Photo: Chicago O’Hare International Airport/Facebook
Tortas Frontera: A grab-and-go tortas shop from Rick Bayless with a limited number of seats. These sandwiches aren’t just good for airport food, they’re good in general. Order online while you’re wading through the snaking TSA line so your food is ready as soon as you’re post security. There are also locations in Terminals 3 and 5.
Wicker Park Seafood and Sushi Bar: Classic sushi bar and restaurant where you can get basic rolls, original rolls, nigiri, and sashimi. There’s plenty of sake and shochu from the bar to complete your meal. Order from the to-go area if you’re in a rush, but you’ll surely find a place to eat if you’ve got the time because the location has 200 seats plus bar seating. There’s also a location in Terminal 2 that has 104 seats.
Berghoff Cafe: A German restaurant that’s the perfect place to pop in for a filling breakfast, lunch, or dinner. There are sandwiches like a Reuben, but you can veer away from the German food with pizzas and poke as well.
Beaudevin: A wine bar where you might struggle to find a seat, but for good reason. There are more than 20 wine options, and depending on the length of time before your flight, you can order by the glass or bottle. Sandwiches and small plates are available on the food front.
Photo: Chicago O’Hare International Airport/Facebook
Publican Tavern: Chicago is one of the best cities for craft beer in the US. Publican has bottles, cans, and 10 draft lines that feature some of the best around, as well as classic bar food like burgers and chicken.
Wicker Park Seafood and Sushi Bar: Classic sushi bar and restaurant where you can get basic rolls, original rolls, nigiri, and sashimi. There’s plenty of sake and shochu from the bar to complete your meal. Order from the to-go area if you’re in a rush, but you’ll surely find a place to eat if you’ve got the time because the location has 104 seats plus bar seating. There’s also a location in Terminal 1 that has 200 seats.
Summer House Santa Monica: You may be in the middle of the country, but you can eat like you’re on the West Coast if you’re in the airport. Get closer to the Pacific in your mind with California-style tacos, burgers, and salads.
Photo: Chicago O’Hare International Airport/Facebook
Goose Island Beer Company: Goose Island was the brewery that put Chicago craft beer on the map. You can find it anywhere in the country now, but you can get one last taste of the beer in its hometown straight from the airport. Drink beer, obviously, and eat a light panini.
Tortas Frontera: A grab-and-go tortas shop from Rick Bayless with a limited number of seats. These sandwiches aren’t just good for airport food, they’re good in general. Order online while you’re wading through the snaking TSA line so youre food is ready as soon as you’re post security. There are also locations in Terminals 1 and 5.
Bubbles Wine Bar: The ambience at this little wine bar is blue. Like, underwater in the crystal-clear Caribbean blue. Order some sparkling wine (get it, “bubbles”) and some small plates.
Hub 51: There’s a wide variety of options here for food so long as you’re not one of those people who thinks that a restaurant trying to do everything is good at nothing. Try the chicken nachos. The real draw, however, is the big bar with cocktail options, local beer, and wine.
Big Bowl: Chinese and Thai dishes with seasonal ingredients, local produce, and sustainably sourced meat and fish. Grab some potstickers or noodles and be happy.
Tortas Frontera: A grab-and-go tortas shop from Rick Bayless with a limited number of seats. These sandwiches aren’t just good for airport food, they’re good in general. Order online while you’re wading through the snaking TSA line so youre food is ready as soon as you’re post security. There are also locations in Terminals 1 and 3.
Tocco: Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pizzas are the main draw here. Also some pastas and salads if you’re looking for something a little lighter. 