Dining at Hartsfield–Jackson: What Restaurants Are in Atlanta Airport?
If you’re flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), you have a lot more to eat than just a quick snack. The airport is essentially a long food hall stretched across multiple concourses, with options ranging from local Atlanta favorites to familiar national chains.
Below is a practical guide to what restaurants are in Atlanta Airport, how they’re laid out by concourse, and how to choose the best option based on time, budget, and cravings.
Quick Overview: Where to Find Food in Atlanta Airport
ATL has dining options in:
- Domestic Terminal (North & South)
- Concourse T
- Concourse A
- Concourse B
- Concourse C
- Concourse D
- Concourse E (mainly international)
- Concourse F / Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal
- Plane Train and main atrium areas
You can move between all concourses after security using the Plane Train or by walking the underground corridors, so you’re not limited to just the concourse on your boarding pass—if you have time.
Types of Restaurants at ATL
You’ll typically find:
- Fast food & quick-service (burgers, fried chicken, pizza, subs)
- Sit-down restaurants & bars (Southern, American, pub-style, some global cuisines)
- Coffee shops & bakeries (coffee chains, grab-and-go pastries)
- Healthy & vegetarian-friendly spots (salads, bowls, wraps, smoothies)
- Grab-and-go markets (sandwiches, snacks, drinks)
Most restaurants serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner; hours can vary by concourse and airline schedules.
Highlight Table: Popular Restaurant Types by Concourse
| Concourse / Area | What You’ll Mostly Find | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Terminal / Atrium | Coffee, fast food, Southern-style chains | Before security, meeting people |
| T | Mix of fast food and some sit-down spots | Short walks, quick bites |
| A & B | Dense clusters of fast food, coffee, bars | Tight connections, familiar chains |
| C & D | Mix of quick-service and pubs/sports bars | Mid-length layovers, casual meals |
| E & F (International) | More sit-down dining, some higher-end options | Longer layovers, full meals before long flights |
(Specific restaurant names can change, but the patterns above are fairly stable.)
Domestic Terminal & Atrium: Food Before Security
If you’re meeting friends or family or you prefer to eat before going through security, the Domestic Terminal and Airport Atrium (between North and South terminals) have several options:
- Coffee & breakfast: multiple coffee chains and bakeries offering espresso drinks, drip coffee, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches.
- Fast food: recognizable burger and chicken chains.
- Food court–style area: a mix of American, pizza, and sandwich counters.
- Bars: sit-down bars where you can grab a drink and a burger or wings.
When this helps:
- You’re dropping someone off or picking someone up.
- You’re early and want to eat with a non-ticketed guest.
- You want to avoid the sometimes busier post-security rush.
Concourse T: Convenient Food Near the Main Terminal
Concourse T connects directly to the domestic terminal and is accessible both by walking and by the Plane Train.
Typical options include:
- Fast casual burger and chicken spots
- National coffee chains near the gates
- Grab-and-go kiosks with sandwiches, salads, and snacks
- Bar-and-grill style restaurants where you can sit, order, and watch flight boards
Good choice if:
- You’re on a domestic flight and have a short connection.
- You want something quick and don’t want to ride the Plane Train far.
Concourses A & B: The Densest Clusters of Restaurants
Concourses A and B are some of the busiest parts of Atlanta Airport and have many of the most familiar restaurant names.
What you’ll typically find in A & B
- Major fast-food chains
Burgers, fried chicken, tacos, and pizza by the slice. - Popular sandwich and sub shops
- Coffee shops every few gates
- Bars and pub-style restaurants
Burgers, wings, nachos, and local or regional beer choices. - Grab-and-go markets
Packaged salads, wraps, yogurt, fruit, snacks, and drinks.
Tips for A & B
- Lines can be long during peak hours (early morning, lunchtime, pre-dinner).
- If one spot is packed, you can often walk a few gates down to find a shorter line at a similar concept.
- If you have a tight connection, prioritize coffee kiosks, pre-made sandwiches, or kiosks near your gate.
Concourses C & D: Solid Mix of Quick and Casual Dining
Concourses C and D tend to feel slightly less hectic than A and B but still have a wide range of choices.
Common options include:
- Quick-service burger and chicken chains
- Pizza and pasta counters
- Sandwich shops and delis
- Sports bars and grills with TVs showing games
- Salad and bowl spots (especially near the center of the concourse)
These concourses are useful if:
- You have 20–40 minutes and want a quick sit-down meal.
- You’re okay with walking a bit for more variety.
- You’d like to sit down with a full meal and a drink between flights.
Concourses E & F: International Dining and Longer-Layover Spots
If you’re flying to or from international destinations, you’ll most likely be in Concourse E or F, which generally offer more sit-down restaurants and some slightly more upscale options than the domestic concourses.
What to expect in Concourse E
- Full-service restaurants
American, Southern-inspired, and some global options. - Wine bars and taprooms
- Coffee and pastry shops
- Grab-and-go coolers with salads and sandwiches for your long-haul flight.
What to expect in Concourse F (International Terminal)
- Sit-down restaurants with more extensive menus (starters, mains, desserts)
- Bars and lounges with full drink service
- Fast food counters for burgers, chicken, and pizza
- Coffee and bakery counters
Because international flights often require early arrival and longer waits, these concourses are better suited for:
- Full meals before or after long flights
- Relaxed sit-down dining with actual table service
- Sampling some Southern or American classics before leaving the country
Local vs. National Chains: What You’ll Actually See
While many people think of ATL as a place to try local Atlanta flavors, the most visible names in the airport tend to be national chains. That said, ATL has historically included:
- Southern-style eateries that focus on fried chicken, biscuits, mac and cheese, and sides.
- Barbecue and comfort food counters in some concourses.
- Restaurants tied to local or regional chefs or brands, which may change over time as leases rotate.
If you’re specifically hoping for “Atlanta-style” food inside the airport:
- Look for menus with fried chicken, biscuits, collard greens, barbecue, and peach-based desserts.
- Allow extra time, because these spots can be popular with both locals and visitors.
Food for Different Situations
If You’re in a Rush ⏱️
- Head for:
- Coffee stands with premade pastries and sandwiches
- Grab-and-go markets with refrigerators of salads, wraps, and snack packs
- Fast-food counters near your gate
- Stick to the same concourse as your flight if you have less than 30 minutes.
If You Have a Long Layover
With an hour or more:
- Ride the Plane Train to explore other concourses if your gate allows it.
- Choose a sit-down restaurant or bar in concourses C, D, E, or F for a more relaxed meal.
- Consider:
- A full Southern-style meal at one of the comfort-food leaning restaurants.
- A sports bar if you want to watch a game and recharge.
If You’re Traveling with Kids
- Many concourses have:
- Burger and pizza spots kids usually recognize.
- Frozen treats, smoothies, or milkshakes at dessert stands.
- Look for open seating areas near large windows; they give kids space to move a bit while you wait for your food.
If You Want Healthier Options
You can usually find:
- Salad and grain-bowl shops (often centrally located in concourses)
- Made-to-order sandwich and wrap counters
- Markets with:
- Fresh fruit cups
- Yogurt and granola
- Nuts and snack boxes
- Bottled water and unsweetened drinks
Scan the digital menu boards for “lighter” or “healthy” sections, which many ATL restaurants now offer.
Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Conscious Options
Most ATL restaurants have at least a few vegetarian options, and some are more plant-forward.
- Vegetarian
- Cheese pizza
- Veggie burgers or black bean burgers
- Salads and grain bowls without meat
- Breakfast plates with eggs, potatoes, and toast
- Vegan
- Some salad/bowl concepts allow you to build vegan-friendly meals.
- Look for items labeled with a “V” on menu boards.
- Gluten-conscious
- Many places offer salads, bunless burgers, and protein-with-vegetable plates.
- Some quick-service spots may have gluten-free labeled snacks.
If you have a serious allergy or medical restriction, it is important to:
- Ask staff directly how items are prepared.
- Avoid assuming that airport kitchens are free from cross-contact.
Where to Find Menus and Store Hours
Since specific restaurant names and locations can change, the most reliable way to check what’s currently open is:
Hartsfield–Jackson Airport Information Desks
Located in:- Domestic Terminal North and South
- International Terminal (Concourse F)
Staff can provide printed terminal maps and point you toward dining options.
Overhead signs & digital directories after security
These often display:- Restaurant names
- Cuisine type
- Direction and distance (e.g., “2 minutes walk”)
Airline apps and in-terminal screens
Some airlines show nearby dining on their apps once you connect to airport Wi-Fi.
Practical Tips for Eating at ATL
- Build in buffer time. Lines at popular spots can be 10–20 minutes during peak travel periods.
- Stay closer to your gate if boarding is within 30 minutes; ATL is large, and it’s easy to underestimate walking or train time.
- Use the Plane Train wisely. If you’re in Concourse A and see that B or C has more of what you want, the train ride is usually just a few minutes.
- Expect price differences. Airport locations often cost more than their city counterparts, so plan your budget accordingly.
- Carry-on friendly packaging. Most restaurants package food to go, so you can bring it to your gate or onto the plane if allowed by your airline.
For Atlanta Locals and Frequent Fliers
If you live in Atlanta or fly through ATL regularly:
- Consider learning one “go-to” option per concourse you use most. That way, you always know where to grab something reliable in a hurry.
- If you’re picking someone up and they’re hungry, you can:
- Meet them in the Domestic Atrium (after they exit security) and eat at a pre-security spot.
- Or, if they’re arriving at Concourse F (International), plan to eat there before heading out, since it has multiple sit-down restaurants.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is large but fairly straightforward once you understand the layout. Every concourse offers a mix of fast food, sit-down restaurants, coffee shops, and grab-and-go markets, so wherever your gate is, you’ll have multiple ways to get a meal before you fly.