Portland International Airport (PDX) is consistently lauded as one of the top airports in the U.S., and a significant part of its appeal is the exceptional food scene. More than just a layover spot, PDX aims to represent the distinctive, craft-focused culture of Portland itself, especially in its dining options. Forget generic airport fare; at PDX, you’ll find an array of restaurants, cafes, bars, and markets that are often outposts of beloved local establishments. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free traveler, you’ll discover menus thoughtfully designed to be inclusive. With ongoing renovations enhancing the terminal, including exciting new food and beverage businesses, PDX continues to solidify its reputation as a foodie destination within an airport. Navigating PDX’s culinary landscape can be a delightful experience, offering a true taste of Portland before you even leave the city limits.
Must-Try Restaurants at PDX
For travelers looking for standout meals, PDX boasts an impressive roster of local favorites.
Blue Star Donuts, located in the North Hall, is a Portland institution renowned for its gourmet brioche donuts. Forget standard flavors; think blueberry bourbon basil or passionfruit cacao nib. A Blue Star donut is the perfect indulgence to brighten any early morning flight.
Café Yumm! in Concourse C is a Pacific Northwest exclusive, and its namesake dish is a must-try. The Yumm Bowl might seem like a simple rice bowl, but the secret is the Yumm sauce – a tangy, savory, and utterly addictive creation that defines this Oregon staple. It’s also a fantastic choice for plant-based diners, with numerous gluten-free and vegan options.
Cha Cha Cha brings vibrant, locally-sourced Mexican cuisine to Concourse D. This Portland favorite maintains its commitment to fresh, regional ingredients even in its airport location. Morning travelers can enjoy hearty breakfast burritos filled with birria and eggs, while later in the day, the menu features mole poblano bowls, roasted vegetable tacos, and refreshing margaritas.
Deschutes Brewery, also in Concourse D, is the perfect spot to sample Oregon’s celebrated craft beer scene. Enjoy a pint of local brew on tap alongside pub fare like elk burgers, cheesy flatbreads, and their addictive garlic fries with orange rosemary aioli – ideal for a pre-flight meal.
Grassa in the renovated North Hall is a haven for pasta lovers. Indulge in bowls of freshly made pasta like black truffle pappardelle, rigatoni with rich pork ragu, or creamy mac and cheese (with optional pork belly). Round out your meal with a Caesar salad, garlic bread, or meatballs, and choose from a selection of cocktails, wines, beers, or non-alcoholic drinks like a strawberry basil shrub.
Juliett, situated at the end of Concourse E, offers a touch of golden-age air travel glamour. This women-in-aviation-themed bar from Lightning Bar Collective features an elegant Art Deco design and a sophisticated cocktail menu by Adam Ohlsson. Beyond cocktails, Juliett also serves Oregon wines from Coopers Hall and beers from Fracture Brewing. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a view of Mount Hood.
Loyal Legion in the central mezzanine area is a beer enthusiast’s dream. With a focus on local brews, they offer tasters and 12-ounce pours from breweries like Pfriem, Wayfinder, Occidental, and Little Beast. The food menu features pub classics like Bavarian pretzels, burgers, sandwiches, and sausages from Olympia Provisions. Don’t miss the corn dog frankfurter, freshly dipped and fried to order, with a vegan option available.
Screen Door, located in the bright and airy Concourse B, brings the flavors of Southern comfort food to PDX. This popular East Portland restaurant serves up its beloved dishes like chicken and waffles, alongside brunch and dinner classics, and even brunch cocktails, making it a delightful stop for any traveler.
Tillamook Market: In Concourse E, experience the taste of Oregon’s famous dairy brand, Tillamook. This cafe is all about cheesy comfort food, from fried cheese curds to Tillamook cheddar cheeseburgers and sourdough-pretzel-topped mac and cheese. And for dessert? Ice cream, of course!
Pre-Security and Post-Security PDX Food Options
PDX offers dining options both before and after security checkpoints. While the standout restaurants are primarily located post-security, there are still choices available pre-security for those meeting travelers or with extra time before heading through security.
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To help you navigate the PDX food scene, here’s a breakdown of dining options by concourse after security:
South Hall (between Concourses B and C)
This area serves as a connector between concourses and might have limited dedicated dining spots, but offers easy access to the restaurants in Concourse B and C.
Concourse B
Concourse B is home to Screen Door for Southern comfort food and other grab-and-go options.
Concourse C
Concourse C features a food court between Gates C7 and C9, offering a variety of quick and casual meals:
- Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen: Enjoy Vietnamese favorites like banh mi sandwiches, vermicelli bowls, and flavorful pho. Their beef pho, with slices of rib-eye, is particularly recommended.
- Café Yumm!: Another location to grab the famous Yumm Bowl and other Yumm! sauce-based dishes.
- Mo’s Seafood & Chowder: A taste of the Oregon coast with classic clam chowder, fried seafood baskets, and seafood sandwiches.
- Westward Whiskey: Sample or purchase locally-made single-malt whiskeys.
- MOD Pizza: A national chain where you can customize your own pizza.
- Potbelly Sandwich Shop: A familiar sandwich chain for a quick bite.
Towards Gates C15, C16, and C17 in Concourse C, you’ll find:
- Vino Volo: A wine bar showcasing Oregon wines, along with national and international selections.
- Portland Coffee Roasters: Perfect for coffee lovers needing a latte or drip coffee.
- McDonald’s: A reliable fast-food option for familiar favorites.
North Hall (between Concourses D and E)
The North Hall, recently renovated, hosts Blue Star Donuts and Grassa, offering both sweet and savory options.
Concourse D
Between Gates D4 and D6 in Concourse D, you’ll find a central area with several dining choices:
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Cha Cha Cha Taqueria: Enjoy casual Mexican cuisine with locally and sustainably sourced ingredients, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with cocktails.
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Hissho Sushi: A sushi chain offering sushi rolls, bento boxes, ramen, and more, with grab-and-go options available.
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Deschutes Brewery: Another location to enjoy Oregon craft beers and pub food.
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Burgerville: A regional fast-food chain known for sourcing from Pacific Northwestern farmers. Try their burgers, breakfast sandwiches, fries, and especially their Oregon strawberry milkshakes.
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Concourse E
Concourse E offers Juliett, Tillamook Market, and also some non-local chain options.
Plan Your PDX Dining Experience
With such a diverse and high-quality selection of Pdx Airport Food, Portland International Airport makes dining a part of the travel experience, not just a necessity. Arrive early, explore the concourses, and treat yourself to a taste of Portland’s culinary scene before your flight. Whether you’re craving gourmet donuts, authentic Mexican food, fresh pasta, or local craft beer, PDX has something to satisfy every palate.
