Whether you’re beginning your trip or making a connection, eating well at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is easier than ever. From Carolina barbecue and local craft breweries to chef-driven restaurants and familiar favorites, this guide highlights the best places to eat and drink in every concourse so you can make the most of your time before takeoff.
Highlights:
- Where you fly matters. Dining options vary by concourse, so knowing what’s near your gate can help you maximize your layover or pre-flight meal.
- There’s something for every traveler. CLT offers everything from grab-and-go chains to sit-down restaurants, wine bars, local breweries and Southern specialties.
- Local flavor stands out. Don’t miss Charlotte favorites like NoDa Brewing, Rhino Market, Brookwood Farms BBQ and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Whisky River.
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Get to Know CLT Airport
Before we explore the food available at the Charlotte airport, let’s get to know CLT. The airport location is 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, close to uptown Charlotte. A hub for American Airlines, the Charlotte airport features one passenger terminal with 115 gates spread across five concourses.
And in those concourses, numerous eateries await. Whether you’re seeking fast food or a laid-back experience in the American Express Centurion Lounge, you’ll find it all at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Variety Matters at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
From Cajun to BBQ to soups to Mexican cuisine, this NASCAR headquarters delivers an abundance of choices for dining. Whether you prefer fast food or a Charlotte airport original, you’ll find something to nosh on at CLT Airport.
In addition, HMSHost – which operates many of the concessions here – promises more eateries soon. Let’s take a look at some of the CLT Airport highlights.
Highlights in the CLT Atrium
With only one terminal, CLT’s concourses branch out from the airport’s central Atrium. Here, the dining options present an array of choices.
- 1897 Market serves food ranging from grits to oysters to shrimp and wood-fired pizzas. In addition to dining, 1897 Market features an assortment of gifts worth perusing during your time here. Need a DIY cocktail kit? You’ll find that here.
- Prefer to start your flight with a glass of wine or two? Check out Beaudevin, where chandeliers made from wine glasses set the scene. This elevated wine bar features varietals from around the globe. Pair your choice of wine with elegant small plates. Options include melon and prosciutto, Scottish smoked salmon and charcuterie and feta meze. For more substantial eats, try one of Beaudevin’s signature paninis or a flatbread pizza.
- Need a Carolina barbecue fix? Find your way to Brookwood Farms BBQ in the Atrium. Choose from hickory-smoked meats and those tasty sides like coleslaw and baked beans.
- If time is limited, fast food options in the Atrium include the always popular Burger King. If a sub is more your style, Jersey Mike’s will take care of your hunger. The Atrium also houses Dunkin Donuts, Cinnabon, Red Mango and Papa John’s.
Exploring The Plaza at CLT
The Plaza at CLT spans 51,000 square feet near Concourse D and Concourse E and includes Auntie Anne’s, Bojangles, Potbelly Sandwich Shop and Shake Shack.
For beer lovers, Wicked Weed – an Asheville-based brewing company – serves an enticing selection of craft beers. While Wicked Weed’s location in The Plaza doesn’t serve food, patrons are welcome to grab food elsewhere and bring it to the bar to enjoy with a beer.
Concourse A
For those flying out of Concourse A, Rhino Market features a wide variety of options. This neighborhood market and deli provides a selection of locally-made foods, cheese, chocolates and delicious baked goods. While you can grab-and-go with these local treats, you can also hang out and enjoy a cup of coffee from Charlotte brewers. Or, enjoy a beer or a glass of wine.
More CLT Concourse A dining:
- For more local flavor, consider Charlotte’s NoDa Brewing Company. Enjoy a local craft beer as you nosh on flatbreads and tacos. NoDa Brewing Company also features to-go cans and grab-and-go food. Another Charlotte original, the Broken Spoke serves as a cocktail bar on wheels for Concourse A.
- On the menu at Black and Blue Bar in Concourse A are oysters, calamari, tacos, quesadillas, burgers, salads, veggies and more.
- Fast food in Concourse A includes Cinnabon, Jamba Juice, Panera Bread, Smashburger and Wendy’s.
Concourse B
Yes, Bojangles is a fast-food chain, but if you’re craving fried chicken and biscuits, it’s the place to go.
More CLT Concourse B dining:
- Summer House includes a sit-down restaurant, full bar and grab-and-go selections. On the menu, you’ll find California-inspired entrees including fish tacos, avocado toast, grilled salmon and California wines.
- Beloved for its BBQ, find Midwood Smokehouse on Concourse B.
- Great American Bagel Bakery and Starbucks.
Concourse C
Hungry for a burger? Head to Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar for a variety of burger options ranging from a veggie burger to the menu star – the Baconaisse featuring jalapeno and Applewood-smoked bacon strips atop a cheeseburger. Too much? Create your own custom burger instead. Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar also features salads, sandwiches and tasty fried pickles.
More CLT Concourse C dining:
- Chalice Cafe is a Stella Artois bar with an elevated food menu offering items such as chicken pesto flatbread and Greek wedge salad.
- The Waterman Fish Bar serves fresh, sustainable seafood, including shrimp ‘po boys and lobster rolls.
- Starbucks
Concourse D
Yes, Starbucks seems to be everywhere and while that’s fine with me, if you’re looking for an alternative, grab a Durham-based Counter Culture Coffee at Commonspace. If you’re flying in the evening, Commonspace doubles as a cocktail bar. (Located n the D/E Connector)
More CLT Concourse D dining:
- Want a quick bite of sushi? Hissho Sushi in Concourse D serves a selection of sushi rolls, higiri and sashimi.
- For pastries, sandwiches, salads and soup, Ciao Gourmet Market adds to our Concourse D choices.
Concourse E
No visit to Charlotte would be complete without a mention of NASCAR. Whisky River – the sit-down restaurant of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. – is located in the Concourse E Rotunda. Enjoy tequila BBQ wings, pork nachos, Whisky River Chili and many other indulgences. There’s also live music to add to the good-time vibe.
More CLT Concourse E dining:
- Whisky River, recognized in 2025 as one of USA TODAY’s Best Airport bars, features pub classics and live entertainment.
- Captain Jack’s Tavern features wings, burgers, nachos and a full bar for beer, wine and cocktails. But the highlight of this tavern is beer from the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery which is made according to old German purity standards. Cheers!
- Einstein Bros. Bagels for an inexpensive, freshly prepared sandwich to go.
FAQs
“Good” is a relative term. We are discussing airport food. At CLT, every concourse offers a mix of dining choices, from quick grab-and-go meals to sit-down restaurants, making it easy to find something satisfying no matter where your gate is.
Absolutely. If you’re dashing through the airport trying to make a tight connection look for familiar favorites including Burger King, Wendy’s, Panera Bread, Jersey Mike’s, Dunkin’, Papa John’s, Starbucks, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Smashburger, Shake Shack and Bojangles.
Yes! CLT features several Charlotte and North Carolina favorites, including Rhino Market & Deli, NoDa Brewing Company, Sycamore Brewing, Brookwood Farms BBQ and Wicked Weed Brewing from Asheville.
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