There’s something timeless about watching airplanes climb into the sky while enjoying a great meal. That experience has long been a hallmark of Woody’s at the Airport in Monterey, where acclaimed chef Tim Wood built a loyal following and earned national recognition from USA TODAY as one of America’s top airport restaurants. Now, that same winning formula has arrived in a new location, bringing fresh energy to Watsonville Municipal Airport.
Woody’s at the Airport Watsonville, located at 100 Aviation Way in the former Ella’s at the Airport space, marks the newest chapter in Wood’s growing culinary story. Currently in its soft-opening phase, the restaurant is already generating excitement throughout the Pajaro Valley and Monterey Bay region, drawing local families, aviation enthusiasts, business travelers, and pilots eager to experience the same quality and atmosphere that made the Monterey location so successful.
The excitement is set to reach new heights with the Watsonville location’s Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, scheduled for Monday, June 15, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Community members, local leaders, and visitors are invited to celebrate the official launch of this new dining destination while enjoying its unique airport-side setting.
For those familiar with Chef Tim Wood’s reputation, the buzz comes as no surprise. His Monterey restaurant set the standard with its commitment to quality ingredients, exceptional hospitality, and approachable menus that elevate familiar favorites. Now, he’s bringing that same passion and expertise to Watsonville, expanding the Woody’s experience while staying true to what made it a standout in Monterey.
The setting itself is part of the attraction at both locations, but Watsonville offers its own distinct charm. The restaurant features a spacious dining room, lively bar area, and multiple televisions broadcasting popular sporting events, creating an atmosphere that feels both energetic and welcoming. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch with friends, enjoying a casual dinner with family, or grabbing a cocktail after work, Woody’s quickly feels like a neighborhood gathering place.
Outside, the experience becomes even more memorable. A 430-square-foot patio overlooks the active Watsonville runway, offering guests a front-row seat as planes taxi, take off, and land throughout the day. It’s a signature element that connects both Woody’s locations—great food paired with the simple pleasure of watching aviation in motion.
Of course, the food is what truly sets Woody’s apart.
Chef Wood’s menu showcases locally sourced American fare with an emphasis on freshness, flavor, and quality ingredients. The offerings strike a perfect balance between elevated dining and approachable comfort food, making it easy to find something for every appetite—just as diners have come to expect from the Monterey location.
Seafood lovers are already gravitating toward the restaurant’s well-sourced sand dabs, prepared with the care and attention that define Wood’s culinary style. Steak enthusiasts will appreciate expertly prepared cuts that deliver both flavor and satisfaction. The salad selection goes far beyond the ordinary, featuring beautifully crafted options such as beet salad, Cobb salad, and a classic Niçoise salad that combines freshness with hearty ingredients.
Then there’s the burger.
Guests at both locations have come to rave about Woody’s gourmet bacon burger, a standout menu item that combines premium ingredients with crave-worthy flavor. It’s the kind of dish that keeps people coming back, embodying the restaurant’s commitment to quality sourcing and thoughtful preparation.
Behind the bar, guests will find another reason to linger. Woody’s holds a full liquor license and offers a carefully curated selection of beer, wine, and craft cocktails. Whether you’re pairing a local wine with dinner, enjoying a cold beer on the patio, or sipping a handcrafted cocktail while watching the sunset over the runway, the beverage program complements the menu perfectly.
As the Watsonville restaurant continues its soft opening, operating hours remain flexible while the team fine-tunes operations ahead of its official launch. Plans currently call for service six days a week, with Sundays reserved as the restaurant’s regular day off.
For Watsonville residents, Woody’s at the Airport represents more than just a new restaurant—it’s an extension of a proven concept that has already captured the hearts of diners in Monterey. It’s a gathering place, a destination, and a fresh chapter for one of the community’s most unique dining locations.
Whether you’ve experienced Woody’s in Monterey or are discovering it for the first time in Watsonville, one thing is certain: this is a dining experience that’s truly taken flight—and it’s worth the trip.