Charlotte Airport Food: The Ultimate Guide to Eating and Drinking at CLT

Heading to or through Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) for an upcoming flight? With nearly 59 million passengers in 2024, you’re joining the ranks at one of the USA’s busiest airports. But don’t worry, your time here can be surprisingly pleasant thanks to comfortable rocking chairs in the common areas and a wide variety of dining options.

Get to Know CLT Airport

Before we explore the food available at the Charlotte airport, let’s get to know CLT. The airport location is 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, close to uptown Charlotte. A hub for American Airlines, the Charlotte airport features one passenger terminal with 115 gates spread across five concourses.

And in those concourses, numerous eateries await. Whether you’re seeking fast food or a laid-back experience in the American Express Centurion Lounge, you’ll find it all at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

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Variety Matters at Charlotte Douglas International Airport

From Cajun to BBQ to soups to Mexican cuisine, this NASCAR headquarters delivers an abundance of choices for dining. Whether you prefer fast food or a Charlotte airport original, you’ll find something to nosh on at CLT Airport.

In addition, HMSHost – which operates many of the concessions here – promises more eateries soon. Let’s take a look at some of the CLT Airport highlights.

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Highlights in the CLT Atrium

With only one terminal, CLT’s concourses branch out from the airport’s central Atrium. Here, the dining options present an array of choices.

• 1897 Market serves food ranging from grits to oysters to shrimp and wood-fired pizzas. In addition to dining, 1897 Market features an assortment of gifts worth perusing during your time here. Need a DIY cocktail kit? You’ll find that here.
• Prefer to start your flight with a glass of wine or two? Check out Beaudevin, where chandeliers made from wine glasses set the scene. This elevated wine bar features varietals from around the globe. Pair your choice of wine with elegant small plates. Options include melon and prosciutto, Scottish smoked salmon and charcuterie and feta meze. For more substantial eats, try one of Beaudevin’s signature paninis or a flatbread pizza.
• Need a Carolina barbecue fix? Find your way to Brookwood Farms BBQ in the Atrium. Choose from hickory-smoked meats and those tasty sides like coleslaw and baked beans.
• If time is limited, fast food options in the Atrium include the always popular Burger King. If a sub is more your style, Jersey Mike’s will take care of your hunger. The Atrium also houses Dunkin Donuts, Cinnabon, Red Mango and Papa John’s.

Exploring The Plaza at CLT

The Plaza at CLT spans 51,000 square feet near Concourse D and Concourse E and includes Auntie Anne’s, Bojangles, Potbelly Sandwich Shop and Shake Shack.

For beer lovers, Wicked Weed – an Asheville-based brewing company – serves an enticing selection of craft beers. While Wicked Weed’s location in The Plaza doesn’t serve food, patrons are welcome to grab food elsewhere and bring it to the bar to enjoy with a beer.

Concourse A

For those flying out of Concourse A, Rhino Market features a wide variety of options. This neighborhood market and deli provides a selection of locally-made foods, cheese, chocolates and delicious baked goods. While you can grab-and-go with these local treats, you can also hang out and enjoy a cup of coffee from Charlotte brewers. Or, enjoy a beer or a glass of wine.

More CLT Concourse A dining:

• For more local flavor, consider Charlotte’s NoDa Brewing Company. Enjoy a local craft beer as you nosh on flatbreads and tacos. NoDa Brewing Company also features to-go cans and grab-and-go food. Another Charlotte original, the Broken Spoke serves as a cocktail bar on wheels for Concourse A.
• On the menu at Black and Blue Bar in Concourse A are oysters, calamari, tacos, quesadillas, burgers, salads, veggies and more.
• Fast food in Concourse A includes Cinnabon, Jamba Juice, Panera Bread, Smashburger and Wendy’s.

Concourse B

Yes, Bojangles is a fast-food chain, but if you’re craving fried chicken and biscuits, it’s the place to go.

More CLT Concourse B dining:

• Summer House includes a sit-down restaurant, full bar and grab-and-go selections. On the menu, you’ll find California-inspired entrees including fish tacos, avocado toast, grilled salmon and California wines.
• Great American Bagel Bakery and Starbucks.

Concourse C

Hungry for a burger? Head to Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar for a variety of burger options ranging from a veggie burger to the menu star – the Baconaisse featuring jalapeno and Applewood-smoked bacon strips atop a cheeseburger. Too much? Create your own custom burger instead. Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar also features salads, sandwiches and tasty fried pickles.

More CLT Concourse C dining:

• Chalice Cafe is a Stella Artois bar with an elevated food menu offering items such as chicken pesto flatbread and Greek wedge salad.
• The Waterman Fish Bar serves fresh, sustainable seafood, including shrimp ‘po boys and lobster rolls.
• Starbucks

Concourse D

Yes, Starbucks seems to be everywhere and while that’s fine with me, if you’re looking for an alternative, grab a Durham-based Counter Culture Coffee at Commonspace. If you’re flying in the evening, Commonspace doubles as a cocktail bar. (Located n the D/E Connector)

More CLT Concourse D dining:

• Want a quick bite of sushi? Hissho Sushi in Concourse D serves a selection of sushi rolls, higiri and sashimi.
• For pastries, sandwiches, salads and soup, Ciao Bakery & Cafe adds to our Concourse D choices.

Concourse E

No visit to Charlotte would be complete without a mention of NASCAR. 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, Whisky River Chili and many other indulgences. There’s also live music to add to the good-time vibe.

More CLT Concourse E dining:

• Sycamore Brewing and sample the Mountain Candy Beer – an IPA with infused fruit flavors. Dining options here include breakfast farmhouse skillets and chicken and grits – it’s a Southern thing!
• Captain Jack’s Tavern features wings burger, nachos and a full bar for beer, wine and cocktails. But the highlight of this tavern is beer from the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery which is made according to old German purity standards. Cheers!
• Einstein Bros. Bagels for an inexpensive, freshly prepared sandwich to go.