Atlanta Airport A Terminal Food: Where to Eat at Hartsfield-Jackson’s Concourse A

If you’re flying in or out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and your gate is in Concourse A, you actually have one of the better food lineups in the airport. This guide focuses specifically on Atlanta airport A Terminal food—what’s there, what’s nearby, and how to make the most of your limited time.

How ATL Is Laid Out (And What That Means for Food in A)

Before you pick a place to eat, it helps to understand the airport layout:

• Domestic Terminal North & South → Check-in and security
• Concourse T → Closest to security
• Concourses A, B, C, D, E, F → Linked in a straight line underground by the Plane Train and a pedestrian tunnel

If your boarding pass says Gate Axx, your flight is in Concourse A. You can freely move between concourses after security, so if you don’t see what you want in A, it’s easy to hop to T or B. But if you’re tight on time, staying in Concourse A is usually the safest choice.

What to Expect from Concourse A Food Options

Concourse A is one of the busiest domestic concourses and offers:

• Quick grab-and-go spots for fast snacks before boarding
• Sit-down restaurants if you have a longer layover
• Bars and pubs for a drink and a bite
• Coffee and breakfast options for early flights

You’ll find food clustered near the center of the concourse and spread along the walkway toward the ends. Look above the central area for overhead signs showing Food & Drink.

Types of Food You Can Find in Concourse A

While specific concepts can change over time, Concourse A almost always includes a mix of these common categories:

1. Fast Food & Grab-and-Go

Good if you’re:

• Boarding soon
• Traveling with kids
• Just want something familiar

You’ll typically see:

• Burger and sandwich counters (national brands and generic grill concepts)
• Pizza by the slice
• Packaged salads, wraps, chips, and fruit in coolers
• Bakery cases with pastries, muffins, and cookies

👍 Tip: If lines look long at the first place you see near your gate, walk toward the middle of Concourse A—you’ll often find shorter lines just a few gates away.

2. Sit-Down Restaurants

Best when:

• You have at least 45–60 minutes before boarding
• You want a full meal or a more relaxed setting

Common offerings include:

• American grill–style menus (burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, fries)
• Bar-style menus with appetizers, wings, flatbreads, and shareable plates
• Some restaurants may emphasize Southern-inspired items like fried chicken or pimento cheese, reflecting Atlanta’s local flavor

If you’re an Atlanta local used to in-town restaurants, airport versions are often simplified and built for speed, but they can still be a decent meal between flights.

3. Coffee, Breakfast & Snacks

Morning flights through Concourse A are very common, so you’ll find:

• Coffee chains with espresso drinks, drip coffee, and iced coffee
• Breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and burritos
• Pastries and yogurt parfaits

If you’re connecting through ATL and need caffeine fast, these are usually closest to the main escalators and Plane Train exits in Concourse A.

4. Bars & Lounges in or Near A

Inside Concourse A you’ll find:

• Full-service bars with beer, wine, and cocktails
• Bars that often serve burgers, sandwiches, and bar snacks

If you have lounge access, the Delta Sky Club is located near Concourse A (Delta frequently uses A for domestic flights). Food there is usually lighter buffet-style: salads, soups, snacks, and small plates, along with beverages.

Quick Guide: Choosing Food in Atlanta Airport Concourse A

Here’s a simple way to decide where to eat when you’re in a hurry:

Local Flavor: Getting a Taste of Atlanta in or Near Concourse A

If you’re visiting Atlanta or connecting through and want a “this feels like Atlanta” bite without leaving security, consider:

• Southern-style offerings on menus: fried chicken sandwiches, biscuits, or Southern sides
• Atlanta or Georgia-themed pubs or bars in or near Concourse A
• Nearby concourses (especially T and B) if you have time; these often include Atlanta-based brands and Southern comfort food concepts

If you’re an Atlanta resident or frequent ATL traveler, it’s worth walking through Concourse T and A a few times on different trips. You’ll quickly get to know which spots are consistently faster or better for your taste.

Practical Tips for Eating in Concourse A

1. Time Management

• Try to be at your gate 30 minutes before departure for domestic flights.
• If it’s boarding time or close, pick something within a few gates of your flight.
• Lines in A can be longest during 7–9 a.m., lunchtime, and early evening.

2. Using the Plane Train

If you don’t see what you want in A and have time:

• Follow signs to the Plane Train at the center of Concourse A.
• T or B are usually the fastest detours for additional food choices.
• Factor in: walking to the train, waiting for it, walking to food, ordering, and getting back. For most travelers, it’s only worth leaving A if you have at least an hour or more.

3. Dietary Needs

Across ATL (including Concourse A), you can typically find:

• Vegetarian options: salads, veggie sandwiches, cheese or egg-based items
• Some gluten-conscious choices: salads, protein-and-veg plates, or bunless burgers
• Nut-free or dairy-light options: simple grilled items or basic sides

If you have strict dietary requirements or allergies, it’s a good idea to:

• Ask staff directly how items are prepared
• Check ingredient labels on pre-packaged items

ATL vendors are used to travelers with dietary restrictions, but options can still be limited compared with in-town Atlanta neighborhoods like Midtown or Inman Park.

Where Concourse A Fits into the Bigger Atlanta Airport Food Scene

If you’re based in Atlanta, you may already know that:

• Domestic Terminal (North & South) has some pre-security food options—good if you’re seeing someone off or arriving in Atlanta and haven’t cleared security yet.
• Atrium level between North and South Terminals has additional food and seating.
• Concourse F (international) has more upscale dining options, but it’s a long ride from A if your time is short.

For most domestic travelers in or out of Atlanta, Concourse A offers a convenient, middle-of-the-road selection: not the most gourmet in the airport, but more than enough choices for a decent meal while you wait.

Helpful ATL Airport Information for Food Planning

If you want to double-check what’s open before you go:

• Airport name: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• General information phone: (800) 897-1910

You can use the airport’s main phone line or information desks inside the terminal to:

• Ask which restaurants are currently open in Concourse A
• Confirm hours for specific food spots
• Get help with directions if you’re moving between concourses

If You Live in Atlanta and Use ATL Often

Regular Atlanta flyers can make Concourse A work much better by:

• Learning which side of A (near A1 vs. A34) typically has shorter lines at your usual flight times
• Planning ahead: eat a bigger meal in town (e.g., near College Park, East Point, or Downtown) and use A mainly for snacks and coffee
• Giving yourself an extra 15–20 minutes if you know you’ll want a sit-down meal before a flight

For many Atlanta locals, Concourse A becomes the familiar “food stop” before quick hops to other cities—once you know your go-to spots, grabbing a bite there can be almost as routine as stopping at a neighborhood café.

In short, Atlanta Airport Concourse A food gives you solid, convenient choices: fast food when you’re rushing, sit-down spots if you have time, and enough variety to keep most travelers satisfied. If your gate is in A, you can easily eat well without leaving your concourse—just keep an eye on the clock and choose the style of place that matches your schedule.