While the landscape of U.S. airport dining can sometimes be a wasteland of fast food joints and far from fresh food, there is hope. Popping up at airport terminals across the country riffs on local hotspots, tasty national chains and even eateries created specifically for a hub. Hope you’re hungry, because TPG Assistant Editor Melanie Wynne is issuing your boarding pass to great meals at airports from coast to coast. As always, for double points on dining while you travel, we love the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Terminal E- One Flew South
Mellow out amidst the forest backdrop at ATL’s sushi and Southern/Asian hotspot, One Flew South
If you prefer decor reminiscent of Georgia’s great outdoors rather than the gates at ATL, duck into upscale One Flew South, snag a seat at the sushi bar and gaze at a photo mural of lush Georgia pinewoods. With upholstered white leather seats, Georgia pine planks paneling the floor and ceiling and locally mined marble at the sushi bar, the ambiance is both sophisticated and down to earth.
In addition to sushi, order up Asian entrees with Southern flair, such as locally farmed mussels in a spicy miso broth served with bok choy and a side of cornbread. There’s also several gluten-free items. If you enjoy a drink during your layover, choose from craft cocktails, global wines and beers, including locally brewed Sweetwater. You also have the option to dine in or take out.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 30 minutes
Terminal F - The Varsity
This Atlanta area fast-food chain has been a city staple since 1928 when its flagship opened downtown, catering largely to Georgia Tech students. It’s a favorite at ATL, as well. When the counter staff greets you with The Varsity’s signature catchphrase, “What’ll ya have? What’ll ya have?” be ready to place your order. Consider a Slaw Dog, a Chili Burger and a side of fries or onion rings cooked in peanut oil. Their proprietary orange soda is also a must.
Still have a little room left? Indulge in a fried peach pie.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 10 minutes
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Barbara Jordan Terminal, Gate 10 - The Salt Lick
Have a little Texas BBQ at The Salt Lick at AUS - and skip the long drive to the original
Walk up to the casual counter version of this Texas Hill Country barbecue favorite, and within a few minutes, you’ll be happily stuffing your face with slow-cooked, pit-grilled sausage, ribs, brisket and more. The BBQ sauce at The Salt Lick is sweet, spicy and tomato-free, the sectioned plates are styrofoam, and while the mustard-laced potato salad, fresh-baked bread and lightly-dressed cole slaw is delicious, you might just want to pass on the baked beans before a flight.
Good news for barbecue loving travelers, the Salt Lick can also be found at Dallas/Fort Worth’s Gate A16 and Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers World Airport on the Central Concourse.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 10-20 minutes
Baltimore (BWI)
Concourse A - Phillip’s Seafood
Don’t depart BWI without trying Phillip’s Seafood’s all-lump-meat crab cakes
The heavily-touristed branch of Phillip’s Seafood in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor often has long waits for a table, but their outpost at BWI provides a quicker route to the Maryland-style lump crab cakes that have made them famous for over 50 years. They serve three meals a day here, so you can enjoy everything from a crab omelette to a bowl of rich, creamy lobster bisque, nibble salt and pepper calamari, a grilled fish-filet platter with a side of hush puppies, or simply go for a big green-leaf salad. The full bar includes Phillip’s signature Bloody Mary and its own custom-brewed Amber Ale.
Additional branches of Phillip’s can be found at ATL, Boston’s Logan, Charlotte Douglas, Harrisburg, Long Island MacArthur, Newark Liberty, Norfolk and Savannah/Hilton Head airports.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 45 minutes
Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS)
Terminals B & C - Legal Sea Foods
Legal Sea Foods at Boston’s Logan Airport, Terminal C
This Boston-based seafood chain has spread its tentacles across the eastern seaboard, as well as to Logan International. The Terminal C branch is newer and swankier, with deep blue lighting, a bubble-effect ceiling and a giant mosaic-tiled fish, as well as snazzy menu additions like popcorn shrimp crusted with kettle corn and paired with sriracha mayo.
However, at either terminal’s Legal Sea Foods, you can go traditional with a crab cake platter, lobster roll or mug of clam chowder. Start with a wedge salad or Rhode Island-style calamari with garlic and hot peppers and finish with a slice of Boston Cream Pie. You could also choose from an extensive gluten-free menu or request a carefully packed whole Maine lobster to take with you.
Another branch of Legal Sea Foods can be found at Washington, D.C.’s Reagan airport in National Hall before Terminal B/C security.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 30-45 minutes
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Main Terminal - Brookwood Farms Carolina Pit BBQ
The baby back ribs platter at CTL’s Brookwood Farms BBQ
The house specialities at this buffet-style kiosk are pit-smoked pork ribs, pulled pork shoulder and sliced ham paired with a North Carolina barbecue sauce, which has a healthy splash of vinegar and a tomato base. Brookwood Farms BBQ’s stewed greens have no hint of bitterness, the hush puppies are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the tasty fried pickles shouldn’t be missed. Consider trying a locally brewed Carolina Blond Ale and a scoop of the rich mac-and-cheese. One stop here could keep you full for an entire cross-country flight, or quite possibly an entire day.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 15-20 minutes
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Midway Triangle - Gold Coast Dogs
At Midway’s Gold Coast Dogs, you can just about everything on your hot dog – but ketchup is a no-no
In Chicago, it’s considered sacrilege to put ketchup on your hot dog, and you’ll find a sign to that effect outside the Midway version of this local franchise. (If ketchup is a must for you, it’s available, but you might want to be discreet.) At Gold Coast Dogs, you’re more than welcome to smother your char-grilled Vienna beef single or double dog with relish, mustard, onions, celery salt, spicy pepper, and even a layer of greasy-yet-crispy French fries, as the locals do.
Traveling through Chicago O’Hare? Look for Gold Coast Dogs in Terminal 5.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 10 minutes
Midway Triangle - Harry Caray’s Seventh Inning Stretch
A spinoff of the original Magnificent Mile location, Harry Caray’s Seventh Inning Stretch is an ode to Chicago’s beloved baseball announcer and a solid dining option at MDW. Fill up on a full array of sandwiches and burgers (go for the pretzel bread), huge platters of Southern Italian specialities and steakhouse fare, or the small gluten-free menu. Or you can just catch a Cubs game on TV while noshing on housemade potato chips and blue-cheese fondue paired with a martini.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 30-45 minutes
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Terminals 1, 3 & 5 - Tortas Frontera
This cochinita pibil torta can be found at all three of O’Hare’s Tortas Frontera kiosks
Famous for his authentic Mexican cuisine, Chicago chef and restaurateur Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill now has almost as many restaurants in O’Hare as he does in the entire Windy City. The griddle-baked, open faced sandwiches (available for breakfast, lunch and dinner) at Tortas Frontera are absolutely delicious, with hearty fillings like beer-braised beef short ribs, egg and poblano rajas, or garlicky shrimp and goat cheese. Don’t skip the guacamole with roasted tomatillos, which you can top with bacon, sundried tomatoes and more.
You’ll find local Goose Island beer at several other places in O’Hare, but Frontera serves what may well be the best hand-crafted margaritas at any airport in America.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 15-30 minutes
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Terminal A - Pappadeux Seafood Kitchen
Oysters Pappadeux with crabmeat, spinach and hollandaise (oh, my) at DFW’s Pappadeux Seafood Kitchen
The portions at this Cajun-themed, sit-down restaurant are every bit as big as Texas. Pappadeux Seafood Kitchen is known for its huge fish filet platters, but its namesake Oysters Pappadeux -piled with crabmeat, spinach and hollandaise - is a real treat for oyster fans. For those who prefer turf to surf, there’s plenty of steak and chicken, and their Greek salad is surprisingly authentic–unless you’re aware that this Southwestern/Midwestern/Southern chain has long been owned by a Greek family.
At the risk of being so full you won’t make it to your gate, consider a decadent slice of sweet potato pecan pie, or drink dessert with a booze-and-fruit-spiked lemonade.
You’ll find additional Pappadeuxs at both Houston’s William P. Hobby and George Bush Intercontinental airports.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 45 minutes
Terminal D - Tígin Irish Pub
The menu at this cozy Irish tavern offers a big step up from traditional pub fare with rich reubens and veggie sandwiches on buttery grilled marble rye, flaky boxtys with slices of flamed brandy steak, side orders of house-baked Guinness-cheddar bread and leafy green salads that might just balance out that second beer. At Tigin Irish Pub, treat yourself to an order of light, crispy fish and chips or not-quite-plain-old chips (thin- or thick-cut) topped with chicken curry, spicy lamb, rosemary and parmesan.
You’ll find another Tígin at New York’s JFK in Terminal 4.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 30 minutes
Denver International Airport (DEN)
C Gates - Root Down
At DEN’s Root Down, the decor (like this chandelier of globes) is as innovative as the farm-to-table cuisine
This bright, artsy outpost of Denver’s field-to-fork favorite, serves a mix of healthy and indulgent fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner amidst quirky, travel-themed decor with a full bar and a view of the tarmac. If you’re a raw foods enthusiast, vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free, the kitchen at Root Down has you covered. You’ll find lots of seat-adjacent outlets for plugging in your phone or laptop, and you’re welcome to linger over popular choices like a Cobb salad, chorizo breakfast burrito, lamb sliders, sweet potato waffle fries and a large array of locally brewed craft beers.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 30 minutes
Fort Lauderdale-Hollwyood International Airport (FLL)
Terminal 3 - Food Network Kitchen
At FLL, try Food Network Kitchen’s Florida Shrimp Po’Boy with Key lime tartar sauce
This casual restaurant and market found in Jet Blue’s Terminal 3 offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with recipes created by the Food Network’s test kitchen. Decor includes a butcher block bar counter, subway tile, stainless steel surfaces and hanging pots and pans. The made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, Mexican and breakfast specialties feature South Florida and Latin touches like sauces spiked with Key lime and cafe con leche.
Tuck into the Signature Cuban sandwich with ham, roast pork, swiss cheese, mustard and pickles, or the Florida Shrimp Po’Boy made with coconut-breaded shrimp and whole-grain mustard cole slaw, as well as a full bar menu of beer, Food Network-branded wine, and hand-crafted cocktails.
You’ll find another Food Network Kitchen at ATL in Terminal 4.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 10-20 minutes
Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Terminal C - Urban Crave
Urban Crave brings made-to-order street food – like this Sonoran Hot Dog – to Houston’s IAH airport
With separate counters for dining in and taking out, Urban Crave offers both efficiency and delicious made-to-order burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches arranged on funky newsprint-style paper. Try a breakfast burrito stuffed with eggs, bacon and fresh veggies.
Instead of traditional toppings, the Inside-Out Burgers have additions like bacon and cheddar mixed right into their patties. The bacon-wrapped Sonoran Dog is laid end to end with jalapeños, and rather than sliced ribe-eye, the U-Steak and Cheese features braised pulled short ribs. For a fun Texas specialty, try the bean-free Frito Chili Pie, and pair it with a local craft brew or a spicy Bloody Mary.
Another Urban Crave is now open at San Diego airport Terminal 1.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 15 minutes
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Terminal 5 - Lemonade
Lemonade at LAX
An impressively large version of a beloved Southern California chain, cafeteria-style Lemonade serves hot comfort food, cold salads, made-to-order grilled sandwiches, a bevy of desserts and their signature flavored lemonades, like peach ginger and cucumber mint.
The breakfast menu has everything from egg sandwiches to granola parfaits, and at lunch and dinner, you can order an assortment of prepared salads, like watermelon radish with ahi tuna and snap peas. Go for healthy proteins like citrus-poached salmon or pile a plate with braised meats and poultry, greens, rice and/or mac-and-cheese.
Daily soups and chili are always available, and the cupcakes come in two sizes – large and mini – in case you have room left after your feast.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 15-20 minutes
Loteria Grill - Terminals 5 & 7
Both of the LAX outposts of homegrown L.A. favorite Loteria are festooned with images of eponymous Mexican tarot cards and offer made-to-order tacos, burritos and chilaquiles. A big plate of the latter – crispy tortilla strips tossed with scrambled eggs, queso fresco, onions, cilantro and a choice of sauces like green tomatillo, chipotle or mole poblano could keep you sated for an all-day flight. Pair your meal with the aqua fresca of the day, like watermelon or cantaloupe.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 15-20 minutes
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Concourse D - The Counter
Create your own burgers (like this one with egg, cheddar and bacon) at MIA’s The Counter
Originating in Honolulu and now found all across America, burger hotspot The Counter has made its way to Miami, but only at its airport. The multiple-choice menu here allows you to design your own burgers, breakfast sandwiches and salads. You can pair your meal with sweet potato fries, shoestring fries or a combo of both. Enjoy some wine or beer, or build-your-own milkshakes, floats and malts.
There’s another branch of The Counter at LAX in Terminal 7.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 10-30 minutes
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
Terminal 1 - Ike’s Food & Cocktails
Bite into the incredible patty melt at Ike’s and wash it down with a gin martini.
The downtown Minneapolis branch of Ike’s Food & Cocktails is famous for specialty burgers like the double patty Monster served on a butter-toasted onion bun with bacon and cheddar, or the Serious Patty Melt on grilled parmesan bread, both of which are available at the MSP outpost. You’ll also find a menu of bar bites, seafood and steak platters and breakfast specialties, like fluffy omelets and Cinnamon Swirl French toast. Enjoy made-to-order sandwiches like the Salmon BLT, Minneapolis’ most popular Bloody Mary, and thick-cut, lightly breaded onion rings paired with roasted-tomato mayo.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 45 minutes
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Concourse C - Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge
At the BNA version of Tootsie’s, you’ll find hearty fare, cocktails and live music
In a fun twist on airport dining, the BNA version of this Music City icon features talented local musicians performing their hearts out. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge also serves delicious pulled pork served either as a sandwich or on a plate with pickles and cole slaw and a choice of mild or hot BBQ sauce. Pair your meal with spicy black-eyed peas and a locally brewed Yazoo beer.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 20-30 minutes
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Terminal C - Grand Central Oyster Bar
A civilized platter of oysters on ice at EWR’s Grand Central Oyster Bar
Pair a glass of crisp Vinho Verde or piquant Grenache with a crab cake sandwich, a bowl of creamy New England clam chowder or garlicky bouillabaisse at Grand Central Oyster Bar, a riff on the original in Grand Central Station. You can even indulge in an impressive raw bar selection of Atlantic and Pacific oysters elegantly arrayed on silver plates of crushed ice.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 45 minutes
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Concourse D - Ye Olde College Inn
Shrimp and oyster po’boys and local Abita beers at MSY’s Ye Olde College Inn
If all you need to ease the pain of leaving NOLA is one last po’boy, fried green tomato remoulade and a glass of Abita for the road, stop by the MSY version of this Carrollton classic before you depart. Try Ye Olde College Inn’s pan-seared catfish with sides of rice and sautéed spinach, the pork medallions and mustard greens, or splurge on a rich bowl of shrimp and stone ground grits. There are plenty of tables here, but for the quickest service, seat yourself at the horseshoe bar.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 25-40 minutes
New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Terminal 5 - Piquillo
Tapas galore at JFK’s Piquillo
Piquillo offers upscale, high-design Spanish tapas in a sophisticated setting at JFK. Opt for a freshly grilled sandwich or a cazuela, a small earthenware crock of slow-cooked Catalan stews. Other great dishes include crispy-fried calamari sandwich with lettuce, tomato and mayo, bacon-wrapped dates, or anything with chorizo. Pair your meal with a glass of Cava, Albariño or Rioja from their excellent list of Spanish wines.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 30-45 minutes
Shake Shack - Terminal 4
Chef Danny Meyer’s original Madison Square Park “roadside burger stand” has grown into a wildly popular chain that’s spread to Miami, London and JFK’s Terminal 4 with two locations set 14 gates apart. Unsurprisingly, they specialize in milkshakes, but you don’t want to miss their all-beef Double Shack Burger, salty, ridge-cut fries and hot dogs, which are split-grilled and filled with toppings like cheddar cheese sauce, chopped onions or ale-marinated shallots. If shakes aren’t your thing, go for some sweet frozen custard.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 10-20 minutes
New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Terminal D - Bisoux
Enjoy French bistro fare and high design at LGA’s Bisoux
Set in LGA’s fancy new Delta Terminal and wrapped in a cool, lacy web of red metal, this Provençal bistro features a menu created by Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson, the chefs behind Balthazar, Pastis and Minetta Tavern in Manhattan. Go for the rich, cheesy French onion soup, the croque monsieur, the big tuna nicoise salad with perfectly al dente green beans, and the crispy duck confit, and pair your meal with a glass of French wine. The adjacent Bisoux Market offers the sit-down restaurant’s entire menu to-go.
At other restaurants throughout Terminal D, you can place your order and pay via iPads where you’re asked to enter your flight information, so that you’re alerted when to head to your gate.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 10-30 minutes
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Terminal 4, Gate D - Barrio Cafe
Created by nationally-lauded Latina chef Silvana Salcido Esparza, this is the sit-down, airport food court version of one of the city’s most popular Mexican restaurants. Plastered with vibrant street-art-style murals, it serves creative twists on traditional Mexican specialties with burritos, quesadillas, tortas and tacos.
Full breakfasts feature gourmet ingredients like green-chile marinated pork, goat cheese, garlic shrimp and more. The cochinita pibil has a real kick, the guacamole is prepared tableside, the beers and coffee beans hail from Mexico and in addition to heavy-pour margaritas like the Cointreau-spiked Lowrider, you’ll find a nice list of craft tequilas.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 25-40 minutes
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Terminal 2 - Stone Brewing Co.
At SAN’s Stone Brewing Co., hot sandwiches and and local beer make for a delightful trip
San Diego is rapidly becoming America’s new beer capital, with no small thanks to this beloved local chain. SAN’s version of Stone Brewing Co. is quietly swanky with pale, exposed brick, coppery paint and reclaimed wood paneling, as well as a marble bar where you’ll find Stone’s own beers–Arrogant Bastard, Ruination, Green Plash Rayon Vert–on tap and in bottles.
These beers find their way onto the food menu, as well, from the Porter-laced mac-and-cheese to the ale BBQ sauce on duck confit tacos with asiago cheese and avocado puree. Try the hemp seed pretzels served warm with jalapeño-cheese sauce, or the citrusy housemade hummus and barley crackers, and know that if you’re not a beer person, you’ll find hand-crafted cocktails, California wines and Stone’s brand sodas.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 20-30 minutes
San Francisco (SFO)
Cat Cora’s Kitchen - Terminal 2
Lobster mac-n-cheese at an airport?! Yup, at Cat Cora’s Kitchen at SFO
SFO’s stylish Terminal 2 has a whole array of eateries, homegrown and otherwise, but none offers a tastier experience than this sit-down oasis of comfort food from Food Network star chef Cat Cora. Tuck into a huge Cobb salad with apricot vinaigrette, surf and turf slider trios, a steamy, seafood-stocked bowl of Greek Fisherman’s Stew, or a sexy mac-and-cheese with lobster, and try to leave room for pistachio baklava. The wines and beers at Cat Cora’s Kitchen are sourced almost entirely from Northern and Central California.
You’ll find additional Cat Cora’s Kitchens at Houston’s IAH in Terminal E and Salt Lake City International’s Terminal 1.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 20-40 minuntes
Seattle (SEA)
Beecher’s Cafe - Central Terminal, Concourse C
Cheese, glorious cheese comes in all forms and dishes at Sea-Tac’s Beecher’s Cafe
The star attraction at the airport version of this Pike Place Market lunch counter is the glorious homemade cheese. Indulge in the “World’s Best” mac-n-cheese, velvety tomato soup, rustic sandwiches and big omelets made with crab, turkey, ham and/or veggies. Stop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and stock up on wheels and wedges of cheese at the market kiosk.
Pop next door for a coffee from Beecher’s-operated and Seattle-roasted Caffe Vita.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 15-30 minutes
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Five Guys - Terminal C
Grab a Five Guys burger, fries and a lot of napkins before you depart DCA
The Virginia-based Five Guys’ DCA branch is undoubtedly home to the airport’s most irresistible burgers. The kiosk’s decor is bright and friendly, with 1950s diner-style touches of red and white, and the fresh-grilled burgers (with one or two patties) are perched on sweet, eggy buns and piled ambitiously high with your chosen combination of toppings, like bacon, grilled onions, cheese, tomatoes, pickles and lettuce. Consider sampling a toppings-laden beef hot dog, and be warned that the spicy-salty Cajun fries are addictive.
Other branches of Five Guys can be found at ATL, LGA and Raleigh-Durham airports.
Approximate Layover Time Required: 10 minutes
Vino Volo offers cheese, charcuterie, wine flights and more at airports across America
And extra credit goes to…
Vino Volo- This national chain of bar/cafes is an all-around good choice for food, wine (locally made, where available) and last-minute gifts. You’ll find friendly, knowledgeable service and you can choose from sandwiches, salads, cheese and charcuterie boards, and even flights of wine before your flights.
Vino Volo can be found in the following airports: Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, New York JFK, Newark, Oakland, Orange County (California), Philadelphia, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C.’s Dulles.
What are your favorite airport restaurants in the U.S.? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!