George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) stands as a global gateway, annually welcoming over 46 million passengers. For travelers navigating through this bustling hub, a diverse culinary landscape awaits, promising to satisfy every palate and craving. From refined sit-down restaurants to convenient grab-and-go kiosks, IAH offers a spectrum of dining experiences.
This comprehensive guide will take you terminal by terminal, unveiling the myriad of food options at Houston Airport. Discover local Houston favorites and find the perfect spot to dine, whether you’re looking for a pre-flight meal, a quick snack, or just a relaxing drink.
Terminal A
Best Bets
Hubcap Grill & Beer Yard: For those seeking comfort food and a lively atmosphere, Hubcap Grill & Beer Yard is a Houston institution right inside Terminal A. Known for its juicy, generously sized burgers featuring bacon and served on locally baked buns, it’s the ideal spot to indulge before your flight. Don’t miss their hand-cut fries and extensive beer selection. For an extra treat, consider one of their boozy milkshakes. [gate A26]
The Breakfast Klub: Start your day right or enjoy breakfast any time at The Breakfast Klub, a Houston hotspot celebrated for its breakfast sandwiches and iconic wings and waffles. A perfect taste of local flavor before you take off. [gate A7]
Other Dining Options
- Blaze Pizza: Offering fast-casual pizza with customizable options, Blaze Pizza also serves breakfast in the mornings. [gate A7]
- Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar: Spice up your airport experience with Mexican dishes and a wide array of tequilas at Cadillac Mexican Kitchen. Priority Pass holders can enjoy a $28 credit here. [near gates A17-A24]
- Chick-Fil-A: A familiar favorite for chicken sandwiches and more, Chick-Fil-A has locations in Terminal A and Terminal B. [near gates A17-A24 and Terminal B]
- El Tiempo Cantina: Experience authentic Tex-Mex cuisine at El Tiempo Cantina. From tacos and chilaquiles to margaritas and queso, they offer classic staples. [check-in, Terminal A]
- First Glass Bistro & Bar: Whether you’re in the mood for wine, beer, cocktails, or coffee, First Glass Bistro & Bar provides a relaxed setting for drinks and meals from their full-service kitchen. [security checkpoint, Terminal A]
- Great American Bagel: Grab a fresh bagel on the go from this popular bagel chain. [near gates A1-A15]
- Jack In The Box: A quick and easy option for burgers, fries, and breakfast items. [gate A7]
- Liquid Provisions: This cocktail, beer, and wine bar offers a selection of drinks along with gastropub-style food like charcuterie and smoked gouda mac & cheese. [near gates A17-A24]
- Mockingbird Distillery & Smokehouse: Featuring Tito’s Vodka, Mockingbird Distillery & Smokehouse serves cocktails and a menu including breakfast, pulled pork sandwiches, and nachos. [near gate A15]
- Panda Express: For fast and familiar American Chinese cuisine. [gate A17]
- Starbucks: Get your coffee fix at one of the Starbucks locations in Terminal A. [gate A7 and near gates A17-A24]
- Subway: Create your own sandwich or salad at this classic deli chain. [Terminal A check-in]
- Wendy’s: Enjoy burgers, chicken sandwiches, and Frosty treats at Wendy’s. [gate A17]
- Which Wich: Customize your sandwiches with a wide variety of options at Which Wich. [gate A7]
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Terminal B
Best Bets
3rd Bar Eating House: For seafood lovers, 3rd Bar Eating House is a top choice in Terminal B. Indulge in fresh Gulf oysters, fried shrimp po’ boys, and seafood dishes with Tex-Mex influences. If seafood isn’t your preference, they also offer sliders and Cobb salads. [gate B1]
Q Bar: Experience authentic Texas barbecue from Houston pitmaster Greg Gatlin at Q Bar. This location provides traditional barbecue with the convenience of mobile ordering. [gate B11]
Tagliare: Craving pizza? Tagliare serves up both thin crust and Sicilian-style pizzas, fresh from hot ovens. [gate B1]
Other Dining Options
- Bullritos: Create your own burritos, bowls, and tacos with a variety of proteins and toppings at Bullritos. [gate B1]
- Chick-Fil-A: Another location for your Chick-Fil-A favorites. [food court]
- Jason’s Deli: Choose from a selection of sandwiches, salads, and soups at Jason’s Deli. [gate B1]
- The Line Sports Grill: Catch a game and enjoy classic sports bar fare like nachos, wings, burgers, and fries, along with a selection of beers and cocktails. [gate B1]
- Peet’s Coffee & Tea: Get your caffeine fix at Peet’s Coffee & Tea. [pre-security, gate B85]
- Ray’s Fish and Shrimp Shack: A seafood spot offering fried fish, shrimp, hush puppies, and other seafood classics. [food court]
- Smashburger: Enjoy juicy burgers and sides at Smashburger. [food court]
- Starbucks: Your go-to for coffee and snacks. [gate B1]
- SugarLand Beer Garden: This beer garden serves a variety of brews and Bavarian-inspired snacks like pretzels and sausages, offering a relaxed pre-flight experience. [gate B21]
- Whataburger: Experience a Texas favorite with burgers and classic fast food items at Whataburger. [gate B1]
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Terminal C
Best Bets: Houston Chef Highlights
Terminal C boasts an impressive lineup of restaurants from celebrated Houston chefs, offering a taste of the city’s vibrant culinary scene right in the airport.
Pala: Chef Ryan Pera of Coltivare Pizza & Garden brings his oven-fired pizzas to IAH at Pala. Choose from creative toppings like Brussels sprouts or classic pepperoni. For a unique treat, try the Nutella calzone for breakfast or dessert. [gate C5]
Ember: From Underbelly Hospitality, formerly led by James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd, Ember offers a high-quality dining experience. Enjoy hand-cut steaks, Gulf seafood, and appetizers like smoked chicken wings, a step above typical airport food. [security checkpoint]
Olio: James Beard Award-nominated chef Monica Pope’s Olio focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients for salads, paninis, and more healthy options. [C14]
Vida Taqueria: Part of the Ninfa’s family, credited with introducing fajitas to the US, Vida Taqueria from Houston chef Roland Laurenzo serves up Tex-Mex favorites including tacos, seafood, enchiladas, and guacamole. [C6]
Other Dining Options
- Agave Taqueria: Another option for Tex-Mex cuisine. [gate C33]
- Alchemy Craft Cocktail: Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails. [gate C42]
- El Premio Tex-Mex Bar & Grill: An extension of Houston’s El Tiempo, El Premio offers fajitas, queso, and fresh tortillas. [gate C34]
- Forno Magico: Neapolitan-style pizzas for a taste of Italy. [gate C34]
- Freshens: Smoothies and frozen yogurt for a refreshing treat. [gate C43]
- H Burger Bar: Chef Antoine Ware presents New Orleans and Houston-inspired burgers. [gate C35]
- Katz Coffee & Bistro: Coffee and bistro fare. [security checkpoint, Terminal D) – Note: Location might be mislabeled, check airport maps.
- Landry’s Seafood: Upscale Gulf seafood dishes from Tilman Fertitta’s Landry’s Restaurants. [gate C34]
- Panda Express: Quick and easy Chinese-American dishes. [C42]
- Pick Up Stix: Asian American cuisine for a variety of flavors. [C12]
- Pink’s Pizza: Local pizza with slices and a full bar. [gate C42]
- Poppy’s Bagels / Little Purse: Bagels and sandwiches in the morning, transforming into Little Purse in the afternoon with dumplings and ramen. [near security checkpoint]
- Potbelly Sandwich Shop: Toasted sandwiches and salads. [gate C12]
- Q Bar: Another location for Greg Gatlin’s BBQ. [gate C1] – Note: Likely a typo, Q Bar is listed in Terminal B and E.
- Southern Belle: Fried chicken and breakfast favorites for Southern comfort food. [gate C44]
- Starbucks: Multiple Starbucks locations in Terminal C for coffee and snacks. [security checkpoint, gates C1, C10, C33, and C42]
- Steak n’ Shake: Classic burgers and milkshakes. [gate C34]
- Wendy’s: Familiar fast food options. [gate C12]
- Which Wich: Customizable sandwiches to your liking. [gate C34]
- World Bean: Coffee shop with light snacks. [gate C15]
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Terminal D
Best Bets: Houston Chef Destinations
Terminal D continues the trend of showcasing Houston’s culinary talent with restaurants from award-winning chefs.
The Annie: James Beard Award-winning chef Robert Del Grande brings The Annie, a Houston icon, to IAH. Enjoy elevated dishes like steak salad, crab tostadas, bacon-wrapped quail, and coffee-encrusted beef filet, along with breakfast and Tex-Mex options. [Terminal D-West Pier]
Hugo’s Cocina: Award-winning Houston chef Hugo Ortega’s Hugo’s Cocina offers a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine with tortas, salads, chips and guacamole, and refreshing cocktails like blueberry mojitos. [gate D6]
The Kitchen: Chef Austin Simmons of Tris in The Woodlands presents The Kitchen, focusing on health-conscious yet flavorful salads, sandwiches, and breakfast/brunch classics. [Terminal D-West Pier]
Other Dining Options
- Bayou City Bar: Relax with drinks at Bayou City Bar. [check-in area]
- Byte: Fresh Grab and Go: Convenient grab-and-go options for quick bites. [check-in area]
- Ciao Gourmet Market: Find snacks, chocolates, salads, and sandwiches to go at Ciao Gourmet Market. [gate D8]
- Einstein Bagels: Bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee. [gate D1]
- Jamba Juice: Smoothies and juices for a healthy option. [gate D1]
- Peet’s Coffee: Coffee and tea. [gate D6]
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Terminal E
Best Bets
Terminal E offers a mix of quick bites and Houston favorites.
Starbucks Pick-Up Only: For speed and convenience, use the Starbucks app to order ahead and pick up from one of three dedicated locations. [gate E1, E5, E18]
Tagliare: Grab a quick slice of thin crust or Sicilian pizza, or enjoy breakfast at this counter-service spot. [gate E1]
Q: Another location to savor Greg Gatlin’s barbecue, featuring brisket, ribs, and more smoked meats. [gate E2]
Pappasito’s Cantina: Start your vacation early with margaritas and queso at this Tex-Mex favorite. [gate E1]
Pappadeaux’s Seafood Kitchen: Indulge in Cajun and Creole dishes from this Houston-born chain. [gate E3]
Yogen Fruz: Frozen yogurt treats with various flavors and toppings for a sweet treat. [gate E1]
Other Dining Options
- Auntie Anne’s Pretzels: Soft pretzels and lemonade. [gate E12]
- Beerhive East: Discover Houston craft beers at Beerhive East. [gate E24]
- Cinnabon: Cinnamon rolls and coffee. [gate E12]
- Custom Burgers: Build your own burger, plus breakfast options. [gate E2]
- Dunkin’ Donuts: Donuts, coffee, and breakfast sandwiches. [gate E11]
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: Bagels and coffee. [gate E1]
- El Premio: Tex-Mex dishes. [gate E5)
- Gavi: Italian dishes including pizza and pasta, with an outdoor patio. [gate E14]
- Houston Wheelhouse: Tex-Mex options like nachos and fajitas, plus a full bar. [gate E19]
- Katz Coffee and Bistro: Coffee and bistro fare. [security checkpoint]
- Livefire Burger: Burgers cooked over an open flame. [gate E10]
- The Market by Villa: Freshly prepared salads, sandwiches, wraps, and fruit. [gate E1]
- Panda Express: Chinese-American fast food. [gate E1, E24]
- Schlotzsky’s Deli: Sandwiches, pizzas, and salads. [gate E24]
- Starbucks: Your trusted coffee stop. [gate E24]
- Subway: Sandwiches and salads made to order. [gate E1]
- Tanglewood Grill: Steaks, burgers, seafood, and craft beers in an upscale setting. [gate E23]
- Wendy’s: Fast food favorites. [gate E24]
- World Nectar: Fresh juices and smoothies. [gate E1]
- Yume: Japanese cuisine including sushi and ramen, with a market and bar. [gate E11]
With a wide array of choices across all terminals, finding delicious Houston Airport Food is easy at IAH. Whether you’re seeking a taste of local Houston cuisine, a quick bite, or a relaxing sit-down meal, George Bush Intercontinental Airport has something to satisfy every traveler’s culinary desires. Explore the terminals and discover your perfect airport dining experience.
