The subject of airport dining is a touchy one. There's the issue of price, with food and drink prices at airports being on the same level as stadium food. And even then, the food leaves much to be desired. However, having spent many nights in a variety of U.S. airports, I've tasted the good and bad of America's airport food. However, while it can be hard to find, there are some good dining options. Today I tell you about a few of the best airport restaurants in the U.S.
Garduno's Chile Packing Company and Cantina, Albuquerque. It's a mouthful to say, but when that taco craving hits, you'll be happy you found Garduno's Chile Packing Company and Cantina at Albuquerque International Sunport. Not to mention they have cocktails and nothing says “travel” like a margarita. Garduno's has most of those go-to favorites you likely order from your local taqueria, from tacos to burritos to tamales to sopapillas. However, if you're about to board a long flight, you may want to hold off on the beans, or make sure the Beano and Tums made it into your carry-on.
Napa Farms Market, San Francisco. It's hard not to love SFO's new Terminal 2. A yoga room, sleek and comfortable high-back chairs, and a lot of local food options, including Napa Farms Market. If it seems to have the same feel as San Francisco's Ferry Building, that's because it features the same architects. Napa Farms Market offers a lot of local grab-and-go items, including oysters, cupcakes, sandwiches, and organic ice cream. Napa Farms Market makes you feel good about what you're eating at the airport if you have to give an arm and a leg for it.
One Flew South, Atlanta. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the airport for the traveler who not only wants good food options, but wants some variety to it. There are several restaurants scattered across the numerous terminals that give hope to what's often a hopeless dining experience. However, you may have to make a trek or fly international to enjoy One Flew South, which is located in the International Terminal. This is as close as an upscale dining experience that you're likely to find in an airport and it's best suited for those who have long layovers and don't care about having to throw down a lot of money for a nice meal. One Flew South features a sushi bar and features dishes with American and Asian influences, with dishes that include pork belly sliders and scallops.
Tortas Frontera, Chicago. Tortas Frontera seems to represent one of the latest trends in dining, which is that of well-known chefs opening up restaurants in airports. Frequent travelers to London may already be familiar with Gordon Ramsay's Plane Food, located in Heathrow. In Chicago, Rick Bayless opened up Tortas Frontera at O'Hare. Bayless is an award-winning chef who won the title of Bravo’s Top Chef Master. This is a good lunch or afternoon stop for grabbing one of Rick's popular tortas, which come topped with beef, pork, sausage, and Mexican veggies.
42nd Street Oyster Bar, Raleigh. Oysters probably aren't the first thing that come to mind when you think of Raleigh, North Carolina, yet 42nd Street Oyster Bar is a southern landmark. 42nd Street Oyster Bar has been serving up oysters in Raleigh for longer than most of you have been alive, opening its original location in 1931. The RDU Airport location also serves other types of seafood, chicken, and steak. If you don't hit the original locale, then the new airport location is a must-visit for one last taste of the south before boarding your plane.
