When it comes to finding iconic Chicago eats and drinks, airline travelers don’t need to look far. O’Hare and Midway International Airports house outposts of some of the city’s most popular restaurants. From Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches to gourmet popcorn and locally roasted coffee, these airport eateries bring a delicious taste of the city right to your terminal.

Restaurants at O’Hare International Airport

O’Hare’s Terminal 5 is home to The Dearborn‘s first airport location. Irish sisters Amy and Clodagh Lawless offer an all-day menu of signature items like the fan-favorite fish and chips (featured on Beat Bobby Flay), the DB Smash Burger, and tavern-style pizzas.

A marble counter displays a variety of drinks including a martini, a red iced beverage, a tall glass of beer with a lemon slice, and a pink cocktail, alongside a Reuben sandwich, set in a warm, vintage-style restaurant interior.

Established in 1898, The Berghoff (Chicago’s oldest restaurant) designed its airport cafe with nostalgic details like Tiffany stained glass, rich wood trim, and a communal bar. Try hand-carved sandwiches like a pastrami Reuben or Cuban-style panini on fresh bakery bread.

Butcher & the Burger’s original Lincoln Park location — part old-fashioned butcher shop, part fast-casual burger joint — is a go-to spot for comfort food staples. Visit the Terminal 5 location near Gate M26 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Try prime beef, turkey, or vegan lentil burgers, plus grilled chicken sandwiches and salads.

The Metropolis Coffee Company brings its Roast Magazine Roaster of the Year prestige to its Metropolis O’Hare Cafe located in Terminal 5’s Six Points Market. Father-daughter partners Sulaiman and Farhana Rahim offer locally roasted coffee, smoothies, boba tea, and artisan pastries.

A white plate holds a maple-glazed donut, a slice of caramel cake, and a chocolate brownie, displayed on a counter in front of Brown Sugar Bakery with digital menu boards and coffee machines in the background.

Two Chicago businesses, Brown Sugar Bakery and Veteran Roasters, serve the perfect pairing of sweets and coffee at Terminal 3’s Gate K15. Black-owned bakery founder Stephanie Hart offers her Life is Sweet brand of treats. Veteran Roasters is devoted to hiring unhoused and at-risk veterans.

Restaurants at Chicago Midway International Airport

While passing through Concourse A, stop for breakfast fare like an Italian omelet or a pre-flight beverage and burger for lunch or dinner at Harry Caray’s Shortstop. This location is just one of Chicago’s popular Harry Caray restaurants. Be sure to check out the impressive Chicago sports memorabilia on display.

The America’s Dog & Burger concession in the Central Market is more than just a hot dog stand. The menu also includes burgers, wraps, salads, and shakes. This restaurant gives visitors the opportunity to try their first Chicago dog on the way into the city, or to have one last taste on their way out.

The legendary R.J. Grunts in Lincoln Park is a Chicago staple. Visit the Concourse B location for dine-in and carry-out options at lunch, dinner, and during weekend brunch. Try the Gruntburger with a peppercorn patty, fried onions, and blue cheese. Or opt for a breakfast sandwich with a side of crispy tater tots. Vegan and vegetarian fare is also available.

You have two chances to grab a pint of Guinness and a plate of Irish fare from Reilly’s Daughter. One restaurant location is near Gate A7 and the other is in the Central Market. Pub food served all day includes breakfast with a side of Irish bacon, burgers, hot sandwiches like the classic Reuben, soup, and fish and chips.

A serving of crispy fried chicken tenders and golden French fries on red and white checkered paper, accompanied by two dipping sauces, one with an extra chicken tender partially dipped.

Big City Chicken is known for its popular location at Chicago’s Navy Pier. At Midway, the fried chicken restaurant in Concourse B serves breakfast sandwiches, salads, Nashville hot chicken and more. Expect quick service at this fast-casual restaurant as you stop in to place an order before heading for your gate.

Bring home gourmet snacks from “Nuts on Clark.” Visit the store in Concourse A, or select items from the cash-less vending locations in both the Central Market and Concourse A. Choose from popcorn, nuts, chocolates, and gift items.

Order a locally loved Goose Island beer to accompany your meal at Billy Goat Tavern & Grill. The famous Chicago burger spot’s location in Concourse A serves breakfast plates, along with sandwiches for lunch and dinner. Try the original Cheezborger, a ribeye steak, or an Italian beef or Polish sausage sandwich.

Pick up a souvenir tin of gourmet popcorn from Garrett Popcorn Shops, a Chicago tradition since 1949. Flavors include the favorite Garrett Mix of cheddar and caramel popcorn — Pecan CaramelCrisp and Buttery are among the other options. Midway has two Garrett locations, one in the Central Market and the other in Concourse B.

America’s Dog & Burger, R.J. Grunts, “Nuts on Clark,” Billy Goat Tavern & Grill, and Garrett Popcorn Shops also have locations at O’Hare International.

Find even more delectable dining, including Chicago-based restaurants like Torta Frontera, Home Run Inn Pizza, Eli’s Cheesecake, and Vienna Beef, at O’Hare and Midway airports.