Your Guide to Atlanta Airport Restaurants in Concourse A

If you are flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and your flight uses Concourse A, you have one of the better food lineups in the airport right at your gate area. This guide focuses specifically on restaurants, bars, and quick-bite options in Concourse A, with tips to help you choose the right spot when you are short on time, traveling with kids, or just craving something specific.

ATL’s concourses can change tenants over time, so always check what’s currently open on the day of travel. Still, the overall types of food, layouts, and how to navigate Concourse A tend to stay consistent, and that’s what this guide will help you with.

How Concourse A at Atlanta Airport Is Laid Out

Concourse A sits on the domestic side of ATL and is connected to the Domestic Terminal (North and South) by:

• The underground Plane Train (airport train)
• A central pedestrian tunnel with moving walkways

Once you ride the Plane Train from the main terminal, you’ll arrive at the Concourse A station, then go up the escalators into the main concourse. Restaurants are spread along the central spine with gates extending left and right.

Key layout tips:

• Center area near the escalators: Often has a cluster of sit-down and fast-casual spots.
• Along the corridor: You’ll find coffee, grab-and-go, and small food stands between gate areas.
• Restrooms + food often sit near each other, which is convenient if you are refueling between flights.

If your time is tight, it helps to decide before you ride the train whether you want to eat in Concourse A or another concourse (such as the larger options in Concourse B or the Atrium), then stay on or exit the Plane Train accordingly.

Types of Restaurants You’ll Find in Concourse A

While specific brands may change, travelers usually find a mix of:

• Sit-down restaurants and bars – for a proper meal and a place to relax
• Fast-casual counters – burritos, burgers, salads, sandwiches
• Coffee shops and bakeries – for caffeine, pastries, and light snacks
• Grab-and-go coolers – premade sandwiches, wraps, salads, snacks
• Bars and taprooms – for a drink before a flight, often with bar menus

Expect typical airport pricing (usually higher than what you’ll pay in-town Atlanta) and a focus on speed and turnover, especially during morning and evening rush times.

Quick Reference: Concourse A Food Options by Need

Use this at-a-glance overview to zero in on the right kind of spot:

Sit-Down Restaurants and Bars in Concourse A

When you have the time and want to actually sit and enjoy a meal, Concourse A typically offers:

• American grill–style restaurants – Often with burgers, sandwiches, salads, and a few regional touches
• Bars with full menus – Bar seating plus some tables, showing sports or news
• Casual dining with local flavor – Some concepts bring in a taste of Atlanta or the South (fried chicken, BBQ-style items, or Southern sides)

What to know if you are:

• On a longer layover (1–2 hours): These spots work well. You can usually order, eat, and pay within 45–60 minutes, but during evening rushes, allow extra time.
• Traveling for business: Sit-down restaurants in Concourse A are a reasonable place to check emails, plug in your laptop, and get a real meal without trekking to another concourse.
• Meeting someone in Atlanta briefly: If both of you are inside security, Concourse A restaurants can be an easier meeting point than the crowded main terminal food court.

Many sit-down bars in Concourse A serve:

• Draft and bottled beer
• Wine by the glass
• Cocktails
• Standard bar food (wings, sliders, flatbreads, nachos, etc.)

If you prefer a quieter setting, ask the host or staff if there is a seating area away from the TVs and bar.

Fast-Casual and Counter-Service in Concourse A

Fast-casual restaurants are the workhorses of Concourse A dining. These are ideal if you:

• Have 30–45 minutes before boarding
• Want food made to order but not full table service
• Prefer something you can take back to the gate

Common styles you’ll see in Concourse A:

• Mexican / burrito bowls – Build-your-own bowls, burritos, or tacos
• Burgers and fries – Grilled burgers, chicken sandwiches, veggie options
• Sandwich and salad counters – Deli-style, often with soups and premade cases
• Pizza by the slice – Good for splitting with travel companions

Tips to move faster:

• 🕒 Check overhead boards: Some ATL concourse screens show approximate walking times and may flag nearby restaurants.
• 🎟 Order first, then check your gate: If you are within about 5–7 minutes’ walk of your gate, you can usually order and be back before general boarding.
• 🌯 Ask for it wrapped “to go”: Even if you dine at the table, this helps if your boarding time gets moved up suddenly.

Coffee, Breakfast, and Early Flights in Concourse A

Atlanta is a huge hub for early-morning departures, and Concourse A reflects that with multiple coffee and breakfast outlets. You can expect:

• National coffee chains with espresso drinks, drip coffee, and tea
• Grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches
• Pastries, muffins, bagels, and yogurt parfaits

Morning tips for Concourse A:

• Lines back up fast between 6–9 a.m.. If you are Atlanta-based and know the airport well, consider grabbing coffee at the Domestic Terminal or even on Concourse T if the line looks shorter, then ride the Plane Train to A.
• Most coffee spots in Concourse A have cold cases with:
  • Yogurt
  • Fruit cups
  • Bottled juices and waters
• If you like to eat at the gate, opt for self-contained items like wrapped breakfast burritos or sandwiches rather than crumbly pastries.

Grab-and-Go Markets and Snack Options

Sometimes you just need something fast and simple. Concourse A has several market-style shops and kiosks where you can pick up:

• Premade sandwiches and wraps
• Salads and hummus plates
• Protein packs (nuts, cheese, hard-boiled eggs)
• Chips, candy, cookies, and snack bars
• Soft drinks, bottled water, and sometimes fresh juice

These spots are perfect when:

• You are already boarding or in final call
• You want backup food for a longer domestic flight if you are not certain about in-flight options
• You’re picking up food for kids or a group and don’t have time for separate orders

Look for these between gates and near the center of the concourse. They often accept contactless payments and can move you through very quickly.

Health-Conscious and Allergy-Friendly Eating in Concourse A

If you are trying to eat lighter or have dietary restrictions, Concourse A still offers workable choices, even though it is an airport environment.

Common options you can usually find:

• Salads with grilled chicken or vegetarian toppings
• Grain or burrito bowls where you can skip cheese or dairy
• Veggie burgers or plant-based patties at burger spots
• Fruit cups and yogurt at coffee stands or markets
• Nuts and protein bars at grab-and-go kiosks

To help things go smoothly:

• Ask staff if ingredients are pre-mixed or if sauces and dressings can be served on the side.
• If you have a severe allergy, mention it early and clearly, and consider choosing simpler foods (e.g., plain grilled items, packaged snacks with labels) to better manage risk.
• For gluten-sensitive travelers, burrito/taco spots that offer bowls without tortillas are often the easiest choice.

Because restaurant lineups can change, it’s always wise to have a backup snack in your bag when flying through ATL.

Timing Your Meal in Concourse A

Atlanta’s airport is busy throughout the day, so timing is everything if you want to eat without stress.

General time guidelines

• 5–15 minutes before boarding
  • Only grab-and-go or coffee stands
  • Buy sealed snacks or premade items
• 20–30 minutes before boarding
  • Simple fast-casual orders
  • Food you can take back to the gate
• 45–60 minutes before boarding
  • Most fast-casual spots are safe
  • Some sit-down bars and restaurants if not overly crowded
• 90+ minutes layover
  • Sit-down options, bar seating, and a more relaxed meal

Always monitor:

• Your boarding group and time (not just departure time)
• How far your gate is from the restaurant (look for gate numbers at entrances)

If your flight is leaving from a far end of Concourse A, add 5–10 minutes for walking, especially during peak times.

Traveling With Kids in Concourse A

Concourse A is fairly straightforward to navigate with children. When choosing food:

• Look for familiar chains or menus with:
  • Chicken tenders
  • Fries
  • Simple burgers
  • Cheese pizza
• Grab-and-go markets are handy for:
  • Milk or juice boxes
  • Fruit cups and crackers
  • Small snacks you can spread out over the flight

Practical kid-friendly tips:

• Order one or two larger items and share rather than juggling multiple kids’ meals in a crowded space.
• If your child is picky, consider packing one backup snack from home, then top it off with airport items like fruit or chips.
• Some sit-down spots in Concourse A may offer high chairs or kid’s cups; you can always ask the host or server.

Using Other Concourses if Concourse A Is Too Busy

One advantage of flying through ATL is that you are rarely locked into eating only in your departure concourse. From Concourse A, you can reach:

• Concourse T – closer to the Domestic Terminal; often less crowded for some travelers
• Concourse B – typically has one of the largest selections of restaurants and bars
• The Domestic Atrium (before the Plane Train) – more options and sometimes shorter lines at off-peak times

How to decide whether to leave Concourse A for food:

• If you have less than 45 minutes before boarding, it’s usually safer to stay in Concourse A.
• If you have 1–2 hours, you can ride the Plane Train to Concourse B or T, eat there, then come back to A.
• Always allow extra time to get back through crowds, escalators, and onto the train.

Once you’re back in Concourse A, double-check for any gate changes on the departure screens – ATL is busy, and gates can shift.

Helpful Local Context: ATL Airport Contacts

If you ever need general airport information that could include current restaurant availability or concourse maps, you can reach out to:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Address: 6000 N Terminal Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30320
  • Main Information Line (commonly listed): 800-897-1910

Airport customer service representatives can usually point you to the most up-to-date concourse information and help you confirm restaurant and service locations across ATL, including Concourse A.

Key Takeaways for Eating in Concourse A at Atlanta Airport

• Concourse A has a balanced mix of sit-down restaurants, bars, fast-casual counters, coffee shops, and grab-and-go markets.
• Plan your choice based on how much time you have before boarding, not just what you’re craving.
• For tight connections, focus on coffee stands and grab-and-go markets near your gate.
• For longer layovers, consider a sit-down restaurant or bar in Concourse A or a quick trip to another concourse like B.
• Concourse A is generally manageable for families, business travelers, and health-conscious eaters, as long as you plan ahead and keep an eye on the clock.

With the right timing and expectations, Concourse A at Atlanta Airport can be more than just a pass-through—it can be a convenient place to enjoy a decent meal without leaving the secure side of the terminal.