Atlanta Airport Food Map: Where to Eat in Concourse E at Hartsfield-Jackson
If you’re flying internationally through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), there’s a good chance you’ll spend time in Concourse E. This concourse serves many international departures and arrivals and has become a go-to spot for travelers looking for a real meal instead of just a grab-and-go snack.
This guide walks you through the Atlanta airport food map for Concourse E—what’s available, how it’s laid out, and how to plan your eating strategy if you live in Atlanta, are connecting through ATL, or are starting an international trip from here.
Quick Orientation: How Concourse E Works
Concourse E is in the international terminal zone of ATL but is also connected to the rest of the airport by the Plane Train and walkable corridors.
Key things to know before you think about food:
- Security: All food in Concourse E is post-security.
- Layout: Most restaurants are:
- Along the central spine of the concourse near the moving walkways.
- Clustered near gate areas and central seating zones.
- Hours: Many places open early morning and stay open late, but exact hours can vary by day and airline schedule.
If you live in Atlanta and you’re being dropped off at the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Terminal F), you can ride the Plane Train one stop to Concourse E and eat there before boarding.
Types of Food You’ll Find in Concourse E
You won’t get the full “Atlanta neighborhood food tour” inside the airport, but Concourse E does offer a reasonable mix of:
- Sit-down restaurants (great for long layovers)
- Bars and grills (typical airport-style menus)
- Fast-casual counters (bowls, burgers, pizza, sandwiches)
- Coffee shops and bakeries
- Grab-and-go markets with prepacked meals and snacks
You’ll see some Atlanta-based brands alongside widely recognized national names, which can be comforting if you just want something familiar before a long international flight.
Sample Food Map: Concourse E Highlights
Restaurant lineups can shift over time, but this table gives a simple, skimmable view of how food generally clusters in Concourse E.
| Area of Concourse E | Typical Food Options You’ll See | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Near Central Atrium / Middle Gates | Sit-down restaurant, bar & grill, coffee/bakery | Full meals, meet-ups, longer layovers |
| Near End Gates (E1–E5 / E30+ area) | Smaller quick-service spots, kiosks, convenience shop | Fast snacks, coffee refills, grab-and-go |
| Along Main Walkway | Mix of fast-casual counters and snack stands | Quick meals while walking between gates |
The exact names may change, but the patterns stay similar: the central area is better for larger meals, while the outer gate areas are better for speed and convenience.
Common Types of Restaurants in Concourse E
1. Sit-Down and Bar-Style Spots
You’ll often find at least one or two full-service restaurants or bar-and-grill concepts in Concourse E. These usually offer:
- Burgers, sandwiches, and salads
- Wings, flatbreads, and shareable appetizers
- Beer, wine, and cocktails (for international flights, many travelers choose to relax here before boarding)
- Breakfast plates in the morning (eggs, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches)
These are ideal if:
- You have a layover of 1.5–3 hours
- You’re traveling with a group and want to sit together
- You prefer table service instead of carrying food back to the gate
Tip: 🕒 If you have a tight connection, sit close to the bar or ask about to-go containers so you can leave quickly if your boarding time moves up.
2. Fast-Casual and Counter Service
Fast-casual counters are where most Atlanta travelers in a hurry end up. Options commonly include:
- Sandwich and sub shops
- Burger counters
- Pizza by the slice
- Bowl concepts (rice, noodles, or salads with protein)
- Wraps, salads, and lighter fare
These spots usually:
- Prepare food in 5–15 minutes
- Offer takeout packaging by default
- Allow you to carry your food back to the gate easily
For Atlantans familiar with the city’s food scene, think of these as the airport equivalents of local fast-casual chains—straightforward, predictable, and designed for speed.
3. Coffee, Tea, and Breakfast Options
If you’re catching an early morning international flight from Atlanta, Concourse E is built to handle the coffee rush. You can expect:
- National coffee chains with espresso drinks, drip coffee, and teas
- Bakery items like croissants, muffins, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches
- Yogurt, fruit cups, and oatmeal at some locations
These are especially useful if:
- You cleared security at the international terminal early and skipped breakfast
- You’re connecting from a domestic flight and want to refuel quickly
- You need something easier on the stomach before a long overnight flight
Tip: 🍩 Lines for coffee can get long around 6–9 a.m.. If you’re traveling from Atlanta often, you’ll recognize the same pattern you see in busy intown coffee shops—plan a few extra minutes.
4. Grab-and-Go Markets & Convenience Stores
For many international travelers out of Atlanta, the most practical option in Concourse E is the small markets and convenience-style shops. These usually stock:
- Packaged sandwiches and wraps
- Salads and protein boxes
- Chips, nuts, bars, and candy
- Bottled water, juice, and soft drinks
- Travel essentials (headphones, chargers, neck pillows)
These are ideal when:
- Your connection is under 45 minutes
- You want to build your own mini-meal
- You’re traveling with kids and need flexible snack options
Remember that liquids purchased after security can be brought on your international flight, so stocking up in Concourse E is common.
How to Plan Your Meal in Concourse E
Step 1: Check Your Time and Gate
Before hunting for food, look at:
- Your gate in Concourse E
- Current boarding time
- Whether you need to switch concourses for your onward flight
If you live in Atlanta and are used to driving to the airport with a buffer, the same rule applies inside: aim to be at your gate 30 minutes before boarding, especially for international flights.
Step 2: Match Food Choice to Your Itinerary
Use this simple guide:
- Layover under 45 minutes
- Stay within sight of your gate
- Use grab-and-go or the nearest coffee/snack stand
- 45–90 minutes
- Walk to the central part of Concourse E for better selection
- Choose fast-casual or quick counter service
- 90+ minutes
- Consider a sit-down restaurant or bar-and-grill
- You’ll have time for a full meal and a short walk back
Step 3: Think About Your Flight Length
For Atlanta-based travelers heading on long international routes (Europe, Africa, South America, etc.), it often helps to:
- Eat a modest meal in Concourse E
- Pack extra snacks from a market or convenience stand
- Choose items that travel well, such as:
- Wraps, nut mixes, snack bars, crackers, and dried fruit
Avoid messy options if you know you’ll be in a middle seat for a long time.
Navigating Between Concourse E and the Rest of ATL for Food
If you’re local to Atlanta and know the airport well, you might prefer food in other concourses—especially Concourse A, B, or T, which often have a wider variety. Here’s how that fits into a Concourse E-focused plan:
- The Plane Train connects Concourse E with:
- Domestic Terminal (North/South)
- Concourse T, A, B, C, D
- International Terminal (F)
- Travel time between concourses is usually just a few minutes, but:
- Add extra walking time to and from the train
- Factor in crowds and boarding times
If your flight departs from Concourse E, it’s safest to return to E at least 45–60 minutes before boarding if you go elsewhere to eat.
Dietary Needs and Preferences in Concourse E
While Concourse E doesn’t have the same variety as Atlanta’s in-town neighborhoods, many airport vendors have made a point to:
- Offer vegetarian and sometimes vegan menu items
- Label common allergens such as nuts or dairy on packaged foods
- Provide gluten-conscious options at some counters
To get what you need:
- Ask staff directly about ingredients and preparation
- Look closely at packaging labels in markets
- Consider simple whole foods (like fruit, nuts, or plain salads) if you have stricter dietary requirements
Tips for Atlanta-Based Travelers Using Concourse E Regularly
If ATL is your home airport, you can make the food situation in Concourse E more predictable by:
- Keeping a mental map of:
- Where the main sit-down spots are
- Which side of the concourse your usual airlines use
- Building extra time into your airport routine if you want a real meal, especially around:
- Morning rush (6–9 a.m.)
- Evening international departures (5–9 p.m.)
- Grabbing small essentials in the city (like specific snacks your family prefers) before heading to the airport, then supplementing in Concourse E
Practical Location & Contact Context
For planning your trip from within Atlanta:
- Airport Name: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
- General Info Phone: Typically listed as a public contact line through the City of Atlanta / Department of Aviation
- Concourse E: Accessible post-security from both:
- Domestic Terminal (North/South) via security + Plane Train
- Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Terminal F) via Plane Train or walkway
Food offerings in Concourse E are managed as part of ATL’s concession program, so specific restaurant names and exact locations can change. When you arrive, check:
- The airport directory boards
- Overhead wayfinding signs in Concourse E
- Any digital maps on airport kiosks
These tools will show you the current, up-to-date Atlanta airport food map for Concourse E, while the guidance above helps you use that map efficiently based on your time, gate, and travel plans.
