Houston Airport's Best Food Options

what to eat at houston airport

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas, is a foodie's paradise, offering a diverse range of dining options to satisfy any craving. From casual bites to upscale dining, the airport boasts a mix of local favourites and national chains. With highly-rated restaurants like Ruby's Diner, Pappasito's, and Pappadeaux's, travellers can enjoy everything from chicken quesadillas and breakfast burritos to wood-fired pizzas and Texas-style barbecue. For those with a sweet tooth, places like Dolce Niente serve decadent desserts like cannoli and tiramisu. Whether you're seeking a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Houston Airport has something for everyone.

Characteristics Values
Airport George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Best Airport Sitdown Dining Ruby's Diner
Best Airport for Dining Bush Intercontinental (6th place)
Terminal B Whataburger, Shipley's Donuts, Kolaches
Terminal C Real Food Co., La Salsa
Terminal D-West Pier The Annie Café & Bar, The Kitchen, Urban Crave, Jamba Juice, Einstein Bagels, Popeyes, Houston Supply Co.
Terminal E Pappasito's, Pappadeaux
Other options Zpizza, Bullritos, 3rd Bar Oyster & Eating House, Le Grand Comptoir, Urban Crave, Landry's Seafood, Starbucks, Hard Rock Café, Chick-Fil-A, Chili's
Nearby restaurants Paul's Pizza Shops, Peli Peli, Dolce Niente, Kiss Restaurant, Red Lobster, Perry's, The Audrey Restaurant & Bar, Trattoria Sofia

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Ruby's Diner

The diner's location in Terminal E makes it convenient for travellers passing through the airport. With its variety of menu options, Ruby's Diner caters to different tastes and preferences. For those with dietary restrictions, the gluten-free and vegetarian options ensure that there is something for everyone. The kid-friendly menu also makes it a suitable choice for families travelling with children.

In addition to Ruby's Diner, the George Bush Intercontinental Airport offers a diverse range of dining options. Texas-based chain restaurants such as Whataburger and Bullritos are available, along with unique concepts like Houston chef Bryan Caswell's 3rd Bar Oyster & Eating House and the French bistro wine bar Le Grand Comptoir. The airport caters to both quick bites and sit-down dining experiences, ensuring that travellers can find something that suits their preferences and schedules.

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Texas-based chain restaurants

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston offers a wide variety of dining options, including several Texas-based chain restaurants. If you're looking for a quick bite, Texas' favourite fast-food joint, Whataburger, is available at Gate B1 in Terminal B. Another popular option is Bullritos, a Texas-based chain serving up hearty burritos and other Mexican favourites. You can find it in the Terminal B Food Court.

For a more sit-down experience, there's Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Terminal E, offering a range of seafood dishes. If you're in the mood for some Tex-Mex, Pappasito's Cantina, also in Terminal E, is a great choice, serving up dishes like chicken quesadillas and margaritas.

In Terminal D, you'll find The Annie Cafe & Bar, an iconic Houston restaurant with a menu crafted by James Beard Award-winning chef Robert del Grande. The menu features classics like crab tostadas, steak salad, and newer dishes like cochinita pibil-style chicken wings.

Outside of the airport, there are several Texas-based chain restaurants nearby. Peli Peli, for example, is a nationally recognised South African fusion restaurant with locations in Houston. The restaurant was founded by Master Chef Paul Friedman, who has over 40 years of experience in the industry. Another option is The Chef's Table, Chef Friedman's latest concept located in Vintage Park.

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Sit-down vs fast food

If you're looking for a quick bite before your flight, Houston Airport has plenty of options for fast food. Terminal B, for example, is home to Whataburger, which has been described as having the "best airport fast food". Terminal B also has Shipley's Donuts, and Terminal C has La Salsa, which is recommended for breakfast burritos.

If you have a little more time, there are also several sit-down restaurants to choose from. Ruby's Diner has been voted the best sit-down dining option at the airport. Other options include French bistro Le Grand Comptoir, Urban Crave, and Pappadeaux in Terminal E, which has been described as "fantastic for sit-down".

For something more upscale, The Audrey Restaurant & Bar serves contemporary American cuisine in a stylish setting, with large windows overlooking the airport's greenery. The menu includes elevated American favourites such as a Seafood Tower, Tuna & Avocado Martini, fresh pasta dishes, butcher-cut steaks, sandwiches, and salads. They also offer a curated bar program with craft cocktails and a wine selection.

If you're craving Italian, Trattoria Sofia serves rustic Italian food with a twist, focusing on seasonal items and fresh ingredients. Dolce Niente is another Italian restaurant at the airport, serving dishes like Limone Caesar Salad, Bolognese Pasta, and wood-fired pizzas, followed by classic desserts like Cannoli and Tiramisu.

For a unique spin on Houston barbecue, try the family-style parrilladas—huge mixed platters of wild game and fresh vegetables topped with pico de gallo and queso fresco. If you're looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, Kiss Restaurant offers an elevated dining experience with weekly events and curated entertainment, as well as a robust beverage program including specialty cocktails, wine, and champagne.

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Local vs international food

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston is a great place to grab a bite, with a range of local and international dining options. The airport has a mix of fast-casual and high-end restaurants, catering to different tastes and budgets.

For those seeking a taste of Texas, there are several options. The Annie Café & Bar, located in the new Terminal D-West Pier, offers sophisticated Texas-influenced American cuisine. Houston Supply Co. is another spot to savour local flavours and discover unique finds. Terminal D-West will also feature The Kitchen, a favourite for comfort food. Pappasito's and Pappadeaux (both in Terminal E) are great choices for Tex-Mex, with chicken quesadillas and beer on the menu. Whataburger, a Texas-based chain, is also present at the airport and has been praised for its fast food.

On the other hand, travellers seeking international options will not be disappointed either. The airport has a French bistro wine bar called Le Grand Comptoir, and an Italian restaurant, Trattoria Sofia, which serves rustic Italian food in a romantic setting. For those craving pizza, there's Zpizza, and for South African cuisine, Peli Peli is a nationally recognised South African fusion restaurant.

In addition to these, the airport also has a variety of national chains, including Urban Crave, Jamba Juice, Einstein Bagels, Popeyes, Starbucks, Chick-Fil-A, and more, ensuring that every palate is satisfied.

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Best dining experiences

If you're looking for a sit-down meal at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Ruby's Diner is a great choice, having finished first in the polling for the "Best Airport Sitdown Dining" category by online travel site 10Best.com. The airport also offers a mix of fast-casual and high-end dining options, including Texas-based chains like Whataburger and Bullritos, Houston chef Bryan Caswell's 3rd Bar Oyster & Eating House, French bistro wine bar Le Grand Comptoir, and a tiny street food-focused restaurant called Urban Crave.

For a unique, upscale experience, The Audrey Restaurant & Bar serves contemporary American cuisine in a stylish, modern setting overlooking the beautiful greenery of Market Street. The menu features elevated American favorites like the Seafood Tower, Tuna & Avocado Martini, fresh pasta dishes, butcher-cut steaks, sandwiches, and salads, as well as a curated bar program with craft cocktails and a fabulous wine selection.

If you're craving Italian, Trattoria Sofia serves authentic, rustic Italian food in an intimate, romantic setting. The menu features classic dishes with a twist, focusing on seasonal items and fresh ingredients.

For a taste of South African fusion, Peli Peli offers a unique dining experience with dishes crafted by Master Chef Paul Friedman, who has over 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry.

For a more casual meal, Pappasito's and Pappadeaux in Terminal E are great choices, with options like chicken quesadillas and beer. Terminal B also has Whataburger for fast food, and Terminal C has Real Food Co. for plentiful to-go meals, although it is on the expensive side.

Frequently asked questions

There are several restaurants near George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, including The Audrey Restaurant & Bar, Trattoria Sofia, and Peli Peli.

Ruby's Diner was ranked first in the "Best Airport Sitdown Dining" category by 10Best.com. Other options include Bush Intercontinental, Bryan Caswell's 3rd Bar Oyster & Eating House, Le Grand Comptoir, and Urban Crave.

Terminal B at the Houston airport has Whataburger and Shipley's Donuts. Terminal E has Pappasito's and Pappadeaux's. Terminal C has Real Food Co. and La Salsa.

The new Terminal D-West Pier at the Houston airport will feature The Annie Café & Bar, The Kitchen, Urban Crave, Jamba Juice, Einstein Bagels, Popeyes, and Chili's.

Yes, there are several pizza places near the Houston airport, including Paul's Pizza Shops and Dolce Niente.

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