Dining Options at CLT Airport

Eating at Charlotte Airport (CLT) can be a Southern delight or a costly disappointment, depending on where you decide to sit. With an offering ranging from classic Carolina fried chicken to premium wine bars, the key is knowing how to filter your options. Based on the real experiences of thousands of travelers, we have prepared this guide so you can enjoy a good meal and avoid "blows" to your wallet and stomach.

Quick Questions about Food at CLT Airport

Where to get something quick and typical? Bojangles is the local icon, but if you are looking for consistent quality, users recommend Rhino Market & Deli in Concourse A.
Is there good pizza at CLT? Yes. The wood-fired pizza at 1897 Market is the favorite, although we warn you to check the critical points section before going.
Is Starbucks recommended? It is the most common option, but at CLT it accumulates complaints for prices up to USD 10 for a coffee and noticeably slow service.
Where to sit down for an elaborate meal? Midwood Smokehouse is excellent for BBQ. Bad Daddy's Burger Bar stands out for gourmet burgers.
And for Mexican food? Tequileria is the main option, but be careful: users report USD 25 margaritas that are not listed on the menu.
Which places are open 24 hours? Rhino Market & Deli, Beatrix Market, and Cíao Gourmet Market are the most reliable late-night options.

Critical Points: The Smart Traveler's Manual

Hygiene Alert at 1897 Market

Several users have recently reported the presence of insects (cockroaches) in the grab-and-go sandwich coolers at this establishment.

Strategy: If you decide to eat here, opt for the wood-fired pizza or hot dishes prepared to order. Avoid pre-packaged products from the display coolers if you notice a lack of maintenance.

The hidden price trap

Places like Tequileria, Beatrix Market, and Chalice Café are flagged for not displaying prices on their menus or "grab-and-go" sections. Charges of USD 15 for basic sandwiches and USD 25 for standard cocktails have been reported.

Strategy: Always ask for the exact price before the product is scanned or your drink is prepared. Do not assume prices are similar to those in the city; at CLT the markup can be 100%.

Tip fraud at Beaudevin

There is a serious alert about this wine bar. Users report that some servers add additional tips (USD 5 to USD 8) to the credit card receipt after the customer has signed.

Strategy: If you eat at Beaudevin, pay in cash if possible. If you use a card, take a photo of your signed receipt and check your bank statement immediately to detect unauthorized charges.

The turkey at Midwood Smokehouse

Although the brisket is excellent, several travelers warn that the smoked turkey sometimes has a strong "diesel" taste due to poor smoker maintenance.

Strategy: Play it safe and order the ribs or pulled pork. They are the dishes with the most consistent and positive reviews at this location.

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

For a Quick Bite

Bojangles

A Southern classic to try Cajun chicken or their famous biscuits. Ideal for a quick local taste if you are passing through.

User Experience: The Concourse B branch tends to be the most congested. Travelers recommend checking that the order is complete before leaving the counter, as mistakes with sauces are frequent.

Pros: Speed and authentic local flavor when the food is fresh.
Cons: Marked inconsistency; staff treatment is often described as "brusque."

Shake Shack

Known for its burgers and shakes. Could be an option if the burger craving is strong and other places are full.

User Experience: "Extreme patience," warn users. 20-minute waits for a single shake are common, and the kiosk system sometimes fails.

Pros: Meat quality above the average fast food at the airport.
Cons: High prices and chronic lack of clean tables to sit.

Starbucks

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

User Experience: Frequent travelers suggest using the "mobile order" option in the app to avoid lines blocking the hallways.

Pros: Familiarity and ubiquity.
Cons: Service rated as poor in several concourses, with poorly prepared drinks and excessive prices.

For a Heartier Meal or Sitting a While

1897 Market

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

User Experience: Despite hygiene alerts, the pizza continues to be praised for its crust. The atmosphere is quieter than the central food court.

Pros: High-quality pizza and spacious environment.
Cons: Very slow service; do not go if you have little time before your flight.

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar

Specializing in gourmet burgers.

User Experience: The "Magic Mushroom Burger" is the favorite. Staff tend to be friendlier than at fast-food chains.

Strategy: If you want truffle fries but are traveling solo, order the truffle aioli separately for your regular fries. You'll save a few dollars and get almost the same flavor.

Pros: Tasty burgers and generous portions.
Cons: Many menu items are often "sold out" by evening.

Midwood Smokehouse

For BBQ aficionados, with styles mixing Carolina and Texas.

User Experience: The "burnt ends" are highly recommended. It is one of the few places where bar service is fast and efficient.

Pros: Authentic and tasty BBQ. Outstanding bar service.
Cons: Unclear drink prices that can inflate the final bill.

Breakfast Options

Summer House

Offers a bright atmosphere with breakfast options.

User Experience: The breakfast sandwich on brioche bread is excellent. However, be warned that bartenders can be rude if you only order food.

Chalice Café

Also serves breakfast items like omelets and sandwiches.

User Experience: It is a quieter option than Bojangles. The chicken BLT sandwich is praised for freshness.

Bars and Drinks (with Something to Snack On)

Whisky River

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

User Experience: "Watch out for the bill," travelers warn. An Old Fashioned can cost USD 26. Live music is a big plus.

Tequileria

Tequila bar with Mexican food.

User Experience: Most reviews are warnings. Staff are reported to move customers' luggage without permission and quality is low for the price.

Beaudevin

Wine bar with small plates.

User Experience: Mimosas are strong and broccoli soup acceptable, but rude service and billing errors tarnish the visit.

Specific Cravings

Pizza

1897 Market: Their wood-fired pizza is consistently the best-rated here.

Southern Food / BBQ

Midwood Smokehouse: Recommended if you seek authentic BBQ.

Bojangles: For Southern-style fried chicken and biscuits.

Quality Sandwiches

Rhino Market & Deli: It is the jewel of Concourse A. The "Sicilian" sandwich is rated as the best in the airport for its freshness.

24-Hour Options (For Any Time)

For those night flights or early morning arrivals, these options are usually available:

Rhino Market & Deli: The best option for real food late at night.
Beatrix Market: Useful for snacks, but be prepared for high prices without labels.
Starbucks: Available for caffeine, although with limited service.
Snap: Vending machines on Level 1 for an absolute emergency.

General Conclusion

The dining experience at CLT is a rollercoaster. While certain dishes can shine, inconsistency in service is a recurring theme. Prices are high, so choosing places with solid reviews like Rhino Market or Midwood Smokehouse is the best strategy.

Photo by Alex Munsell on Unsplash

Complete List of Dining Options

Below is the complete list of dining options available at CLT Airport.

Public Area

Queen Charlotte's Kitchen

☉ Level 1, Baggage Claim | ⏲ 6:00 am - 10:30 pm

Snap

☉ Level 1, Baggage Claim | ⏲ 24 hours

Restricted Area (Post-Security)

1897 Market

☉ Level 2, Departures, Near Atrium | ⏲ 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

Auntie Anne's

☉ Concourse D and Concourse C | ⏲ 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar

☉ Level 2, Departures, Concourse C | ⏲ 6:00 am - 10:30 pm

Beatrix Market

☉ Level 2, Departures, Concourse C | ⏲ 24 hours