A Look At The Best Airport Restaurants In The U.S.
Ever booked a flight with a layover and the first thing that pops into your head is, “At least this airport has a restaurant to eat at while I wait!”? I find myself doing that every now and then.
When I’m faced with a long layover or flight delay, I usually search for food, a cocktail, or coffee, depending on the time of day. Not that the time really matters at airports because you can eat and drink whatever you want, whenever you want, and no one will notice. However, not all airport dining experiences are created equal.
Whether you’re stuck with a flight delay or a long layover, every traveler eventually needs to grab a bite at the airport. For some, the thought of picking up an overpriced sandwich or poking at an underwhelming salad near their gate seems ideal. But if you’re lucky, you might just find a delicious meal before it’s time to board.
That’s where Best Life, a lifestyle magazine, comes in. They collaborated with travel experts and compiled a list of the best airport restaurants in the U.S.
They say these are the best airport restaurants in the U.S.
Number one on their list is Mauka Market at Terminal 1 in the Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Hawaii seems like a dream. So, I’m not surprised that one of their airport restaurants is at the top of the list. One of their experts highlights how the menu features a range of Hawaiian-inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and delicious cocktails made with regional flavors like lilikoi, lychee, guava, pineapple, and coconut.
Following behind at number two is Bud & Marilyn’s at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). There are plenty of food options available at this airport. But if you’re not quite feeling Chickie & Pete’s, Jack Duggan’s Pub & Restaurant, or Cibo Bistro & Wine Bar, Bud & Marilyn’s is a solid choice. If your layover is Monday through Friday between 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. you may get lucky and catch their happy hour. “Guests can expect breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus—as well as an elevated grab-and-go counter for those in a rush,” one of their experts said.
Wrapping up their top three is One Flew South at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). This airport can become quite overwhelming, especially if you’re hopping from one terminal to another. But if you have time to catch your breath and grab a bite, do it. Typically, I grab something quick when at this airport. But the next chance I get, I’ll have to swing by their number three choice.
“With two James Beard nominations, the acclaimed One Flew South at Atlanta-Hartsfield is far from being a new discovery, but there are still plenty of good reasons why this restaurant remains a dining destination,” said one of their experts. “The Southern and sushi menu is diverse and surprisingly extensive: I always struggle to pick what to have and have always been delighted with my choices,” they continued.
Other airports with restaurants highlighted include Miami International (MIA), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), and others. Take a look at the complete list here.
