Once upon a time, airport food was the bane of any traveler's existence. But the days of soggy pre-made sandwiches and fast food are over. The US’s major airports are now foodie playgrounds, full of offerings from the world’s top chefs. On your next trip to a Timbers Resorts property, grab a bite at one of these recommended eateries.
Airport: Denver International Airport (DIA)
Where to Dine: Colorado is known for its micro-breweries, so it should come as no surprise that DIA is packed with taverns. The standout is New Belgium Hub, a bar and grill that offers solid food like whole-wheat pancakes and oversized sandwiches alongside the airport's best selection of craft beers. For a more stylish experience, head to Lounge 5280, a luxe wine and cocktail bar with elegant small plates like Duck Confit Salad on offer.
Airport: Chicago O’Hare International
Where to Dine: Tortas Frontera is the hands down favorite here. The Rick Bayless-owned restaurant is known for its modern interpretations of Mexican cuisine. The griddle-baked sandwiches, known as tortas, are rounded out by plenty of other offerings and all the ingredients are sourced from local farms. Alternatively, Berghoff Café serves Berghoff beer on tap as well as top-notch hand carved sandwiches including their signature Reuben.
Airport: John F. Kennedy International (JFK), New York City
Where to Dine: Quality grab-and-go food is hard to find but, luckily, JFK has Croque Madame from Chef Andrew Carmellini of Locanda Verde fame. Pick up a French-inspired crepe or made-to-order salad for your flight. You’re in for a treat if you happen to be flying JetBlue. JFK’s Terminal 5 is chock full of great food like sushi bar Deep Blue from Buddakan’s Michael Schulson and Brasserie La Vie, a French bistro from industry veterans that worked at both Balthazar and Pastis. Chef Mark Ladner’s Italian trattoria Aro Nuovo, steak house 5IVESTEAK and tapas restaurant Piquillo round out the killer options.
Airport: Miami International Airport
Where to Dine: Latin cuisine rules at MIA, where chef Lorena Garcia’s Lorena Garcia Cocina serves favorites like breakfast empanadas, and shrimp ceviche. Travelers with a late-night flight can head to Cuban chain La Carreta, which stays open 24 hours to serve the always popular Cubano sandwich with roast pork, Swiss cheese and pickles. Don't forget to slake your thirst at Belgian wine bar Beaudevin that also has solid Mediterranean food to go.
Airport: San Francisco International (SFO)
Where to Dine: Napa nearby makes SFO a major hub for foodies and the airport does not disappoint— there are so many amazing options it’s hard to pick. Cat Cora’s Kitchen serves great seafood from its raw bar and focuses on local organic ingredients in her upscale comfort food. If you're looking for something more simple, Burger Joint delivers with Niman Ranch Angus beef burgers, free-range chicken sandwiches, and hormone-free hot dogs. Other standouts are the sushi at Ebisu and the chicken at Tyler Florence’s Rotisserie.
Airport: Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Where to Dine: Travelers rave about Urban Crave, a trendy hotspot serving what they call “street cuisine," which translates to creative takes on lettuce wraps, hot dogs, tacos, and more. For more traditional cuisine, try French bistro and wine bar Le Grand Comptoir where the tuna tartare comes highly recommended. For food on the go, Einstein Bros Bagels is a perennial favorite.
Airport: Dallas/Fort Worth International
Where to Dine: Morning travelers will go crazy for Cereality, where you can get creative with custom hot and cold cereal concoctions. Later in the day, barbecue rules— this is Texas after all! Cousin’s Bar-B-Q started up in Fort Worth 30 years ago and their airport location is a great place to go for succulent ribs and sausage.
To learn more about Timbers Resorts, please contact us at 800.941.4579 (toll free) or 970.963.4626 (direct) or via email at [email protected].