Delays at airports are not as woeful as they used to be. That is, if you are lucky enough to be stranded in a choice terminal replete with the type of trendy dining and watering-hole options that rival our very cities. If you find yourself in an airport for an extended period of time this holiday season — or any time for that matter — hopefully it's at one of these terminals.
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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) — Terminal E
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International is the world's busiest airport. If that doesn't make you want to have a drink, I don't know what will. Luckily this airport is home to One Flew South, one of the best-reviewed airport bars in the United States — if not the best. Get away from the crowd and enjoy something from their large cocktail menu or international wine list. The menu can be expensive but by airport standards the food is rather sophisticated. On the bar's list of fare, you'll find such items as a Kobe burger with black truffle mayo and a pulled duck confit sandwich with a fig and peanut sauce. The restaurant also features a full sushi bar.
Also in terminal E: Belgian Beer Cafe, Jekyll Island Seafood Company, The Original El Taco.
Chicago O'Hare (ORD) — Terminal 3
According to Chicago Eater, Publican Tavern, in O'Hare's Terminal 3, "is a certified hit, porting over the Fulton Market favorite to O'Hare travelers." With a focus on seasonality and quality sourcing, Publican Tavern's approachable menu offers an array of sandwiches and salads, as well as a thoughtful selection of craft beer and wine. However, travelers with a little more time on their hands can savor dishes such as spicy pork rinds; avocado salad; pork shoulder chop; organic baked salmon; and the "hot" Doug Sohn made with Chicago-based Hot Dougs bratwurst, bourbon mustard, fried shallot, and Emmental cheese. For morning travelers, Publican Tavern offers breakfast delights such as a waffle with honey butter and strawberry jam; a hot smoked salmon with lemon ricotta, baby romaine, celery, and butter pickle dressing and multigrain bread; and the Publican Breakfast consisting of fried eggs, toast, breakfast potatoes, and bacon or sausage.
While Publican may be the new kid on the block in terminal 3, amazingly they may not even be the best as T3 is also home to Tortas Frontera — named best airport restaurant in America by Conde Nast Traveler AND Bon Appetite back in 2013. Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless offers mouth watering selections that would garner attention anywhere, let alone an airport, such as the Pepito (beer braised short ribs), Chipotle Chicken and Smokey Garlic Shrimp.
Also in terminal 3: Bubbles Wine Bar, Goose Island Beer Company, Macaroni Grill.
Denver International Airport (DIA) — Concourse B
Drink a wide variety of beers from Colorado-based brewer New Belgium at DIA's New Belgium Hub Bar & Grill. Beer selections include their classic Fat Tire Amber Ale, Ranger IPA and Snapshot Wheat, while the food menu is centered around an inventive lineup of sandwiches and platters including their classic Bratwurst, Fried Chicken and Waffles and a Chicken French Dip Sandwich. It can be a bit of a trek to get there, though, (Near Gate 80) so plan carefully to avoid finishing your beer while your flight is finishing boarding.
Also in terminal B: Cantina Grill, Chick-fil-A, Cru Food and Wine Bar, Elway's, Wolfgang Puck.
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