Your Guide to Eating at Philadelphia International Airport
Here's where to eat in every terminal at PHL, from the best to the rest.
Yards Brewing Company in Terminal A / Photo courtesy of MarketPlace PHL
Whether you’re in need of a two-martini buzz ahead of a long flight, or simply need a snack to kill the time, airport meals are something of a necessary evil. Though the flying experience is arguably worse than it’s ever been, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has made changes over the last few years, adding more locally-focused restaurants and food spots. There are many cheesesteaks to be had, as well as lots of other options.
Since you’re likely subjected to the whims of the airport authority and don’t get to choose your gate, we’ve broken this list out by terminal. Below, you’ll find all spots worth seeking out with a full list of dining options.
Restaurants in PHL Terminal A
The Best:
Yards Brewing Company
One of Philly’s most popular craft breweries, Yards is your best bet for hanging out, sipping a couple of actually-good beers, and snacking. They’ve also got a handful of grab-and-go food and drink options. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Jack Duggan’s Pub
What looks from the outside like a pretty standard Irish pub is in fact the best spot in the airport for one (or two, or three) pre-flight martinis. They also do sandwiches, beer, burgers, and the obvious pub options.
Chickie’s & Pete’s
A local favorite specializing in seasoned fries with cheese dip, chicken tenders and cheesesteak egg rolls.
La Colombe
La Colombe is now a national coffee chain, but it started in Philly which is why there are several outposts in the airport. Iced coffee drinkers should try their draft lattes, or one of their very solid grab-and-go options. Open all day.
The Rest:
- La Tapenade: Takeaway sandwiches, hummus, and other broadly Mediterranean bites.
- Currito Burrito: Like Chipotle, but with slightly healthier options (think quinoa and more roasted vegetables.)
- Yummy Pretzels: For when Auntie Anne’s is too far away.
- Good 2 Go: Quick takeout sandwiches, chips, salads, etc.
- Illy Caffé: Italian coffee chain.
- Gachi House of Sushi & Noodles: Bar-only spot for sushi standards and bowls of udon and ramen.
- Piattino: Neapolitan-style pizza plus pastas, hot sandwiches, and salads.
- Bruegger’s Bagels
- Smashburger
- Sbarro
- Dunkin’
Restaurants in PHL Terminal B
Cibo Bistro in Terminal B / Photo courtesy of MarketPlace PHL
The Best:
Mezzogiorno
By some miracle of zoning, Mezzogiorno has brought a 700-degree pizza oven into the airport, allowing them to serve up a menu of both signature and build-your-own pizzas. Other offerings include meatballs, salads, local beers and wine mostly from southern Italy. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Cibo Bistro & Wine Bar
A decent choice if you find yourself craving a steak inside the airport. They also do vegetable-forward pastas and a nice selection of wines.
Germantown Biergarten
Exactly what you’d expect: brats, beers and pretzels.
La Colombe
La Colombe is now a national coffee chain, but it started in Philly which is why there are several outposts in the airport. Iced coffee drinkers should try their draft lattes, or one of their very solid grab-and-go options. Open all day.
Boule Cafe
Hearty breakfast, lunch and dinner options with a nice selection of local beers. Takeaway soups and sandwiches are available, plus pastries and coffee.
The Rest:
- Auntie Anne’s: You know it, you love it.
- Baba Bar: Small plates of hummus, babaganoush, tabbouleh, Greek salad and grilled meats.
- LOVE Grill: Meaty, Philadelphia-inspired comfort food like cheesesteaks, plus a very large hot dog and lobster macaroni and cheese.
- Noobar: Grab-and-go sushi with the option to sit down and eat a bowl of ramen.
- Independence Prime: Steakhouse, for if you need a prime rib during your layover.
- SGR: Candy and other conveniences.
- Tagliare: A solid choice for airport pizza.
- Passyunk Steaks
Restaurant in PHL B/C Connector
La Colombe in Terminal B/C connector / Photo courtesy of MarketPlace PHL
The Best:
La Colombe
La Colombe is now a national coffee chain, but it started in Philly which is why there are several outposts in the airport. Iced coffee drinkers should try their draft lattes, or one of their very solid grab-and-go options. Open all day.
Vino Volo
The ubiquitous, sort of fancy wine bar with charcuterie boards.
Geno’s Steaks
Cheesesteaks.
Gachi House of Sushi
Bar-only spot for sushi standards and bowls of udon and ramen.
The Rest:
- Philly PHLavors: Takeout-only bites of Philly, including soft pretzels, Tastykakes, and Hershey’s chocolate.
- Subway
- Chick-fil-A
- Smashburger
Restaurants in PHL Terminal C
Jim’s South St. Famous Steaks in Terminal C / Photo courtesy of MarketPlace PHL
The Best:
Jim’s South St. Famous Steaks
Jim’s makes one of Philadelphia’s favorite cheesesteaks, so it’s nice that they’ve brought their shop to the airport. Grab one of their steaks (there’s a whole menu of variations) to eat on the plane, but know that they also do one of the best breakfast sandwiches in the airport. Open all day.
Bud & Marilyn’s
This is an airport version of the beloved Center City spot from restaurateurs Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran. The menu includes American comfort food classics like burgers, wedge salads, chicken fingers, and dependable cocktails. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Chickie’s & Pete’s
A local favorite specializing in seasoned fries with cheese dip, chicken tenders and cheesesteak egg rolls.
Sabrina’s Cafe
For over 20 years, Sabrina’s has been a Philly brunch favorite. Now you can enjoy cannoli French toast, with a Lucky Charms matcha latte before your flight.
The Rest:
- Aldo Lamberti Trattoria: Stromboli, pizza, salad and sandwiches to go from a local chain.
- Balducci’s: Takeaway-only market with breakfast sandwiches, salads, snacks.
- Jamba Juice
- Starbucks
Restaurants in PHL Terminal D
The Best:
Bar Symon
Gastropub serving burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, and pierogis.
Mo’ Burger
Burgers, fries and milkshakes to go. Good veggie burger options.
The Rest:
- Good 2 Go: Quick takeout sandwiches, chips, salads, etc.
- Auntie Anne’s
- Jamba Juice
- Dunkin’
Restaurant in PHL D/E Connector
Chickie’s and Pete’s in Terminal D/E connector / Photo courtesy of MarketPlace PHL
The Best:
Chickie’s & Pete’s
A local favorite specializing in seasoned fries with cheese dip, chicken tenders and cheesesteak egg rolls.
Vino Volo
The ubiquitous, sort of fancy wine bar with charcuterie boards.
Currito Burrito
Like Chipotle, but with slightly healthier options (think quinoa and more roasted vegetables.)
The Rest:
- Earl of Sandwich: Takeaway options for sandwiches, salads, wraps and soups.
- Good 2 Go: Quick takeout sandwiches, chips, salads, etc.
- Dunkin’
Restaurants in PHL Terminal E
Good Luck Pizza in Terminal E / Photo courtesy of MarketPlace PHL
The Best:
Good Luck Pizza Co.
This is another great choice from local restaurateurs Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran (the team behind Bud & Marilyn’s). Good Luck Pizza Co. started as a pandemic delivery service and is now a sit-down spot in Terminal E serving square pizzas and other Italian-ish bites like arancini and chicken parm. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Chickie’s & Pete’s
A local favorite specializing in seasoned fries with cheese dip, chicken tenders and cheesesteak egg rolls.
La Colombe
La Colombe is now a national coffee chain, but it started in Philly which is why there are several outposts in the airport. Iced coffee drinkers should try their draft lattes, or one of their very solid grab-and-go options. Open all day.
The Rest:
- Gachi House of Sushi: Bar-only spot for sushi standards and bowls of udon and ramen.
- Yummy Pretzels: For when Auntie Anne’s is too far away.
- Subway
- Burger King
- Chick-Fil-A
Restaurants in PHL Terminal F
The Best:
Win Kitchen
Vietnamese and Southeast Asian food including banh mi, pho, and salads.
Local Tavern
All the tavern food you’d expect plus some you wouldn’t, like calamari, steamed mussels, and grilled salmon.
Tony Luke’s
They’ve got breakfast sandwiches, but their cheesesteaks reign supreme.
The Rest:
- Good 2 Go: Quick takeout sandwiches, chips, salads, etc.
- Philly Pretzel Factory: Soft pretzels from a local chain.
- Le Bus Cafe: Takeaway option for coffee, pastry and sandwiches.
- re:vive: Tex-Mex.
- Urban Juicer
- Smashburger
- Sbarro
- Qdoba
