Located at the Pierce County Airport -- Thun Field, Top Gun Bar and Grill has one of the best views of Mount Rainier in the South Sound. On a clear day, you can watch planes take off and land from the airport while the iconic mountain looms in the background. Top Gun is famed for its $100 Ultimate Flight Burger which includes a burger of your choice off the menu, and a certificate for a one-hour introduction to flight or a scenic flight with the Safety in Motion Flight Center located nearby. You can use the certificate for yourself or give it as a gift. Never fear, if that is a little pricey, there are plenty of other burger options on the menu.
According to General Manager Mia Perry, "The owners, Chuck and Denise Fain, have a big respect for the military and first responders. They offer a discount of 10 percent for these groups 365 days a year. We also have veterans on our staff." Combining a respect for the military with their location adjacent to the airport made Top Gun the perfect choice for a name. "We have an elevated hometown bar feel and are 21 and older," Perry added.
Top Gun is really like an adult playground with two pool tables, one inside and one outside, with no charge to play. Other deck games include shuffleboard and corn hole. Inside, in addition to pool, customers can try their hand at the dart boards. "The owners wanted to create a place where the community can hang out," said Perry. Top Gun Bar and Grill really does have a hometown feel with the staff greeting regulars by name.
Top Gun has some great food. "We have high standards for our kitchen and the food," said Perry. "Our chicken strips are hand-cut from fresh chicken breasts, marinated in buttermilk then hand-breaded and deep-fried. Our ground beef is fresh and we are known for our burgers. We also serve three steaks -- a filet mignon, ribeye and a sirloin, all cooked to order," described Perry. House-made soups are served every day. Tots and fries are complemented with a selection of house-made sauces. In addition to burgers, you can enjoy a variety of sandwiches from a jazzed up grilled cheese, to Reubens, and deli sandwiches. The dinner menu features delectable pastas and the beforementioned steaks.
Next time you are in the South Hill area of Puyallup, swing by for lunch or dinner. (Remember 21 and older only). Make sure to grab one of the window booths so you can enjoy the stunning views of Mount Rainier.
TOP GUN BAR AND GRILL, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., daily, 16919 S Meridian, Puyallup, 253.848.0555, TopGunBGllc.com