DFW Airport isn’t just a travel hub—it’s a legit food destination: from smoky brisket to Tex-Mex bites and upscale cocktails, there’s something for every craving and terminal. It’s the kind of place where I can grab a great meal, sip something local, and still make it to my gate on time.
I’ve got my carry-on parked beside me, flight info pulled up, and a plate of tacos or a brisket sandwich in front of me—all while turning a travel day into a delicious one. Who knew airport dining could actually be a highlight?
We start in Terminal A at Pappadeaux’s Seafood Kitchen (A24), a Texas favorite for bold Cajun flavors and fresh seafood—try the shrimp & grits or a po’ boy. Over in Terminal B, hit up Twisted Root Burger Co. (B24) for quirky burgers and house-made root beer. Craving Tex-Mex? Terminal C has La Tapenade Mediterranean Café (C14) for wraps and hummus, while Terminal D is where things really shine: grab street tacos and a margarita at Mí Día From Scratch (D22), or settle in at Bar Louie (D18) for craft cocktails and flatbreads. Terminal E travelers should check out Wendy’s with a Texas twist (E16) or stop at Einstein Bros. Bagels for a quick, tasty grab-and-go option.
Tacos, burgers, brisket, and bold flavors—without leaving the terminal? I’m ready for takeoff.
1. Facts You Should Know
Dallas /Fort Worth International Airport is the main airport for the Dallas - Fort Worth area. It has the airport code DFW, with many people simply referring to this airport via that three-letter code, rather than its full name. DFW Airport is one of the busiest airports on the planet.
In fact, statistics show that DFW Airport is the fourth busiest airport in the world in terms of aircraft movements and the 14th busiest when it comes to actual passenger traffic. This makes DFW Airport the second busiest airport in Texas, with close to 70 million passengers per year. It's also an extremely large airport, measuring up at over 17,000 acres in total and being the second biggest airport in the United States.
Traveling through DFW Airport can be an exciting experience for many, but the huge amount of people here mean that you can often get tired and hungry from waiting around in long lines at check-in and security. When you finally get a chance to sit down, there are plenty of great restaurants, bars, and cafes to be found all around DFW Airport. Let's take a closer look at some examples to help you find the best place to eat the next time you need to travel at DFW Airport.
2. Restaurants in Terminal A
Terminal A of DFW Airport is home to a long list of great eateries, including some good bars and cafes. Check out the following examples to learn more. Open the Map
-Lorena Garcia Tapas y Cocina
Lorena Garcia Tapas y Cocina, as the name implies, is a Latin kitchen and tapas bar, so it's an ideal place to spend some time at an airport.
Passengers love to come here and share some tapas together as a great way to spend time while waiting for a flight to take off, and you can order some nice cocktails and wines here as well.
-The Salt Lick Bar-B-Que
The Salt Lick Bar-B-Que is a classic Texas joint, so if you want some authentic Texas BBQ flavors, this is the place to be. Operating since 1967, Salt Like has won awards for its awesome menu and rich flavors, and you can enjoy all of that and more at this DFW Airport Terminal A location.
3. Best DFW Airport Restaurants in Terminal B
There’s an impressive array of dining options to be found in Terminal B of DFW Airport. Here are some details on the top locations.
-Cousin's BBQ
One of the defining parts of Texas is BBQ cuisine. In fact, plenty of people visit the Lone Star State just to chow down on some authentic Texan brisket, burgers, ribs, and other BBQ fare. That's exactly what you can find at Cousin's BBQ , where the menu is simply filled with freshly grilled meats and BBQ-style deliciousness.
-TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays is always a good restaurant to choose and it's a great location to dine at when you're waiting at an airport, especially if you're traveling with a group of friends or family members. You can find classic American staples here and there's even an option to take-out if you just want to grab something like a burger and take it onto your flight. The TGI Fridays in Terminal B offers food all through the day, including breakfast options.
4. Terminal C
Read on to find out more about a few of the best places to eat in Terminal C of DFW Airport.
-Banh Shop
A lot of the eateries around DFW Airport are inspired by Tex Mex cuisine, but if you're looking for something totally different, check out Banh Shop in Terminal C. Inspired by the street vendors of Southeast Asian nations, Banh Shop offers some great breads, bowls, noodles, and lots of rich flavors to keep you guessing about the ingredients.
-Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
You'll feel more like you're in New Orleans than Dallas if you choose to dine at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. Offering up an eclectic selection of Cajun style seafood and Louisiana dishes, this location makes use of only the finest, freshest ingredients and you can really taste the quality in every single bite.
5. Terminal D
Like the other terminals around DFW Airport, Terminal D is also filled with shops and restaurants to keep passengers occupied while they wait for their flights.
-Applebee's
You can never go wrong at Applebee's, and there's one sitting right in the heart of Terminal D of DFW Airport. Always a great place to dine when you want to enjoy some authentic, home-style cooking and comfort food, Applebee's is a perfect option for travelers at Dallas Airport. The burgers, sandwiches, and steaks here are delicious, while those looking for something with less calories can always choose a salad.
6. Best DFW Airport Restaurants in Terminal E
Last but not least, we come to Terminal E of DFW Airport, which also features some super eateries.
-Love Shack
No trip to Texas can be complete with a meal at Love Shack. With a menu designed and devised by Texas chef Tim Love, the Love Shack has taken the classic burger and given it a real renaissance with some amazing ingredients and cooking styles to really bring the best out of this timeless fast food option. The burger menu will blow you away and there are some tasty sides and fries to enjoy here too.
-Blue Mesa Taco & Tequila Bar
A great place for those searching for more of a sit down meal to kill some time while waiting for a flight to take off, the Blue Mesa Taco & Tequila Bar in Terminal E of DFW Airport doubles up as both a great Mexican restaurant for guests of all ages and a fun bar in which to hang out with your friends. The meals here are prepared to a very high standard and there's a great cocktail menu too.
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