The Airport Grille in New Bedford Was More Than Just a Restaurant, It Was Friends, Family and Fond Memories

With the sudden news of New Bedford's Airport Grille closing, I can't help but feel sad.

It was more than just a restaurant, it was a meeting spot for friends and family that completely changed my life.

The Airport Grille was the first place I met someone very special, the first place I had a surprise birthday party, and most importantly, the first (and only) place I dropped to one knee to pop the biggest question of my life: "Will you marry me?"

Thankfully, she said "Yes".

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We thoroughly enjoyed date nights on Fridays where we would always try and score the same seats at the bar where we first said hello to each other. From our bartender Chrissy who always kept our drinks cold on the bar's nifty "chilling strip" to the staff and especially the various chefs who eventually became good friends. They truly made it feel like home.

We even received a congratulatory card after I asked my better half to marry me.

There was nothing better or more relaxing than catching 'Route 18' by the firepits while planes took off and landed just feet beyond the fence. Man, that band packed a crowd. The best part of it all was that there were never any fights or problems. Just good times and good people.

When it came down to the food, the menu was incredible. The eggrolls of the day were always a "must-order" and they had hands-down the biggest salads in the city. Preferably, I always got the grilled chicken southwest cobb salad. Never disappointed and always left satisfied.

Although the doors are locked up and the business is no longer, I'll forever have the memories and a beautiful woman by my side. All thanks to a unique little restaurant that sits proudly beside a runway. Lastly, if you ever caught a sunset beyond the fence of the Airport Grille, then you were one of the lucky ones.

Cheers to the past and much appreciation for the memories.