Owais Crawford
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the world's busiest airports, serving over 64 million travellers annually. With such a high volume of passengers, the airport is home to a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and eateries, catering to various budgets, tastes, and dietary requirements. From local favourites to popular chains, DFW offers an extensive selection of food and beverage options for travellers to explore and enjoy while waiting for their flights. In this guide, we will dive into the best places to eat and drink at DFW Airport, highlighting specific locations and must-try dishes to enhance your dining experience during your layover or pre-flight wait.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of travellers each year | 64 million+ |
| Variety of cuisines | Tex-Mex, Barbeque, Cajun, Mediterranean, Venezuelan, Seafood, Burgers |
| Restaurants | Chef Tim Love’s Love Shack, Sonny Bryan’s, Hickory by Kent Rathbun, Twisted Root, Vino Volo, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Shake Shack, TGI Fridays, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Pappasito’s Cantina, Lorena Garcia Tapas y Cocina, Ling & Louie's, Cousins BBQ, McDonald's |
| Security | TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are available |
| Construction | $3 billion plan to overhaul and expand Terminal C, welcoming nine new gates in 2026 |
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What You'll Learn
Terminal A's Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, located at 2610 International Pkwy Terminal A Gate 25, is a popular choice for travellers looking for a sit-down meal option at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. The restaurant offers a range of seafood dishes, including shrimp cocktail, green beans and grilled shrimp, and rainbow trout with crab. While some reviewers have praised the food as "fresh and well-prepared", others have criticised it as "drenched in butter and oil" and "too salty". The atmosphere has also received mixed reviews, with some describing it as "relaxing" and others as "cramped and noisy".
Pappadeaux is known for its expensive, steep prices, which some reviewers expect from a seafood restaurant at the airport. The restaurant has also been praised for its service, with one reviewer mentioning that their server kept them informed during a kitchen backup.
When considering dining options at DFW Airport, it is worth noting that several reviews mention early closing times for restaurants, typically around 7 or 8 pm. Travellers with late-evening flights may have limited options, but Pappadeaux could be a suitable choice, depending on the flight time.
In addition to Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, there are several other restaurants at DFW Airport that offer a variety of cuisines. These include Shake Shack (Gate C6) for burgers, Flying Saucer Draught Emporium (Gate D20) for beer and bar fare, and Cru Food & Wine Bar (Gate D27) for wines, pizzas, and desserts. For those seeking a taste of local cuisine, Hickory by Kent Rathbun in Terminal B features a menu crafted by a local James Beard Award-nominated chef.
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Terminal A's Twisted Root Burger Co
Twisted Root Burger Co. is a popular local burger joint located at Gate A24 in Terminal A of the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. The restaurant offers a wide variety of burgers and other dishes that cater to different dietary preferences, including vegans, gluten-free diners, and bacon lovers. In addition to their specialty burgers, Twisted Root Burger Co. also serves boozy and custard milkshakes, providing a quick and delicious option for travellers on the go.
For those looking for a quick bite, Twisted Root Burger Co. promises to deliver cooked-to-order meals in about 8 minutes or less, making it a convenient option for busy travellers. The restaurant's efficient service ensures that passengers can enjoy a hassle-free dining experience, even during the hustle and bustle of airport life.
The menu at Twisted Root Burger Co. features a range of proteins and unique offerings. In addition to their signature burgers, diners can indulge in boozy milkshakes, a perfect treat for those craving something indulgent and playful. For those with a sweet tooth, the custard milkshakes, made with cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, offer a classic and comforting option.
While Twisted Root Burger Co. is known for its burgers and milkshakes, it also provides a calm atmosphere and high-quality dishes for travellers seeking a more substantial dining experience. The restaurant's efficient service and diverse menu options make it a popular choice for passengers looking for a quick bite or a relaxing meal before their flight.
In addition to Twisted Root Burger Co., Terminal A at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport offers a variety of other dining options. For Tex-Mex cuisine, passengers can visit TX/MX, which is known for its authentic tacos, enchiladas, and nachos. The terminal also houses popular chains such as California Pizza Kitchen (Gate A28) and Einstein Bros. Bagels (Gate A11), providing familiar options for travellers craving comfort food.
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Terminal B's Hickory by Kent Rathbun
The restaurant brings a taste of Dallas to the airport, with a menu that includes items like smoked brisket, pork shoulder, and spare ribs. Hickory by Kent Rathbun is a great choice for travellers looking for a hearty meal and a true taste of Texas cuisine.
In addition to Hickory, there are several other dining options at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW) that offer a variety of cuisines. For example, Shake Shack at Gate C6 serves smashburgers and fries, while Cantina Laredo at Gate D25 offers Tex-Mex fare and margaritas.
For those looking for a quick bite, Eatzi's at Gate D5 is a Dallas-born, European-style gourmet bakery and market with customizable sandwiches, grab-and-go options, and a full bar. The Italian Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck at Gate D34 serves pastas, pizzas, and Italian classics.
Whether you're looking for a sit-down meal or something on the go, DFW Airport has a variety of dining options to choose from, including the renowned Hickory by Kent Rathbun in Terminal B.
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Terminal C's Shake Shack
If you're looking for a bite to eat at DFW Airport's Terminal C, you're in luck—Shake Shack opened its doors there in 2019. This popular burger chain is known for its delicious, high-quality food at great value, and its DFW Airport location is no exception.
At Shake Shack, you can indulge in a variety of mouth-watering options. Their burgers are a standout, with options like the Angus beef blend burger topped with cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, chopped cherry peppers, and their signature ShackSauce. If you're an early bird catching a flight, they've got you covered with a breakfast menu that includes breakfast sandwiches with eggs, cheese, and your choice of meat on a toasted potato bun. And let's not forget the crinkle-cut fries, which are crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside—perfect for dipping in ketchup or cheese sauce.
The DFW Airport Shake Shack is located near Gate C7 and is part of a food court that includes other options like Dickey's BBQ Pit and Einstein Bros. Bagels. You can order ahead using the Shack App and choose your preferred pickup time and location, whether it's curbside or the walk-up window.
So, if you're craving a burger, fries, or a quick breakfast bite, Shake Shack at Terminal C in the DFW Airport is a great choice. With its convenient location, tasty food, and efficient service, it's an ideal spot to fuel up before your flight.
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Terminal D's Cantina Laredo
If you're looking for a spot to eat at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, Terminal D has a host of options, including Cantina Laredo, which serves up Tex-Mex cuisine and margaritas.
Cantina Laredo is a popular choice for travellers passing through DFW Airport, as it offers a taste of classic Tex-Mex dishes. The restaurant is located at Gate 29 of Terminal B, and it's a great spot to indulge in some Mexican favourites before boarding your flight. The menu features a range of traditional Tex-Mex options, including steak quesadillas, tacos, and cilantro margaritas.
The restaurant has received positive reviews, with some patrons praising the attentive service and the elegant atmosphere. One reviewer on Tripadvisor commented that the food was "excellent" and the staff were "very friendly". They also recommended the cilantro margaritas, which they described as "amazing".
In addition to Cantina Laredo, Terminal D offers a variety of dining options to suit different tastes and preferences. For those who enjoy beer and bar food, the Flying Saucer Draught Emporium at Gate D20 is a locally-born spot worth considering. If you're in the mood for stone-fired pizzas and wine, Cru Food & Wine Bar at Gate D27 provides a chic dining experience.
For a quick bite, travellers can also choose from a range of grab-and-go options, such as the Artisan Market at Gate D27, which offers sandwiches, soups, and salads made with local ingredients. Banh Shop at Gate D10 serves up Asian favourites like chicken, steak, and pork meatball banh mi, pad Thai, and fried rice bowls. Terminal D also has its own branch of the popular gastropub, Bar Louie, where travellers can enjoy flatbreads, bar bites, and breakfast sandwiches.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular restaurants in DFW Airport include Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Pappasito's Cantina, Twisted Root, Vino Volo, and Chef Tim Love’s Love Shack.
Some popular dishes at DFW Airport include the fish tacos at Pappasito's Cantina, the Seafood Hot Pot at Ling & Louie's, and the burgers at Twisted Root.
Yes, there are several budget-friendly options at DFW Airport, including McDonald's and DFW Travel Mart.
Yes, while not necessarily fine dining, some restaurants at DFW Airport offer a unique ambiance and are well-regarded for their food, including Pappadeaux, Pappasito's, and Lorena Garcia Tapas y Cocina.
Many restaurants at DFW Airport close early, around 7 or 8 pm. However, a few options may remain open until 9 pm. It's always a good idea to check the airport's website or specific restaurant hours before your trip.
