The Best Domestic Airport Foods

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Airports are busy, and no one enjoys standing in the long security lines.  If you’ve got a long layover, you’ll probably want to find a place to enjoy a snack or a meal. Here is a list of the tastiest airport destinations—and some apps you can use to locate good airport food.

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Airport – Atlanta, Georgia 

ATL can feel like navigating an obstacle course as one of the world’s busiest airports. On your way to one of ATL’s 192 gates, enjoy some delectable fried chicken and black-eyed peas at Paschal’s. If you’re looking for a quick treat, you’ll love indulging your sweet tooth at Piece of Cake. If you’ve got enough time, savor the sushi or Salmon Benedict at this Southern-inspired restaurant.

2. Dallas-Fort Worth International – Fort Worth, Texas 

This airport is truly a “tale of two cities.” Sample one of the craft beers at Flying Saucer. Since you’re in Texas, it would be a shame to miss the mouth-watering Texas barbecue ribs or sandwiches at Sonny Bryan’s Steakhouse. A layover would be the perfect time to enjoy Cantina Laredo’s Tex-Mex food – especially artichoke heart enchiladas. 

3. Denver International – Denver, Colorado

When you land at the Mile High City, relax and enjoy a full menu from juicy burgers to a raw vegan menu at Root Down. If you’d like a glass of wine, try Denver’s favorite drinking spot: the Great Divide. Lunch seekers will find an extensive list of sandwiches at Snarf’s Sandwiches.

4. O’Hare International – Chicago, Illinois

At the heart of the Midwest, you’ll find plenty of choices for snacks or full meals. Since you’re in Chicago, you should enjoy a Chicago hot dog at Gold Coast Dogs. Stop at Tortas Frontera for lunch – and try one of their irresistible tortas. With time, visitors can savor hand-carved pastrami sandwiches at Berghoff Café. 

5. Los Angeles International Airport

LAX is a busy hub for international travelers, but take a deep breath, and you’ll find some fantastic fare. Take your time and savor the Oaxaca-inspired quesadillas at the Border Grill. Snack seekers will enjoy the avocado toast or German pretzels at Santa Monica Brew Works. Lobster rolls at Slapfish are not to be missed for seafood lovers.

6. JFK (John F Kennedy) International -Queens, NYC, New York

Coming into New York City is a thrilling experience, and this busy airport is a fitting introduction to the City’s hustling streets. Treat yourself to the honey-laden baklava at Eat & Go. Spend a layover afternoon in the Paris Cafe, celebrating the poppy seed-crusted salmon. Don’t miss the Shake Shack for iconic world-class burgers and thick shakes for an upscale fast-food lunch.

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7. Harry Reid International-Las Vegas, Nevada

Visitors to Vegas may be in the mood to gamble, but it’s no gamble to enjoy the woodfire pizza at Sammy’s Woodfire Pizza. If you want a unique type of Pizza, try their LeDou barbecue chicken pizza. If you’re looking for another choice for pizza, try Metro Pizza. Did you forget a gift for someone special? Just pay a visit to Ethel M. Chocolates. When you get into town, stop by its factory for a tour and take a side trip to its cactus garden.

8. Phoenix Sky Harbor – Phoenix, Arizona 

Breakfast lovers will love the all-day morning food at Matt’s Big Breakfast. Whether you crave waffles or omelets, this is the place for you. Are you only looking for coffee or tea? Grab the best cup of coffee or tea at Cartel Roasting Company.

Airport Food Apps

If you aren’t at one of those airports, you may be looking for a way to find the best food at your current airport. Some apps allow you to pre-order your food. Installing these apps before you leave will prepare you for food anywhere you land. 

Grab (for iPhone or Android -free) 

With this app, you can pre-order food in over 2,000 destinations. The app allows you to search for restaurants. If you securely provide your credit card info, you can also pre-pay for your order. From kiosks to fine dining, you’ll be good to go. 

Lounge Buddy (for iPhone or Android -free)

Rather than locating diners or food kiosks, this app will search out the nearest airport lounges. The app will store the information about your airline loyalty memberships. With that information, the app can specify lounges for your airline. It will also provide a review- plus alerts about loyalty perks available at your destination. 

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