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It’s the holiday travel season, and if you’re traveling through the Carolinas, there’s a good chance that you’ll pass through the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) — it’s the one with all those rocking chairs. Airport Council International ranks CLT No. 7 in passenger traffic, and all those travelers need to eat and drink somewhere. Eater presents this dining guide to CLT's 15 most promising places to grab food and drinks.
Where to Grab Food:
1897 Market
This modern market is a good place to pass some time, because there are plenty of culinary novelties and gift items to peruse through — think DIY cocktail kits and gourmet nuts. In the restaurant, the food ranges from wood-fired pizzas to shrimp and grits to fresh oysters. Location: Atrium
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Bad Daddy’s Burger bar started in Charlotte in 2007. The bacon cheeseburger with three strips of jalapeno bacon, three strips of Applewood-smoked bacon, and “Baconaisse,” is the star of the menu, but check out the fried pickles and Buffalo chicken sandwich.
Location: Concourse C6
Bojangles
For those living in the Carolinas, the sight of a Bojangles isn’t very exciting, but for those who don’t regularly see the Southern chain, the airport location is an easy stop for a Cajun chicken biscuit with a side of seasoned fries and a sweet tea.
Location: the Plaza
Chalice Cafe
Petite hideaway Chalice Cafe is a Stella Artois bar, but there are other non-beer selections. The food menu is small but sophisticated, with a Greek wedge salad, chicken pesto flatbread, and a grilled chicken with marinated artichoke baguette sandwich.
Location: Concourse C11
Midwood Smokehouse
Midwood brings a mix of Texas, Carolinas, and Saint Louis barbecue to Charlotte. Try the pulled pork sandwich with vinegar sauce.
Location: Concourse B10
Shake Shack
Sure, it’s fast food, but the burgers and fries at Shake Shack are always a good idea.
Location: the Plaza
Summer House
Summer House is a bright and airy getaway in the middle of the airport. The menu takes inspiration from California cuisine, with items like fish tacos, grilled salmon, avocado toast, and a selection of salads.
Location: Concourse B6
Whisky River
Anything with pulled pork seems like the way to go at honky-tonk spot Whisky River — stick with the pulled pork sandwich or the tater tot nachos topped with queso and pulled pork. Location: E Rotunda
Where to Grab Drinks:
Beaudevin
Several chandeliers made of wine glasses hang over the space at Beaudevin, setting the tone for the room. The wine bar serves a selection of bottles from across the globe with small plates to share.
Location: Atrium
Captain Jack’s Tavern
This bar serves beer from the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, which is made according to old German purity standards. The real draw however is the floor-to-ceiling windows behind the bar, so you don’t feel completely trapped in the airport.
Location: Concourse E4
Commonspace
Skip the lines at Starbucks and grab a Durham-based Counter Culture Coffee here. Commonspace can also offer you a cocktail.
Location: D/E Connector
Great Wagon Road Distilling Company
Charlotte’s oldest distillery, Great Wagon Road Distilling Company, serves a decent whiskey if you need a tipple while waiting for your flight.
Location: Concourse A21
Noda Brewing Company
Get a taste of the Charlotte beer scene with a pint at Noda Brewing Company. The brewery started out in the North Davidson neighborhood in 2011 and now distributes beers across the Carolinas.
Location: Concourse A26
Sycamore Brewing
One of the newest additions to the CLT airport, Sycamore Brewing is another sample of the Charlotte brewery bunch. Sycamore is the largest brewery in Charlotte.
Location: Concourse E45
Wicked Weed
Sure, you can find Wicked Weed beers everywhere now, but it’s nice to have a taste of Asheville on tap in the airport. Pro tip: grab a burger from Shake Shack and bring it to the Wicked Weed bar for an IPA to pair with it.
Location: the Plaza