Owais Crawford
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest travel hubs in the world, with non-stop flights to over 200 destinations. Fortunately, there are plenty of dining options to choose from while waiting for your flight. From creative burgers from award-winning chefs to tasty Mexican tortas, there's something for everyone. If you're looking for a quick bite before checking your baggage, here are some options: Tortas Frontera, Wicker Park Sushi, Berghoff Café, and Dunkin' Donuts, to name a few. For a sit-down meal, you can try Summer House Santa Monica or Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi Bar. And if you're craving something sweet, Brown Sugar Bakery and Eli's Cheesecake are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Terminal 1, Gate B10; Terminal 3, Gate K4; Terminal 5, Gate M18 |
| Cuisine | Griddle-baked Mexican tortas, sandwiches, margaritas, beer |
| Specific Dishes | Smoked pork, chipotle-roasted chicken, and chorizo tortas; breakfast options |
| Other Notable Options | Award-winning burgers, bao buns, sushi, Mediterranean food, sandwiches, cheeseburgers, beer, nuts |
| Operating Hours | Most restaurants close early (between 9 and 10 PM); Starbucks and Brioche Dorée open early (4 AM and 4:30 AM, respectively) |
| Budget-Friendly Options | McDonald's, food court stalls, Dunkin' |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Terminal 1: bao buns, wine bar, Berghoff Café sandwiches, and more
Terminal 1 at O'Hare International Airport offers a variety of dining options to satisfy different tastes and preferences. For those who want a quick and portable bite, Lettuce Entertain You's bao stand is an excellent choice. You can choose from steamed buns with various fillings, including barbecue pork, spicy Mongolian beef, or teriyaki chicken. These buns can be ordered in sets of two, four, or six, making them perfect for a snack or a full meal. Additionally, Wow Bao's menu also offers rice bowls and dumplings.
If you're looking for a more relaxed dining experience, Terminal 1 is home to a stylish European-style wine bar. This elegant space features hanging wine glass chandeliers and offers a selection of wines by the glass or bottle. Pair your wine with charcuterie, cheeses, and other light bites. It's the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a sophisticated pre-flight experience.
For a hearty breakfast or a satisfying lunch, Berghoff Café is a popular choice. The café's old-timey interior, complete with stained glass, provides a unique airport dining ambiance. Their fluffy omelets are a favourite among travellers, but the real stars are their sandwiches. From chunky reubens to turkey pesto paninis, Berghoff Café delivers reliable and tasty options. The bread is baked fresh daily and shipped from their main restaurant, ensuring a certain level of quality.
For those with a craving for sushi, Wicker Park Sushi is worth considering. They offer a range of fresh and good-quality options, including maki, nigiri, and sashimi. However, travellers have noted that the service and bar cleanliness during busy times may need improvement.
Additionally, Terminal 1 houses an outpost of the renowned Chicago chef Rick Bayless's tortas spot. Here, you can indulge in griddle-baked Mexican sandwiches loaded with fillings like smoked pork, chipotle-roasted chicken, or chorizo. With breakfast options and drinks like morning margaritas or Cruz Blanca draft beer, it's a great spot to start your vacation early.
A Slick Solution: Luggage Security at Airports
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Terminal 2: La Tapenade, Mediterranean food
Terminal 2 at O'Hare International Airport is a good place to grab a bite before your flight. While the terminal has limited options and smaller seating areas, it is home to La Tapenade, a restaurant known for its Mediterranean food. La Tapenade offers sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, and alcohol. If you're looking for a quick bite, La Tapenade is a great choice, but be aware that it tends to have high prices and small portions.
La Tapenade is located in Concourse H, Gate H14 of Terminal 2. This terminal is spacious and clean, with great infrastructure. It is divided into two concourses, Concourse E and Concourse F, with a total of forty-three gates between them. In addition to La Tapenade, Terminal 2 also offers other dining options, such as the Summer House, which provides sit-down dining and counter service, as well as grab-and-go items like California-style salads, tacos, burgers, and breakfast sandwiches.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Brown Sugar Bakery, located in Terminal 3, is worth checking out. It offers sugary treats, breakfast items, and coffee. If you're looking for a sit-down meal before your flight, the Berghoff Café, also in Terminal 3, is a good option for a hearty meal.
When it comes to beverages, travellers can enjoy a drink at the Delta Sky Club lounge, located in Terminal 2. This lounge offers a relaxing environment for passengers to rest during their trip, with an annual membership costing between $495 and $745.
Uber's Albany Airport Access: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Terminal 3: Tortas Frontera, Publican Tavern, Starbucks
If you're looking for a bite to eat before baggage check at O'Hare Airport, Terminal 3 offers a few options to choose from. Here's a detailed breakdown of the dining choices available in that specific terminal:
Tortas Frontera:
Tortas Frontera is a popular choice for travellers looking for a quick, flavorful, and reliable meal. Chef Rick Bayless offers griddle-baked Mexican sandwiches with a variety of fillings such as smoked pork, chipotle-roasted chicken, and chorizo. They also have breakfast options and you can skip the line by ordering ahead on their app. Tortas Frontera has multiple locations across the airport, including Terminal 3, Gate K4.
Publican Tavern:
Publican Tavern is another option in Terminal 3. While there are no specific details about this establishment, Terminal 3 is known for offering a good mix of quick-service and sit-down restaurants.
Starbucks:
For coffee lovers, Starbucks is an easily recognisable option. At O'Hare Airport, Starbucks opens at 4 AM, making it an early option for those with morning flights. Starbucks is located in Terminal 3, and it is recommended to dine here before proceeding through security.
These options provide a variety of choices, from quick bites to sit-down meals, ensuring that travellers can find something to suit their preferences and time constraints before proceeding to baggage check.
Airports: Your Personal Chauffeur for Transfers?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Terminal 5: Hub 51, Wicker Park Sushi, Wow Bao
Terminal 5 is considered one of the best terminals for dining at O'Hare Airport, with two standout options being Hub 51 and Wicker Park Sushi.
Hub 51 offers a quality dining experience, while Wicker Park Sushi is praised for its fresh and good-quality sushi, although service and bar cleanliness during busy times are frequent issues. Terminal 5 also has a 24/7 Dunkin' Donuts for those looking for a quick bite before their flight.
Hub 51 is a great choice for travellers looking for a sit-down meal and a break from the typical airport fare. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, ensuring that there is something for everyone's taste.
Wicker Park Sushi is another popular option, known for its fresh and delicious sushi. The spacious marble bar and ample seating make it a great choice for those seeking a more upscale airport dining experience. However, travellers have noted that the service can be slow during peak times, and the bar may not be as clean as one would hope.
In addition to these two standout options, Terminal 5 also boasts Wow Bao, a popular bao stand from Lettuce Entertain You. Wow Bao offers steamed buns with a variety of fillings, including barbecue pork, spicy Mongolian beef, and teriyaki chicken. These baos can be ordered in sets of two, four, or six, making them a versatile option for a snack or a full meal. The menu also features hearty rice bowls and dumplings for those seeking a more substantial meal before their flight.
When dining at O'Hare Airport, it is important to keep in mind that most restaurants close early, between 9 and 10 pm. Therefore, if you are travelling during peak hours, it is recommended to plan your meals accordingly to avoid slower service during rush times.
How to Add Checked Bags at the Airport with Delta
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Terminal 7: Billy Goat Tavern cheeseburgers, Nuts on Clark
Terminal 7 at O'Hare Airport is the place to go for cheeseburgers and nuts. Billy Goat Tavern, a Chicago institution, serves up solid cheeseburgers, which, while occasionally overcooked, are a good option for a pre-flight bite. If you're looking for something to nibble on during your flight, Nuts on Clark offers a vast assortment of nuts, including almonds, pecans, cashews, pistachios, and chocolate-covered peanuts. You can grab a variety pack or mix things up with some of their popcorn. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty cheeseburger or a crunchy snack, Terminal 7 has you covered.
Billy Goat Tavern is a well-known Chicago staple, and for good reason. Their cheeseburgers are a cut above the rest, though it's been noted that they can sometimes be overcooked. Nevertheless, if you're craving a juicy burger before your flight, Billy Goat Tavern is the place to go. Pair it with some crispy fries, and you've got the perfect pre-flight meal.
For those who want something lighter, Nuts on Clark is a unique option. Their assortment of nuts is impressive, and you can create your own variety pack to suit your tastes. If you're feeling adventurous, try their chocolate-covered peanuts or mix in some popcorn for a sweet and salty snack. Nuts on Clark is perfect for those who want a healthy, portable snack to enjoy during their flight.
Whether you're craving a hearty meal or a light bite, Terminal 7 at O'Hare Airport has something for everyone. Billy Goat Tavern satisfies cheeseburger cravings, while Nuts on Clark offers a unique and healthy snacking experience. So, before you rush to your gate, be sure to check out these tasty options at Terminal 7.
Airport Security with Insulin Pumps: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
If you're looking for a quick bite, try Tortas Frontera, which serves griddle-baked Mexican sandwiches with fillings like smoked pork, chipotle-roasted chicken, and chorizo. They have locations in Terminals 1, 3, and 5. Other quick options include CIBO Express and gourmet markets.
For a sit-down meal, try Berghoff Cafe, a historic German restaurant with an outpost in Terminal 1. They serve breakfast options like omelets and sandwiches, as well as classics like corned beef and Reuben sandwiches.
O'Hare Airport offers a few unique dining experiences, such as Bubbles Wine Bar in Terminal 3, which features jazz-club-style decor, soft lighting, and a grand piano. You can also find a European-style wine bar in Terminal 1, offering a variety of wines and light bites like charcuterie and cheese.
