The worst airports in the U.S. for getting food

You’re tired, hungry, and possibly running on caffeine and anxiety. Only to be met with a $25 soggy burger and a coffee that tastes like burnt jet fuel. The average airport experience doesn’t exactly scream comfort or convenience, especially when food is at stake.

Even a simple meal at the airport can feel like a gamble, one that you lose far too often. That’s a pain point that is way too familiar. So we dug into the data of reviews, prices, and how busy it gets to uncover which U.S. airports deliver the most disappointing restaurant experiences.

The Worst Airport Restaurant Experiences

Ranked from downright unbearable to bad, these are the worst airport restaurant experiences in America.

#1 Newark Liberty International Airport (Newark) (Total score: 8/20)

Imagine stepping into an airport where nearly every meal feels like a mistake waiting to happen. At Newark Liberty International, that’s exactly the case — 7 out of 10 restaurants are rated below three stars, with an average rating of just 2.6. Despite being one of the nation’s busiest international hubs, Newark’s dining options fall shockingly short. And to make matters worse, you’ll pay among the highest prices in the country for food you likely won’t enjoy.

#2 Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Total score: 9/20)

Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport is a powerhouse of air travel, connecting with nearly every corner of the world. But the food experiences here have left travelers wondering where all that Chicago flavor went. With an average restaurant rating of just 3.2 stars and a third of its eateries falling below three stars, the culinary experience is serviceable at best. But what truly stands out is how crowded it gets. With the highest number of visitors per restaurant across all major U.S. airports, even grabbing a quick coffee can turn into a 30-minute ordeal.

#3 John F. Kennedy International Airport (Total score: 9/20)

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is one of the world’s busiest and most recognizable travel hubs. While it’s recognized for global connections and the iconic TWA terminal, the food scene tells a different story. With an average restaurant rating of just 2.6 stars and over half of its eateries rated below three stars, JFK proves that international recognition doesn’t guarantee a good meal. Although it’s slightly less crowded than Chicago or Newark, the constant construction and underwhelming food options will leave you disappointed even before you lift off. 

#4 Orlando International Airport (Total score: 10/20)

The happy and cheerful vibe of Orlando doesn’t extend to the Orlando International Airport (MCO) food scene. With an average rating of 3.4 stars, restaurants at MCO are average at best. But what you might really be bothered with is the number of crowds. With more than 113,000 visitors per restaurant each month, Orlando ranks among the most overcrowded dining spots of any major U.S. airport.

#5 Los Angeles International Airport (Total score: 10/20)

Dining at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a luxury enjoyed by only a few; with the average meal price at $20.2, you’ll pay a premium for a below-average experience. Nearly half of LAX restaurants are rated below three stars, earning it one of the most disappointing dining reputations across airports. Here, a rushed pre-flight meal can quickly turn into an overpriced disaster.

The 3 best airports for dining

Not all airports deliver the same dreadful experience. While airports are notoriously famous for bad food, some stand out with decent meals and a lower likelihood of ordering a plate full of regrets. Among the analyzed airports, these three stand out with above-average experiences and prices that won’t make you feel like you’re paying first-class fares for economy food.

#1 Denver International Airport (Total score: 19/20)

Dining in Denver International Airport might turn out to be a pleasant surprise. While not every experience will be worth remembering, the average restaurant rating of 3.8 is more encouraging than that of other airports. With the average price per meal among the lowest ($16.7) and only 6% of restaurants rated below three stars, this is the one airport where you’re least likely to regret not packing your own food.

#2 Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Total score: 17/20)

Atlanta might be the busiest airport in the world, but it proves that high traffic doesn’t have to mean low quality. With an average restaurant rating of 3.5 stars and only 27% of eateries rated below three stars, Hartsfield-Jackson delivers a solid dining experience. The massive selection of restaurants ensures that you’ll be able to find something to your taste without having to fight for a seat. It’s one of the rare airports where grabbing a bite between flights can actually be enjoyable.

#3 Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (Total score: 16/20)

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport quietly earns its spot among the best airport dining experiences in the country. With an average restaurant rating of 3.4 stars and only 21% of locations rated below three, you’ll find less chaos and more consistency in the dining experiences here.

How to find good food in an airport

Even in airports where getting decent food is a challenge, a good strategy pays off. There are several ways you can improve your odds of avoiding disappointment. Here are some of the most effective ones:

1. Trust other travellers

Don’t blindly follow the marketing materials eagerly displayed by the food courts. Instead, open Google Maps to check what others have to say about their experiences. Sort by ratings and rely on places with more reviews with consistency among them. You can even ask airport staff for recommendations. They’ll know the places to avoid at all costs.

2. Look beyond the food court

Some of the best airport food spots are tucked away in unexpected corners of the terminals. At the end of the terminals, near smaller gates, and generally in less crowded spaces. You might find better service and fewer crowds, and end up eating the best burger in the airport simply because you took a few extra steps instead of settling for the first crowded spot in sight.

3. Plan ahead

Yes, even with airport food, a little planning can make a huge difference. If you’re connecting through a major hub like Denver or Dallas-Fort Worth, check out apps like Grab or AtYourGate, which allow you to browse menus, check ratings, and pre-order for fast pickup between flights. There’s nothing better than skipping the long line for a well-deserved meal.

Methodology and full comparison

To identify airports where you’re most likely to have a disastrous dining experience, we analyzed the twenty busiest airports in the U.S. according to the Federal Aviation Administration. We used a scoring system ranking multiple factors:

• Average price per meal - based on the average user-reported price per meal in a Google Maps business listing
• Average rating - based on the average Google Maps business listing rating
• % of restaurants below three stars - the number of such restaurants divided by the total number of restaurants
• Visitors per restaurant per month - the total number of reported 2024 passengers divided by the number of restaurants listed in Google Maps and divided by twelve

Each category was assigned a score from one to five, with the highest score going to the lowest price per meal, the highest Google reviews rating, the lowest percentage of restaurants with a rating below three stars, and the fewest visitors per restaurant. In total, the maximum score is 20 points, with the lowest point total per airport representing the worst expected experience. Restaurants with fewer than 30 reviews were excluded from the average rating to ensure objective comparisons. 

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