Lois Larson
Chicago O'Hare Airport is one of the best airports for layovers in the U.S. with a range of amenities and facilities to keep travellers entertained. From grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants to checking out the airport's art galleries, there's plenty to do to pass the time. If you're looking for a bite to eat, you can try local specialties at Chicago Style Hot Dogs, Reggio's Chicago Style Pizzerias, and Garrett Popcorn Shops. For those looking to unwind, O'Hare offers a tranquil yoga room, airport lounges, and a gym. Travellers can also pay to enter the Hilton Athletic Club, which offers a gym, pool, sauna, and more. If you're feeling adventurous and have a long layover, you can even take the L train to explore downtown Chicago and visit world-class museums and Millennium Park.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Eateries | Tortas Frontera, Rick Bayless, Dunkin' Donuts, Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi, Publican Tavern, Reggio's Chicago Style Pizzerias, Chicago Style Hot Dogs, Garrett Popcorn Shops |
| Lounges | Butch O'Hare Family Lounge, airline lounges |
| Art | "The Sky's the Limit" neon tunnel, sculptures, murals, paintings |
| Wellness | Yoga room, indoor garden, gym, spa, pool, sauna |
| Outside the airport | Millennium Park, Willis Tower, The Loop |
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What You'll Learn
- Eat at the airport's restaurants, including Tortas Frontera and Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi
- Relax in the airport's lounges, such as Butch O'Hare Family Lounge
- Practice yoga in the yoga room
- Explore the art, including sculptures, murals, and paintings
- Work out at the gym, go for a swim, or unwind in the sauna
Eat at the airport's restaurants, including Tortas Frontera and Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi
If you're looking for a bite to eat while at O'Hare Airport, there are plenty of dining options to choose from, ranging from grab-and-go to full-service restaurants.
One popular choice is Tortas Frontera by celebrity chef Rick Bayless, who also owns the award-winning restaurant, Frontera Grill in Chicago. Tortas Frontera offers a taste of Mexico with handcrafted tortas (Mexican sandwiches), fresh-made guacamole, and hand-shaken margaritas. Chef Bayless has carefully curated a menu that combines high-quality ingredients from local providers with recipes inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine. The restaurant has three locations within the airport, and it has been praised by many, including The Washington Post, which called it "everyone's favorite airport restaurant."
Another great option for dining at O'Hare Airport is Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi. This restaurant has received positive reviews for its food and service, with one patron noting that it was "definitely one of the better airport dinner experiences I've had." Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi is located in a quiet corner of the C concourse and offers a variety of sushi and seafood options.
In addition to these two standout restaurants, O'Hare Airport is also home to other local specialties such as Chicago Style Hot Dogs, Reggio's Chicago Style Pizzerias, and Garrett Popcorn Shops, where you can indulge in the famous "Chicago Mix" of caramel and cheese popcorn.
Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a full dining experience, O'Hare Airport has something to offer everyone's taste buds.
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Relax in the airport's lounges, such as Butch O'Hare Family Lounge
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) offers plenty of options for travellers looking to relax and unwind during layovers. One notable option is the Butch O'Hare Family Lounge, a dedicated space for families and children.
Located in Terminal 2, just beyond security, the Butch O'Hare Family Lounge spans 1,800 square feet and provides a range of amenities to keep young travellers entertained. Children can enjoy toys, climbing structures, funhouse mirrors, and airport-themed video games. The lounge also features colourful seating, device charging stations, and stroller parking for added convenience. Live entertainment is also planned during various times of the year, especially around the holidays.
In addition to the Butch O'Hare Family Lounge, ORD offers other lounges and quiet areas for relaxation. Military families can find solace in the USO area, which offers free refreshments in a tranquil setting. The airport also boasts a yoga room in the Terminal 3 Rotunda, providing a peaceful space for travellers to stretch, meditate, or follow along with instructional yoga classes on TV. The yoga room features bamboo-lined floors, wall-to-ceiling mirrors, and a designated area for luggage, creating a calming atmosphere.
For those seeking a more active break, the Hilton Athletic Club, located in the Hilton Hotel outside Terminal 2, offers gym equipment, a lap pool, a sauna, and a Jacuzzi. The Terminal Gateway Spa, with its three locations, invites travellers to indulge in mani/pedis, facials, massages, and other beauty treatments.
Whether you're seeking relaxation or entertainment, ORD airport has something for everyone. The airport's lounges, yoga room, and spa services provide opportunities for travellers to unwind and recharge during their layovers.
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Practice yoga in the yoga room
If you're looking to stretch your legs and find a moment of calm during a layover at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, you can practice yoga in the airport's dedicated yoga room. Located in the Terminal 3 Rotunda on the Mezzanine, the yoga room is a tranquil space with sustainable bamboo-lined floors, wall-to-wall mirrors, and yoga mats provided. A video monitor inside the room displays yoga and nature imagery, accompanied by soothing sounds to help you relax. There's also an instructional TV with yoga classes, and a designated area to place your luggage. The room is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and you can access it free of charge.
The yoga room at O'Hare Airport is designed to bring a sense of calm and serenity to travellers. The calm earth tones and bamboo flooring create a soothing atmosphere, while the frosted-glass wall provides privacy, allowing natural light to fill the room. Plants line the exterior windows, enhancing the relaxed vibe.
If you're looking for some guidance with your yoga practice, the TVs in the room provide a range of yoga poses to follow. You can also listen to calming sounds or meditate in the quiet environment. Take some time to stretch, breathe, and find your zen before your next flight.
Yoga rooms have been popping up in airports across the US, with San Francisco International Airport opening the first one in 2012. The idea behind these spaces is to make air travel less stressful and more enjoyable, offering travellers a private and custom-designed space to relax and recharge. So, if you're passing through O'Hare Airport, don't miss the opportunity to roll out your mat and find your flow in their peaceful yoga room.
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Explore the art, including sculptures, murals, and paintings
Chicago's O'Hare International Airport showcases unique public art throughout the airport. You can find sculptures, murals, paintings, and more. One of the most popular spots is the "The Sky's the Limit," a neon tunnel connecting Concourses B and C. This artwork is often photographed and shared on Instagram.
In addition to the yoga room and indoor garden, passengers can appreciate various artworks throughout the airport. Unfortunately, I could not find further details on the specific sculptures, murals, and paintings at O'Hare International Airport.
If you have a long layover and wish to explore art beyond the airport, you can take the L train's Blue Line to reach the heart of Chicago in about 45 minutes. There, you can visit world-class museums such as the Field Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, and others within walking distance in the city center.
Alternatively, if you're looking for art installations in airports beyond O'Hare, Denver International Airport (DEN) has been acclaimed as the "Best U.S. Airport for Art." It features a variety of permanent sculptures, murals, and installations that have sparked interest and intrigue. For example, "In Peace and Harmony with Nature" by Leo Tanguma is a powerful mural that highlights modern environmental concerns and expresses the artist's desire for a world without violence. Another mural, "La Memoria de Nuestra Tierra" ("Our Land Has Memory") by Gary Sweeney, depicts the migration of Mexicans during the Mexican Revolution and represents the idea that the land holds memories of past stories and its inhabitants. Denver International Airport also features a statue named Blucifer, which has become an iconic symbol welcoming guests to the Mile High City.
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Work out at the gym, go for a swim, or unwind in the sauna
If you're looking to work out, swim, or unwind at or near Chicago O'Hare Airport, there are a few options available.
For a fee, travellers can enter the Hilton Athletic Club in the Hilton Hotel outside Terminal 2. The facility includes gym equipment, a lap pool, a sauna, a Jacuzzi, and full-service locker rooms. Even if you only want to shower and freshen up, the fee may be worth it.
If you're looking for a more tranquil experience, the airport itself offers a free yoga room. Located in the Terminal 3 Rotunda on the Mezzanine, the yoga room is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily and features TVs that provide yoga poses for guidance.
For those looking to unwind in a sauna, the Terminal Gateway Spa has three locations offering mani/pedis, facials, massage treatments, and more. XpresSpa also provides speedier beauty services.
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Frequently asked questions
ORD has a variety of dining options, including local specialties such as Chicago Style Hot Dogs, Reggio’s Chicago Style Pizzerias, and Garrett Popcorn Shops. For a more upscale experience, try celebrity chef Rick Bayless' Tortas Frontera, which has three locations in the airport.
ORD has a yoga room, an indoor garden, and art installations, including the popular "The Sky's the Limit" neon tunnel connecting Concourses B and C.
If you have a long layover, you can take the Blue Line train to downtown Chicago, which is about a 45-minute ride. There, you can visit world-class museums, such as the Field Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago, or enjoy the sculptures in Millennium Park.
Yes, ORD has various lounges, including those operated by specific airlines and independent lounges. Some lounges require a membership or fee to enter, while others, like the Butch O'Hare Family Lounge in Terminal 2, are free to use.
Yes, ORD offers a gym, spa, and pool facilities. These may be accessible through a Sanctifly membership or by purchasing day passes.
