Dining Options at CLT Airport

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Quick Questions about Food at CLT Airport 🍽️

  • 🍔 Where can I get something quick and local? Bojangles is the most well-known local option for fried chicken and biscuits. However, the experience varies: you need to get lucky with quality and service.
  • 🍕 Is there good pizza at CLT? Yes. The wood-fired pizza at 1897 Market is among the highest-rated by frequent travelers.
  • ☕ Is Starbucks always a good idea? Not necessarily. Although it’s well known, many users report rude service, poorly made drinks, and dirty locations at CLT.
  • 🥓 Where can I sit down for something more substantial? Midwood Smokehouse is ideal for BBQ, and 1897 Market offers dishes such as brisket or salmon. Both have mixed reviews.
  • 🌮 What about Mexican food? Tequileria is the only dedicated option, but it accumulates many complaints about poor service, high prices, and disappointing food.
  • 🍳 Good breakfast at CLT? Summer House and Chalice Café have standout sandwiches. Bojangles as well, but with the same usual caveats.
  • 🍷 Are there places to grab a drink? Summer House and Whisky River are popular. The former has a pleasant atmosphere; the latter can be lively or chaotic.
  • 🌙 Which places are open 24 hours? Starbucks, Snap, Beatrix Market, Pronto, Cíao Gourmet Market, and Rhino Market & Deli are available around the clock, although quality can be uneven late at night.

When navigating the dining options at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), travelers encounter a range of experiences, from quick bites to more relaxed meals. According to recent passenger reviews on platforms such as Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, Yelp, and others, opinions are mixed and, in some cases, very critical. Below is a summary of those experiences:

For a Quick Bite

cafe

When time is tight, these are some options, although the experience can be inconsistent.

Bojangles

A Southern classic to try Cajun fried chicken or its famous biscuits. Ideal for a quick local flavor if you’re just passing through.

  • Pros: Generally praised for speed and food freshness at its best moments; some employees receive positive comments for friendliness.
  • Cons: A noticeable inconsistency in food quality is reported, with recurring complaints about dry or poorly cooked items. Service is frequently described as rude or inattentive. Issues with product availability and concerns about overall cleanliness are mentioned. Some isolated reports have pointed to food hygiene problems.

Shake Shack

Known for its burgers and milkshakes. It may be an option if a burger craving is strong and other places are crowded.

  • Pros: Burgers are often considered good quality and among the better airport options when properly prepared.
  • Cons: Service is a consistently cited weak point, described as poor, slow, or apathetic. Prices are perceived as very high. There are complaints about milkshake quality, sometimes described as pre-made. Isolated concerns about cleanliness in the service area have been raised. Limited seating and its quality are also criticized.

Starbucks

A globally known option for coffee and something sweet like a muffin, cake, or croissant.

  • Pros: Its main advantage is brand familiarity and widespread presence for many travelers.
  • Cons: Recent reviews tend to be very negative regarding service, often describing it as awful, rude, or extremely slow. Beverage quality is frequently questioned, with reports of incorrect preparation. High prices and occasional disorder in the shop are also criticized.

For a More Substantial Meal or to Sit Down for a While

1897 Market

Offers a varied menu, from wood-fired pizzas to more elaborate dishes such as salmon or brisket.

  • Pros: The wood-fired pizza is consistently praised and appears to be its signature item. Some burgers and the brisket also receive positive feedback. Certain staff members are highlighted for their good service.
  • Cons: Service inconsistency is a very common complaint, ranging from attentive to slow, rude, or inattentive. Food, including pizza, is often reported as being served cold. Issues with seating availability and overall organization are also mentioned.

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar

Specializes in gourmet burgers.

  • Pros: Burgers are generally well received for flavor and quality when cooked properly.
  • Cons: Service is often rated as poor, with complaints about rudeness, slowness, or lack of attention. Limited availability of several menu items is a recurring issue. Occasional problems with burger doneness are also reported.

Midwood Smokehouse

For BBQ lovers, with styles that blend Carolina and Texas influences.

  • Pros: Several BBQ dishes, such as pulled pork, turkey, and burnt ends, are rated as excellent. Service is sometimes described as fast and friendly.
  • Cons: Service shows high variability, with experiences ranging from very good to nonexistent. Beverage prices are considered very high and not transparent. Some sides are criticized, and issues with takeout service are reported.

Breakfast Options

Summer House

Offers a bright atmosphere with breakfast options.

  • Pros: The breakfast sandwich is consistently praised by several customers. Staff is sometimes described as friendly and attentive.
  • Cons: Service inconsistency is a frequent complaint, with widely varying experiences. Issues with table management are mentioned. One isolated report mentioned a tip being charged incorrectly.

1897 Market

Also serves breakfast items such as wraps and sandwiches.

  • Pros: Offers variety in its breakfast options.
  • Cons: The overall experience is subject to the marked inconsistency in service and food preparation observed at this location.

Bojangles

Offers its classic breakfast biscuits.

  • Pros: Provides an option to enjoy a Southern-style flavor to start the day.
  • Cons: Diners report the same issues with inconsistency in food quality and service seen at other times of day.

Bars and Drinks (with Something to Snack On)

Summer House

Pleasant atmosphere with bar options and California-inspired food.

  • Pros: Offers good food options such as fish tacos and breakfast sandwiches, along with seasonal beers. Staff is sometimes described as very friendly.
  • Cons: Service is very inconsistent according to multiple reviews. Portions are sometimes considered small for the price. One case of an incorrect tip charge was mentioned.

Whisky River

Honky-tonk atmosphere with live music at times. Offers bar food and Southern dishes.

  • Pros: Certain dishes such as nachos and smothered chicken, as well as some bartenders, receive praise. The atmosphere can be lively at its best.
  • Cons: Service is heavily criticized, frequently described as awful, hostile, or nonexistent. Food quality is highly variable, with complaints about cold or poorly prepared dishes. One case of food poisoning has been reported. Drinks are sometimes perceived as watered down. Long waits and questionable cleanliness are recurring themes.

Tequileria

Tequila bar with Mexican food.

  • Pros: Some customers mention enjoying the margaritas (though expensive) and chips with salsa on isolated visits. There were occasional positive mentions of staff.
  • Cons: Food quality is consistently rated as poor or bland. Service is frequently described as slow, rude, or inefficient. Drink prices are considered outrageous and not transparent. Poor cleanliness is a common complaint.

Beaudevin

Wine bar with small plates.

  • Pros: Mimosas were described as strong, and the broccoli soup as acceptable.
  • Cons: Based on the few available reviews, service is heavily criticized, described as poor, rude, and slow. High prices and order or billing errors were mentioned.

Specific Cravings

pizza

Pizza

1897 Market: Its wood-fired pizza is consistently the highest-rated here by multiple diners.

Southern Food / BBQ

Midwood Smokehouse: Recommended if you’re looking for authentic BBQ, keeping in mind the previously mentioned pros and cons regarding service and drink prices.

Bojangles: For Southern-style fried chicken and biscuits, considering the risks of inconsistency.

Whisky River: Offers dishes such as pulled pork, but with high variability in quality and service.

Mexican Food

Tequileria: The only dedicated Mexican food option, but reviews are overwhelmingly negative. Proceed with extreme caution or avoid.

Quality Sandwiches

Chalice Café

The chicken BLT sandwich received excellent feedback from some customers. It may be a good option if you’re not in a rush and service is favorable.

  • Pros: Standout sandwiches according to some reviews; one instance reported professional handling of a difficult situation.
  • Cons: Service is described as highly variable, ranging from friendly to slow and disrespectful.

24-Hour Options (Anytime)

For late-night flights or very early arrivals, some options remain open. Keep in mind that quality and service may vary even more outside peak hours.

  • Pronto (Based on prior information, not covered in recent reviews)
  • Snap (Based on prior information, not covered in recent reviews)
  • Beatrix Market (Based on prior information, not covered in recent reviews)
  • Starbucks (Although heavily criticized, it is a 24-hour option)
  • Cíao Gourmet Market (Based on prior information, not covered in recent reviews)
  • Rhino Market & Deli (Based on prior information, not covered in recent reviews)

Note: Operating hours at these locations may change at any time. Check the official website the day before.

Overall Conclusion

The dining experience at CLT is a roller coaster. While certain dishes or establishments can shine, inconsistent service is a recurring and problematic theme across nearly all venues. Airport pricing is a constant, but it feels more justified when quality and service match, which does not always happen.

General recommendations:

  • If you have time, 1897 Market for pizza or Midwood Smokehouse for BBQ may be worth it, but be prepared for possible delays or uneven service.
  • For a burger, Bad Daddy's Burger Bar is the most specialized option, though it comes with its own challenges.
  • For a good sandwich, Chalice Café or Summer House (breakfast) are solid bets if service is favorable.
  • Avoid Tequileria and Starbucks based on the large number of recent negative experiences. With Shake Shack, proceed with caution due to mentioned hygiene concerns.

 

food

Photo by Alex Munsell on Unsplash

Complete List of Dining Options

Below is the complete list of dining options available at CLT Airport, including their location, hours, and the type of food they offer. You’ll find restaurants, cafés, bars, fast food, delis, and grab-and-go options.

*Opening hours are subject to change at any time.

Public Area

Queen Charlotte's Kitchen

☉ Location: Level 1, Baggage Claim
⏲ Hours: 6:00 am - 10:30 pm
#coffee, vegan and vegetarian options, fast food

Snap

☉ Location: Level 1, Baggage Claim
⏲ Hours: 24 hours
#vending machine, snacks, soft drinks, water, grab-and-go

Restricted Area (Post-Security)

1897 Market

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Near The Atrium
⏲ Hours: 6:00 am - 10:00 pm
#breakfast, pizza, vegetarian, grab-and-go, bar, localfood

Auntie Anne's

Location:
☉ Level 2, Departures, Near The Plaza, Concourse D
☉ Level 2, Departures, Concourse C
⏲ Hours: 6:00 am - 10:00 pm
#breakfast, pretzels, fastfood

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse C
⏲ Hours: 6:00 am - 10:30 pm
#breakfast, burger, fastfood, vegetarian, grab-and-go

Beatrix Market

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse C
⏲ Hours: 24 hours
#breakfast, sandwiches, fastfood, snacks, vegetarian and vegan options

Beaudevin

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Near The Atrium
⏲ Hours: 8:00 am - 10:30 pm
#breakfast, bar, fastfood, grab-and-go

Black n Blue Bar

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse A
⏲ Hours: 7:00 am - 10:00 pm (Sunday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm)
#bar, fastfood

Bojangles

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse B
⏲ Hours: 5:30 am - 10:00 pm
☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Near The Plaza, Concourse D
⏲ Hours: 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
#breakfast, friedchicken, fastfood

Brookwood Farms BBQ

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Near The Atrium
⏲ Hours: 4:00 am - 10:30 pm
#breakfast, barbecue, vegetarian, vegan, fastfood

Burger King

☉ Location: Level 1, Departures, Concourse E
⏲ Hours: 5:00 am - 10:30 pm
☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Near The Atrium
⏲ Hours: 5:30 am - 11:00 pm
#breakfast, burger, vegetarian, fastfood

Captain Jack's Tavern

☉ Location: Level 1, Departures, Concourse E
⏲ Hours: 7:00 am - 10:30 pm
#bar, vegetarian, fastfood

Chalice Café

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse C
⏲ Hours: 6:00 am - 10:30 pm
#breakfast, bar, vegetarian option

Chick-fil-A

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Near The Atrium
⏲ Hours: 4:00 am - 11:00 pm
#breakfast, friedchicken, fastfood, vegetarian option

Cíao Gourmet Market

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse D
⏲ Hours: 24 hours
#breakfast, fastfood, vegetarian, grab-and-go

Cinnabon

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse A
⏲ Hours: 6:00 am - 10:00 pm
☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Near The Atrium
⏲ Hours: 4:00 am - 8:00 pm
#breakfast, cinnamonrolls, fastfood, grab-and-go

CommonSpace

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Near Concourse D/E Connector
⏲ Hours: 6:00 am - 10:00 pm
#breakfast, fastfood, bar, vegan, grab-and-go

Crown Diner

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse A
⏲ Hours: 5:30 am - 10:00 pm
#breakfast, sandwiches, vegan, vegetarian

Dunkin'

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse A
⏲ Hours: 24 hours
☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Near the Atrium
⏲ Hours: 24 hours
☉ Location: Security Checkpoint 2
⏲ Hours: 24 hours
#breakfast, donuts, fast food, coffee

Dunkin' Express

☉ Location: Level 1, Departures, Concourse E
⏲ Hours: 24 hours
#breakfast, fastfood, vegetarian, vegan, grab-and-go

Einstein Bros. Bagels

☉ Location: Level 1, Departures, Concourse E
⏲ Hours: 6:00 am - 10:00 pm
#breakfast, bagel, grab-and-go option

Explorer Lounge

☉ Location: Level 1, Departures, Concourse E
⏲ Hours: 7:00 am - 10:30 pm
#breakfast, bar, fastfood

Great Wagon Road

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse A
⏲ Hours: 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
#bar, fastfood.

Hissho Sushi

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse D
⏲ Hours: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Near The Atrium
⏲ Hours: 7:00 am - 10:30 pm
#bar, sushi, vegetarian, fastfood, grab-and-go

Jamba Juice

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse D/E Connector
⏲ Hours: 5:00 am - 10:00 pm
☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse A
⏲ Hours: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
#bar, sushi, vegetarian, fastfood, grab-and-go

Jersey Mike's

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Near The Atrium
⏲ Hours: 6:30 am - 10:30 pm
#breakfast, vegetarian, fastfood, mobile ordering option

La Madeleine

☉ Location: Level 1, Departures, Concourse E
⏲ Hours: 6:00 am - 10:00 pm
#breakfast, vegetarian, fastfood, grab-and-go

Midwood Smokehouse

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse B
⏲ Hours: 5:00 am - 10:30 pm
#breakfast, bar, vegetarian, barbecue, salads

NoDa Brewing Company

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse A
⏲ Hours: 6:00 am - 9:30 pm
#breakfast, bar, vegetarian

OMB Biergarten

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse D
⏲ Hours: 5:30 am - 10:30 pm
#breakfast, bar, vegetarian, vegan, salads, glutenfree

Panda Express

☉ Location: Level 1, Departures, Concourse E
⏲ Hours: 9:00 am - 10:30 pm
#chinesefood, fullservice

Panera Bread

☉ Location: Level 1, Departures, Concourse E Rotunda
⏲ Hours: 4:00 am - 10:30 pm
☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse A
⏲ Hours: 5:00 am - 8:00 pm
#breakfast, fastfood, vegetarian, mobile ordering option

Papa John's

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Near The Atrium
⏲ Hours: 8:00 am - 10:30 pm
#pizza, fastfood, vegetarian

PDQ

☉ Location: Level 1, Departures, Concourse E
⏲ Hours: 6:00 am - 10:00 pm
#friedchicken, milkshakes, vegan and vegetarian sandwiches

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse D, Near The Plaza
⏲ Hours: 6:00 am - 10:00 pm
#sandwiches, vegetarian

Pronto

☉ Location: Level 1, Departures, Concourse E
⏲ Hours: 24 hours
#sandwiches, vegetarian, snacks, grab-and-go

PZA

☉ Location: Level 1, Departures, Concourse E Rotunda
⏲ Hours: 6:00 am - 10:30 pm
☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse C
⏲ Hours: 6:00 am - 10:30 pm
#pizza, breakfast, vegetarian, grab-and-go

Red Mango

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Atrium
⏲ Hours: 7:30 am - 8:00 pm
#breakfast, smoothies, vegetarian options, fastfood, grab-and-go

Red Star Lounge

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse B
⏲ Hours: 7:00 am - 10:30 pm
#breakfast, smoothies, vegetarian options, fastfood, grab-and-go

Rhino Market & Deli

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse A
⏲ Hours: 24 hours
#craftbeer, wine, delisandwiches, soups, salads

Salsarita's

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Near The Atrium
⏲ Hours: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
#breakfast, mexicanfood, vegetarian options

Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse D
⏲ Hours: 6:30 am - 10:30 pm
#breakfast, bar, vegetarian, fullservice

Shake Shack

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Near The Plaza, Concourse D
⏲ Hours: 5:30 am - 10:30 pm
#breakfast, burgers, vegetarian options

Smashburger

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse A
⏲ Hours: 5:00 am - 9:00 pm
#burgers, glutenfree, vegetarian options, mobile ordering

Starbucks

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse B
⏲ Hours: 4:00 am - 10:30 pm
☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse C
⏲ Hours: 4:00 am - 10:30 pm
☉ Location: Level 1, Departures, Concourse E
⏲ Hours: 4:00 am - 10:30 pm
☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse D
⏲ Hours: 4:00 am - 10:30 pm
☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse A Connector
⏲ Hours: 24 hours
#breakfast, coffee, bakery, cookies, brownies, pastries, vegetarian and vegan options, grab-and-go, mobile ordering

Summer House

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse B
⏲ Hours: 5:00 am - 10:30 pm
#bar

Tequileria

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Near The Atrium
⏲ Hours: 5:30 am - 10:30 pm
#breakfast, bar, mexicanfood, vegetarian, mobile ordering

The Great American Bagel Bakery

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse B
⏲ Hours: 4:00 am - 10:30 pm
☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse D
⏲ Hours: 5:30 am - 10:30 pm
#breakfast, coffee, bagels, fastfood, vegetarian options

The Taproom

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse A
⏲ Hours: 6:00 am - 10:00 pm
#snacks, sandwiches, softdrinks, travelessentials, grab-and-go

The Waterman Fish Bar

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse C
⏲ Hours: 6:00 am - 10:30 pm
#breakfast, bar, fullservice, vegetarian, glutenfree

Travel@ease

☉ Location: Level 1, Departures, Concourse E
⏲ Hours: 24 hours
#vendingmachine, snacks, sandwiches, softdrinks, grab-and-go

Triple C Brewing

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse D
⏲ Hours: 7:00 am - 10:30 pm
#bar, fastfood, coffee

Uptown Minibar

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse A
⏲ Hours: 7:00 am - 10:00 pm (Sundays 10:00 am - 8:00 pm)
#bar, fastfood, vegetarian option

Wendy's

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse A
⏲ Hours: 4:00 am - 10:00 pm
#breakfast, fastfood

Whisky River

☉ Location: Level 1, Departures, Concourse E Rotunda
⏲ Hours: 5:30 am - 10:30 pm
#bar, breakfast, vegetarian options

Wicked Weed Brewing

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Near The Plaza, Concourse D
⏲ Hours: 7:00 am - 10:30 pm
#bar, vegetarian options

Wow Bao

☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Concourse C
⏲ Hours: 6:00 am - 10:30 pm
#asianfood, ricebowls, Bao, vegetarian and vegan options

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