TOP GUN is 40!

It's hard to believe the film that thrilled us and truly gave us a need for speed turned 40 on May 16th. To celebrate, we dined at Kansas City Barbecue where some of our favorite scenes from one of our favorite movies, Top Gun were filmed.

For those unaware, the movie tells the way awesome story of the Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School, where the best of the best train to refine their elite flying skills. When hotshot fighter pilot Maverick (Tom Cruise) is sent to the school, his reckless attitude and cocky demeanor put him at odds with the other pilots, especially the cool and collected Iceman (Val Kilmer). But Maverick isn't only competing to be the top fighter pilot, he's also fighting for the attention of his beautiful flight instructor, Charlotte Blackwood (Kelly McGillis).

Kansas City Barbeque in San Diego is globally famous as the "Top Gun Bar" where Maverick and Goose famously sang Great Balls of Fire. Today, the restaurant operates as a popular movie landmark and dive bar, offering casual BBQ, a jukebox, and extensive military memorabilia.

In the 1986 Top Gun film, the venue was used for two prominent scenes. First, Maverick, Charlie, Goose, and Meg Ryan’s character sit around a piano while Goose sings. Second, the closing scene features Maverick drinking a beer and listening to "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" on the jukebox.

The upright piano used by Goose during filming is still here. It was bought at a garage sale for $20 and brought to California by one of the owner's mothers from Kansas City in the 1960s.