Dining Options at CLT Airport

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Quick Questions about Food at CLT Airport 🍽️

  • 🍔 Where to get something quick and typical? Bojangles is the most recognized local option for fried chicken and biscuits. However, experiences vary: you have to be lucky with quality and service.
  • 🍕 Is there good pizza at CLT? Yes. The wood-fired pizza at 1897 Market is one of the best-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 to sit down for a more elaborate meal? Midwood Smokehouse is ideal for BBQ, and 1897 Market offers dishes like brisket or salmon. Both have mixed reviews.
  • 🌮 And for Mexican food? Tequileria is the only dedicated option, but it has many criticisms for poor service, high prices, and disappointing food.
  • 🍳 Good breakfast at CLT? Summer House and Chalice Café have outstanding sandwiches. Bojangles too, but with the 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 ингредиенты, although quality can be irregular late at night.

When navigating the dining options at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT), travelers encounter 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, in some cases, very critical. Below is a summary of these experiences:

For a Quick Bite

cafe

When time is short, these are some options, although the experience can be variable.

Bojangles

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

  • Pros: Generally valued for its speed and the freshness of the food at good times; some employees receive positive comments for their friendliness.
  • Cons: A noticeable inconsistency in food quality is perceived, with recurring complaints about dry or poorly cooked dishes. Service is frequently described as rude or inattentive. Issues with product availability and concerns about general cleanliness are mentioned. Some isolated reports have pointed to food hygiene problems.

Shake Shack

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

  • Pros: Burgers are often considered good quality and among the best airport options when well-prepared.
  • Cons: Service is a consistently pointed-out weak spot, described as bad, slow, or apathetic. Prices are perceived as very high. There are complaints about the quality of shakes, sometimes described as pre-made. Isolated concerns have been expressed about cleanliness in the service area. The scarcity of 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 the brand's ubiquity and familiarity for many travelers.
  • Cons: Recent reviews tend to be very negative regarding service, frequently rating it as terrible, rude, or extremely slow. Drink quality is often questioned, with reports of incorrect preparations. High prices and occasional untidiness of the premises are 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 like salmon or brisket.

  • Pros: The wood-fired pizza is consistently praised and seems to be its star dish. Some burgers and the brisket also receive good reviews. Some staff members are positively highlighted for their good service.
  • Cons: Inconsistent service is a very frequent complaint, ranging from attentive to slow, rude, or inattentive. It's common for food, including pizza, to be served cold. Issues with seating availability and general organization of the establishment are reported.

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar

Specializing in gourmet burgers.

  • Pros: Burgers are usually well-received for their taste and quality when cooked properly.
  • Cons: Service is often rated as poor, with complaints of rudeness, slowness, or inattention. The limited availability of several menu items is a recurring problem. Occasional issues with the correct cooking of burgers are noted.

Midwood Smokehouse

For BBQ fans, with styles blending Carolina and Texas.

  • Pros: Several BBQ dishes, such as pulled pork, turkey, and burnt ends, are rated as excellent. Service, at times, is described as fast and friendly.
  • Cons: Service shows great variability, with experiences ranging from very good to non-existent. Drink prices are considered very high and not transparent. The quality of some side dishes is criticized, and issues with take-out service are reported.

Breakfast Options

Summer House

Offers a bright atmosphere with breakfast options.

  • Pros: The breakfast sandwich is a dish consistently praised by several customers. Staff, at times, are described as friendly and attentive.
  • Cons: Inconsistent service is a frequent complaint, with widely varying experiences. Issues with table management are mentioned. An isolated report mentioned an error in tipping.

1897 Market

Also serves breakfast items like omelets and sandwiches.

  • Pros: Offers a variety of 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 flavor to start the day.
  • Cons: Diners report the same issues of inconsistency in food quality and service observed at other times of the day.

Bars and Drinks (with Something to Nibble)

Summer House

Pleasant atmosphere with bar options and Californian-inspired food.

  • Pros: Offers good food options, such as fish tacos and breakfast sandwiches, as well as seasonal beers. Staff are sometimes described as very friendly.
  • Cons: Service is very inconsistent according to multiple reviews. Portions are sometimes considered small for the price. A case of error in tipping was mentioned.

Whisky River

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

  • Pros: Some specific dishes like nachos and smothered chicken, as well as certain waiters, receive praise. The atmosphere can be lively at good times.
  • Cons: Service is a highly criticized point, frequently described as terrible, hostile, or non-existent. Food quality is very variable, with complaints about cold or poorly prepared dishes. A 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 specific visits. There were isolated positive mentions for staff.
  • Cons: Food quality is consistently rated as poor or bland. Service is frequently described as slow, rude, or inefficient. Drink prices are considered exorbitant and not transparent. Poor cleanliness is a common complaint.

Beaudevin

Wine bar with small plates.

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

Specific Cravings

pizza

Pizza

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

Southern Food / BBQ

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

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

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

Mexican Food

Tequileria: It's 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 comments from some customers. It could be a good option if you're not in a hurry and the service is favorable.

  • Pros: Outstanding sandwiches according to some reviews; professional handling of difficult situations reported on one occasion.
  • Cons: Service is described as very variable, from friendly to slow and disrespectful.

24-Hour Options (For Any Time)

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

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

Note: The operating hours for these 24-hour locations could change at any time. Check the official website the day before.

Overall Conclusion

The dining experience at CLT is a rollercoaster. While certain dishes or establishments can shine, inconsistent service is a recurring and problematic theme in almost all places. Airport prices are a constant, but they feel more justified when quality and attention accompany them, which is not always the case.

General recommendations:

  • If you have time, 1897 Market for pizza or Midwood Smokehouse for BBQ might be worth it, but be prepared for possible delays or irregular service.
  • For a burger, Bad Daddy's Burger Bar is the most specialized option, albeit with its own challenges.
  • For a good sandwich, Chalice Café or Summer House (breakfast) are good bets if the 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, cafes, 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
#cafe, vegan and vegetarian options, fast food

Snap

☉ Location: Level 1, Baggage Claim
⏲ Hours: 24 hours
#vendingmachine, snacks, softdrinks, 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: 4:00 am - 8:00 pm
☉ Location: Level 2, Departures, Near The Atrium
⏲ Hours: 4:00 am - 10:30 pm
#breakfast, donuts, fastfood, coffee

Dunkin' Express

☉ Location: Level 1, Departures, Concourse E
⏲ Hours: 5:00 am - 10:00 pm
#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 Cabo Wabo Cantina

☉ 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

Stella

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

Summer House

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

Sycamore Brewing

☉ Location: Level 1, Departures, Concourse E
⏲ Hours: 5:00 am - 10:30 pm
#bar, vegetarian, mobile ordering

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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