Navigating Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) can be a breeze, but finding a satisfying meal amidst your travels can sometimes feel like navigating turbulence. FLL offers a diverse range of dining options, from quick bites to sit-down restaurants, but passenger experiences are varied. Knowing where to grab a decent meal, or even just a coffee, can significantly improve your airport experience.
This guide dives into the world of Fort Lauderdale Airport Food, providing insights based on customer reviews to help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re craving a gourmet burger, a quick coffee, or some authentic Caribbean flavors, understanding the landscape of food at Fort Lauderdale airport is key to a smoother journey. Before you settle for the first option you see, take a look at what fellow travelers are saying about the restaurants, cafes, and fast food available at FLL.
Navigating FLL’s Restaurants and Fast Food Scene
Fort Lauderdale Airport’s culinary offerings include a mix of familiar fast-food chains and unique local eateries. However, consistent themes emerge from traveler feedback, highlighting establishments that are worth your time and money, and those you might want to reconsider.
Kafé Kalik: Caribbean Flavors with Inconsistent Service
For a taste of the Caribbean before you leave or upon arrival, Kafé Kalik offers dishes like their praised Jerk Chicken Sandwich and Chicken Bowl. Many appreciate the generous portion sizes and reasonable prices, especially for airport dining.
Pros:
- Flavorful Caribbean dishes, particularly the Jerk Chicken options.
- Decent portion sizes for airport prices.
- Some reviewers noted friendly and efficient service.
Cons:
- Service inconsistency is a recurring issue, with reports ranging from friendly to poor.
- Payment discrepancies and unexpectedly high prices have been mentioned.
Burger King: Familiar, but Often Falls Short at FLL
A ubiquitous fast-food option, Burger King has multiple locations within FLL. However, reviews consistently point to service and quality issues compared to standalone restaurants.
Pros:
- Familiar menu for those seeking comfort food.
- Occasional reports of fast service experiences.
Cons:
- Frequent complaints about excessively long wait times, even with few customers.
- Perceived lower food quality compared to typical Burger King standards.
Steak ‘n Shake: Burgers and Shakes with Service Setbacks
Steak ‘n Shake aims to deliver classic American burgers and milkshakes. At FLL, the experience is often marred by service issues.
Pros:
- When prepared well, the food can be tasty and satisfying.
Cons:
- Predominantly negative feedback regarding slow and inattentive service.
- Order inaccuracies and missing ingredients are frequently reported.
Rocco’s Tacos: Mexican Fare with Ordering Frustrations
Rocco’s Tacos offers a Mexican menu that includes burritos and quesadillas. While some enjoy the food, the overall experience can be hampered by service-related problems.
Pros:
- Burritos and quesadillas receive some positive mentions.
Cons:
- Confusing service protocols and difficulties with the ordering system are common complaints.
Margaritaville: Tropical Vibes and Cocktails
Margaritaville provides a laid-back, tropical-themed dining experience, appealing to travelers looking to unwind before their flight.
Pros:
- A solid choice for cocktails and alcoholic beverages.
- Food is generally considered decent, with a lively and relaxed atmosphere.
Cons:
- Tends to get very crowded, especially during peak travel times, leading to potential waits.
Shula Burger: Gourmet Burgers Inspired by a Legend
Shula Burger, inspired by football icon Don Shula, offers a step up from standard fast-food burgers with its focus on quality ingredients.
Pros:
- Burgers are generally well-received for their preparation and quality.
Cons:
- Pricier than typical fast-food options, reflecting its “gourmet” approach.
Casa Noble: International and American Cuisine
Casa Noble aims for a broader appeal with a menu that spans international and American dishes.
Pros:
- Offers a diverse menu of food and drink options.
- Generally positive remarks about the ambiance and service.
Cons:
- Some travelers feel the prices are high relative to the food quality.
Cafés and Beverage Spots: Coffee and Quick Bites
For coffee lovers and those needing a quick pick-me-up, FLL has several café options.
Dunkin’ Donuts: Affordable Coffee with Service Challenges
Dunkin’ Donuts is a budget-friendly choice for coffee and breakfast pastries at the airport. However, service speed and efficiency are often cited as drawbacks.
Pros:
- One of the more affordable options for coffee and breakfast within the airport.
Cons:
- Slow and disorganized service is a frequent complaint.
- Distracted staff can contribute to long wait times and order issues.
Starbucks: Consistent Coffee, Predictable Lines
Starbucks offers a reliable coffee experience, consistent with its global brand standards.
Pros:
- Dependable coffee quality and a wide range of beverage choices.
- Familiar and comfortable atmosphere.
Cons:
- Expect long lines and potentially slower service, especially during busy periods.
Plane Bar: Drinks Near Gate 12
Plane Bar is a smaller bar option located near Gate 12, providing a convenient spot for a pre-flight drink.
Pros:
- Ideal for a quick drink while waiting for your flight.
Cons:
- Limited seating can make it difficult to find a spot, particularly when crowded.
Exploring Other FLL Food Options
Beyond the main restaurants and cafes, FLL offers a variety of other food vendors:
- Great American Bagel Bakery: Bagels and coffee, but freshness can be inconsistent.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: Another bagel and coffee option, considered pricey by some.
- Nathan’s Famous: Hot dogs, with quality that can vary.
- Shake Shack: Burgers with a better reputation than some chains, but still prone to wait times.
- La Carreta: Cuban cuisine, generally receives positive reviews for authentic dishes.
Fort Lauderdale Airport Food by Terminal: A Detailed Breakdown
To help you navigate the Fort Lauderdale airport food scene more effectively, here’s a terminal-by-terminal guide to dining locations and their operating hours:
Terminal 1
- Air Margaritaville: B-C Connector, Post-Security, 6:30 am – 9:00 pm
- Auntie Anne’s: B-C Connector, Post-Security, 4:30 am – 8:00 pm
- BurgerFi: Concourse A, Post-Security, 5:00 am – last flight
- Burger King: Concourse B, Post-Security, 4:00 am – 9:00 pm or last flight
- Great American Bagel: Lower Level, Pre-Security, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm (Sundays 8:00 am – 4:00 pm)
- Kona Big Wave Bar: Lower Level, Pre-Security, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- La Familia Tacos & Tequila: Concourse A, Post-Security, 8:00 am – last flight
- Offerdahl’s: Concourse C, Post-Security, 5:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Red Stripe: Concourse B, Post-Security, 6:30 am – 9:00 pm
- Rocco’s Tacos: Concourse C, Post-Security, 4:30 am – 9:00 pm
- Sergio’s: Concourse B, Post-Security, 4:00 am – 9:00 pm or last flight
- Shula Burger: Concourse C, Post-Security, 4:30 am – 8:00 pm
- Starbucks:
- Lower Level, Pre-Security, 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Concourse A, Post-Security, 4:30 am – last flight
- Concourse B, Post-Security, 4:30 am – last flight
- Concourse C, Post-Security, 4:00 am – last flight
- Urban Market Kiosk: Concourse B, Post-Security, 4:30 am – 9:00 pm
- Whisky River: Concourse B, Post-Security, 7:00 am – last flight
Terminal 2
- Flash Fire Pizza: Concourse D, Post-Security, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Half Moon Empanadas: Concourse D, Post-Security, 4:30 am – 8:30 pm
- Shake Shack: Concourse D, Post-Security, 5:30 am – 9:30 pm
- Starbucks: Concourse D, Post-Security, 4:00 am – last flight
- Stella Bar: Concourse D, Post-Security, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Torn Basil: Concourse D, Post-Security, 4:30 am – last flight
- Umaizushi: Concourse D, Post-Security, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Terminal 3
- Bokamper’s Sports Bar and Grill: E-F Connector, Post-Security, 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Bonefish Grill: E-F Connector, Post-Security, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- BurgerFi: Concourse E, Post-Security, 8:00 am – last flight
- Dunkin’: Concourse E, Post-Security, 4:30 am – 7:00 pm
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: Concourse F, Post-Security, 5:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Golden Bear Grill: Concourse E, Post-Security, 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Harvest & Grounds: Concourse E, Post-Security, 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Oceanside Marketplace: Concourse F, Post-Security, 4:30 am – last flight
- Pei Wei Asian Diner: Concourse F, Post-Security, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Pollo Tropical: Concourse E, Post-Security, 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Steak ‘N Shake: Concourse F, Post-Security, 7:30 am – 8:00 pm
- The Market by Food & Wine: Concourse F, Post-Security, 5:00 am – 10:00 pm
- The Market on Las Olas: E-F Connector, Post-Security, 24 hours
- Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Cantina: Concourse E, Post-Security, 10:00 am – last flight
Terminal 4
- Burger King: Concourse G – Post-Security, 6:00 am – Last flight
- Casa Noble: Concourse G – Post-Security, 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Casavana Cafe: Concourse G – Post-Security, 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Casavana Cuban Restaurant: Concourse G – Post-Security, 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Cross Grain Brewhouse: Upper Level – Pre-Security, 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
- DeSano Pizza: Concourse G – Post-Security, 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Harvest & Grounds:
- Upper Level – Pre-Security, 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Concourse 4G West – Post-Security, 5:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Concourse 4G East – Post-Security, 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Kafe Kalik: Concourse G – Post-Security, 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Plane Box Food Company: Concourse G – Post-Security, 5:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Zona Fresca: Concourse G East – Post-Security, 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
Car Rental Center
- Starbucks: Pre-Security, 5:00 am – 7:00 pm
Conclusion: Plan Your FLL Dining Experience
Finding good Fort Lauderdale airport food requires a bit of planning. While FLL offers a variety of options, user reviews highlight inconsistencies in service and quality across different establishments. For a more enjoyable and less stressful airport dining experience, it’s wise to consider these points:
- Factor in Time: Especially if choosing a restaurant with mixed reviews, allocate extra time to account for potential delays in service.
- Read Recent Reviews: User experiences can fluctuate, so checking recent online reviews before heading to a specific eatery can provide the most up-to-date insights.
- Consider Your Terminal: Utilize the terminal-by-terminal list to identify options closest to your gate, saving you transit time within the airport.
- Manage Expectations: Airport dining often comes with higher prices and sometimes lower quality compared to city locations. Adjusting expectations can lead to a more positive experience.
By using this guide, you can navigate the food options at Fort Lauderdale airport with greater confidence and hopefully enjoy a satisfying meal before your flight.
