Finding a great meal at a busy airport can feel like a challenge, but O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago boasts a surprisingly diverse and delicious culinary scene. Whether you're looking for a quick bite before your flight or a leisurely sit-down meal, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy your hunger. This comprehensive guide highlights 27 top-rated restaurants at O'Hare, categorized for easy navigation.
Quick Bites & Casual Dining at O'Hare:
These restaurants are perfect for grabbing a quick and tasty meal before catching your flight or during a short layover.
Fast Food & Grab-and-Go Options:
- McDonald's: A classic fast-food choice, offering burgers, fries, and breakfast items. Reliable and consistently available.
- Starbucks: Need your caffeine fix? Starbucks is ubiquitous at O'Hare, providing coffee, tea, pastries, and light snacks.
- Dunkin': Another popular coffee and donut chain, offering similar options to Starbucks. Great for a quick caffeine boost.
- Subway: Build your own sandwich with a variety of fillings and breads. A healthy and customizable option.
- Pret a Manger: This UK-based chain offers fresh sandwiches, salads, and wraps perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Casual Dining with a Little More Flair:
- Shake Shack: Enjoy gourmet burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and delicious milkshakes in a casual setting. Expect a line, especially during peak hours.
- Garrett Popcorn Shops: Indulge in Chicago's famous gourmet popcorn, available in various sweet and savory flavors. A perfect souvenir or snack.
- Godiva Chocolatier: Treat yourself to premium chocolates, truffles, and coffee. Ideal for a sweet indulgence.
- Auntie Anne's: Soft pretzels and dips are perfect for a quick, satisfying snack. A comforting and familiar choice.
- Chicago Pizza: A taste of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza (though perhaps not the best deep dish you'll ever have). A convenient airport option.
Upscale Dining and Lounges at O'Hare:
If you have more time and want a more refined dining experience, these options offer a higher level of service and cuisine.
- The Purple Pig (Terminal 2): Known for its Mediterranean-inspired small plates, perfect for sharing. A sophisticated option.
- Tortas Frontera (Multiple Terminals): Rick Bayless's famous restaurant serving authentic Mexican tortas and other delicious dishes. Excellent quality.
- Departure Restaurant & Lounge (Terminal 5): This stylish restaurant and bar offers pan-Asian cuisine with stunning airport views. Great for a special occasion.
- O'Hare Brewpub (Terminal 1): Enjoy craft beers brewed on-site, along with hearty pub fare. A unique airport experience.
- Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill (Terminal 5): The celebrity chef's restaurant offers high-quality American cuisine. Elegant and reliable.
International Flavors at O'Hare:
O'Hare's diverse passenger base is reflected in its range of international cuisine options.
- Kabob House (Terminal 2): Enjoy delicious Middle Eastern cuisine. A flavorful and aromatic option.
- P.F. Chang's (Multiple Terminals): A reliable choice for Asian-inspired dishes. Consistent quality and familiar menu.
- Wow Bao (Multiple Terminals): This Asian fusion restaurant offers delicious bao buns, noodles, and other dishes. Fast and flavorful.
- Maggiano's Little Italy (Terminal 1): Enjoy classic Italian-American cuisine in a lively atmosphere. Familiar and comforting.
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (Terminal 3): A fun and casual restaurant serving seafood dishes with a "Forrest Gump" theme. A themed dining experience.
Bars & Lounges:
Relax and unwind before or after your flight with a drink at one of O'Hare's many bars.
- The Aviator (Terminal 3): A high-end bar with a sophisticated atmosphere. Ideal for a pre-flight drink.
- First Class Lounge (Various locations): If you're traveling first class, enjoy access to exclusive lounges offering complimentary food and drinks. Premium services.
- United Club (Various locations): Similar to the First Class Lounge, but for United Airlines members. Exclusive member benefits.
- American Airlines Admirals Club (Various locations): Another airline-specific lounge offering complimentary food and beverages. A relaxing environment.
Quick Service Options:
For those truly pressed for time:
- Hudson News: Offers a wide selection of snacks and beverages for a quick grab-and-go option.
- Duty Free Shops: In addition to duty-free goods, many shops offer snacks and beverages. A convenient option.
- Various Coffee Shops & Vending Machines: Scattered throughout the terminals.
Note: Restaurant availability and hours may vary, so it's always a good idea to check the O'Hare website or your airline app for the most up-to-date information. Enjoy your meal at O'Hare!
