Navigating Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) can be a significant part of your journey, especially during peak travel times. Knowing your dining options beforehand can transform your airport experience from stressful to enjoyable. Whether you’re facing a layover, grabbing a bite before a flight, or simply curious about Detroit Airport Food, DTW offers a diverse range of restaurants and eateries across its McNamara and Warren Cleage Evans Terminals. This guide will walk you through the best food options DTW has to offer, ensuring you find the perfect meal or snack to fuel your travels.
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Wayne County Airport Authority/Vito Palmisano
McNamara Terminal Dining: A Foodie’s Hub
The McNamara Terminal, a Delta Air Lines hub and home to Air France, boasts an impressive array of dining choices. From quick bites to sit-down restaurants, you’ll find something to satisfy every craving.
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DTW Airport
Top McNamara Terminal Restaurants: Best Bets for Dining
- Andiamo (A30): For a taste of Italy at Detroit Airport, Andiamo is a standout. This local chain is known for its delicious Italian cuisine, attentive service, and pleasant ambiance. Expect classic Italian dishes in a comfortable setting.
- Cat Cora’s Taproom (A24): Brought to you by celebrity chef Cat Cora, this taproom is a great spot for beer enthusiasts and those seeking classic pub fare. Beyond the food and extensive beer selection, their boozy milkshakes are a popular treat.
- Chili’s/Papa Joe’s Markets (B2): Offering the familiar comfort of Chili’s casual dining, this location also incorporates Papa Joe’s Markets for quick grab-and-go options. A versatile choice for different dining needs.
- Coffee Beanery (A8): A Michigan-based coffee shop, Coffee Beanery provides a local coffee flavor. Perfect for your caffeine fix or a relaxing coffee break before your flight.
- Corridor Kitchen (A8): For a chef-inspired experience, Corridor Kitchen focuses on gourmet sausage and pasta dishes. A step above typical airport fare, offering more refined flavors.
- Detroit Street Lunchbox (A74): If you’re looking for speed and quality, Detroit Street Lunchbox express offers gourmet sandwiches, salads, and snacks for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Embers Lounge (B18): Wine lovers and craft beer aficionados will appreciate Embers Lounge. Featuring a curated list of Michigan wines and local craft beers, it’s an ideal place to unwind.
- Espressamente Illy Coffee & Fountain Bar (Central Link): This modern-looking cafe serves premium Italian Illy coffee, espresso drinks, pastries, and sandwiches. The adjacent Fountain Bar expands the offerings with beer, cocktails, cheese plates, soups, and salads, providing options for both quick coffee and more substantial meals.
- Gordon Biersch (A74): Enjoy made-from-scratch food paired with German-style handcrafted beers at Gordon Biersch. This casual chain offers a reliable dining experience with quality food and drinks.
- Grobbel’s Gourmet Deli (A8): Claiming the title of “America’s oldest corned beef specialist,” Grobbel’s offers a menu with both meat-centric and vegetarian options. A deli experience with a historical touch.
- Harvest & Grounds (C11): Emphasizing local flavors, Harvest & Grounds features food and drink options made in Michigan. A great way to sample regional products.
- Leo’s Coney Island (A46): A Detroit dining tradition, Leo’s Coney Island brings the classic Coney dog experience to the airport. While perhaps lacking the ambiance of original locations, it offers friendly service and classic diner fare, including gyros and chili-topped hot dogs. Be mindful of potential slow service if you’re in a rush.
- Longhorn Steakhouse (A66): A surprisingly consistent chain steakhouse option within the airport. Longhorn offers breakfast options and their standard menu featuring steaks, salads, and burgers. Note that cutlery is plastic, which might be a consideration for steak.
- Max & Erma’s (A18): This casual dining chain provides familiar American cuisine in a fun, memorabilia-filled environment. A relaxed and easy dining choice.
- Mezza Mediterranean Grille (A54): For Mediterranean flavors, Mezza offers dishes like shawarma, kebabs, and hummus. A healthy and flavorful alternative to typical airport food.
- Palazzolo’s Artisan Gelato & Sorbetto (A6): Based in Michigan, Palazzolo’s offers delicious gelato and sorbetto for a sweet treat. A perfect dessert or refreshing snack.
- Plum Market (A36): For pastries and coffee, Plum Market is a solid choice. Featuring Zingerman’s pastries, it offers a cafe experience with dine-in seating and a bar area.
- Reflections Restaurant and Lounge (inside the Westin Hotel): Located inside the Westin Hotel connected to the terminal, Reflections offers a more upscale dining experience with flatbreads, salmon, seasonal soups, and a full bar.
- The Shed Bar (A8): Focusing on Michigan craft brews, The Shed Bar also offers domestic beers and signature cocktails. Another great option for beer lovers.
- Sora Japanese Sushi Bar (A35): A long-standing airport dining option for sushi. Sora provides a respectable selection of sushi, udon, and ramen for those craving Japanese cuisine.
- Vino Volo (Gate Central Link): A wine bar oasis, Vino Volo offers a relaxing space to enjoy a glass of wine with cheese plates or brie sandwiches. A calming escape from the airport bustle.
Quick Bites in McNamara Terminal: Other Options
- Chick-Fil-A (A72): Popular for fried chicken sandwiches and waffle fries.
- Fountain Bar (near A40): A cocktail lounge serving light Italian snacks.
- McDonald’s (Gate Central Link): Classic fast food burgers and fries.
- PF Chang’s (A38): Asian-themed casual dining chain.
- Pinkberry (A71): Frozen yogurt and fresh yogurt treats.
- Popeye’s (A60): Louisiana-style fried chicken and sides.
- Potbelly (B2): Made-to-order submarine sandwiches.
- Qdoba (A72): Burritos, tacos, and queso.
- Starbucks (A61, B8, A18, Gate Central Link): Coffee, espresso, and pastries. Multiple locations throughout the terminal.
- Subway (A60): Submarine sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
McNamara Terminal Lounges
For travelers seeking a more exclusive experience, the McNamara Terminal houses several lounges:
- Delta Sky Clubs (four locations: gate level across from A38, second level across from A18, second level across from A68, at gate level across from concourse C)
- Freedom Center (Armed Services Lounge) (across from A43, open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
Warren Cleage Evans Terminal Dining: Diverse Flavors
The Warren Cleage Evans Terminal (formerly North Terminal) serves airlines including Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest. It also features a variety of dining options, catering to different tastes and preferences.
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DTW Airport
Top Warren Cleage Evans Terminal Restaurants: Best Bets for Dining
- Air Margaritaville (D6): Embrace the island vibe at Jimmy Buffett’s airport restaurant. Air Margaritaville offers margaritas, tropical drinks, and casual fare like guacamole burgers.
- Anita’s Kitchen (D23): Enjoy authentic Lebanese cuisine at Anita’s Kitchen, featuring a range of vegetarian-friendly dishes. A flavorful and healthy option.
- Atwater Brewery (D19): Experience Detroit’s brewing scene at Atwater Brewery’s airport location. They feature German-style beers like Dirty Blonde Ale and Vanilla Java Porter, along with snacks like beer cheese and chips.
- Brioche Doree (D9): A French-inspired bakery and cafe, Brioche Doree offers soups, sandwiches, salads, and pastries. Perfect for a light meal or pastry and coffee.
- Common Grace (D16): A coffee shop serving espresso beverages and bottled drinks. Ideal for a quick coffee or refreshment.
- Detroit Street Cafe — Zingerman’s Coffee (D6): Another location to enjoy Zingerman’s Coffee and espresso drinks, as well as Rishi Teas. Quality coffee and tea options.
- National Coney Island (D18): Another opportunity to experience a Detroit Coney dog at the airport. National Coney Island offers classic Coney dogs and Greek entrees like gyros. A taste of Detroit tradition.
Quick Bites in Warren Cleage Evans Terminal: Other Options
- Anita’s Kitchen (D23): (Listed in both Best Bets and Other Options in original source, likely for emphasis or different menu sections)
- Atwater Brewery (D19): (Listed in both Best Bets and Other Options in original source, likely for emphasis or different menu sections)
- Brioche Doree (D9): (Listed in both Best Bets and Other Options in original source, likely for emphasis or different menu sections)
- Chick-fil-A (D26): Fried chicken sandwiches and lemonade.
- Common Grace Coffee Co. (D16): Coffee shop.
- Detroit Street Cafe — Zingerman’s (D6): Local food products and coffee.
- Jolly Pumpkin (D14): Michigan-based brewery.
- McDonald’s (D15): Burgers and fries.
- MOD Pizza (D8): Pizzeria.
- National Coney Island (D18): Coney Island diner.
- Outback Steakhouse (D26): Chain steakhouse.
- Pei Wei Asian Kitchen (D26): Chain Chinese restaurant.
- Starbucks (Gates D10 & 26): Coffee chain with two locations.
Warren Cleage Evans Terminal Lounges
- Lufthansa Senator Lounge (second level, Gate D8)
- Freedom Center (Armed Services Lounge) (across from D17, open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
Mobile Ordering at DTW: Grab App
For added convenience, the Grab mobile ordering app allows you to order and pre-pay for meals at select restaurants in Terminal A, including Max & Erma’s, Popeye’s, and Sora. This can save you time, especially during busy periods.
Conclusion: Satisfy Your Cravings at Detroit Airport
Detroit Metropolitan Airport offers a surprisingly diverse and satisfying range of food options. From local favorites to national chains, and from quick snacks to sit-down meals, you’re sure to find something to enjoy before, between, or after your flights. Explore the dining options in both the McNamara and Warren Cleage Evans Terminals to make your DTW travel experience more delicious. For the most up-to-date information and hours of operation, it’s always recommended to check the Detroit Metropolitan Airport’s official website or app before your travel date. Bon appétit!
