The 20 Best Airport Restaurants in the US
Updated: May 10, 2024
If you think airport food is only one step above airplane food, you're in for a surprise! These restaurants are serving delicious (and often locally sourced) foods in 20 of America's busiest airports.
BGR
Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
For a great lunch at this busy hub, stop in and visit BGR, a homegrown burger chain that offers lots of customizable options. We recommend the Greek burger, made with lamb and topped with tzatziki, cucumber, and feta cheese.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Charlotte-Douglas International Airport
Another great burger joint can be found in Charlotte’s bustling airport. Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar originated in the Queen City and has expanded to 28 locations in several states; you’ll want to eat there for the fried pickles alone!
Cousin’s Bar-B-Q
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport
You can’t pass through Texas without eating some barbecued meat! Cousin’s is a family-owned smokehouse that’s been serving up the classics for years. Try the brisket sandwich and get a little taste of Texas before you leave!
Here are the 50 most-famous recipes to come from the Lone Star state.
Root Down DIA
Denver International Airport
This unique restaurant stands out even in the largest airport in the US (by area). It offers a field-to-fork menu, and not only is it a Certified Green Business, but they also have a composting program! Get the Colorado lamb sliders with bacon, harissa aioli, and mint-garlic yogurt.
Andiamo
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Sample some local Italian favorites at Andiamo. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and we recommend the lemon ricotta pancakes for any and all of those meals!
Here are more ideas if you’re a fan of breakfast for dinner.
Chef Geoff’s
Washington DC’s Dulles International Airport
There must be something about airports that make people crave burgers! Chef Geoff’s is a gourmet burger place that’s perfect for a leisurely meal between flights. Order the black bean burger for an interesting and delicious change; it comes topped with pepper jack cheese and cherry pepper relish.
The Breakfast Klub
Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport
If you’re a breakfast lover and are just passing through Houston via the airport, you’re in luck–the best breakfast in the Magnolia City has set up shop inside! You can’t go wrong with their fried chicken and waffles.
Grindhouse Killer Burgers
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
“Live fast. Eat well!” That’s the motto of this fun restaurant that has several locations throughout Atlanta. They show campy movies and of course offer very satisfying fare. You have to grab some cheesy poofs, which are fried pimiento cheese nuggets; how could anyone resist?
Craving pimento? We’ve got you covered.
Blue Smoke on the Road
JFK International Airport
This airport eatery is a smaller version of Danny Meyer’s famous Blue Smoke restaurant, which is a barbecue powerhouse in NYC. The pulled pork sandwich with sesame slaw is not to be missed.
Stephanie’s
Boston’s Logan International Airport
This sibling of several other Boston favorites offers sophisticated flavors in an upscale bistro setting. Their full bar will bring people in, and their New England clam chowder made with local clams will keep people coming back for more.
Love New England fare? Try our 25 favorite recipes.
Cole’s
Los Angeles International Airport
Cole’s claims to be the originator of the French dip sandwich so be sure to order the staple right from the source. This LA landmark also offers surprisingly well-made cocktails.
Sushi Maki
Miami International Airport
This local favorite is actually a mini-chain offering lots of sushi selections (crab, salmon roe, and eel, to name a few) and some cooked options. Give the sushi tacos a try; you’ll never look at fish tacos the same way again!
Smack-Shack
Minneapolis St.Paul International Airport
You might not expect a fantastic seafood restaurant offering sustainably caught fish to be located in an airport in Minneapolis, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Smack-Shack. Do yourself a favor and order the lobster roll!
Learn how to make lobster at home with tips from our Test Kitchen.
Tortas Frontera
Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport
Rick Bayless has created quite a name for himself in Chicago, and you can taste his food without even leaving the airport! Try his take on tortas—a Mexican griddled sandwich. We suggest the Cubana: a combination of smoked pork loin, black beans, cilantro crema, and avocado.
Cask & Larder
Orlando International Airport
Even airport restaurants can be environmentally aware! Cask & Larder offers “farm to terminal dining” and serves locally sourced Southern fare. Experience the best of the South with their Nashville chicken with Alabama white sauce.
Tony Luke’s
Philadelphia International Airport
Tony Luke’s is a household name in Philadelphia and beloved by many visitors. Even if you’re just in Philly for a layover you can try Tony Luke’s signature cheesesteak. We hear it’s as messy as it is tasty.
Matt’s Big Breakfast
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Many breakfast offerings are considered comfort food, and that’s what most of us need when traveling. At PHX, you can find the best of breakfast and more at Matt’s! Their Belgian waffle is worth waiting on a lengthy layover.
High West Distillery
Salt Lake City International Airport
High West is Utah’s first distillery since to open since the 1870s, and their airport shop is certainly worth a visit! They do serve food, but if you only have time for a drink, try the High West Lemonade, which consists of mint and house-made lemonade, plus your choice of their amazing whiskey or vodka.
Bun Mee
San Francisco International Airport
This clever eatery serves variations of the classic banh mi sandwich, including everything from smoky eggplant to crispy catfish. Our favorite is the grilled lemongrass pork with garlic mayonnaise—it’s exotic yet familiar.
Floret
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Floret is an offshoot of a local favorite, Flora, and they serve vibrant vegetarian fare fresh from local farms. Anything on their menu is worth having, but you’d be remiss if you skipped their vegan cinnamon rolls with maple toasted pecans and vanilla icing!
Originally Published: August 28, 2018
