Charlotte Airport's Best Restaurants: A Comprehensive Guide

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is one of the busiest airports in the world, with upwards of 30 to 50 million visitors each year. With such a high volume of passengers, the airport offers a wide variety of dining options to cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. From quick bites to leisurely meals, CLT has something for everyone.

Quick bites vs leisurely meals

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is one of the busiest airports in the world, with upwards of 30 to 50 million visitors each year. With such a high volume of passengers, the airport offers a wide variety of dining options to cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions.

Quick Bites

For travellers in a hurry, CLT has several 24-hour dining options, including Snap, Travel@ease, Beatrix Market, and Rhino Market & Deli. These establishments provide round-the-clock access to snacks, sandwiches, and beverages.

Other quick-service restaurants at the airport include Shake Shack, known for its burgers and fries, and Bojangles, a Southern comfort food staple. Additionally, travellers can find grab-and-go options at spots like Chicago-based Beatrix Market and 1897 Market, which offers a diverse menu of culinary novelties.

Leisurely Meals

For those seeking a more leisurely dining experience, CLT offers a range of sit-down restaurants. Summer House, located near gates B5-6, boasts a bright and airy ambiance with a California-inspired menu featuring fish tacos and avocado toast.

Whisky River, a NASCAR legend-owned restaurant, offers a lively honky-tonk atmosphere with dishes like pulled pork and tater tot nachos. Another option is Chalice Café, a cosy bar with a small but sophisticated menu that includes a Greek wedge salad and chicken pesto flatbread.

For barbecue lovers, Midwood Smokehouse blends Texas, Carolinas, and Saint Louis BBQ styles, while seafood enthusiasts can indulge in Phillips Famous Seafood, where crab cakes are a signature dish. Beaudevin, a sophisticated wine bar with global wine selections and small plates, adds a touch of elegance to the dining experience.

Vegan and vegetarian options

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options to cater to different dietary preferences and restrictions. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the vegan and vegetarian dining choices available at the airport:

Queen Charlotte's Kitchen

Located near baggage claim, Queen Charlotte's Kitchen is a convenient option for travellers looking for vegan and vegetarian meals before proceeding through security. The restaurant offers a range of dining options, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a selection of beverages such as wine, beer, and cocktails. It is known to be the airport's first pre-security restaurant.

1897 Market

1897 Market is a modern market and restaurant that offers a diverse range of culinary options. While they are known for their wood-fired pizzas, shrimp and grits, and fresh oysters, they also provide vegan and vegetarian choices such as the Impossible Burger and a falafel salad. This establishment is ideal for those who want to explore a variety of culinary novelties and gifts.

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar

Although Bad Daddy's Burger Bar is famous for its indulgent bacon cheeseburger, the restaurant also offers vegetarian and vegan options. With its convenient location in Concourse C6, it is easily accessible for travellers looking for a quick bite before their flight.

Summer House

With its bright and airy atmosphere, Summer House brings a taste of California to Charlotte Airport. While they are known for their fish tacos and avocado toast, they also offer vegetarian options. However, some visitors have noted that the portion sizes might be smaller than expected for the price.

Shake Shack

Shake Shack is a well-known fast-food chain that provides reliable and quick dining options. While they are recognised for their burgers and fries, they also offer vegetarian options to cater to a diverse range of dietary preferences.

Chalice Cafe

Chalice Cafe is a cosy Stella Artois bar located in Concourse C11. Their small yet sophisticated menu includes options such as a Greek wedge salad and chicken pesto flatbread. While the menu may be limited, it offers a vegetarian-friendly choice for travellers seeking a quick bite.

Rhino Market & Deli

Rhino Market & Deli is a convenient 24-hour establishment located in Concourse A, offering a variety of dining options, including craft beer, fine wine, deli sandwiches, soups, and salads. They also provide vegetarian and vegan choices, making it an ideal spot for travellers with specific dietary needs.

Cíao Gourmet Market

Cíao Gourmet Market, located in Concourse D, provides a range of dining options for travellers on the go. In addition to breakfast and fast food, they also offer vegetarian and grab-and-go options for those who want to eat on the move.

NoDa Brewing Company

NoDa Brewing Company, situated near gate A29, combines a delightful selection of beers with a menu that includes flatbreads and tacos. They offer vegetarian options, ensuring that travellers with specific dietary needs can also enjoy a meal before their flight.

Original Rum Bar and Grill

The Original Rum Bar and Grill, located in Concourse D, provides a full-service dining experience with vegetarian options. It is open from 5:30 am to 12:00 am, making it a convenient choice for early morning or late-night travellers seeking a vegetarian-friendly meal.

Captain Jack's Tavern

Captain Jack's Tavern, located in Concourse E, is a bar and restaurant that offers vegetarian options. It is open from 7 am to 11 pm, with limited hours on Sundays. With its floor-to-ceiling windows, it provides a unique dining experience, making you feel less trapped within the airport.

These options ensure that travellers with vegan and vegetarian dietary preferences or restrictions can find suitable dining choices at Charlotte Airport. Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a casual meal, or a more elegant dining experience, these establishments have you covered.

Bars and breweries

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) offers a variety of bars and breweries to suit different preferences. For beer enthusiasts, NoDa Brewing Company, located near gate A29, offers a range of beers on tap, including Hop, Drop 'N Roll IPA and Jam Session pale ale. They also serve flatbreads and tacos alongside their beer and spirits menu.

Another popular choice is the Great Wagon Road Distilling Company, Charlotte's oldest distillery, located near gate A21. This cocktail bar on wheels serves unique drinks like the grapefruit mule, where the bartender slaps the rosemary garnish to release its oils.

If you're looking for a sophisticated wine bar, Beaudevin in the Atrium is a great option. Under the glow of wine glass chandeliers, you can enjoy a selection of wines from around the world, paired with shareable small plates.

Captain Jack's Tavern, located in Concourse E4, serves beer from the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, brewed according to old German purity standards. The real draw, however, is the floor-to-ceiling windows that give you a sense of openness and a break from the enclosed airport atmosphere.

For a more versatile experience, Commonspace, situated near The Plaza, transforms from a coffee shop by day to a bar at night. Here, you can enjoy a morning coffee or an espresso martini, depending on your flight time.

Lastly, Sycamore Brewing, located in Concourse E near gates E36-45, offers a vibrant and well-lit space that feels like a respite from the airport. Their Mountain Candy beer, a 7.5% ABV IPA with fruit flavours, is a popular choice, and they also serve a variety of dishes, including breakfast options like a farmhouse skillet.

Southern comfort food

If you're looking for Southern comfort food at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, you're in luck. The airport offers a variety of dining options that will satisfy your cravings. One notable spot is Bojangles, a Southern staple known for its Cajun chicken biscuit and seasoned fries. For travellers outside the Carolinas, Bojangles offers a convenient taste of the South. Located in the Plaza, it's an ideal spot to grab a quick bite before your flight.

Another popular choice for Southern comfort food is Whisky River, a honky-tonk restaurant owned by NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. Located in the E Rotunda, Whisky River is known for its pulled pork dishes and tater tot nachos. The lively atmosphere, complete with live music, makes it a fun choice for travellers seeking a taste of the South.

In addition to these, you can also find BBQ joints like Midwood Smokehouse, which blends Texas, Carolinas, and Saint Louis barbecue styles. Located near gate B10, Midwood Smokehouse offers a taste of classic Carolina barbecue. For a more casual option, Shake Shack, located in the Plaza, serves up classic burgers and fries that are always a crowd-pleaser.

For a true Southern breakfast experience, head to Queen Charlotte's Kitchen, conveniently located near baggage claim. This restaurant offers a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, as well as Charlotte-based Pure Intentions Coffee. So, whether you're craving fluffy biscuits, crispy fried chicken, or a hearty burger, Charlotte Douglas International Airport has plenty of Southern comfort food options to satisfy your hunger.

Restaurants open 24 hours

Charlotte Douglas Airport has a variety of restaurants and food options to choose from, but only a few are open 24 hours a day.

Travel@ease is a 24-hour vending machine option offering snacks, sandwiches, soft drinks, and grab-and-go meals. It is located in the Departures area on Level 1, near the baggage claim.

Rhino Market & Deli is a deli open around the clock, serving craft beer, fine wine, deli sandwiches, soups, and salads. It is located on Level 2, in the Departures area near the Atrium, after security.

Cíao Gourmet Market, The Local, and The Goods Express are also listed as being open 24/7, but specific details about their offerings are not provided.

In addition, there are a number of restaurants and cafes that are open 24 hours a day, but their names are not listed. These include options for breakfast, fast food, vegetarian, vegan, and mobile ordering.

Frequently asked questions