If you haven’t been to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport in a while, it has experienced some major changes. If you’ve ever been to the airport and your flight gets canceled or you have a layover, having things to do and places to eat is a must. Thankfully, Charlotte has revamped and offers a great list of places to dine.
In 2021 the Charlotte Douglas International Airport was even named one of the best airports for a layover. One of the reasons is because of the number of shops and restaurants. The Charlotte Douglas International Airport has a lot of places to enjoy a delicious meal.
There are now over thirty different kinds of places to grab a bite and we’ve created a list of some of the top spots. Our list has sweet treats, fast food, and bars and grills. We left off the newsstands and convenience shops on this list. Remember, you don’t have to settle for the free airline pretzels anymore. With all of these tasty choices, you can dine like a true Queen while you are visiting or getting out of Charlotte. You can see more about places to dine, relax and enjoy your travel at the CLT airport here.
Hissho Sushi / First in Flight Bar
Located right in the Atrium you can get some sushi and a drink. You can see more on the sushi and other menu items they offer here.
Brookwood Farms BBQ
Love you some Carolina BBQ? At the CLT Airport, you can. What better way to get your Southern fix in than with some Carolina pit BBQ. It is located in the airport atrium. You can see more here.
Lunchtime! #BrookwoodFarms #BBQ #Atrium pic.twitter.com/WErKZSU7PY
— CLT Airport (@CLTAirport) June 21, 2016Phillips Famous Seafood
Charlotte might not be known for our seafood, but we still offer some good fish spots. One just happens to be located in Concourse C of the CLT airport. You can see more on the menu here.
Jersey Mike's
I love a good cold sub. It’s tasty, quick, and easy to pack away on the plane. Located in the Atrium is Jersey Mike’s and they serve a plethora of subs both hot and cold for you to enjoy. You can see more on the menu here.
NesCafé
If you need a quick coffee, muffin, morning breakfast, or bakery item you can visit this quick café located at Gate E28. You can call 704-359-4992 for more information on the hours of this location.
Real coffee! #Nescafe pic.twitter.com/VHglBR669G
— Marketing Birds (@marketing_birds) March 30, 2022Potbelly Sandwich Shop
If you are craving a sandwich then stop by this eatery located in the Plaza. You can see more on Potbelly Sandwich Shop menu items here.
12/10 on the Comfy Cozy Scale 🔥 pic.twitter.com/CtYqgwrDTf
— potbelly (@Potbelly) December 14, 2021Starbucks
Classic and familiar, if you need a quick snack or some caffeine visit a Starbucks. There are several located in the CLT airport. There is one at the A Connector, Concourse D, Concourse E, and Concourse C. You can see more on the Starbucks menu here.
Passed three @Starbucks locations at #CLT airport on my way to the gate. Stopped into one to get my caffeine fix! pic.twitter.com/LsakiUzkIs
— Michael Christakis (@MikeChristakis) July 13, 2016Tequileria
Located in the Atrium is this spicy Mexican eatery that serves tequila, margarita, and tacos. If you call 704-359-4539 if you need more information. They even have awesome vegetarian options in this full-service restaurant.
the amount of time ive spent in the charlotte airport tequileria.. ain’t right.. pic.twitter.com/Zx5uyKiKM4
— Hannah Mouyal (@hashamou) February 18, 2021Stock Car Café
Located in Concourse B, is all about NASCAR and Charlotte’s history with it. You can get a classic burger and fries and Carolina BBQ. You can call 704-359-4979 for more information on this eatery.
If you’re ever in the B Terminal at CLT Airport, do yourself a favor and check out the Stock Car Cafe. Great little spot that celebrates the city’s storied NASCAR tradition. pic.twitter.com/xWxP6eZYrT
— Matt Stallknecht (@mstallknecht41) February 28, 2018Shake Shack
Located in the Plaza is a perfect spot to grab yourself a burger, fries, and a strawberry milkshake! You can read up on the full Shake Shack menu here.
The Great American Bagel Bakery
If you want a yummy bagel, sandwiches, or salad you can stop by Concourse D to the Great American Bagel Bakery. You can see more on this bagel spot here.
Chick-fil-A
Want some fabulous chicken? Who doesn’t love Chick-fil-A? I am a big chicken mini fan. Located in the Atrium you can get your fix. Just try not to fly on a Sunday! You can see more on menu items here.
Panda Express
Located in Concourse E you can get some quick Chinese food before your flight. You can call 704-359-4729 for more information on this location and menu items.
The Broken Spoke
Located in Concourse A is the Broken Spoke servicing cocktails and whiskey! Established in 2013, the Charlotte-based distillery makes a variety of spirits, including an award-winning American single malt whiskey called Rúa. You can see more about the establishment here.
Charlotte’s own The Broken Spoke is now open on Concourse A, next to Gate A21. pic.twitter.com/VPpUZ5C2qy
— CLT Airport (@CLTAirport) February 19, 2020Captain Jack's Tavern
This is a Charlotte local restaurant. It is a bar and also serves quick service and vegetarian options. You can see more here.
Now open on Concourse E between gates 3 and 4: Captain Jack's Tavern featuring @oldemeckbrew. #DrinkLocal pic.twitter.com/iNyGDjn6Hz
— CLT Airport (@CLTAirport) June 25, 2018Wicked Weed Brewing
Located in the Plaza of the airport, you can get some tasty beer from Wicked Weed. My beer of choice is the Pernicious. You can see some top ratings of their beer here via Untapped.
This 6 ft. custom Wicked Weed Brewing storefront sign is installed and in it’s new home at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. #LHCompanies #WickedWeedBrewing #CustomSignage #AirportSignage pic.twitter.com/yXfSks6Dtg
— L&H Companies (@LHCompanies) October 22, 2019Whiskey River
Serving food and beverages, this is a great place to dine at the CLT airport. This spot is located near the E Rotunda. Some of the top foods on the menu are chicken wings, burgers, and pulled pork.
I've been stuck in worse places. @DaleJr's Whiskey River in the Charlotte airport is A-1. 👌🏾 pic.twitter.com/lzMaUiNGZ2
— Black Mamba (@MambaSmith34) August 17, 2018Wendy's
In the mood for a juicy baconator? They are my favorite! If you want some quick and familiar, Wendy’s is located at Concourse A in the CLT airport. You can check out their full menu here.
TCBY
Want a quick snack? Try out some frozen yogurt from TCBY. They have all kinds and even smoothies! They offer a wide assortment of products including options for those of you who choose to eat vegan, GMO-Free, protein-rich, gluten-free and dairy-free diets. This is located in Concourse C of the CLT airport.
There's a reason White Chocolate Mousse has been around 35 Years🍦 It's rich, decadent, and always a crowd-pleaser.
— TCBY (@TCBY) April 3, 2022
How do you top it off?
1. Fresh & Fruity 🍓🥝
2. Chocolate Overload 🍫🍪
3. Nothing - it's perfect as is 👍#TCBY #NationalChocolateMousseDay pic.twitter.com/Z3lVRQV0wbSummer House
Located near Concourse B is the Summer House. They offer breakfast foods, salads, and cookies! You can see more on this eatery here.
The bacon egg and cheese at summer house in the Charlotte airport is really good.
— Jamma (@NBAJAMBOI) February 6, 2022Smashburger
Want a juicy burger? You can head to Concourse A and visit Smashburger. You can enjoy burgers, fries, gluten-free options, and even vegetarian meals. You can see more on their menu here.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
A caramel candy apple sounds delightful right about now. Located near baggage, D/E Connector, and in the A Connector is the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. You can see what chocolate treats you might want to try here.
Rhino Market & Deli
Located in Concourse A you can grab a sandwich, local Charlotte favorites, and more. You can see more here.
Red Star Lounge
Adult beverages are always a good idea. This is a bar featuring beer, breakfast, salads, and more. It is located near Concourse B and is an easy place to grab some grub. See more on this spot here.
Red star lounge in terminal B Charlotte Airport.#adultbeverages#Goodidea?@Heineken pic.twitter.com/8LxAZgjWlq
— Jim O'Neil (@jimmbsc) September 17, 2018Red Mango
Located in the Atrium of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport is the Red Mango. You can get a smoothie, frozen yogurt, breakfast items, and grab-and-go items. You can call 704-359-4374 for more information on what they offer and operating hours.
Red Mango froyo topped with fresh fruit. Name a more iconic duo, we dare you. pic.twitter.com/8lTk9CUx1C
— Red Mango (@RedMango) April 2, 2022PZA
Need a slice of cheesy goodness? Stop by PZA located in the CLT airport E Rotunda. They serve pizza, stromboli, pasta, and more Italian favorites. You can see more about PZA here.
Lunchtime! #PZA Concourse E. https://t.co/bJbeO6bZOB pic.twitter.com/MZqbgIBHTf
— CLT Airport (@CLTAirport) August 5, 2016Panera Bread
I love Panera Breads two for two meal. Whenever I am flying out of Charlotte, I always stop by. Located in Concourse A you can get a sandwich, soups, or salads. You can call 704-359-0248 for more information on this location and menu items.
Original Rum & Bar Grill
Fancy a little rum? Head over to Concourse D for a bar with a Caribbean flair. You can call 704-359-4547 for more information on this location and menu.
New to #CLT !!! (@ Original Rum Bar & Grill in Charlotte, NC) https://t.co/fHLNCNpssS pic.twitter.com/2vX6eyLwFA
— Carolina Travel Girl (@miffSC) February 1, 2017NoDa Brewing Company
This is a new one to the CLT airport but it’s got all the old stuff you love from the OG brewery. I love their Hop, Drop ‘N Roll. You can see more on the beer options here. This brewery is located in Concourse A.
🍻 WHATZ BREWIN ..... NoDa Brewing Taproom coming to the Charlotte NC Douglas Airport https://t.co/oFRMqaTjW8 #beer #brewery #airport #NorthCarolina pic.twitter.com/AYyKfYLDe4
— CheckYourTown (@checkyourtown) February 20, 2018Jamba
Located in Concourse A you can get your juice fix at the one and only ‘Jamba Juice’. The name has recently changed, and it is now called Jamba. You can see more about this location and menu items here. There is also one located in the D/E Connector.
Farmers Market
Want something fresh and healthy? There is a Farmers Market located at Baggage Claim, Concourse C, E Rotunda, and Concourse B. They offer snacks, sandwiches, veggies, and quick service foods. You can see more on these eateries here.
Fresh Attractions
Located at Concourse C is the Fresh Attractions eatery. You can get an easy breakfast, deli sandwiches, and quick service at this restaurant. You can call 704-359-4995 to see more on this location and menu items.
I've got time for food. :-) (@ Fresh Attractions in Charlotte, NC) https://t.co/FsxitqbvjL
— Cekyr0 (@Cekyr0) July 17, 2016Explorer Lounge
You can get drinks, breakfast, good Mexican food, and tasty nachos at this restaurant. You can see more here on their menu items.
Anyone flying through Charlotte needs to check out the Dos Equis Explorer Lounge by gate E27! #clt #staythirsty pic.twitter.com/0SAMJVo53G
— Kelly Kirby (@kellymkirby) February 27, 2014Einstein Bros. Bagels
From Everything to Poppy Seed, you can enjoy a morning bagel before your flight. Grab a cup of coffee or tea too and relax at this Concourse E location. You can see more on their menu here.
Dylan's Candy Bar
Gumballs, chocolates, and more are all in the Atrium of the CLT airport. You can see more about all the sweet treats Dylan’s Candy Bar has to offer here.
Have you stopped by our @_HudsonYardsNYC store to see our window installation featuring handmade iconic tote bags by guest creator Nick Sizemore? 🛍️✨ These are available to purchase with 100% of proceeds going to the Dylan's Candy BarN Animal Foundation to help animals in need. pic.twitter.com/VRqMhWeBA0
— DylansCandyBar 🍭 (@DylansCandyBar) February 16, 2022Cinnabon
Located in Concourse A and the Atrium is a sweet spot. If you want warm cinnamon to treat you can head over to one of them for a classic Cinnabon. I love these (maybe too much) and I always save room for one. You can see more here.
Charlotte Bistro
Get some drinks, a hot dog, pizza, or even a Jamaican beef patty from the Charlotte Bistro. This is located in the Baggage area.
Aside from Starbucks, Charlotte Bistro and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, there isn’t anywhere to eat in CLT Airport’s lobby. The expansion project will create room for retail and restaurants #CLTCC @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/ryfbIH8QMK
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) October 15, 2019Burger King
Want to really wear the crown? Go get yourself some fast food from Burger King. The Whopper is my #1 go-to. This open location is located in Concourse E. You can see more on BK and menu items here.
A new take on a classic. Meet The Whopper® Melt.
— Burger King (@BurgerKing) March 15, 2022
Featuring two flame-grilled Whopper® Jr. patties. pic.twitter.com/DaywIZv8TGCarolina Beer Co.
This is a North Carolina staple located in Concourse D. You can call 704-359-4521 for more information and operating hours. They have beer, food, and good times.
It's Airport Restaurant Month at CLT with @HMSHost! Today we're at Carolina Beer Co. Come join us! pic.twitter.com/VvqdGK5aTX
— CLT Airport (@CLTAirport) May 13, 2015Auntie Anne's
Want a pretzel? Maybe a nice ice cold coke to go with it? I love the cinnamon pretzel bites at Auntie Anne’s. There are two locations in the CLT airport, one in The Plaza and one in the Atrium. You can see more on the menu here.
Bad Daddy's Burger
Located in Concourse C you can create your own custom burger creation. You can see more on menu items here.
Brioche Dorée
You can get sandwiches, grab-and-go snacks, and bakery goods from this location. It is located at Concourse E in the CLT airport. You can see more about this bakery here.
Bojangles'
It is bo time! Located in the Plaza and Concourse B, you can get your fried chicken craving the Charlotte way. They have chicken, biscuits, mac and cheese, and more. You can see more on the menu here.
Black n Blue Bar
You can relax and get a nice drink at the Black n Blue Bar. This bar is located in Concourse A of the CLT airport.
We have a lot of beer here in the Carolinas. There are actually 30+ breweries throughout the Queen City alone! There is nothing like trying out a new beer and enjoying fun taprooms. If you like discovering new beers try tackling the NC Beer Guys map of breweries. You can see it here: https://www.ncbeerguys.com/nc-breweries/
Beaudevin
Relax, dine in and enjoy some fancier airport food. You can call 704-359-4318 for more information on seating and service hours. They have some great-looking fish!
Charlotte airport lunch at Beaudevin. It was delish #AtlanticSalmon pic.twitter.com/18vwqmw0NM
— Raylogue💬 (@RayChatie) January 20, 2019