Charlotte Airport Dining: Best Places To Eat

If you're looking for a place to eat at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, you're in luck. The airport features one passenger terminal with 115 gates spread across five concourses, and in those concourses, numerous eateries await. From Cajun to BBQ to soups to Mexican cuisine, there's something for everyone at Charlotte Airport. In the CLT Atrium, you'll find 1897 Market, which serves everything from grits to oysters to shrimp and wood-fired pizzas. For a more elegant dining experience, Beaudevin offers an elevated wine bar experience with small plates and paninis. Brookwood Farms BBQ is the place to go for Carolina-style barbecue. If you're short on time, the Atrium also has several fast-food options, including Chick-fil-A, Jersey Mike's, Dunkin Donuts, and Cinnabon.

Best sit-down restaurants

1897 Market

A popular choice for a sit-down meal, 1897 Market offers a range of dining options, from breakfast to dinner. Try the Super Cheese handmade pizza, the Charlotte Burger, or the Salmon Salad. You can also pick up gifts and DIY cocktail kits here.

American Express Centurion Lounge

If you have an American Express Platinum Card, Business Platinum Card, or Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, you can access the American Express Centurion Lounge. Enjoy a Southern-inspired meal by James Beard Award-nominated chef Gregory Collier. The lunch menu includes Bone-In Chicken Thigh, Leah’s Cabbage, and Creamy Whipped Root Veg.

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar offers original burger creations like the Bad Ass Burger, an Angus beef patty topped with American cheese, buttermilk fried bacon, horseradish mayo, and more. If you're not in the mood for a burger, try Emilio's Chicken, a buttermilk fried chicken breast topped with fresh mozzarella, jalapeño bacon, poblano pepper mayo, guacamole, and more.

Summer House

For a California-inspired meal, head to Summer House, which includes a sit-down restaurant and a full bar. On the menu, you'll find dishes like fish tacos, avocado toast, grilled salmon, and a selection of California wines.

Whisky River

NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s sit-down restaurant, Whisky River, offers a range of indulgent dishes, including tequila BBQ wings, pork nachos, Whisky River Chili, and more. There's also live music to add to the vibrant atmosphere.

Quick-serve options

If you're looking for a quick bite to eat at Charlotte Airport, you're spoilt for choice. For a quick snack before your flight, head to Rhino Market & Deli, which offers a wide range of options, from a quick snack to a nice meal. Try the ABLT (a twist on the classic BLT with avocado) or the Spinach Bacon Salad.

For something more substantial, 1897 Market serves everything from grits to oysters, shrimp, and wood-fired pizzas, and also features an assortment of gifts to peruse. If you're craving a glass of wine, Beaudevin is a chic wine bar with chandeliers made from wine glasses. Pair your drink with elegant small plates like Scottish smoked salmon or charcuterie.

Bojangles, located in The Plaza at CLT, is a great option for quick-serve fried chicken and biscuits. Auntie Anne's, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, and Shake Shack are also nearby in The Plaza if you're looking for a quick bite.

For a quick snack or breakfast option, Brioche Dorée serves up French bakery classics, including croissants, pastries, and desserts.

If you're in Concourse A, you can find fast-food options like Cinnabon, Jamba Juice, Panera Bread, and Starbucks in the A connector. Concourse B offers healthy options like the Farmer's Market, with fresh fruits and vegetables, and Summer House, with California-inspired entrees and a full bar.

With so many quick-serve options, you're sure to find something to satisfy your hunger at Charlotte Airport!

Bars and pubs

If you're looking for a drink at Charlotte Airport, there are plenty of bars and pubs to choose from. For a glass of wine, Beaudevin in the Atrium is a good choice, with its elegant setting and chandeliers made from wine glasses. This bar serves wines from around the world, as well as small plates such as Scottish smoked salmon and charcuterie.

For a beer, you could try Carolina Beer Co., which serves local brews from the likes of Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Sugar Creek Brewing Company, and Catawba Brewing Co. They also serve food, including the Carolina Cobb salad and BBQ Beef Brisket. NoDa Brewing Co. is another option, serving year-round beers like Hop Drop 'N Roll, a West Coast-style IPA, and Coco Loco, a robust porter.

If you're after something a little stronger, head to the Black and Blue Bar in Concourse A for oysters, calamari, tacos, and cocktails. Captain Jack's Tavern is another option for cocktails, with a full bar and a selection of pub food, including wings, burgers, and nachos. The tavern also serves beer from the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, made according to old German purity standards.

For a more relaxed drink, Rhino Market in Concourse A offers a wide variety of options, including local beers, wine, and coffee. This neighbourhood market and deli also provide a selection of locally-made foods, cheese, chocolates, and baked goods.

Fast food

If you're looking for a quick bite to eat at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, you're in luck. The airport offers a variety of fast-food options to satisfy your hunger.

One popular choice is Chick-fil-A, located in the Atrium, which is always a crowd-pleaser. If you're in the mood for a sub, Jersey Mike's, also in the Atrium, will hit the spot. For those with a sweet tooth, the Atrium has you covered with Dunkin' Donuts, Cinnabon, Red Mango, and Papa John's.

Built in 2019, The Plaza at CLT, near Concourse D and Concourse E, offers even more fast-food options. Auntie Anne's, Bojangles', Potbelly Sandwich Shop, and Shake Shack are all great choices for a quick bite. If you're craving something more indulgent, Whisky River, the sit-down restaurant of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr., is located in the Concourse E Rotunda. Enjoy tequila BBQ wings, pork nachos, and Whisky River Chili while taking in the good-time vibe and live music.

For a healthier option, the Farmer's Market in Concourse B offers quick bites of fresh fruits and vegetables and prepared meals. Summer House, also in Concourse B, provides California-inspired entrees like fish tacos, avocado toast, and grilled salmon, along with a full bar and grab-and-go selections.

With so many options available, you're sure to find something to satisfy your cravings at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Fine dining

If you're looking for a fine dining experience at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, there are several options to choose from.

One option is the American Express Centurion Lounge, which offers a Southern-inspired menu created by James Beard Award-nominated chef Gregory Collier. The lunch menu includes options such as Bone-In Chicken Thigh, Leah’s Cabbage, and Creamy Whipped Root Veg. Access to this lounge is exclusive to those with an American Express Platinum Card, Business Platinum Card, or Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card.

For a more relaxed fine dining experience, Beaudevin offers an elevated wine bar experience with chandeliers made from wine glasses. Here, you can find wines from around the globe, paired with elegant small plates such as melon and prosciutto, Scottish smoked salmon, and charcuterie. They also offer signature paninis and flatbread pizzas for a more substantial meal.

If you're craving seafood, Phillips Famous Seafood in Concourse C is a great choice. They offer a variety of seafood options, and you can pair your meal with a drink from their bar.

For a taste of local craft beer, NoDa Brewing Company in Concourse A offers a unique selection of beers, including their year-round favourites like Hop Drop 'N Roll, a West Coast-style IPA, and Coco Loco, a robust porter. You can also enjoy flatbreads and tacos with your drink.

Finally, for a NASCAR-themed fine dining experience, visit Whisky River in the Concourse E Rotunda. This sit-down restaurant, owned by NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr., offers indulgent options like tequila BBQ wings, pork nachos, and Whisky River Chili, along with live music to enhance your dining experience.

Frequently asked questions