Traveling through Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and feeling hungry? You’re in luck! Midway has significantly upped its food game in recent years, thanks to a $75 million renovation project that brought in a host of new and exciting dining options, many with strong local Chicago roots. While some older favorites may be gone, the arrival of spots like Arami, Hubbard Inn, and Tallboy Taco ensures you won’t go hungry, even if your flight faces that dreaded delay. Forget those sad airport snacks of the past – Midway now offers a diverse culinary landscape to satisfy every craving. Let’s dive into the Eater Chicago Midway Airport Dining Guide, updated for English-speaking travelers, to explore the best places to grab a delicious bite or refreshing drink before your flight.
Full-Service Dining Options at Midway: Relax and Refuel
For those with a bit more time to spare or seeking a more substantial meal, Midway’s full-service restaurants provide a welcome escape from the airport hustle. These establishments offer a chance to relax, unwind, and enjoy a proper dining experience before taking to the skies.
Arami
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Craving sushi? Even at the airport, you don’t have to compromise on quality. Arami, a celebrated sushi restaurant, brings its expertise from Chicago’s West Town to Midway Airport’s Concourse A food hall (A7). While their West Town location may be closed, this outpost maintains Arami’s high standards. Pull up a seat and watch skilled chefs meticulously prepare fresh fish, or indulge in flavorful maki rolls and vibrant poke bowls. It’s a surprisingly sophisticated dining experience for an airport setting.
Big City Chicken
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From the renowned Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Big City Chicken extends its popular Navy Pier fried chicken concept to Midway (B7). Elevate your airport experience with their mouthwatering buttermilk-brined crispy chicken sandwiches or satisfying chicken strips. Spice lovers can turn up the heat with Nashville-style hot chicken options, adding a fiery kick to their pre-flight meal.
Billy Goat Tavern
For a true taste of Chicago history and a no-frills dining experience, head to the Billy Goat Tavern (A7). This iconic burger joint, steeped in Chicago North Side lore, offers its famous “cheezborger” – a simple yet satisfying classic. Pair it with a cold pint of beer and soak in the unique atmosphere of this Windy City institution, even while waiting for your flight.
Cielo Cantina
Spice up your airport dining with a taste of Pilsen at Cielo Cantina (A7). This full-service spot offers a vibrant menu of Mexican favorites, perfect for a flavorful pre-flight meal. Enjoy classic quesadillas, street tacos bursting with flavor, and refreshing margaritas to get your vacation started early.
Gene’s Bistro
Located in the Main Terminal Central Market, Gene’s Bistro provides a bright and airy atmosphere for a relaxed meal. With a full bar and an extensive menu, there’s something for everyone. Choose from burgers, barbecue pork sliders, shrimp po’ boys, nachos, potstickers, and fresh salads. It’s a versatile option for diverse tastes and preferences.
Harry Caray’s Shortstop
Pay homage to a Chicago broadcasting legend at Harry Caray’s Shortstop (A9). Named after the beloved Cubs and White Sox announcer, this restaurant celebrates Chicago baseball. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, juicy burgers, crispy wings, or a drink from the fully stocked bar, Harry Caray’s offers a classic American sports bar experience within the airport.
Home Run Inn Pizza
Home Run Inn Pizza (B16) brings a taste of Chicago’s South Side to Midway. While widely known for their frozen pizzas, Home Run Inn is a beloved local pizzeria. At their Midway location, savor personal pizzas, along with beer, cocktails, and breakfast sandwiches. It’s a convenient way to experience an iconic Chicago pizza brand before you fly.
Hubbard Inn
Escape the airport bustle at Hubbard Inn (B7). This River North restaurant and club brings its sophisticated European-inspired cuisine and old-world charm to Midway. Enjoy a peaceful dining experience with burgers, sandwiches, and salads in a more refined setting, without the loud music of its River North counterpart.
M Burger
Another Lettuce Entertain You concept, M Burger (Main Terminal Central Market), offers all-natural Midwestern black Angus beef burgers and creamy milkshakes. While their stand-alone locations have decreased, you can still enjoy these delicious burgers at Midway. Early flights? M Burger also serves breakfast sandwiches and burritos to kickstart your day.
Reilly’s Daughter
For a taste of the Emerald Isle, visit Reilly’s Daughter (Main Terminal Central Market, Concourse A Food Hall). This Irish pub provides a cozy spot to enjoy classic pub fare like fish and chips or a hearty Reuben sandwich. Pair your meal with a pint of Guinness for the full Irish pub experience before your flight.
Tallboy Taco
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Tallboy Taco (Main Terminal Central Market), a West Coast-inspired taqueria from Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, focuses on fresh and simple ingredients. Start your day with flavorful breakfast tacos or indulge in classic favorites like al pastor and beer-battered crispy fish tacos. The menu also features refreshing salads, bowls, quesadillas, and agua frescas for a light and flavorful meal.
White Sox Bar & Grill
Baseball fans, especially White Sox enthusiasts, will appreciate the White Sox Bar & Grill (Main Terminal Central Market). Immerse yourself in baseball memorabilia while enjoying breakfast, cheese curds, Italian beef sandwiches, or a classic Chicago-style hot dog. It’s a home run for sports lovers.
Woodgrain Neapolitan Pizza
While Chicago is famous for deep-dish and tavern-style pizza, Woodgrain Neapolitan Pizza (A7) offers a taste of Naples at Midway. This suburban pizzeria brings its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas to the airport, providing a lighter and more traditional pizza experience.
Quick Bites and Snacks at Midway: Grab and Go Goodness
For travelers on the go or those wanting a lighter option, Midway offers a plethora of quick bite and snack options. These spots are perfect for grabbing something delicious without missing your flight.
America’s Dog & Burger
America’s Dog & Burger (Main Terminal Central Market) celebrates American hot dog culture. Get a classic Chicago dog or a Maxwell Street Polish, or explore regional variations like a Milwaukee beer brat or a Dallas dog served on Texas toast with chili. It’s a fun way to sample hot dog styles from across the country.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
Cheese lovers rejoice! Beecher’s Handmade Cheese (Main Terminal Central Market) offers cheesy comfort all day long. Enjoy all-day breakfast options, grilled cheese sandwiches, creamy macaroni and cheese, fresh salads, and espresso drinks.
Big Shoulders Coffee
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Need a caffeine boost? Big Shoulders Coffee (A15), a popular Chicago-based roaster, has you covered. Recharge with their expertly brewed coffee, espresso, or latte before your flight.
Big Bowl
Big Bowl (Main Terminal Central Market), another Lettuce Entertain You concept, offers Asian-inspired cuisine for a quick and satisfying meal. Fill up on flavorful bowls, potstickers, and egg rolls before boarding.
Big & Little’s
Big & Little’s (B14) offers a diverse menu of tacos, including meat, seafood, and vegetarian options, as well as breakfast tacos, beer, and wine. This Midway outpost is the last remaining location of this once-popular mini-chain.
Café Descartes
Located in Baggage Claim, Café Descartes is a convenient stop for those waiting for their luggage. Grab coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, and all-day breakfast bites.
Camden Food Co.
Pressed for time? Camden Food Co. (B20) provides grab-and-go options, including sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit, and coffee, perfect for a quick bite before heading to your gate.
Connie’s Pizza
Connie’s Pizza (Main Terminal Central Market), a Chicago pizza chain with a history dating back to 1963, offers a slice of local pizza history for a quick and easy meal.
Dunkin’
For familiar coffee and baked goods, Dunkin’ (B20, Main Terminal Central Market) is readily available. Grab doughnuts, muffins, and caffeinated beverages to power through your travels.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Bagel lovers can find their fix at Einstein Bros. Bagels (A7). Fuel up with coffee, salads, soups, sandwiches, and, of course, a variety of bagels.
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, perfect for eating well on the go.
Fuel Bar
Fuel Bar (A4A) provides a quick stop for coffee, tea, beer, or wine, along with muffins and croissants for a light snack or beverage.
Garrett Popcorn Shops
Indulge in a Chicago classic at Garrett Popcorn Shops (Main Terminal Central Market, B14). Pick up a bag of their signature Garrett Mix (caramel and cheese popcorn) or a tin to take home as a souvenir.
Nuts on Clark
Nuts on Clark (Concourse A Food Hall) offers a variety of snacks, including assorted nuts, caramel corn, cheese popcorn, and chocolate-covered nuts. A popcorn vending machine is also available in the Central Market for quick access.
The Orange Line
The Orange Line (B21) offers family-friendly favorites like Buffalo chicken mac and cheese, truffle fries, and burgers, as well as a selection of Bloody Marys. It’s a crowd-pleasing option for diverse groups.
Porkchop BBQ
For comfort food cravings, Porkchop BBQ (B14) serves up ribs, pulled pork, barbecue chicken, burgers, and salads. It’s a hearty option for those seeking classic barbecue flavors.
RJ Grunt’s
RJ Grunt’s (B16), Lettuce Entertain You’s original restaurant concept and a Lincoln Park icon, offers a taste of Chicago history. The Midway location serves breakfast, burgers, wings, and Chicago-style hot dogs.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – Your Culinary Gateway
With this extensive guide to Midway Airport Food, you’re well-prepared to navigate the dining scene at MDW. No matter your taste or time constraints, Midway offers a diverse range of options to ensure you have a satisfying and delicious pre-flight experience. So next time you’re traveling through Midway, skip the hunger pangs and explore the exciting culinary offerings this airport has to offer!
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638 (773) 838-0600 Visit Website
