While you may dread the thought of airplane food, the good news is that airports all over the globe are designed to keep you entertained and well-fed. It’s no surprise that airports offer typical go-to fare, such as top fast food names and coffee shops. But at the same time, airports also offer casual and even upscale dining options.
Stuck for hours after a delayed flight and need to pass some time? Did you head to the airport on an empty stomach? Got a pre-flight sweet tooth? Here are 7 of the best airport restaurants that you’ll want to try.
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Maudie’s Tex-Mex – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
If you happen to be at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and craving authentic tex-mex food, you’ll want to head over to Maudie’s Tex-Mex. The restaurant’s menu is full of delicious options, including fajitas, nachos enchiladas, queso, and much more! Maudie’s even offers gluten-free and vegetarian options, so everyone can enjoy the tex-mex flavors.
Get rid of your flight anxiety and enjoy a delicious signature margarita. There’s even a cucumber basil margarita if you want to try something completely unique!
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1897 Market – Charlotte Douglas International Airport
There’s nothing worse than an empty belly on a long flight. At Charlotte Douglas International Airport, be sure to eat to your heart’s content at 1897 Market. The gourmet marketplace offers a huge selection of food, including fresh woodstone pizza, a raw bar, and a carving station. The bar is stocked full of craft crews including small batch bourbons, scotches, and premium wines.
Aside from food, 1897 Market also sells fun gifts including specialty candies, gourmet nuts, and a cool carry-on cocktail kit to take your flight to another level.
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Crú – Dallas Love Field Airport
Who could say no to food and wine pairings before heading off on a trip? At Dallas Love Field Airport, you’ll find the one-of-a-kind wine bar known as Crú. The wine bar is known for its cozy and romantic feel, perfect for sophisticated foodies as well as wine lovers. Crú serves brunch, lunch, dinner, and also offers an extensive wine list. Enjoy unique tastes including fig and gorgonzola bruschetta and lobster and shrimp potstickers, or enjoy an upscale Napa burger.
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Grill & Vine – Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport is one of the best if you’re looking for a picturesque view of the Rocky Mountains. If you’ve got a few hours to spend, head over to Grill & Vine for casual-upscale eats. You can even enjoy your meal on the restaurant’s huge patio while taking in the amazing Denver scenery.
Snack on delicious small plates including lobster mac ‘n cheese, steamed edamame, or dungeness crab stuffed peppers. For bigger appetites, check out the Kobe burger, Thai coconut lobster orzo pasta, or the sweet corn risotto. For those travelers with a sweet tooth, the rustic apple galette is sure to impress.
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Obrycki’s Restaurant & Bar – Baltimore-Washington International Airport
Baltimore is known for its blue crabs and Obrycki’s Restaurant & Bar lives up to the hype. The restaurant is located in Baltimore-Washington International Airport and serves everything from roasted oysters to crab cakes. Not a seafood person? Obrycki’s also has a chicken quesadilla pocket, potato skins, and hummus with pita. If you’re a Bloody Mary drinker, give the Crabby Mary a try.
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Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless – Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Chicago O’Hare International Airport is home to Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless, a must-try restaurant that’s been named best airport restaurant by Bon Appetit magazine. All food on the menu is brought in from farms in the U.S., so you can enjoy your meal knowing you’re supporting local farms and bakeries. If you’re looking for fast-casual dining with an inexpensive price tag, Tortas Frontera is sure to impress.
The restaurant specializes in traditional Mexican food including mouth-watering tortas, salads, and molletes. You can even enjoy a cazuela, a delicious way to start off the morning. If you’re an avocado lover, be sure to hit the guacamole bar. Create your own plate of guacamole and chips and top it with bacon, toasted pepitas, and other tasty flavors.
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Deep Blue – John F. Kennedy International Airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport may be one of the busiest places on the entire East coast, but a trip to Deep Blue takes you away from the hustle and bustle. The restaurant gives off the vibe of an upscale sushi joint with a menu that is sure to have sushi lovers rejoicing. The restaurant also serves fresh ramen, salads topped with tempura goat cheese, and teriyaki filet mignon.
Conclusion
Make the best of your trip with these 7 amazing restaurants. Though sitting in the airport isn’t the most exciting part of traveling, if you’ve got a few hours until your flight, chow down on some delicious bites!