10 Airport Restaurants So Good, They’re Worth Showing Up Early

As someone who loves arriving at the airport super early for a flight, I typically have plenty of time to kill before boarding. This always gives me time to walk around and, maybe, sit down and enjoy a meal at one of the airport concourse restaurants by my gate. Over the years, I have found that not all airport eateries are created equal, and because dining at an airport typically comes with higher prices, I refuse to spend money on a meal unless it's absolutely worth it. Across the country, numerous highly rated and chef-driven restaurants have opened at major airports, and the following offer food so good that they are worth showing up early to indulge in a pre-flight meal.

1. Legal Sea Foods - Boston Logan (BOS)

• Locations: Terminal A at Gate A4, Terminal B at Gate 8B, Terminal B Connector by Gate B26, Terminal C Post-TSA Checkpoint, Terminal E at Gate E13, and Terminal E at Gate E9
• Top pre-flight dishes: New England Clam Chowder and the Legal Lobster Roll

Growing up in New England, I have been to several Legal Sea Foods locations and could never get enough of their fresh seafood, especially the creamy New England clam chowder. Legal Sea Foods is a New England staple, and with six locations at Boston Logan, your gate is never too far from fresh seafood. Enjoy your fill of the award-winning chowder, a lobster roll, or any number of seafood dishes accompanied by savory sides, and pair with a cocktail. Legal Sea Foods locations also offer plenty of gluten-free options and a kids' menu. To me, this is an obvious choice when flying out of Boston.

2. Pedal Haus Brewery - Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)

• Location: Terminal 4 near Gate D11
• Top pre-flight dishes: Rustic Pizzas and Bavarian Pretzel

Those traveling out of Phoenix Sky Harbor can't seem to get enough of Pedal Haus Brewery. From rustic pizzas on crust imported from Italy and crispy chicken wings to local brews and creative cocktails, it's worth spending extra time at the airport just to dine here. The menu also offers vegan pizzas and gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions. If you have an early morning flight, Pedal Haus Brewery's breakfast menu, featuring breakfast pizza, breakfast burritos, waffles, avocado toast, and a variety of sides, is a great way to kick off your day. And we wouldn't blame you if you order a Beermosa made with orange juice and the Bière Blanche Belgian Witbier, or a Haus Bloody Mary garnished with sopprasetta, bratwurst, olives, mozzarella, lemon, and a salt- or spicy Tajin rim, to accompany breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

3. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen - George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

• Location: Terminal E
• Top pre-flight dishes: Seafood Gumbo, Catfish Dinner, and Hot Honey Glazed Gator Bites

I accompanied my husband on a work trip to Houston recently, and we had the most incredible meal at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen downtown. I was told by one of his Houston-born-and-raised colleagues that this popular local chain is a staple in Texas, and dining here is a must whenever he comes back home to visit. Known for its Cajun dishes that give guests a taste of the French Quarter, Pappadeaux's offers fresh, flavorful food no matter what you order. My husband ordered the fried catfish served over a heaping pile of French fries, while I ordered the Greek salad, tossed tableside by our server. Everything was so incredibly delicious, I could see why it's such a popular chain. And if you missed dining at a city location, do yourself a favor and try the one at IAH before flying out.

4. Chickie's & Pete's - Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

• Locations: Terminal A West and Terminals B, C, and D
• Top pre-flight dishes: Crabfries and Philly Cheesesteak

Philadelphia is a sports town with passionate fans, so it's no wonder a sports bar chain like Chickie's and Pete's is such a hit among locals and tourists alike. With several locations around Philly and other towns in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, sports fans can catch a game on TV screens around the bar while drinking beer and ordering from the seafood-centric menu. If there's one menu item Chickie's and Pete's is known for, it's the World Famous Crabfries, which come with two sides of cheese sauce. Be sure to lock down a bar stool at one of four PHL locations, especially if you want to catch a game before catching your flight.

5. Columbia Café - Tampa International Airport (TPA)

• Location: Concourse E
• Top pre-flight dishes: The Original Cuban Sandwich and Cuban Black Bean Soup

The original Columbia Cafe first opened in 1905 in Tampa's Ybor City, making it the oldest restaurant in Florida. Since then, this century-old establishment has expanded to other locations around the Sunshine State, including Sarasota, St. Augustine, Clearwater, and the Tampa Airport. If you missed dining at Columbia Cafe during your Florida getaway, arrive at TPA early so you can experience this award-winning restaurant, best known for its Original Cuban Sandwich (named the "Best Sandwich in Florida" by Food & Wine Magazine) and the Original "1905" Salad® (tossed tableside), before leaving town.

6. Obrycki’s - Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

• Location: Concourse B, between gates B-7 and B-9
• Top pre-flight dishes: Shrimp and grits with bacon, Crab cakes, and crab soup

Another historic restaurant on this list, Obrycki’s, opened its first location in Baltimore's Fells Point neighborhood in 1944. Due to its growing popularity, several Obrycki's locations have since opened, including one at BWI. Fresh blue crab meat is a must when ordering crab cakes and steamed crabs. The crab cakes are served broiled or fried with a side of cocktail and tartar sauces. While crab cakes are certainly an Obrycki's specialty, items like tacos, flatbreads, burgers, and salads are perfect for those craving something else.

7. Lake Wine Kitchen + Bar - Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)

• Location: Terminal 1, MSP Mall
• Top pre-flight dishes: Flatbreads and the Honey & Orange Sesame Salmon

If you're craving a delicious meal paired with wine, Lake Wine Kitchen + Bar is the place to go at MSP. From cheese boards, sandwiches, and flatbreads to entrees, including a wonderful lobster cavatappi pasta infused with red wine and Chardonnay scallops that deserve a glass of Chardonnay served alongside them, it's an elevated dining experience here at the airport. A crowd-pleasing favorite is the Honey & Orange Sesame Salmon, served with an heirloom tomato, arugula, and herbed orzo. The friendly, knowledgeable staff will help you choose the best wine to accompany your meal. Don't take off before stopping at Lake Wine Kitchen + Bar!

8. Grassa - Portland International Airport

• Location: North Concession Hall
• Top pre-flight dishes: Garlic bread, Pork Belly Mac & Cheese, and any of the handmade pastas!

A concept founded by notable chef, Rick Gencarelli of Lardo and Bluto's, Grassa stands apart with its quick-service, handcrafted pastas. The dishes err on comfort food, perfect for a pre-takeoff meal. While spaghetti and meatballs is a classic dish, don't overlook Grassa's other pasta creations. The pork belly mac and cheese and the black truffle pappardelle are begging to be tried! Don't have time to sit down at the airport for a meal at Grassa? Place an order through the website ahead of time and enjoy a delicious pasta dish on your flight!

9. Tortas Frontera - Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

• Location: Terminal 1 near gate B11, Terminal 3 near gate K4, and Terminal 5 near gate M18
• Top pre-flight dishes: Cubana and Chicken Tortas

Tortas Frontera is brought to Chicago O'Hare by celebrity chef and James Beard award-winner Rick Bayless, and, luckily, there are three terminal locations. The Mexican cuisine at Tortas Frotera includes the hand-crafted tortas it's known for. Tortas are Mexico City-inspired sandwiches made with telera rolls brushed with black beans and stuffed with meat or veggies, depending on what you order. Among the favorites are the Cubana Clásica with carnitas, smoked pork loin, bacon, jack cheese, chipotle mustard, and pickled onions, and the chipotle-roasted chicken with avocado, poblano rajas, jack cheese, arugula, and cilantro crema. As one customer said of Tortas Frontera, "By far the best airport food you can get. I always stop here when I’m in Chicago." And once you try it, you will, too!

10. Root Down - Denver International Airport (DEN)

• Location: C Gates
• Top pre-flight dishes: Beet & Goat Cheese Salad, Thai Carrot Curry, and Hot Honey Sweet Potato Fries

For those flying out of Denver, Root Down is an award-winning eatery featuring globally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced, seasonal organic ingredients. Perfect for those who want to eat healthy or have dietary needs, the menu features a wide selection of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Everything is made fresh. The cocktail menu is also worth a glance—perhaps you'll order the Beet Down (pictured above). This adult beverage is handcrafted with gin, Aperol, beet shrub, and lemon, and garnished with mint—a nice, light option before a flight.

Airport Dining at its Finest

Have you checked in early for a flight just to have enough time to dine at an airport restaurant? If so, what is your favorite place to enjoy a meal while waiting to board a plane? Please send us a note through our nomination page to tell us all about it. For more delectable dining options across the U.S., try Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.

Planning your next trip, but have a layover? Check out the 10 Best U.S. Airports that make layovers fun.