in a few months and wanted to take my kids here. Sad to see it is gone. I really can't believe the memory came back after watching this current World Series. I really wish it were still there. What a cool place.

OrcaSnack		11-Jul-2014 14:50
After I graduated from PBA, my dad asked where I wanted to have my celebratory lunch; I chose the 391st! My friends and family all had a wonderful meal, as usual. Upon further reflection, my dad would often request going there when he would visit. Those were the days... A friend of mine just texted me about wanting "one more bowl" of the beer cheese soup. He still remembers it from 13 years ago.

Bryan G		27-May-2014 17:11
I remember taking my Jr. ROTC military ball date their in 1988. I never had Filet Mignon before...I will miss that place.

Paul H		26-May-2014 16:42
I just read the story in the Palm Beach Post today about " The Forgotten 14" The 14 men who dies here on Dec 22, 1942 while taking off on a military mission. The story reminded me of the military background to this airport and then the 391st Bomb Squadren Restaurant. This restauarant was amazing and full of history. I loved it and so did many of my friends and family. I cant count how many brunches we went to and how many bottles of chapagne we enjoyed but the memories are plenty and it was a fun time.

LM		15-Apr-2014 15:41
I have had the pleasure of eating at the 391st Bomb Group many times over the period of about 15 years. Several members of my family and their spouses have also eaten there as well. We have never had less than a wonderful meal and always the very best of customer experience. We were all sad that this wonderful restaurant close. We do miss it! We felt it was a wonderful commemoration of the American World War 2 veterans as well as all American veterans everywhere.

Brent		30-Mar-2014 13:48
Had the pleasure of visiting when I was very young living in the area. Joined the Air Force years later and lived in England. Once i got back stateside I was very saddened when i learned that is was no longer there.

Tuukka		27-Oct-2013 16:15
My father took me there when we were in Florida just so i could try the beer cheese soup. It was fantastic. Does anybody know the recipe

Yeah Right		16-Aug-2013 23:35
My wife and I were married there and had the best wedding of all time there . When we heard it was being torn down we went down and stole the black and white sign you see in pics above . Its in a safe place and when I retire it be proudly displayed in my (Man Cave )It was sad to see it go.

Blargg		10-Jan-2013 03:57
This was where my high school classmates and I went every year for field trips in history classes. It was a long way away but we all went there together & enjoyed eating there and walking around. The walk through plane was interesting as was listening to the planes come in, & even a dance floor. Lots of cool stuff. Sorry to hear it closed. found this on google

Elizabeth G Hile		07-Jan-2013 00:38
I finally found a site to show where my daddy and I would go to dinner every Friday night when I was 15 going on 16 while living in Palm Beach. We would dance outside on the sidewalk to all the songs that played while waiting on "OUR" table. They knew us by name. I was hoping to be able to take my husband here for dinner. But I am happy to be bale to see photo's.

Pappy		29-Dec-2012 22:17
I couldn't remember the name of the restaurant. All I could remember was approximate location, and was going to recommend it to a friend. Sorry to hear of it's demise.

Mike McKee		08-Dec-2012 04:16
I loved this restaurant. Ate here many times over the years in the 80s and onward. I was just watching the movie "Red Tails" and it reminded me of this place. So I looked it up and was very sad to find out it had closed 6 years ago.I would really have loved to bring my daughter there. She would have loved it. Entering the restaurant for me was like going back in time. It really felt authentic. It brought back memories of visiting PBIA back in the early '60's when they had some WWII AIRCRAFT there to view and the air raid shelter on Belvedere Rd. Maybe someday someone will come into money and rebuild it. So many people loved this place. Miss the beer cheese soup,Key Lime pie, Prime Rib and happy hour with shrimp.

Thomas		06-Dec-2012 02:26
I'm sad. Just read a novel about WWII and was realy looking forward to going to this place.

Guest		09-Nov-2012 16:42
When I traveled to Florida for Spring Training in the 90s, a dinner here was always on the itinerary. Was going to recommend it to a friend traveling in the area now - so sad to see it closed

Ron		09-Oct-2012 02:25
I worked here as a busboy in the 80's and thoroughly loved it. I joined the Air Force while working at the 391st Bomb Group and served for over 20 years. Listening to the patrons and their stories of serving our country was amazing.

Guest		02-Sep-2012 18:13
I was never at this one but I used to work as a waitress at the 306th Bomb Group in Sarasota in the early '80s. That has since closed down as well, but it was such a great place. So many great memories. I even waited on a gentleman who found himself in one of the WWII pictures. And yeah, that Beer Cheese soup was the best! To this day I still love Big Band music!

Guest		27-Aug-2012 22:30
i got married there in 1997 it was my grandfather's favorite restaurant (he was a ww2 vet) and we used to go there all the time when i was little and sit in a booth next to the window so my sister brother and i could put the ear phones on and listen to the air traffic control tower. we were at the last brunch and cried the whole time

Todd		10-Aug-2012 00:16
I was just in West Palm and sad to see it closed. I use to go with my grandparents in the late 80's and loved this place!! I still have photos of me in the army jeep and around the fire pit. I would have liked to have taken my girls there :(

Chris		22-Jul-2012 21:15
We also greatly miss the 391st and to this day nothing sits in its former spot, which is so sad. Too bad they knocked it down, maybe by this point someone could have reopened it. We had no idea the 94th closed and reopened, but are glad it did because we are very much looking forward to having beer cheese soup again for the first time in almost 6 years! Some future trips to Miami will be in order, just for the soup! :)

COL K		10-Jul-2012 15:21
Like you all, I was also very sorry to see this place close. Previously, I saw them close the 95th Bomb Group at FXE and the 94th Aero Squadron at MIA. Some of the vehicles displayed there were lost in the process. At least the 94th reopened, & there is a very cool P-38 replica displayed there. I am pleased to say that our group was able to make a deal with Specialty restaurants and the MARC to acquire all of the remaining military vehicles from the PBI location. We declined the option to acquire the P-47 replica & the DC-3 which were also offered. Between the time of Hurricane Wilma and our recovery, two damaged ambulances had been taken away. Both were Dodges, a post-war M-43 and the other was a pre-war WC 1/2-ton, possibly a WC-9. During recovery, we found a home for the two CCKW's stateside. The Ford GP by the little guardhouse went to a collector in England. He used it and parts of 4 other trucks to make a beautiful restoration. The remaining GPW & MB jeeps will be organ donors for other projects. The Dodge WC-54 ambulance will be restored with parts from another Dodge found in Santa Barbara, Ca. The M5A1 Stuart light tank has been disassembled and is currently being restored. We believe in keeping history alive as we keep them rolling. Old military vehicles are cool to look at, but MUCH better when you see them running and driving. Wish us luck.....

Elaine		12-Jun-2012 02:50
I lived in the area in the mid-80's. This was a favorite restaurant for special occasions. I was simply looking up places I enjoyed when living in South Florida. I now live in Ohio

Wendy		29-May-2012 18:24
This was one of my favorite restaurants. My former husband and I dined here on special occassions in the late 90's and early 00's. We were very fortunate to be able to bring my father-in-law here a few times before he passed away. He was a WWII vet, and he loved the history and music that surrounded him. Very special memories.

T		28-May-2012 13:21
I searched for WWII style restaurants. Is there any other place using this theam in SFL?

Randy		03-May-2012 18:44
Great Place. I use to drive up from Ft. Lauderdale area to eat there. The outside with the first burning in the pits was great to sit and talk. I read where they lost their ability to release the property as the county commission did not allow them to do so for another 10 years. This was a shame.

Bonnie Brown		13-Apr-2012 20:48
I have a picture taken by Landes of W. Palm Beach in 1943. It shows 9 naval officers and 4 civilians, and the only remark is that it is Palm Beach. I have been trying to identify the picture for some time. I emailed the Palm Beach Historical Society but received no answer. So I googled Palm Beach World War II and your site came up.

Cristina		28-Feb-2012 06:24
I googled Palm Beach airport restaurant world war & it came up. I was only there once years ago but always remembered enjoying it & wanting to return.

Guest		11-Feb-2012 00:10
Had brunch there in 2003. Wonderful. Googled this site by inputting "bomb group restaurant"--popped right up. Very sorry to see you go.

Bogger		09-Feb-2012 22:35
I remember this unique restaurant from the 80's and 90's and hoped to return. Sadly I'm too late.

JD		01-Feb-2012 19:01
I worked here off and on for four years and loved my coworkers and the atmosphere. I was very sad after returning to west palm after a deployment in Iraq to find out it had closed. I really wish I knew what and where some of my coworkers were up to these days.

Barbara Orofino		29-Jan-2012 18:53
I was looking for the exact spelling of the restaurant's name. My Mom recently passed away and this was one of her favorite restaurants. We spent quite a few holidays here and it brings back good memories for me.

Barbara Orofino		29-Jan-2012 18:33
I was looking for the exact spelling of the restaurant's name. My Mom recently passed away and this was one of her favorite restaurants. We spent quite a few holidays here and it brings back good memories for me.

William Thorn		24-Jan-2012 21:41
Looking for photos of my dad, Ed Thorn, Bombardier with Army Air Corps. Flew B26 Martin Marauder - WWII Thanks.

Dennis Hodge		22-Sep-2011 23:52
My parents retired to West Palm Beach in 1984 and this was one of their favorite restaurants. Always enjoyed the meal, the music and the Key Lime Pie as well as the Steak Rickenbacher, (Sirloin smothered in swiss cheese and peppers and onions) It seems that most of the restaurants in the chain are now gone, inclcluding the one in Fairfield, NJ.

Guest		17-Jun-2011 06:17
The whole family had Sunday Brunch together here, and will still talk about the day Grandpa convinced my baby sister (Now 30yrs old) That a REAL Moose would appear when she was finished eating her Chocolate moose!!LOL. Boy was she pissed when she realized he was messing with her. would'ent talk to us the whole ride home!!LOL

Guest		17-Jun-2011 06:11
I moved from West Palm in 1991. Some of my fav family memories were Sunday Brunches in this place ): Also remember celebrating my 19th B-Day here in the mid 80's!!! They were known for their food, But on the weekends always had a packed house and a packed dance floor. Still have vivid memories of dancing to "Tainted Love" and falling on my butt with such grace LOL.

CReutebuch		28-Oct-2010 17:43
Its just a shame tha thye couldnt have moved it to another place where the ywouldnt have to worry about airport expansion...there was a lot of history tehre in that place and especially the tank, teh jeep, the ambulance and especially the aircraft..it will sorely be missed..it was a tribute to the "greatest Generation that ever lived", I know my dad was part of that generation, it gave todays kids a taste of what it was like during WWII, I miss it every time i go to ta Dr's appointment!

T carey		06-Jan-2010 20:03
Where can i get some of that Beer cheese soup! Is there anyone else that has that around here?

Joe Lehman		28-Nov-2009 04:56
It closed because the airport is expanding and the owner chose to not renew the lease for just a few years left when there was alot of work that needed to be done with the building after the hurricanes. He didn't want to spend the money when it was going to be closed anyways. I worked there as a bartender for 3 years up to the end.

S. Hewrndon		01-Jan-2009 09:54
What was the reason for the closing of the 391st asn I ate there often?

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