Whether it’s due to a delayed flight, a speedier-than-expected security line, or a long layover, we all have to brave the airport eatery gauntlet at some point in our traveling lives. Try one of these 10 restaurants the next time you’re stuck—you might be so impressed, you’ll make a voluntary trip back (at least at the pre-security locations).
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Cat Cora's Kitchen, San Francisco International Airport
Location: Terminal 2, post-security
Cat Cora, an "Iron Chef" on Food Network's Iron Chef America since 2005, is winning over SFO flyers with her airport restaurant. The eatery features lobster mac and cheese, seafood sliders, and an excellent cocktail menu—perfect for drinking away a flight delay.
Cat Cora's Kitchen, San Francisco International Airport
Location: Terminal 2, post-security
Cat Cora, an "Iron Chef" on Food Network's Iron Chef America since 2005, is winning over SFO flyers with her airport restaurant. The eatery features lobster mac and cheese, seafood sliders, and an excellent cocktail menu—perfect for drinking away a flight delay.
Custom Burgers by Pat LaFrieda, LaGuardia Airport
Location: Terminal D, post-security
You might not have complete control over your flight, but you'll have complete control over your burger at Custom Burgers by Pat LaFrieda. Use the handy touchscreen to design your dream burger; you can add toppings as exotic as a fried egg or pork roll or as traditional as cheddar cheese. Best of all, a simple cheeseburger starts at less than $5, an astonishingly reasonable price for an airport meal.
One Flew South, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Location: Terminal E, post-security
An oasis inside the busy Atlanta airport, One Flew South is decorated with a Georgia forest photo-mural, a 30-foot sushi bar made of pine and Cherokee marble, and a native heart-pine floor and ceiling. Embrace the relaxed atmosphere by sipping on one of the restaurant's signature cocktails or boutique wines, or indulge in some down-home Southern cooking by ordering the Thyme-Roasted Pork Belly, OFS Meatloaf, or Benton's Bacon BLT.
Encounter Restaurant, Los Angeles International Airport
Location: Center, pre-security
This spaceship-like structure designed in 1960 to usher in the "jet age" may feel a bit dated, but at least it's unique. Stop in for a drink at the intergalactic-themed cocktail lounge (complete with lava lamps) or get a table and dine on fresh California cuisine. The best part of Encounter is the view, so head to the observation deck (open Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m.–5p.m.) even if you don't have time for a pre-flight bite.
Tortas Frontera, Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Location: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, post-security
These quick-service airport cafes by celebrity chef Rick Bayless (of Top Chef Masters fame) are so good that the Chicago Tribune called them "a reason to get delayed at O'Hare." Grab and go with freshly made Mexican food like molletes or tortas, and smother everything with guacamole from the guacamole bar. Concerned about where your food is coming from? Tortas Frontera's website lists the local farms from which it sources its ingredients, so you'll know you're getting a taste of Chicago even if you never leave the airport.
The Salt Lick, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Location: Gate 10, post-security
The Salt Lick barbecue restaurants have been raved about in everything from the Washington Post to the New York Times, and now you can get a little taste of Texas from a stand at the airport. Don't let the time of day dissuade you from stopping here—there are breakfast tacos for the morning and there's brisket for all other meals.
New Belgium Hub, Denver International Airport
Location: Terminal B, post-security
Colorado is famous for its microbrews, so check out one of its most famous at Denver airport. The New Belgium Brewing Company's Hub restaurant has many microbrews on tap and a variety of food to soak 'em up.
Brookwood Farms BBQ, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport
Location: Main Terminal Atrium, post-security
You'll stay full until you reach your final destination if you dine at Brookwood Farms BBQ. Go for a pulled-pork sandwich, ribs, or hush puppies—we hope you packed wet wipes! Not in the mood for meat? You can still get cheap beer and fried pickles.
La Carreta, Miami International Airport
Location: Terminal D, post-security
An outpost of the delicious Cuban chain awaits you at Miami airport. Get a pre-made sandwich or salad if you're pressed for time, or grab a tray and belly up to the hot bar if you want to sample a bit of everything. Save some room for the classic Cuban desserts (or pack one in your carry-on for your flight).
La Vie, John F. Kennedy International Airport
Location: Terminal 5, post-security
Started by chefs from the famed New York City restaurants Balthazar and Pastis, La Vie brings a little bit of Paris to flyers in need of anything from a coffee to a full meal. Red-eye flyers can start the day off right with brioche French toast, midday diners can grab a salad, and evening jet setters can fuel up with hearty dinner entrees.
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