Jazmin Li
Chicago's O'Hare International Airport is one of the world's busiest travel hubs, offering an array of culinary delights to satisfy any traveller's appetite. From iconic Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef to mouth-watering tortas and caramel cake, the airport is a foodie's paradise. With renowned chefs like Rick Bayless serving up Mexican sandwiches and Corey Grupe's award-winning burgers, O'Hare goes beyond typical airport food. Whether you're seeking a quick bite before boarding or a leisurely dining experience, O'Hare has something for everyone. But what about bringing your own food into the airport? While there are limited sources specifically addressing this, it appears that purchasing food within the airport is more common, and one source mentions the challenge of finding food before passing through security in Terminal 3.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bringing food into O'Hare Airport | Allowed |
| Buying food at O'Hare Airport | Possible |
| Food options at O'Hare Airport | Gold Coast Dogs, Eli's Cheesecake, Tortas Frontera, Berghoff Cafe, Tuscany Cafe, Garrett's, Lettuce Entertain You's bao stand, Goose Island beers, Burger Federation, The Hampton Social, Bubbles Wine Bar, Beaudevin, Publican Tavern, Bubble's Wine Bar, Berghoff Cafe, and more |
| Drink options at O'Hare Airport | Wine, beer, cocktails, champagne, spirits |
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What You'll Learn
Best places to eat at O'Hare International Airport
O'Hare International Airport is one of the world's busiest travel hubs, serving over 200 destinations. Travellers are spoilt for choice with a variety of dining options, from quick bites to sit-down meals.
One of the most famous spots at O'Hare is Rick Bayless's Tortas Frontera, serving griddle-baked Mexican tortas with fillings like smoked pork, chipotle-roasted chicken, and chorizo. You can find it in Terminals 1, 3, and 5, and you can even order online ahead of time to skip the line.
For a more substantial meal, The Hampton Social, operated by Parker Hospitality, offers a mini-chain experience with a nautical East Coast yacht club vibe. Enjoy lobster rolls, shrimp tacos, and New England clam chowder, all while sipping on a Frosé cocktail. It's located in Terminal 5.
If you're craving Italian, Tuscany Cafe in Terminal 1 offers a large menu with starters, soups, salads, pastas, pizzas, and entrees. It's one of the few places at O'Hare serving dishes like fettuccine Alfredo, eggplant parm, and steaks.
For a quick bite, Gold Coast Dogs in Terminal 3 serves iconic Chicago dishes like Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef, and Polish sausage. You can also grab a slice of Chicago's famous cheesecake at Eli's Cheesecake, also in Terminal 3.
Finally, if you're looking for a drink, Beaudevin in Terminal 1 is a European-inspired wine bar with a granite-topped bar and wine glass chandeliers. Or, if you prefer beer, Goose Island in Terminals 1 and 3 offers pours of popular beers like 312 and Matilda, as well as seasonal selections.
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Best treats to take on the plane
You can bring food into O'Hare International Airport, and there are plenty of dining options within the airport, but it's always a good idea to bring some treats onto the plane too. Here are some suggestions for the best treats to take on board:
Firstly, it's important to consider what foods are practical to eat on a plane. Strong-smelling foods like eggs, fish, onions, and strong cheeses are best avoided, as are messy foods like bananas. It's also worth noting that creamy dips, spreads, dressings, sauces, and salsas are subject to liquid restrictions. So, what are some good options?
Nuts are a great choice—think pistachios, cashews, peanuts, walnuts, and pecans. You could also bring nut butter, but only if it's in small, individual packets. Seeds are another tasty and nutritious option; pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, either roasted or raw, will keep you fuelled during your flight.
If you're looking for something sweet, dark chocolate pieces are a delicious treat, but remember to bring wipes for chocolate-covered hands! Rice pudding cups, dried banana chips, and trail mix (a combination of nuts, chocolate, granola, and raisins) are also excellent choices that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
For savoury options, consider crackers with cheese or meat, such as salami or pepperoni. Simple sandwiches, like a ham and cheese slider, are always a good idea, and you can keep them cool with an ice pack. If you're feeling adventurous, go for a Chicago-style hot dog, Italian beef, or Polish sausage, or sample some of Rick Bayless's Mexican sandwiches.
Finally, don't forget to stay hydrated. While you can buy drinks on the plane, bringing your own instant coffee or tea packets and asking for hot water is a great way to save money and ensure you get your favourite brew.
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Best bites for quick eats
If you're looking for a quick bite to eat at O'Hare Airport, you're in luck. The airport offers a variety of dining options that will satisfy any craving. Here are some of the best places to grab a quick bite:
Tortas Frontera: This popular spot, endorsed by The New York Times, is known for its delicious Mexican sandwiches, or tortas, griddle-baked and ready for you as soon as you get through security. With locations in Terminals 1, 3, and 5, it's a convenient option for travellers on the go.
Gold Coast Dogs: Sample some iconic Chicago fare at this local mini-chain, offering Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef, and Polish sausage. Located in Terminal 3, it's a great option if you want a taste of the city before your flight.
Lettuce Entertain You: If you're after something portable, this popular bao stand in Terminal 1 offers steamed buns with fillings like barbecue pork, spicy Mongolian beef, and teriyaki chicken. You can also try their rice bowls and dumplings for a more substantial meal.
Berghoff Cafe: For a hearty meal, head to this historic German restaurant in Terminal 1. They offer breakfast options like omelettes and sandwiches, as well as classics like corned beef and Reuben sandwiches, and pretzels with beer cheese. Wash it down with a beer from their in-house brewery.
Tuscany Cafe: With a large menu by airport standards, Tuscany Cafe in Terminal 1 offers a variety of Italian dishes, including starters, soups, salads, pastas, pizzas, and entrees. It's a great choice if you're looking for a sit-down meal before your flight.
So, whether you're craving Mexican tortas, Italian fare, or a quick steamed bun, O'Hare Airport has plenty of options to satisfy your hunger before you embark on your journey.
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Best drinks at O'Hare International Airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport offers a wide variety of dining and drinking options across its terminals.
For a pre-flight drink, Beaudevin, a European-inspired wine bar in Terminal 1, offers more than 20 wines by the glass, bottle, or flight. Alternatively, Bubbles Wine Bar in Terminal 3 features soft lighting and a grand piano, with sparkling wine and Champagne flights to upgrade your airport experience.
If you're looking for something more substantial, Tuscany Cafe in Terminal 1 offers a large menu by airport standards, with a variety of starters, soups, salads, pastas, pizzas, and entrees, accompanied by an extensive drink list. For a sit-down meal and drinks, the Hampton Social in Terminal 3 offers an Instagram-worthy setting with its famous Rosé All Day neon sign and frosé cocktails, alongside a menu featuring lobster rolls, shrimp tacos, and New England clam chowder.
For a unique Chicago experience, Berghoff Cafe, an outpost of one of the city's oldest German restaurants, offers a hearty send-off with classics like corned beef and Reuben sandwiches, and pretzels with beer cheese, alongside beers from their in-house brewery.
If you're looking for something quick, Rick Bayless's Tortas Frontera, with locations in Terminals 1, 3, and 5, offers delicious Mexican sandwiches, which can be ordered ahead of time and picked up after passing through security.
Finally, for those flying international first class, the Delta Sky Club in Terminal 5 offers a full-service bar with free drinks and snacks, alongside other amenities like mixed-media art installations, showers, and privacy sound booths.
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Best bakeries at O'Hare International Airport
As one of the busiest hubs in the world, O'Hare International Airport offers a wide variety of dining options for travellers. Here is a list of some of the best bakeries and dessert spots within the airport:
Brown Sugar Bakery
A relatively new addition to O'Hare, Brown Sugar Bakery opened in Terminal 3 in September 2024. The bakery serves Southern-inspired sweets and sugary treats, along with breakfast items and coffee from Veteran Roasters. Their caramel cake is a must-try!
Eli's Cheesecake
Eli's Cheesecake is a famous Chicago bakery with an outpost in O'Hare. They offer a variety of cheesecakes, as well as other treats like Vienna Beef hot dogs and Home Run Inn Pizza. You can purchase a whole cake to bring with you on your travels or enjoy a slice before your flight.
Berghoff Cafe
This historic German restaurant is one of the oldest in Chicago and has a location in Terminal 1. While they are known for their classic German dishes like corned beef and Reuben sandwiches, they also offer a variety of baked goods, including pretzels with beer cheese.
Brioche Dorée
Brioche Dorée is a bakery and café located within O'Hare International Airport. They offer a range of Viennese specialties, brioches, breakfast items, lunches, and desserts. They also have a wine bar and a variety of pastries, cookies, and scones.
Tortas Frontera
While not exclusively a bakery, Tortas Frontera is worth mentioning for their griddle-baked tortas. You can find their Mexican sandwiches at multiple locations within the airport, and they offer the convenience of ordering online ahead of time so your food is ready once you clear security.
Whether you're looking for a sweet treat, a savoury snack, or a full meal, these bakeries and eateries at O'Hare International Airport offer something for everyone.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring food into O'Hare International Airport. There are many options for food and drinks within the airport as well.
O'Hare International Airport has a variety of food options, including burgers, tortas, sandwiches, Italian food, pizza, salads, soups, and more.
Rick Bayless's Tortas Frontera is a popular spot for Mexican tortas and sandwiches. Gold Coast Dogs, Eli's Cheesecake, Tuscany Cafe, and Berghoff Cafe are also well-known for their iconic food items.
There are several places to get drinks at O'Hare airport, including wine bars like Bubbles Wine Bar and Beaudevin, which also offers beer. For beer lovers, Goose Island beers are available at Terminals 1 and 3.
While there are limited food options before claiming your baggage, it is possible to eat at the airport after landing. However, it is generally recommended to claim your baggage first to avoid any issues with losing your luggage.
