Are you flying into, out of, or planning for a layover at the Atlanta airport? Officially known as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, ATL is the world’s busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic. It has held that title since 1985 (!). So, it’s a good thing that delicious Atlanta airport food is readily available across seven concourses. Especially if you’re traveling through Atlanta with hungry kids.
In this article, we’ll explore the best dining choices available at each concourse, so you can satisfy your cravings and make the most of your time at the airport. From local favorites to popular chains, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive in!
Need Coffee at ATL?
If you’re looking for a list of coffee options click here to skip down. I’ve put that in its own section because, let’s face it, if you’re desperately seeking a cup of coffee in an airport you don’t want to wade through everything else!
Basic ATL Airport Information for Travelers Looking for Food
A few basics before we dive in. First, Atlanta is a huge airport. Normally I am a get-my-steps in girl but it is a trek between concourses here. Take the train. I walked from end to end once and it took more than 30 minutes at a very fast pace. If your layover isn’t very long or you don’t have a ton of time I recommend grabbing food from the concourse you are flying out of.
The concourses mostly go in order but it’s important to note that Concourse T is the first Concourse, coming before A. The sections below are in order of train stop from the entrance of the airport. On each concourse you’ll need to go up one to two sets of escalators. From there the concourses branch out with one wing on the left and one on the right.
The top of each escalator has a round column that shows rotating images of restaurants, shops and more with each image featuring the gate number. As you walk down the concourses if you glance up there are frequent TV screens doing the same thing. Placed on the walls of each concourse there are also large interactive maps that you can search for items on.
Hours of Food Spots at ATL
We have included operating business hours of restaurants according to their sites. It’s important to note that some businesses are facing low staffing and may be unexpectedly closed.
Restaurants at ATL – Concourse T
Concourse T is the first concourse in the airport after the Domestic Terminal’s North and South sections. You can get to it without taking the train.
Atlanta Stillhouse (T14)
This workhorse of the airport restaurant world is open from 6am-11pm. With brisket, BBQ sliders and club sandwiches you can easily find something simple that hits the spot here. There’s also a grown-up root beer float that adds in bourbon! Atlanta Stillhouse isn’t the best restaurant at ATL but it’s a fun place to have a few drinks and it has extensive hours. It’s a good backup to keep in mind.
Grindhouse Killer Burgers (T10)
Enjoy a taste of Atlanta, Georgia with one of the city’s favorite burger joints. This homegrown chain started in 2009 and now has 5 city locations and 2 airport locations. They have a ton of uniquely curated burgers. If you want that Southern feel go for the Dixie which is topped with a fried green tomato, pimiento cheese, coleslaw and ranch. There’s another location in Terminal D.
Papi’s Cuban Grill (T8)
This full bar and eatery serves Cuban favorites and they’re good! Service is definitely faster at the bar so if there aren’t a ton of you traveling, sit there. This airport location doesn’t serve the full menu available at its other four restaurants. The empanadas, Rey’s Cuban Sandwich and the pork bowl are some solid choices from the menu. The bar is extensive and they can whip up pretty much anything you feel like. Open from 6a-9p, they also serve breakfast.
Quick Service Food Options Concourse T
Sometimes you don’t know if you’re really hungry yet or not but you know you should grab something quick and shove it in your face. There are several options that meet that need. At Gate T7 Bojangles has biscuits, fried chicken and sides (6a-10:30p). If you’re looking for a New York-style bagel you can head to Goldberg’s Bagel Company & Deli at Gate T12 (5a-4p daily). Subway is a great backup option for picky eaters at Gate T7 (6a-10:30p daily).
Atlanta Airport Food Options at Concourse A
Concourse A is the second concourse in and reachable by train. For the quickest food options in Concourse A you’ll be looking at Chick-Fil-A at the Centerpoint (closed Sundays), McDonalds at Gate A11 (6a-10p), Goldberg’s Bagel & Deli at Gate A16 (7a-9p) or Freshens at Gate A26 (6a-10p).
Atlanta Bread (A12)
Enjoy sandwiches, salads, and more from 7a-6p daily. Atlanta Bread has been operating locally for over 30 years and prides themselves on the quality of their ingredients. If you’re looking for a healthy choice their produce bowls are a great option!
Atlanta Hawks Bar & Grill (A34)
Sports fans can grab a bite and watch the game from 7a to 9p. Look, it’s not fabulous but it’s not crap. Having eaten here a bunch of times over the years I’d advise checking the crowd level. If they’re packed, service is going to be slow. Only order if you have time. Ask for the check as soon as your food comes to speed up the process. The Philly Cheese Steak, Iceberg Wedge Salad and Turkey Pastrami Reuben are good. If you’ve ever experienced real queso or poutine don’t order them here.
Boar’s Head Deli and Kiosks (Centerpoint, A4, A15, A21 and A28)
If you’re looking for something quick but also reasonably healthy there are numerous Boar’s Head outlets available in Concourse A. This premium deli meat brand can whip up pretty much any sandwich you desire from 6a-10p.
Cat Cora’s Kitchen (A26)
This restaurant and bar is sleek and well-done. With homey dishes that mix the feel of a steakhouse with a friend’s kitchen the food is done well. The airport pricing isn’t that far off from what a celebrity chef restaurant would normally charge. The grilled avocado cobb salad is excellent and you can add a protein to it if you’d like. You also can’t go wrong with the spicy tomato soup and grilled cheese.
Shake Shack (A28)
If you haven’t heard of Shake Shack you’ve been living under a rock. This trending spot serves burgers, fries and as you may have guessed shakes and frozen custards. There will be a line pretty much all day here. They actually do have online ordering so see if it’s available when you’re at ATL and skip the line!
Where to Eat ATL Concourse B
If you’re looking for fast-food in Concourse B try Popeye’s (B13), Asian Chao (Centerpoint), Wendy’s (Centerpoint) or Freshens (B9).
Atlanta Bread Company Kiosk (B7)
Check out the full description under Terminal A. The B7 Atlanta Bread Company location is open from 7a-6p daily.
Blue Moon Brewhouse (B11)
Don’t waste your money on food here. This spot is only good for drinking. Trust me. Get a beer here and go buy Wendy’s after. It will be a culinary delight compared to anything Brewhouse serves.
TGI Fridays (B8)
Only in the Atlanta airport could a restaurant run Happy Hour specials all day, every day. On Mondays they have Wing Night.
Willy’s Mexican Grill (Centerpoint)
Grab a burrito, bowl or even margarita at this spot. Open from 8a-9p, they also serve breakfast.
Dining Options in ATL’s Concourse C
As far as options go for Atlanta airport food Concourse C has a ton of solid options. If you’re looking for fast-food options there’s a Chick-fil-A at the Centerpoint (6a-8p except Sundays), Famous Famiglia Pizza C12 and Jersey Mike’s Subs C14.
Atlanta Bread Company (C30)
We’ve got a full description of Atlanta Bread Company’s offerings under Concourse A. This Concourse C location is open from 10a-6:30p.
The Varsity (C21)
In 1928, The Varsity fast food chain was founded in Atlanta. In 2012, two locations opened at ATL, operated by foodservice partner HMS Host. You can grab one of their famous burgers, a chili dog, fries and milkshakes on the mezzanine. There is also a location in Concourse F.
The Original El Taco (C12)
Open from 12p-7p, this is another local option for Atlanta airport food. They serve up tacos, burritos and tortilla soup. It’s not as good as the original location but grab a frozen margarita or cold beer and people watch.
Longhorn Steakhouse (C12)
If you’ve got some time, Longhorn can be a great place to hang out. They’re open from 6a-10p daily and their menu is sure to meet the needs of everyone in your party. Most entrees include a side and chopped salad. They’ve got beer, wine and some spirits but their markup is pretty high for the quality. I’d save your libations for another spot. The drink will taste better.
Where to Eat at ATL – Concourse D
Chicken + Beer (D5)
Inspired by his 3rd album Chicken-n-Beer, this Atlanta airport food option is owned by Ludacris. Honestly, it’s really good. In fact so good that I may have forgotten to take pictures of the food. You can’t go wrong on this menu which features shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles, but my personal favorite is the chopped salad. This is a hefty salad. With hot honey vinaigrette over arugula, kale, cucumber, red onion, black eyed peas and smoked cheddar cheese it only gets better if you add fried chicken to it. Also get a Slaughterhouse Standup, it’s pure bourbon-ginger deliciousness.
Grindhouse Killer Burgers (D30)
Enjoy a taste of Atlanta with one of the city’s favorite burger joints. This homegrown chain started in 2009 and now has 5 city locations and 2 airport locations. They have a ton of uniquely curated burgers. If you want that Southern feel go for the Dixie which is topped with a fried green tomato, pimiento cheese, coleslaw and ranch. There’s another location in Terminal T.
Phillips Seafood (D Centerpoint)
This Baltimore-based chain is open from 8a-9p serving up favorites like crab cakes, fish and chips and fish tacos. Personally, I’m a fan of sitting at the bar and having a bowl of Cream of Crab soup and a Sweetwater 420. They also serve breakfast so you can enjoy shrimp and grits and a Bloody Mary in the AM.
Best Food Options ATL – Concourse E
This concourse is usually pretty busy. A food court at the centerpoint holds a large quantity of dining options. It all fans out from around The Piano Bar. If you’re looking for quick and healthy options, Nature’s Table and Freshens in the Centerpoint area are good choices. Nathan’s Hot Dog is to the left of the Centerpoint and is one of the most affordable options in the Concourse.
This Concourse definitely has a ton of fast-food options. Arby’s, McDonalds, Panda Express, Subway and Villa Pizza Fresh Italian Kitchen are also all at the Centerpoint.
The Piano Bar (Centerpoint)
This is definitely the friendliest spot in the airport. If you’re looking to chat with the people sitting next to you and meet your new BFF head here. Conversely if talking to people and being social sounds horrible don’t go here. They’ve got a full beer, wine and liquor menu alongside some passable appetizers, sandwiches and bar bites. It’s open from 9a-9:55p daily.
One Flew South (Centerpoint)
If you’re facing The Piano Bar, One Flew South will be over your left shoulder. You’ll notice it because there is a line at most times to get in. They opened in 2009 at the airport and since then have received two James Beard Award nominations. This restaurant works Southern and sushi into the same menu.
You can’t go wrong with the Asian noodle salad, Dirty South sandwich or the sushi rolls. They also make a mean Aperol spritz and Old Fashioned. Hours are 12p-10p Sunday-Friday and 12p-6p on Saturday.
Where to Eat at ATL – Concourse F (PS- It has the best food!)
Concourse F is the International Terminal. It’s a hidden gem at ATL mostly because a lot of folks don’t realize that you can easily access it from the Domestic Terminal. Just take the train to F and watch the signs carefully when you head back to your Concourse. You don’t want to end up at International Baggage Claim.
The furniture in international terminals tends to be more comfy and this Concourse was no exception. It’s also a great place to head to if you need to be on a call and have some quiet. Days are quieter. It gets busier later into the afternoon and evening.
The Original El Taco (F Mezzanine)
Open from 12p-7p, this is another local option for Atlanta airport food. They serve up tacos, burritos and tortilla soup. It’s not as good as the original location but grab a frozen margarita or cold beer and people watch. There is a second location in Concourse C.
The Varsity (F Mezzanine)
In 1928, The Varsity fast food chain was founded in Atlanta. In 2012, two locations opened at ATL, operated by foodservice partner HMS Host. You can grab one of their famous burgers, a chili dog, fries and milkshakes on the mezzanine. There is also a location in Concourse C.
Ecco (F Mezzanine)
If you’re looking for a fine-dining option in the airport, Ecco is the sister to its Buckhead and Midtown restaurants. My opinion here is biased. I have a pine nut allergy. They appear on several menu items. After discussing this with my server I didn’t feel confident that a) my allergy would be shared with the kitchen properly or b) that they would care so I didn’t order food.
They do have a cocktail called Long Live the Queen with Bombay Sapphire with hints of elderflowers, lemon, peach and fresh mint that is almost worth the $15.49 they charge. They’re open daily from 12p-7p.
Where to Grab Coffee at the Atlanta Airport (Hartsfield-Jackson)
For those in need of a caffeine fix, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport offers a variety of coffee shops and quick coffee options in each concourse. Here’s a list of some popular spots to grab a cup of joe:
Atrium (Pre-security) ATL Coffee Spots
If you’re waiting for someone to fly in or you aren’t ready to go through security yet you can hit Starbucks (Atrium NE), Coffee Beanery, IHOP Express or La Madeleine in the Atrium. Because this area is pre-security make sure you have time to drink your beverage before you go through the checkpoint. You will not be able to carry a beverage through.
Where to Find Coffee at ATL – Concourse A
In Concourse A you can grab a cup of coffee at Atlanta Bread Company (A12), Brioche Doree Cafe Bakery (Centerpoint), Caribou Coffee (A2) and at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (A12).
Coffee at ATL – Concourse B
If you’re in Concourse B looking for coffee try the Coffee Beanery featuring Purple Leaf Cafe (B3), Atlanta Bread Company Kiosk (B7) or Dunkin Donuts (B26).
Where to Find a Cup of Coffee in ATL’s – Concourse C
In Concourse C you can head to the Atlanta Bread Company (C30), Chick-Fil-A (C21), Krispy Kreme (Centerpoint), La Madeleine Kiosk (C40) or Starbucks (C16 & C37).
Harvest & Grounds is the perfect stop for a cup of joe and a pastry if you’re needing caffeine at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Photo credit: Nasreen Stump
ATL – Concourse D Coffee Spots
If you’re desperately seeking java, Concourse D can offer The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (D15), Einstein’s Bagels (Centerpoint) and Harvest & Ground (D9).
Coffee in Concourse E- ATL
Choices for Concourse E for coffee are Caribou Coffee and McDonalds. Both are located in the Centerpoint.
Concourse F Coffee at ATL
The International Terminal delivers with a nice Starbucks kiosk on the F mezzanine.
No matter which concourse you find yourself in, there’s a coffee shop or quick coffee option available to help you stay energized during your travels. So, go ahead and enjoy a cup of your favorite brew as you navigate through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport!
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