Photo: Grindhouse Killer Burgers/Facebook

Best Places to Eat and Drink at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

Atlanta Food + Drink Airports + Flying
by Nickolaus Hines Jan 31, 2019

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is the busiest airport in the world. Thankfully, the airport planners had restaurants, food, and drinks in mind when designing the terminals. There are places for classic southern staples like chicken and beer, as well as restaurants you likely already know, like P.F. Chang’s and Shake Shack. Not to mention fine dining like One Flew South, which sets the bar for the best airport food. Frankly, Atlanta is one of the best airports in the world if you’re looking for a kick-ass meal and beverage.

These are the best places to eat and drink in every terminal of the Atlanta airport.

Concourse T

Grindhouse Killer Burgers: A local favorite, this burger joint serves breakfast, custom burgers, fries, and shakes. A full bar awaits anyone waiting out a delay. A constantly running projection screen keeps the masses entertained.

Atlanta Stillhouse: This barbecue joint is sponsored by Jim Beam. And while there’s food, you can’t go wrong if you’re just popping in for a bourbon or cocktail.

Concourse A

Varasano’s Pizzeria: This is not your average congealed cheese airport pizza. Varasano’s has thin-crust pizza and a decent wine list to match. Let the live piano music calm you down while waiting for your flight delay to clear up.

TAP: Atlanta has a burgeoning craft beer scene, and you can sample some of the best of it at TAP. Keeping with the theme of the name, there’s also wine on tap. And not keeping with the theme of the name, there are cocktails.

Piano Bar: Keep things low-key with a glass of wine while you listen to some calming live piano music.

Concourse B

Bobby's Burger Palace in Atlanta

Photo: Bobby’s Burger Palace/Facebook

Bobby’s Burger Palace: You know Bobby Flay from Iron Chef. Get to know him through his burgers (or at least a burger place with his name on it). There are also shakes spiked with vodka if you’re into that.

Paschal’s Southern Cuisine: If you’re looking to get a first or last taste of Atlanta without leaving the airport, come here. Paschal’s is famous for Southern soul food classics like fried chicken, catfish, mac ‘n cheese, and country fried steak. The original spot opened in the city in 1947, and the Atlanta airport location opened in 1979.

LottaFrutta: Maybe you’re done with the heavy fried food. If so, go to LottaFrutta for smoothies, fruit cups, and sandwiches.

Concourse C

El Taco: The airport location of the beloved Virginia Highland restaurant. Do things Atlanta-style and order a fried chicken taco. Match it up with a margarita from the bar and you’ll be set for a flight of any length.

Concourse D

Chicken and Beer in Atlanta

Photo: Chicken+Beer/Facebook

Chicken and Beer: A restaurant from Chris Bridges, aka Ludacris, aka Luda, aka the best character in the Fast and the Furious franchise. Order beef cheeks, crawfish, garlic tater tots, and, naturally, fried chicken. Also don’t forget about the end of the name: beer.

Grindhouse Killer Burgers: The original airport location has what it takes to satisfy any burger, shakes, and fries craving you have. Keep an eye out for the robot mural.

40/40 Club: Originally backed by Jay-Z, this cocktail bar has a swanky vibe and prices to match.

Concourse E

One Flew South: This was the first upscale restaurant in the Atlanta airport. It’s still the best in the South, as well as one of the best airport restaurants anywhere. The restaurant serves everything from sushi to pork belly sliders. Cocktails with your meal is always a good choice here.

Concourse F

El Taco in Atlanta

Photo: The Original El Taco/Facebook

El Taco: Like the spot in Concourse C, this location serves Tex-Mex, Oaxacan food, and a Southern twist on tacos with some fried chicken. Don’t leave without a margarita.

Ecco: Come for the fine cheese and charcuterie if you’re looking for a light snack, or stay for a flatbread or panini. This Italian restaurant has an upscale menu with plenty of wines by the glass to sip on and enjoy.

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