The words “airport food” may not inspire much enthusiasm, but in terminals around the world, the culinary landscape is changing for the better. In the last decade, airports have seen the openings of celebrity chef-led restaurants and local, hometown favorites. The Munich airport has a Michelin-starred spot, Atlanta has Ludacris’s Chicken and Beer, and Houston recently debuted a vibrant outpost of Dallas’ own the Rustic.
For those traveling through DFW or Love Field airports, there is plenty of opportunity to get a full serving of Texas flavor, with barbecue, Tex-Mex, and Gulf seafood options, including mini versions of some of Dallas’ most beloved joints. No matter your terminal, let this list be your guide for where to dine while traveling through DFW and Love Field airports.
DFW International Airport
Lorena Garcia Tapas y Cocina
In 2016, Venezuelan celebrity chef Lorena Garcia brought her eponymous restaurant to Terminal A, offering a twist on Spanish tapas with Latin American-inspired small plates like plantains with cilantro dipping sauce ($8) and shredded flank steak tostada ($12). A vocal proponent of healthy eating, Garcia’s recipes are simple, clean, and tasty, making for a meal you won’t regret during those long hours in a cramped plane. 2400 Aviation Dr., Dallas, cheflorenagarcia.com/airports
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Inside Terminal A, an outpost of this popular Cajun seafood restaurant from the Pappas Restaurants group offers po’ boys, gumbo, blackened catfish with dirty rice ($40), crab mac ‘n’ cheese ($18), and more. The iconic family-owned hospitality group is well regarded in Texas for its robust portfolio of concepts, including Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, which is one of Dallas’s most esteemed restaurants. Finding such a top-notch dining option in an airport is a refreshing surprise. Terminal A, 2610 N. International Pkwy. Gate 25, Dallas, pappadeaux.com
The Salt Lick BBQ
The Salt Lick BBQ has been a Texas favorite since opening its first location in Driftwood in 1967. Pitmasters cook the meat on live oak, famously avoiding tomatoes and embracing sugar to create a distinctly smoky-sweet taste. The Salt Lick by Gate A-16 is a good choice for travelers craving sausage, turkey, or pulled pork for the road. Sandwiches and platters come with a choice of some of the sides Salt Lick is known for, like baked beans simmered with pork and flavored with a signature spice mix. 2400 Aviation Dr., Dallas, saltlickbbq.com
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
In an airport, everyone is living in their own private time zone. In other words, it’s never too early to belly up to the bar. Known for its exceptionally curated craft beer list, Flying Saucer in Terminal B is a little pub-grub haven. Grab an ice-cold porter to pair with wings, sandwiches, or fish and chips while awaiting your flight. An ongoing contest promises “immortality” and “First Beerknurd” status to the first person to drink 200 unique beers at the DFW Flying Saucer. (Beers drunk at other Flying Saucers won’t count toward your total.) Terminal D, 2337 S. International Pkwy. #18, Dallas, beerknurd.com/dfw-airport-flying-saucer
Dallas Love Field Airport
Catch One
One of Love Field’s newer additions, Catch One by Gate 9 serves Cajun seafood dishes like crab cakes, gumbo, and crawfish étouffée ($20). In true airport fashion, the restaurant features a list of “breakfast cocktails”. Await your early flight while sipping Micheladas, Bloody Marys, or a sweet take on a mimosa that incorporates grenadine and passion fruit-infused syrup ($16). 8008 Herb Kelleher Way, Dallas
Crú Food and Wine Bar
If you’re seeking a sophisticated little respite from a hectic travel day, venture into Crú, a national wine bar chain that is centrally located in the concourse. Like Crú’s many locations, the Love Field locale boasts a reliable selection of New and Old World wines. Pair a Pinot Noir with a charcuterie board ($24), or a Sauvignon Blanc with a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup ($19). This wine-centric restaurant is a nice departure from the typical airport sports bars. 8008 Herb Kelleher Way, Dallas, cruwinebar.com/dal
Cantina Laredo
Across from Gate 6, satisfy your Mexican and Tex-Mex cravings at Cantina Laredo, a small and beloved chain that’s been around since the 1980s. Cantina Laredo keeps both its headquarters and flagship training restaurant in the Metroplex, and has an outpost at DFW as well. At the Love Field locale, enjoy enchiladas, tacos, or carne asada ($30), and choose from more than a dozen margaritas. 8008 Cedar Springs Rd., Dallas, cantinalaredo.com
