Whether you’re a foodie or not, you won’t want to miss out on these yummy food options while stuck at Atlanta International Airport. Read on for our top Atlanta Airport restaurant and dining picks!
Atlanta Airport, one of the busiest in the world, provides travelers with a huge variety of food options. Plenty of great restaurants and cafes are around for a quick bite or a sit-down meal. Here are our top recommendations for the best restaurants near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Where and what food to eat at Atlanta Airport
If you need food at the Atlanta Airport, there’s no need to settle for soggy sandwiches and fries that taste like they just got a salt bath. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is at the top of the food game!
You won’t have to wander aimlessly through Atlanta Airport looking for food because they’ve got it all – from fancy-schmancy restaurants to grab-and-go kiosks and bars. So there’s no excuse to go hungry. And let’s not forget about the diverse range of cuisines. Whether you’re craving Caribbean jerk chicken, Italian pasta, or Chinese food, Atlanta Airport has you covered. They haven’t forgotten about those who prefer good ol’ American comfort food like fried chicken and mac n’ cheese, either.
And for all, you busy bees rushing to catch your flight, fear not! Plenty of kiosks and fast food joints are scattered throughout Atlanta airport, where you can grab a quick bite before taking off. So, forget about those stale sandwiches and salty fries, and let your taste buds explore the delicious options at the airport.
Now let’s go on a food tour of Atlanta Airport, one outlet at a time. Do note that due to the overabundance of restaurants at Atlanta Airport, we’ll be covering only the best of them.
Top food and restaurant options at Atlanta Airport
Atlanta Chophouse and Brewery
Atrium Pre-Security
Mon-Fri: 10 am to 10 pm Sat-Sun: 11 am to 7 pm
Enjoy a luxurious pre-security lunch at this two-story steakhouse. Have a steak and a cold one at this airport restaurant. The three flat-screen TVs are great for catching the game while you relax and charge your phone before heading into town. We suggest a 12-ounce New York Strip, prime rib sandwich, or traditional Reuben sandwich. Wash them all down with a chilled draft beer. What’s that we hear, a sigh of sheer contentment?
Atlanta Bread & Bar
Concourse A near Gate A 12
Mon-Sun: 7 am to 6 pm
Other than enjoying the fantastic breakfast and lunch options that you can expect from Atlanta Bread, you can also relax at a full-fledged bar powered by SweetWater Brewery. This bar has drinks like Moscow Mules, Bloody Marys, Mai Tais, and Salty Bulldogs that are especially good for breakfast. There’s also a pretty decent selection of wines in addition to SweetWater drafts, such as the SweetWater 420 and the Hazy IPA.
Bantam + Biddy
Bantam + Biddy near C Center
Mon: 11 am to 7 pm, Tue-Fri: 10.30 am to 7 pm
The success of the Ansley Mall version of the Southern-style diner led to the opening a second location in a different state. They have a stand-alone restaurant at the airport’s “The Connection” food court, and they serve all of their most popular items, including fried chicken, sandwiches, and Southern-style sides. They start serving breakfast at an early hour. If you’re looking for a fast-casual, family-friendly restaurant to try some healthier variations on Southern favorites, Bantam + Biddy is an excellent option. It’s a fantastic find for gluten-free food options in Atlanta airport.
Chicken + Beer
Concourse D near Gate D 5
Mon – Sun: 10 am to 7 pm
Stop into Terminal D and try some of Ludacris’ Chicken and Beer. The restaurant, named after his album from 2003, serves a great variety of local brews and fried chicken. Two of the restaurant’s most popular dishes are shrimp, grits, or chicken and waffles. The Cajun version of hummus made with cooked peanuts is also popular. You know this Southern-style restaurant is good since the same business that collaborated with Luda on it also owns One Flew South. A fantastic variety of Georgia artisan beers is available by the pint or flight.
Chick-fil-A
Concourse A & C
Mon-Sat – 6 am to 10 pm
When talking about the food court at this airport, you just must mention Chick-fil-A, a beloved mainstay of Southern fast food culture. Greenbriar Mall was the first location for the now-national brand, with its headquarters in College Park (the same area as the airport). Don’t have time to stop at one of the many places in the city before heading to the airport? You can always pick up some of the world-famous waffle fries on the way to your gate.
Ecco
Concourse F, Mezzanine
Mon-Sun: 10 am to 7 pm
If you’re looking to decompress with a bottle of wine and a pleasant meal before your trip — or during an unexpectedly lengthy layover — this location of the famed Midtown restaurant is a fantastic alternative. The restaurant, which features an Italian menu, is highly regarded as one of the best food options at Atlanta Airport. Hungry foodies can wash down their wine and drinks with pasta, charcuterie, pizza, and paninis. Their cured meats and cheeses, wild boar Bolognese, steak frites, fried goat cheese, and panna cotta will also impress you.
Grindhouse Killer Burgers
Concourse T near Gate T11
Tue: 6 am to 9.30 pm, Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat: 6 am to 10 pm, Sun: 6 am to 7 pm
From its humble beginnings as a stall at the famous Sweet Auburn Curb Market, Grindhouse Killer Burgers has expanded to five full-service restaurants and two stands at the airport. Beef, turkey, and vegetarian patties are griddle-cooked and served on potato buns with their special sauce. Breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and avocado toast are some of the most popular items, and locals know it’s ideal for the morning meal.
Nature’s Table
Concourse E
Mon – Sun: 6 am to 10 pm
If you’re looking for a quick meal that’s also good for you, Nature’s Table is definitely the place to go. Salads, soups, sandwiches, and smoothies are just a few examples of the various available options that are all fresh, light, and healthy.
One Flew South
Concourse E, E Center
Mon-Sun: 12 pm to 10 pm
When it first opened in 2008 as the airport’s only non-chain restaurant, this luxury dining experience dramatically transformed. This place has been nominated for a James Beard Award for its regional dishes, sushi, and hand-made drinks. It’s not hyperbole to call this the finest airport eatery anywhere. The use of Cherokee marble and natural heart pine wood in the furnishings is a further nod to the state of Georgia’s historical significance.
Papi’s Caribbean Café
Concourse T near Gate T8
Mon: 6 am to 7 pm, Tue – Sun: 6 am to 9.30 pm
If you’re craving Cuban cuisine, the T Concourse has you covered from Havana to Atlanta. Reynaldo “Rey” Regalado’s late father inspired the name of his restaurant chain, Papi’s, which has multiple sites throughout the city. This ATL airport restaurant now offers fish tacos, empanadas, and robust Cuban coffee. But don’t go without sampling the tostones and the Cuban sandwich.
Paschal’s
Concourse B, B Center
Mon – Sun: 6 am to 10 pm
There’s good old fried chicken, and then there’s Paschal’s. Southern specialties, including the best ever fried chicken in town and a great breakfast, are served here, but history buffs should look elsewhere. Since 1979, it has been one of the most consistent airport concessions. At this Atlanta Airport food outlet, indulge in delicious Southern classics, including fried chicken, voodoo fried shrimp, collard greens, peach cobbler, and more.
The Original El Taco
Concourse C near Gate C 14
Mon-Fri: 12.30 pm to 5 pm
Virginia-Highland, a popular tex-mex restaurant with two locations at the airport, is open daily from noon to 8 pm. Start with some chips and salsa before diving into a fried chicken taco or a Baja fish taco before your next trip. This restaurant offers Baha fish, pork carnitas, and even vegetarian tacos and burritos. Then, of course, there are their famous frozen margaritas! Complement with guacamole, a staple of any Mexican meal.
Terrapin Taphouse
Concourse D
Mon-Sun: 1 pm to 9 pm
The Terrapin Taphouse in ATL Airport is the place to go if you want to enjoy a flavorful craft beer and good service while waiting for your flight. It has a warm and inviting ambiance and a delectable menu, with dishes such as sliders and sandwiches.
Hartsfield Jackson also has all the usual airport staples like Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald’s, Shake Shack, Panda Express, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, etc.
So there you have it, folks! Atlanta airport has got your food cravings covered. Whether you prefer classic southern cooking or adventurous international cuisine, you’ll find plenty of selections to satisfy your taste buds. What’s the best part? The airport is committed to offering healthy and sustainable food options, so you may enjoy your meal without feeling guilty. With so many great options, you might even look forward to your Atlanta layover!
Hot Tip to make the most of Atlanta Airport food
Prebooking your Atlanta Airport parking is a smart move if you want to make the most of the airport’s fantastic food options. By reserving your parking spot in advance, you’ll avoid the stress and hassle of trying to find a spot at the last minute, giving you more time to explore all the delicious restaurants and food outlets at the airport. So, don’t miss out on the culinary delights of Atlanta airport – book your parking spot in advance and get ready to feast!
Why are so many restaurants closed at Atlanta Airport?
Some restaurants at ATL are closed due to worker shortages. Several had closed during the pandemic, but they’re reopening now.
Does Atlanta Airport have a Subway restaurant?
There are 3 Subways, in Concourses D, E & T, at Atlanta Airport.
