Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is a major travel hub, ranking high in passenger traffic. If you find yourself with a layover or just passing through, you might be wondering about the food options available. Luckily, CLT offers a diverse range of dining experiences to satisfy any traveler’s cravings. Forget bland airport food; Charlotte Airport has stepped up its game, offering everything from quick bites to sit-down restaurants featuring local flavors and national favorites. This guide will walk you through the best Charlotte Airport Food, ensuring your time at CLT is deliciously well-spent.
Dining Delights: Where to Eat at Charlotte Airport
CLT boasts a variety of restaurants and markets, catering to different tastes and time constraints. Whether you’re looking for a fast meal before your flight or a relaxing dining experience, Charlotte Airport has options for you.
Quick Bites & Casual Dining
For travelers on the go or those seeking familiar comfort food, CLT’s quick bite options are plentiful and satisfying.
1897 Market
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Located in the Atrium, 1897 Market is more than just a place to grab a quick snack. It’s an experience. Browse culinary novelties and gift items while you wait, from DIY cocktail kits to gourmet nuts. The restaurant side offers a diverse menu, including wood-fired pizzas, Southern-style shrimp and grits, and fresh oysters. It’s a great spot for a substantial and interesting meal.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
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A Charlotte original, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar in Concourse C6 is a must-try for burger lovers. Their signature bacon cheeseburger is loaded with jalapeno bacon, Applewood-smoked bacon, and “Baconaisse.” Beyond burgers, they offer tasty fried pickles and a Buffalo chicken sandwich. It’s a flavorful and satisfying choice for classic American food at Charlotte airport.
Bojangles
For a true taste of the Carolinas, Bojangles in the Plaza area is an easy and iconic stop. This Southern chain is famous for its Cajun chicken biscuit, seasoned fries, and sweet tea. If you’re new to the South, grabbing a quick Bojangles at Charlotte airport is a quintessential experience.
Shake Shack
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Sometimes, you just crave a good burger and fries. Shake Shack in the Plaza delivers consistently delicious fast food. Their burgers are juicy, fries are crispy, and shakes are creamy – a reliable and tasty option when you need a quick and satisfying meal at Charlotte airport.
Sit-Down Restaurants & Relaxed Meals
If you have more time to spare or prefer a more relaxed dining experience, CLT’s sit-down restaurants offer diverse cuisines and comfortable atmospheres.
Chalice Cafe
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Located in Concourse C11, Chalice Cafe provides a petite and sophisticated hideaway. While it’s a Stella Artois bar, they also offer a curated food menu. Enjoy a Greek wedge salad, chicken pesto flatbread, or a grilled chicken and marinated artichoke baguette sandwich. Chalice Cafe is perfect for a lighter, more refined meal in Charlotte airport.
Midwood Smokehouse
Midwood Smokehouse in Concourse B10 brings the best of Texas, Carolina, and Saint Louis barbecue styles to Charlotte airport. For a true taste of Southern BBQ, try their pulled pork sandwich with vinegar sauce. It’s a hearty and flavorful representation of Carolina cuisine.
Summer House
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Escape the airport bustle at Summer House in Concourse B6. This bright and airy restaurant draws inspiration from California cuisine. The menu features fresh and healthy options like fish tacos, grilled salmon, avocado toast, and a variety of salads. Summer House offers a refreshing and lighter dining experience at Charlotte airport.
Whisky River
Whisky River in E Rotunda provides a honky-tonk atmosphere with Southern comfort food. Pulled pork is a highlight here – try the pulled pork sandwich or the tater tot nachos topped with queso and pulled pork. It’s a fun and lively spot for a casual meal and drinks.
Quench Your Thirst: Best Bars & Drinks at CLT
Charlotte Airport also offers excellent options for drinks, whether you’re in the mood for wine, cocktails, or local craft beer.
Wine & Cocktails
For wine connoisseurs or those seeking a sophisticated drink, CLT has some refined options.
Beaudevin
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Located in the Atrium, Beaudevin is a stylish wine bar marked by chandeliers made of wine glasses. They offer a global selection of wines by the bottle and small plates to share. Beaudevin provides an elegant setting for enjoying wine at Charlotte airport.
Commonspace
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Skip the usual coffee chains and head to Commonspace in the D/E Connector for Durham-based Counter Culture Coffee. Beyond coffee, Commonspace also serves cocktails. It’s a great place for a caffeine boost or a mixed drink in a more local setting at Charlotte airport.
Great Wagon Road Distilling Company
For whiskey lovers, Great Wagon Road Distilling Company in Concourse A21 is Charlotte’s oldest distillery and offers a selection of their whiskeys. If you’re looking for a local spirit while waiting for your flight, this is your spot at Charlotte airport.
Beer & Local Brews
Charlotte has a thriving craft beer scene, and CLT airport showcases some of the best local breweries.
Captain Jack’s Tavern
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Captain Jack’s Tavern in Concourse E4 features beer from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, brewed according to traditional German standards. The bar’s floor-to-ceiling windows are a major draw, offering views that make you forget you’re in an airport. Enjoy a local beer with a view at Charlotte airport.
Noda Brewing Company
Noda Brewing Company in Concourse A26 provides a taste of Charlotte’s popular North Davidson neighborhood brewery scene. Established in 2011, Noda offers a range of beers that represent the local craft beer culture. It’s a great place to sample Charlotte beer while traveling.
Sycamore Brewing
Sycamore Brewing, located in Concourse E45, is one of the newest additions to CLT and Charlotte’s largest brewery. Enjoy another local Charlotte beer option, experiencing the city’s growing craft beer scene right in the airport.
Wicked Weed
Wicked Weed in the Plaza brings a taste of Asheville to Charlotte airport. While their beers are widely available now, it’s still a great option for a quality IPA. Pro tip: grab a burger from Shake Shack and pair it with a Wicked Weed IPA for a satisfying airport meal.
Conclusion
Charlotte Douglas International Airport offers a surprisingly diverse and delicious range of food and drink options. From local favorites like Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar and Bojangles to craft breweries like Noda and Sycamore, CLT provides a genuine taste of Charlotte. Next time you’re traveling through CLT, take some time to explore these dining options and turn your airport experience into a culinary adventure.
