Navigating airports can be tiring, and finding a good meal shouldn’t add to the stress. Fortunately, Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) has significantly upped its food game in recent years. Forget bland airport fare; MDW now boasts a diverse range of dining options, many with strong local Chicago roots, thanks to a $75 million renovation. While some older establishments may be gone, exciting newcomers like Arami, Hubbard Inn, and Tallboy Taco ensure you won’t go hungry, even if your flight faces delays. This guide will walk you through the best Mdw Airport Food choices, ensuring your travel day is a little more delicious.
Full-Service Dining at Midway: Relax and Refuel
For those with a bit more time before their flight, MDW offers several excellent full-service restaurants where you can relax and enjoy a proper meal.
Arami
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/16288660/arami.jpg)
Despite closing its West Town location, the acclaimed sushi restaurant Arami maintains a vibrant presence at Midway in Concourse A’s food hall (A7). Considered one of Chicago’s top sushi destinations, Arami at MDW allows you to watch skilled chefs prepare fresh fish dishes. Indulge in flavorful maki rolls or refreshing poke bowls before your flight. It’s a surprisingly sophisticated MDW airport food option.
Big City Chicken
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25744169/Big_City_Chicken_Original_Crispy_Chicken_Sandwich_2021.jpg)
Big City Chicken, an offshoot of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and originally located at Navy Pier, now offers its delicious fried chicken at MDW (B7). Enhance your airport experience with their mouthwatering buttermilk-brined crispy chicken sandwiches or chicken strips. For those who like it hot, Nashville-style hot chicken is also available, adding a spicy kick to your mdw airport food choices.
Billy Goat Tavern
For a taste of Chicago history and a no-frills experience, Billy Goat Tavern (A7) is an iconic choice. Famous for its “cheezborger” and North Side lore, this tavern offers a classic Chicago experience even in White Sox territory. Grab a simple, satisfying burger and a beer to pass the time before your flight – a true taste of local mdw airport food.
Cielo Cantina
Cielo Cantina (A7) brings the flavors of Pilsen to MDW. This full-service restaurant provides a south-of-the-border escape with tasty burritos, quesadillas, street tacos, and refreshing margaritas. It’s a great option for a flavorful and satisfying mdw airport food experience before you fly.
Gene’s Bistro
Gene’s Bistro in the Main Terminal Central Market offers an airy and relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu. From burgers and barbecue pork sliders to shrimp po’ boys, nachos, potstickers, and salads, there’s something for everyone. A full bar is also available, making it a versatile mdw airport food and drink destination.
Harry Caray’s Shortstop
Pay homage to a Chicago broadcasting legend at Harry Caray’s Shortstop (A9). Dedicated to the famed Cubs and White Sox announcer, this restaurant serves breakfast, burgers, wings, and features a fully stocked bar. It’s a solid all-around mdw airport food option with a Chicago sports theme.
Home Run Inn Pizza
Home Run Inn Pizza (B16) is a South Side Chicago staple, well-known for its frozen pizzas, but even better fresh. At MDW, enjoy their personal pizzas along with beer, cocktails, and breakfast sandwiches. Experience a taste of Chicago’s iconic pizzeria scene right at the airport as part of your mdw airport food journey.
Hubbard Inn
Hubbard Inn (B7), an offshoot of the River North restaurant and club, brings a touch of European-inspired dining to MDW. Enjoy burgers, sandwiches, and salads in a relatively peaceful setting, a contrast to the usual airport hustle. It provides a more refined mdw airport food experience.
Reilly’s Daughter
For a classic pub experience, head to Reilly’s Daughter in the Main Terminal Central Market and Concourse A Food Hall. This Irish pub serves up comfort food favorites like fish and chips and Reuben sandwiches, alongside a perfect pint of Guinness. It’s a cozy spot to unwind with some hearty mdw airport food and drink.
White Sox Bar & Grill
Baseball fans can immerse themselves in memorabilia at the White Sox Bar & Grill in the Main Terminal Central Market. Enjoy breakfast, cheese curds, Italian beef, or a classic Chicago dog while surrounded by baseball history. A themed mdw airport food choice for sports enthusiasts.
Woodgrain Neapolitan Pizza
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25744171/Tallboy_Taco_Tacos_Spread_1001.jpg)
While Chicago is known for deep dish and tavern-style pizza, Woodgrain Neapolitan Pizza (A7) offers a taste of Naples. This suburban pizzeria allows travelers to savor authentic Neapolitan pizza before their flight, a unique mdw airport food offering.
Quick Bites at Midway: Grab and Go Goodness
For travelers on the move or with limited time, MDW has plenty of quick and convenient options to grab a snack or a light meal.
America’s Dog & Burger
America’s Dog & Burger in the Main Terminal Central Market is your go-to for classic American fast food. Get a Chicago dog or Maxwell Street Polish, or try their regional sausage variations like a Milwaukee beer brat or a Dallas dog. Perfect for a quick and satisfying mdw airport food fix.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese in the Main Terminal Central Market is a great choice for cheese lovers. Offering all-day breakfast, grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, salads, and espresso drinks, it’s a versatile spot for a quick and tasty mdw airport food stop.
Big Shoulders Coffee
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25735755/21_BSC_Cafe35665.jpg)
Recharge with a caffeine boost from Big Shoulders Coffee (A15), a Chicago-based roaster. Enjoy a coffee, espresso, or latte to perk up before your flight. A must-visit for coffee aficionados seeking quality mdw airport food and beverages.
Big Bowl
Big Bowl in the Main Terminal Central Market, another Lettuce Entertain You concept, offers Asian-inspired bowls, potstickers, and egg rolls. It’s a convenient option for a quick and flavorful meal before boarding, providing diverse mdw airport food choices.
Big & Little’s
Big & Little’s (B14) offers a variety of tacos (meat, seafood, and vegetarian), breakfast tacos, beer, and wine. This Midway outpost continues the legacy of the once-popular urban mini-chain, providing diverse and quick mdw airport food options.
Café Descartes
Located in Baggage Claim, Café Descartes is perfect for those waiting for their luggage. They serve coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, and all-day breakfast bites, a convenient mdw airport food and drink stop upon arrival or departure.
Camden Food Co.
Camden Food Co. (B20) is ideal for travelers short on time. Grab to-go sandwiches, salads, fruit, and coffee for a quick and healthy mdw airport food option on the go.
Connie’s Pizza
Connie’s Pizza in the Main Terminal Central Market, a Chicago chain since 1963, provides a slice of local pizza history. Grab a slice for a quick and classic Chicago mdw airport food experience.
Dunkin’
For familiar coffee and baked goods, Dunkin’ (B20, Main Terminal Central Market) is readily available. Get your doughnut and coffee fix before your flight, a reliable and quick mdw airport food and drink choice.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels (A7) offers bagels, coffee, salads, soups, and sandwiches. A solid choice for a quick breakfast or lunch, providing familiar and convenient mdw airport food options.
Farmer’s Fridge
For a healthy and convenient option, Farmer’s Fridge vending machines (Main Terminal Central Market, A4A, C1) dispense fresh salads and grain bowls. Eat healthy on the go with this innovative mdw airport food solution.
Fuel Bar
Fuel Bar (A4A) is a quick stop for coffee, tea, beer, wine, muffins, and croissants. Grab a quick drink and pastry before your flight at this convenient mdw airport food and beverage spot.
Garrett Popcorn Shops
Garrett Popcorn Shops in the Main Terminal Central Market and B14 is a Chicago institution since 1949. Pick up a bag of their signature caramel and cheese popcorn mix – the “Garrett Mix” – for a snack or souvenir, a quintessential Chicago mdw airport food treat.
Nuts on Clark
Nuts on Clark in Concourse A Food Hall offers a variety of nuts, caramel corn, cheese popcorn, and chocolate-covered nuts. A Chicago-based store perfect for snacks, with a popcorn vending machine in the Central Market for easy access to mdw airport food snacks.
The Orange Line
The Orange Line (B21) provides family-friendly favorites like Buffalo chicken mac and cheese, truffle fries, and burgers, along with Bloody Marys. A crowd-pleasing mdw airport food and drink option.
Porkchop BBQ
Porkchop BBQ (B14) offers comfort food like ribs, pulled pork, and barbecue chicken, as well as burgers and salads. Satisfy your barbecue cravings with this hearty mdw airport food choice.
RJ Grunt’s
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25744175/RJ_Grunts_Airport_Menu_Spread_Hot_Dog_1001.jpg)
RJ Grunt’s (B16), Lettuce Entertain You’s original concept and a Lincoln Park icon, has an outpost at MDW. Enjoy breakfast, burgers, wings, and Chicago-style hot dogs, a taste of a Chicago classic as part of your mdw airport food experience.
Enjoy Your Meal at MDW!
Chicago Midway International Airport has transformed its dining scene, offering a wide array of choices to satisfy any traveler’s appetite. From sit-down restaurants to quick snacks, and featuring many local Chicago favorites, MDW airport food now rivals many airports. So next time you’re flying through Midway, be sure to explore these delicious options and make your travel experience a little more enjoyable.
