A few times a year, SMU students find themselves flying out of DFW to go home for the holidays or catch a flight to their spring break destination. There’s nothing worse than airplane food so you definitely need to grab a bite to eat before getting on a plane for a few hours.
With five terminals and tons of restaurants to choose from, we’ve found the best restaurants at DFW broken down by terminal.
Terminal A
1. Pappasito’s Cantina
Looking for some chips and guac or a nice marg to sweeten your flight? In Terminal A look no further than Pappasito’s Cantina. Nothing like ending your time in Texas with some good Tex-Mex and don’t miss out on their spicy queso or sizzling fajitas.
2. Salt Lick BBQ
You can’t leave Texas without getting some good ol’ barbecue. Salt Lick BBQ is a tried and true Texas favorite from Austin and you can get a bite at DFW. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy before your flight when enjoying some barbecued brisket or some saucy ribs.
3. Vino Volo
Looking to wine down before your flight? Look no further than Vino Volo. Grab a flight of rosés, whites, or reds and enjoy some charcuterie before takeoff.
Spoon tip: You can even buy a bottle of wine and have your stewardess open it on your flight if one glass isn’t enough for you.
Terminal B
1. Wingstop
Terminal B is a lot more limited when it comes to food options. But everyone can dabble with some hot wings and fries before a flight. If hot wings aren’t your jam, Wing Stop has many other options such as lemon pepper or honey barbecue to fit everyones needs.
2. TGI Fridays
Like I said, Terminal B is limited, but TGI Friday’s is the perfect spot if your flight is around happy hour. With killer deals on drinks and appetizers, you can hop on that flight full and feeling good.
3. Hickory
Another barbecue joint for you. If you’re in Terminal B and your fancying some juicy ribs and smoked meats, then check out Hickory. Fill up on their brisket but don’t forget the yummy sides of gooey mac n’ cheese and refreshing coleslaw.
Terminal C
1. Pappadeaux
If you’re craving a little spice, check out Pappadeux, a Créole kitchen. Fill up on some spicy gumbo or shrimp and grits . Their spicy cajun flavors are a great way to warm up before getting on those cold flights.
2. Einstein Bagels
Einstein Bagels is an SMU students’ favorite with a location in the Cox Business School. If your in a hurry, Einsteins is the perfect spot to grab a quick bagel before running onto your flight. From breakfast sandwiches to Lox, there’s a bagel for everyone and don’t forget to try their different “schmears” on your bagel.
Terminal D
1. Abacus
If you’re heading out for Spring Break or your flight home is in Terminal D, you’re in luck. The DFW International terminal is home to some of the best restaurants in Dallas with celebrity chefs. Craving a juicy steak or lamb chops before your flight? Check out Abacus, but be ready to pay a pretty penny before your flight.
2. Stampede 66 Express by Stephen Pyles
Enjoy the flavors of the Southwest with Dallas Chef Stephen Pyle’s restaurant Stampede 66. Chow down on their Texas Wagyu brisket sandwich, juicy burgers, and honey fried chicken. Don’t skip out on their delicious sides like the ranchero beans, creamy coleslaw, and homemade kettle chips.
3. The Italian Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck
For an authentic Italian experience, check out the Italian Kitchen. Crafted by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, enjoy some homemade pastas and pizzas before takeoff. Sip on a glass of wine and twirl some noods and you’ll be nice and full before your flight home.
Terminal E
1. Genghis Grill
Genghis Grill is my absolute favorite spot in Terminal E. Much like Terminal B, restaurant options are pretty limited. With a Chipotle style setup, you build your stir fry bowl with your choice of meat, veggies, sauces, rice or noodles. It’s all cooked up on a circular Mongolian grill and you have hot stir fry better than any airplane foods.
2. Cereality
If you’ve got an early flight or just love breakfast, check out Cereality in Terminal E. Cereality is a build your own cereal, oatmeal, and smoothie bar. Enjoy your homemade cereal bowl or warm up with some oatmeal before your flight home.
3. Blue Mesa Grill
Another Tex Mex favorite, check out Blue Mesa Grill for some tacos and enchiladas before your flight. You can’t have Mexican food without a margarita and you won’t be disappointed with Blue Mesa.
With my guide to the best restaurants at DFW, don’t waste those precious minutes before your flight wandering around trying to decide what to eat. With Tex-Mex, Seafood, Italian, and Chinese there’s a restaurant for everyone at DFW.