The best food at the Austin airport: 12 spots worth your preflight wait (by gate)
Frontera fundido shrimp and pollo en mole tacos at The Circle C Tacodeli Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (Mikala Compton/American-Statesman)
Something amazing happened to me earlier this year: I made it to the airport with time to spare. Might have been the first time in my life. And, while I prefer not to linger around the airport, if you're going to be stuck waiting for a plane, there are few airports in the United States much tastier than Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
So, I ate. And was happy I did. An organic smoothie and good sushi? You're alright, Austin.
Bonus points, almost all of the food options at ABIA are locally owned (though operated by an airport vendor). And, double bonus points: all of the food options are in the same terminal, so you don't need to jump on a tram just to find a taco.
Whether you're catching an early flight or passing through town at dinnertime, there are dining options for all tastes. Below are the 12 places I would eat at the Austin airport (listed numerically by closest gate number):
Gate 3
Parkside
One of Austin's first and longest-running gastropubs - and home to one of the city's best happy hours - serves a great burger and Texas cuisine out of the east end of the terminal.
Gate 11
24 Diner
Eggs Benedict or French toast are a great way to start your day - and prepare for a plane nap.
Gate 12
Sushi-A-Go-Go is one of the best dining options at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. (MATTHEW ODAM / AMERICAN-STATESMAN)
Sushi at an airport? Yep. This is the name of the original trailer that led to the founding of one of Austin's most popular sushi restaurants. Try to finish the fish before you get on the plane.
Noble Sandwiches
Jeff John Bates shuttered his deli to open up the fantastic Interstellar BBQ, but this was one of Austin's finest purveyors of sandwiches and still makes the best sandwich you can get at the airport.
Zocalo
Unfortunately, there is no longer a restaurant in Clarksville where you can still buy these tacos, this queso blacno and these margaritas. But, there's always the airport.
Zocalo closed its Clarksville location in 2019 but still serves diners at the airport. (PROVIDED BY ZOCALO)
Looking for New American cuisine for breakfast, lunch or dinner? This is one of the best menus of any airport restaurant in the country. You'll feel like you're still at your hotel.
Gate 17
JuiceLand
The Originator, with its organic juice, peanut butter, protein and berries, packs enough calories to replace breakfast or lunch. And, if you want a vegan dining option at the airport - good luck - the Greek wrap here is delicious, and your best bet.
Gate 22
Sliced brisket sandwich at Salt Lick. (PROVIDED BY SALT LICK)
Paper-thin, crunchy slices from the team that has been slinging pies in Austin for 20 years.
Salt Lick
It would be a shame NOT to leave Austin smelling like barbecue.
Gate 23
Tacodeli
Gate 27
Annie's Cafe & Bar
The now-defunct restaurant is still serving fresh sandwiches and salads at the airport.
Gate 30
Thundercloud Subs
You might not be an aisle favorite if you order the Office Favorite (egg salad and bacon) for your flight, but you will be happy.
