Charlotte Airport's Best Food Options

what to eat at charlotte airport

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, with a high volume of passenger traffic. The airport offers a wide range of dining options to cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of its travellers. From grab-and-go snacks to sit-down restaurants, Charlotte Airport has something for everyone. Whether you're craving a quick bite before your flight or a leisurely dining experience, there are plenty of options to explore and satisfy your cravings. With a mix of local favourites and familiar chains, travellers can enjoy a taste of Charlotte or stick to their go-to comfort foods.

Characteristics Values
Airport Name Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Location 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, close to uptown Charlotte
Terminals 1
Concourses 5 (A, B, C, D, E)
Dining Options Sit-down restaurants, grab-and-go snacks, grab-and-go markets, bars, breweries
Eateries 1897 Market, Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, Bojangles, Midwood Smokehouse, Shake Shack, Summer House, Whisky River, Beaudevin, Captain Jack's Tavern, Commonspace, Great Wagon Road Distilling Company, Noda Brewing Company, Queen Charlotte's Kitchen, Rhino Market, Wicked Weed, Sycamore Brewing, Auntie Anne's, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Brookwood Farms BBQ

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Local favourites, like Midwood Smokehouse and NoDa Brewing Co

If you're looking for a taste of Charlotte's local cuisine during your layover, look no further than Midwood Smokehouse and NoDa Brewing Co. at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Midwood Smokehouse, located on Concourse B10, brings a unique blend of Texas, Carolinas, and Saint Louis barbecue to the Queen City. Indulge in their mouth-watering pulled pork sandwich with a tangy vinegar sauce, or explore their menu for other barbecue delights. With a mix of regional styles, Midwood Smokehouse offers a true taste of the American South.

NoDa Brewing Co., a beloved local brewery, also has a taproom at the airport. Established in 2011 in the North Davidson neighbourhood, NoDa Brewing Co. has become a staple of Charlotte's craft beer scene. Their airport location provides travellers with an opportunity to sample their diverse range of beers, including seasonal and limited-edition brews. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or simply seeking a taste of local culture, NoDa Brewing Co. is the perfect spot to relax and unwind during your time at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

In addition to these local favourites, Charlotte Douglas International Airport offers a variety of dining options to suit all tastes. From fast-food favourites like Shake Shack to California-inspired cuisine at Summer House, you're sure to find something to satisfy your cravings. For a true taste of the Carolinas, Captain Jack's Tavern serves beer from the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, and Whisky River is the place to go for pulled pork sandwiches and tater tot nachos.

So, whether you're a barbecue aficionado, a craft beer enthusiast, or simply seeking a delicious meal, Midwood Smokehouse and NoDa Brewing Co. at Charlotte Douglas International Airport are local favourites that should not be missed.

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Sit-down restaurants, including Summer House and Whisky River

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) offers a variety of dining options for travellers looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal. If you're looking for a sit-down restaurant experience, two popular options are Summer House and Whisky River.

Summer House is located in Concourse B6 and offers a bright and airy atmosphere in the middle of the airport. The menu features California-inspired cuisine, including fish tacos, grilled salmon, avocado toast, and a variety of salads. The Venice Beach Chicken, a grilled chicken sandwich with avocado, bacon, pickle, and fresh toppings, is a popular choice. The spacious seating and well-lit environment make it a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy a meal before your flight.

Whisky River, located in the E Rotunda, is a honky-tonk spot known for its delicious comfort food and drinks. Their signature dishes include pulled pork sandwiches and tater tot nachos topped with queso and pulled pork. With a vibrant atmosphere and a range of comfort food options, Whisky River is an excellent choice for travellers seeking a relaxing dining experience at the airport.

In addition to these sit-down restaurants, CLT also boasts other full-service dining options. 1897 Market, a modern market and restaurant, offers a unique dining experience with culinary novelties and gourmet treats. You can find everything from wood-fired pizzas to shrimp and grits, as well as fresh oysters. Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, located in Concourse C6, is renowned for its mouthwatering bacon cheeseburger with jalapeño and Applewood-smoked bacon. For beer enthusiasts, Captain Jack's Tavern, located in Concourse E4, serves beers from the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, brewed according to old German purity standards. The floor-to-ceiling windows behind the bar provide a sense of openness and a welcome break from the typical airport confines.

Whether you're craving a relaxed meal, a quick bite, or a refreshing drink, Charlotte Douglas International Airport has something to offer everyone. With a variety of dining options spread across its terminals, travellers can look forward to a delightful culinary experience during their time at CLT.

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Grab-and-go snacks, such as Rhino Market's treats

If you're looking for a quick bite to eat at Charlotte Airport, there are plenty of grab-and-go options to choose from. One popular spot is Rhino Markets, located in Concourse A. This neighbourhood market and deli offer a wide variety of local treats, including cheeses, chocolates, and baked goods. You can either grab a quick coffee and a snack to go, or take a seat and enjoy a beer or a glass of wine with your meal.

For those with a sweet tooth, Chicago-based Beatrix Market, which opened in 2023 near Gate C8, is a great choice. This grab-and-go spot offers plenty of healthy options, but their giant chocolate chip cookies are a must-try.

If you're craving something more savoury, head to 1897 Market in the Atrium. This modern market offers a unique dining experience with a variety of culinary delights, including wood-fired pizzas, shrimp and grits, and fresh oysters. While you're there, browse their selection of gifts, including DIY cocktail kits and gourmet nuts.

Another option for grab-and-go snacks is Summer House, located near gates B5-6. With a bright and airy atmosphere, Summer House takes inspiration from California cuisine, offering fish tacos, grilled salmon, avocado toast, and a variety of salads. So, whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a more leisurely meal, Charlotte Airport has plenty of delicious grab-and-go options to satisfy your cravings.

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Bars, including the Great Wagon Road Distilling Co

If you're looking for a drink at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, there are several bars to choose from, including the Great Wagon Road Distilling Co. Here's some more information on the airport's bars:

Captain Jack’s Tavern

Located at Concourse E4, this bar serves beer from the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, made according to old German purity standards. The real draw, however, is the floor-to-ceiling windows behind the bar, so you don’t feel trapped in the airport.

Commonspace

Skip the lines at Starbucks and head to Commonspace for local coffee. They also offer cocktails. You can find them at the D/E Connector.

Great Wagon Road Distilling Company

Charlotte’s oldest distillery, located at Concourse A21, serves a decent whiskey if you need a tipple while waiting for your flight. The distillery also has a location in Waxhaw, NC, where you can experience the charm of Ireland right in the heart of Waxhaw. The Noda location offers a tasting room where guests can view the distillery process in action and an outdoor patio.

Noda Brewing Company

Get a taste of the Charlotte beer scene with a pint at Noda Brewing Company, located in the North Davidson neighborhood since 2011.

In addition to these bars, Charlotte Douglas International Airport also offers a variety of dining options, including Midwood Smokehouse, Shake Shack, Summer House, Whisky River, Beaudevin, 1897 Market, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, and Bojangles.

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Pre-security dining, like Queen Charlotte's Kitchen

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) offers a variety of dining options for travellers, including a recent addition of pre-security dining at Queen Charlotte's Kitchen.

Queen Charlotte's Kitchen

Queen Charlotte's Kitchen, located near baggage claim and the Queen Charlotte statue, offers travellers a convenient dining option without the need to pass through security. This restaurant, which opened in October 2023, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a selection of wine, beer, cocktails, and Charlotte-based Pure Intentions Coffee. It is the airport's first pre-security dining establishment, addressing the previous lack of pre-check-in food options.

Other Pre-Security Dining Options

In addition to Queen Charlotte's Kitchen, CLT offers a variety of other pre-security dining choices. For coffee lovers, Commonspace serves local Durham-based Counter Culture Coffee, providing an alternative to the usual airport Starbucks. Commonspace also offers cocktails for those seeking an early morning or pre-flight drink.

For a taste of local beer, travellers can visit NoDa Brewing Company, a Charlotte institution, offering a range of beers on tap, including Hop, Drop 'N Roll IPA and Jam Session pale ale, along with flatbreads and tacos. Another option for beer enthusiasts is the Great Wagon Road Distilling Company, Charlotte's oldest distillery, located near gate A21, serving whiskey and cocktails.

Post-Security Dining

Once past security, travellers have a range of dining options to choose from, reflecting the diverse culinary scene of the Carolinas. Midwood Smokehouse, located in Concourse B10, offers a mix of Texas, Carolinas, and Saint Louis barbecue. The pulled pork sandwich with vinegar sauce is a popular choice. For those craving a burger and fries, Shake Shack, located in the Plaza, is always a reliable option. Summer House, located in Concourse B6, provides a bright and airy atmosphere with a menu inspired by California cuisine, featuring dishes like fish tacos, grilled salmon, and avocado toast. Whisky River, located in the E Rotunda, specialises in pulled pork dishes, including sandwiches and tater tot nachos topped with queso and pulled pork.

Whether dining pre- or post-security, travellers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport are sure to find something to satisfy their taste buds.

Frequently asked questions

Charlotte Airport has a variety of restaurants, including grab-and-go snack spots and sit-down restaurants. Some popular options include 1897 Market, Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, Midwood Smokehouse, Summer House, and Beaudevin.

1897 Market is a modern market with culinary novelties and gift items. The restaurant serves wood-fired pizzas, shrimp and grits, and fresh oysters.

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar serves burgers, fried pickles, and Buffalo chicken sandwiches. Their bacon cheeseburger, with three strips of jalapeno bacon, three strips of Applewood-smoked bacon, and "Baconaisse," is a popular choice.

Summer House is located in Concourse B6 and offers a bright and airy space with a California-inspired menu. You can enjoy dishes like fish tacos, grilled salmon, avocado toast, and salads.

Yes, Charlotte Airport has several bars, including Captain Jack's Tavern, Great Wagon Road Distilling Company, and Whisky River. You can also find wine bars such as Beaudevin, which features chandeliers made from wine glasses and offers a variety of wines and small plates.

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