Dining at the Atlanta Airport LongHorn Steakhouse: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re flying through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and craving a steak, it’s natural to wonder about the LongHorn Steakhouse at the Atlanta airport—where it is, what the menu is like, and whether it works with your layover time. This guide walks through what Atlanta travelers typically want to know, with a focus on local context and practical tips.

Where Is LongHorn Steakhouse in the Atlanta Airport?

Hartsfield-Jackson is large and can feel confusing, so knowing the terminal and concourse matters.

• The airport’s restaurants are spread across:
  • Domestic Terminal (North and South)
  • International Terminal (Concourse F)
  • Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, and F

LongHorn Steakhouse at ATL has historically been located post-security, inside a concourse area rather than landside (before security). Because restaurant lineups at ATL can change, it’s wise to:

• Check:
  • The “Dining” or “Food & Beverage” section of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport website
  • The terminal maps available on signs once you pass security
• Look for:
  • LongHorn Steakhouse marked by its brand name and steakhouse icon on the concourse map
  • Directional signs overhead once you’re in your assigned concourse

📝 Tip: When your airline sends your gate information, check which concourse you’re in. Dining options, including LongHorn, are easiest to reach if they’re in the same concourse as your departing gate, because moving between concourses requires hopping on the Plane Train and adds walking time.

What to Expect: Atmosphere & Setup Inside ATL

A LongHorn Steakhouse inside ATL feels different from a full-size suburban location around metro Atlanta:

• More compact layout: Designed to serve travelers quickly in a smaller footprint.
• Mix of table and bar seating: Often set up to accommodate solo travelers, quick business meals, and small groups.
• Carry-out options: Many airport guests order to-go and eat at the gate, especially during tight layovers.
• Noise level: Expect typical airport noise—boarding calls, announcements, and rolling suitcases—combined with restaurant chatter.

While it generally aims for the same Western steakhouse feel as off-airport LongHorn locations, the airport version is focused on speed and turnover, not long, lingering meals.

Menu Basics: What Can You Order?

Like most airport outposts of national chains around Atlanta, the LongHorn Steakhouse at ATL usually offers a condensed version of the standard menu.

Expect to see:

• Steaks & mains
  • Popular cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip (selection can be narrower than a full restaurant)
  • Chicken, burger, and sometimes salmon or other grilled options
• Lighter or quick items
  • Burgers and sandwiches
  • Salads with grilled chicken or steak
  • Appetizers that are easy to share or eat quickly
• Breakfast (if open early):
  • Some airport locations adjust menus by time of day, with more breakfast-oriented options during morning flights.
• Drinks
  • Soft drinks and tea
  • Coffee
  • Beer, wine, and cocktails where airport regulations allow

Because menus at Atlanta’s airport restaurants can shift with time and demand, consider:

• Glancing at the posted menu boards at the entrance before committing.
• Asking your server which steaks or dishes are fastest to prepare if you’re short on time.

Timing Your Visit: Layovers, Boarding, and Prep Times

The biggest question for most travelers isn’t just what to eat at LongHorn—it’s whether you have time to eat there.

Here’s how to think about it at ATL:

Minimum Time You’ll Want

For a sit-down meal at an airport steakhouse, travelers often find they need:

• At least 60–90 minutes between flights if:
  • LongHorn is in your same concourse, and
  • You’re seated quickly.
• 90 minutes to 2 hours or more if:
  • You have to ride the Plane Train to another concourse.
  • You arrive during a peak meal period (lunch or dinner rush).

Remember you still need time to:

• Walk from the restaurant to your gate.
• Use the restroom.
• Be at the gate by boarding time, not just departure time (typically 30–45 minutes before takeoff for domestic flights, earlier for international).

When It’s Busiest

At ATL, LongHorn Steakhouse is most likely to get busy:

• Late morning to afternoon: As mid-day departures and connections spike.
• Evenings: For both business travelers and vacation trips heading out of Atlanta.

If you’re tight on time:

• Ask the host or server, “What’s the approximate wait and how long is food taking right now?”
• Consider sitting at the bar if there’s open seating; service can sometimes be faster.

Getting There Inside the Airport

1. Check Your Concourse

When you land or check in:

• Look for your gate and associated concourse letter (T, A, B, C, D, E, or F).
• Then check:
  • The airport map posted near escalators and moving walkways.
  • The digital directory boards that list restaurants and shops.

2. Use the Plane Train if Needed

If LongHorn Steakhouse is in a different concourse:

1. Follow signs to the Plane Train.
2. Take the train to the concourse where LongHorn is located.
3. Walk up from the train platform and follow the concourse signs.

Each hop on the Plane Train generally takes only a couple of minutes, but:

• Factor in walking time to and from gates.
• Add extra time if you’re traveling with kids, carrying luggage, or during very busy periods.

Typical Experience for Atlanta Flyers

Here’s how a visit usually plays out for someone traveling through ATL:

1. Check gate and time: After landing or clearing security, they confirm how much time they have before boarding.
2. Locate LongHorn: They confirm it’s in their concourse (or a nearby one) using the map.
3. Get seated or order to-go:
   • If the layover is long, they opt for dine-in.
   • If the layover is short, they grab to-go and eat at the gate.
4. Choose faster options: They gravitate toward burgers, sandwiches, or smaller steaks, which typically cook faster than very thick cuts.
5. Head to the gate early: They leave a buffer in case of gate changes or crowded boarding areas.

Pros and Cons of Choosing LongHorn at ATL

To help you decide if it fits your Atlanta trip, here’s a simple comparison:

Comparing LongHorn to Other ATL Dining Options

If you’re trying to decide whether LongHorn Steakhouse is the right call at Hartsfield-Jackson, it helps to compare it to other common choices in the airport:

• Quick-service / fast food:
  • Best if you have less than 45–60 minutes before boarding.
  • Usually concentrated near central concourse areas and food courts.
• Grab-and-go markets:
  • Ideal for tight connections or when you want something to eat on the plane.
  • Stock sandwiches, salads, snacks, and drinks.
• Other full-service restaurants:
  • Many concourses at ATL have sit-down options (American, Southern, and international cuisines).
  • If LongHorn is crowded, another full-service restaurant closer to your gate might save time.

If you’re an Atlanta local flying out early or coming home late, you might also weigh whether to:

• Eat a full meal before arriving at ATL (for example, at a restaurant along Camp Creek Parkway or near College Park).
• Save the steakhouse experience for a non-airport LongHorn somewhere around metro Atlanta, where you can linger longer and often have a wider menu selection.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Using LongHorn at ATL

To make your airport steakhouse visit smoother:

• Double-check your time:
  Build in a 15–20 minute buffer beyond what you think you need.
• Check for same-concourse options:
  If LongHorn requires changing concourses and you’re short on time, consider a restaurant in your current concourse.
• Ask about prep times:
  Politely ask your server which dishes are quickest from the kitchen when you’re under time pressure.
• Consider to-go orders:
  If boarding is approaching, ask if you can get your meal boxed to go and take it to your gate.
• Watch the monitor:
  ATL’s gates and boarding times can update; keep an eye on nearby flight screens while you eat.

If You’re Starting or Ending Your Trip in Atlanta

Many travelers based in metro Atlanta—whether in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, College Park, East Point, or the northern suburbs—decide where to eat based on how early they arrive at ATL.

• Early morning departure from ATL:
  You might rely on airport breakfast options rather than steak.
• Midday or evening departure:
  LongHorn could be part of your travel day if you prefer to arrive early and relax with a full meal before your flight.
• Returning to Atlanta:
  If you land hungry but don’t want to eat at the airport, you can easily find full-service dining as you head back toward:
  • Downtown Atlanta via I-85 North
  • Midtown and Buckhead via MARTA or I-85/GA-400
  • Nearby areas like Hapeville or College Park along the airport perimeter

In that case, an airport LongHorn becomes more of a backup if your flight is delayed or your schedule shifts.

Key Takeaways for LongHorn Steakhouse at Atlanta Airport

• Location: LongHorn Steakhouse operates inside Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, typically post-security within a concourse area. Always verify the current concourse on airport maps or signage.
• Experience: Expect a condensed steakhouse menu tailored to travelers, with an emphasis on faster service and a compact layout.
• Best use case: Works well for travelers with 1–2 hours of layover or pre-flight time, especially if it’s located in the same concourse as your gate.
• Alternatives: For shorter connections, consider quick-service, grab-and-go, or saving your steakhouse meal for a non-airport LongHorn somewhere in metro Atlanta.

With those points in mind, you can decide whether a stop at the Atlanta airport LongHorn Steakhouse fits your flight schedule and appetite, and plan your time at Hartsfield-Jackson accordingly.