Food on Concourse B at Atlanta Airport: Where to Eat at ATL’s Busiest Concourse

Concourse B at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the airport’s busiest domestic concourses, especially if you’re flying Delta. If you have a layover in Atlanta or you’re an Atlanta local catching a quick flight, knowing where to find good food on Concourse B can make your travel day a lot smoother.

Below is a practical guide to what to eat on Concourse B, what to expect, and how to plan your time.

Quick Overview: What Kind of Food Is on Concourse B?

Concourse B mainly serves domestic departures, with a heavy Delta presence. Food options focus on:

  • Fast casual and grab‑and‑go (sandwiches, salads, bowls)
  • Southern and comfort food nods (fried chicken, BBQ‑style items, hearty sides)
  • Coffee and pastries
  • Bars and sit‑down restaurants for longer layovers
  • National chains you’ll recognize, plus a few spots with local Atlanta influence

You’ll find most restaurants along the central spine of the concourse, with smaller kiosks dotted near the gates.

At-a-Glance: Food Options on Concourse B

The exact mix changes over time, but travelers typically see a combination of the following types of places on Concourse B:

Type of Food/ServiceWhat You’ll Find on Concourse BBest For
Coffee & BreakfastCoffee chains, bakery counters, pastry casesEarly flights, quick caffeine
Fast Casual Lunch/DinnerSandwiches, burgers, salads, rice bowls30–45 minute layovers
Southern/Comfort OptionsFried chicken, mac and cheese, BBQ‑style itemsTaste of the South before/after your trip
Bars & Full-Service SpotsAirport bars, grill-style sit‑downsLonger layovers, watching the game
Grab‑and‑Go MarketsPackaged salads, wraps, fruit cups, snacks, bottled drinksTight connections, eating at the gate
Sweets & TreatsIce cream, cookies, candy countersKids, dessert, or quick sugar boost

You can also expect vending machines and snack stands near some gate areas, but the better variety is closer to the concourse center.

Best Bets If You’re in a Hurry

If your connection at Atlanta Airport is tight and you’re leaving from Concourse B, focus on:

  • Grab‑and‑go coolers with:
    • Pre‑made sandwiches and wraps
    • Salads and grain bowls
    • Cut fruit and yogurt
  • Counter‑service spots with efficient lines such as:
    • Burger or chicken counters
    • Pizza by the slice
    • Noodle or rice bowls

🕒 Timing tip: Concourse B is long. If your gate is in the high numbers (B20s and up), grab food in the middle of the concourse and then walk to your gate, instead of waiting to see what’s near the end. There are usually fewer options near the far ends.

Where to Sit Down and Take Your Time

If you’re an Atlanta local headed out on vacation or you have a long layover, Concourse B has sit‑down restaurants and bars where you can:

  • Order at a table and relax
  • Charge your devices
  • Watch sports or news on TV
  • Enjoy a full meal instead of airport snacking

These spots usually sit:

  • In the central hub of Concourse B, visible from the main walkway
  • Near intersections where several gates cluster together

They can be popular during peak travel times, so:

  • Expect a short wait during morning and evening rush periods
  • Build in at least 45–60 minutes if you plan to sit down and order a meal before boarding

Breakfast on Concourse B

For early-morning flights out of Atlanta, Concourse B has plenty of breakfast‑friendly options, but not everything opens at the same time.

You’ll typically find:

  • Coffee chains and espresso bars

    • Drip coffee, espresso drinks, teas
    • Grab‑and‑go muffins, croissants, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches
  • Quick breakfast counters

    • Breakfast burritos and wraps
    • Egg sandwiches and biscuits (often with a Southern spin)
    • Oatmeal or yogurt parfaits
  • Market-style grab‑and‑go

    • Yogurt cups and granola
    • Hard‑boiled eggs, cheese, and fruit packs
    • Bottled juices and smoothies

If your flight leaves very early (before 6 a.m.), expect:

  • Fewer full-service restaurants open
  • Coffee spots and markets to be your most reliable early options

For Atlanta residents used to local coffee shops, the airport’s Concourse B choices lean more toward national coffee chains and efficient service rather than neighborhood-cafe vibes.

Lunch and Dinner Options

During midday and evening, nearly all food options on Concourse B are active. You’ll typically see:

Fast Casual and Counter Service

These are good if you want a real meal but don’t want to commit to a full sit-down:

  • Burgers and fries
  • Chicken tenders or chicken sandwiches
  • Pizza slices
  • Tex‑Mex or bowl concepts (rice bowls, tacos, or burrito-style meals)
  • Soup and salad bars in some market-style locations

They’re popular with:

  • Travelers connecting through Atlanta who have 30–60 minutes
  • Families who need something predictable and kid‑friendly

Southern and Local‑Style Flavors

Atlanta’s airport often highlights a bit of regional flavor even in mainstream concepts. On or near Concourse B, look for:

  • Fried chicken platters or sandwiches
  • Mac and cheese, collard greens, or similar sides
  • BBQ‑inspired items like pulled pork sandwiches or smoked meats

If guests are visiting you in Atlanta or you’re heading out of town and want one more Southern‑style bite, Concourse B can be a convenient last stop.

Snacks, Sweets, and Coffee Breaks

Concourse B is busy, and snack spots are scattered so you’re rarely far from a quick bite.

You can typically find:

  • Ice cream or frozen treats
  • Cookie or bakery counters with brownies, cookies, and pastries
  • Candy and chocolate shops or kiosks
  • Newsstand-style shops with:
    • Chips, nuts, trail mix
    • Protein bars and candy
    • Bottled water and soft drinks

These are ideal if:

  • You want to tide kids over between meals
  • You’re looking for a small treat before or after a long flight
  • You just want something to carry onto the plane instead of relying on in‑flight snacks

Healthier and Special-Diet Choices

While airport food can skew heavy, Concourse B typically includes some lighter and special-diet options, especially in grab‑and‑go cases and fast casual spots.

Look for:

  • Salads and grain bowls
  • Wraps with lean proteins and veggies
  • Veggie sides such as side salads or roasted vegetables
  • Fruit cups and whole fruit
  • Nuts and trail mix
  • Plain yogurt or Greek yogurt cups

For travelers with dietary needs:

  • Many places on Concourse B label vegetarian options clearly.
  • Some vendors also offer gluten-sensitive or dairy-conscious alternatives, especially chains used to serving a wide audience.
  • For food allergies or strict diets, you may want to:
    • Ask staff directly about ingredients and preparation
    • Rely more on packaged items with full ingredient lists

Because ATL is so busy, lines move quickly, and staff are used to answering basic ingredient or preparation questions.

Using Time Wisely on Concourse B

How Long Do You Need?

As an Atlanta traveler, your timing will depend on whether Concourse B is your origin, connection, or arrival:

  • Starting your trip at ATL:

    • Aim to reach security 90–120 minutes before a domestic flight.
    • Once cleared, the Plane Train from the Domestic Terminal to Concourse B usually takes just a few minutes.
    • Plan 20–30 minutes for choosing, ordering, and eating a quick meal on B before heading to your gate.
  • Connecting through ATL on Concourse B:

    • For a tight connection (<45 minutes), prioritize grab‑and‑go options near your gate.
    • For 60–90 minutes, you can comfortably choose from the main central restaurants and still get to your gate on time.
  • Arriving in ATL and staying in Atlanta:

    • If you’re landing on Concourse B and heading to baggage claim, you may prefer to wait and eat in the city:
      • Atlanta neighborhoods like College Park, East Point, Downtown, and Midtown are reachable by MARTA or shuttle once you reach the Domestic Terminal.
    • That said, it can help to grab a quick snack or drink on B before you board the Plane Train if you expect a long ride, rideshare wait, or MARTA transfer.

Alcohol and Bar Service on Concourse B

Concourse B typically features airport bars and bar‑and‑grill concepts where:

  • You can order beer, wine, and cocktails
  • Many bars also serve burgers, wings, and other bar food
  • Some have TV screens tuned to sports, which can be popular during big Atlanta or national games

Keep in mind:

  • Bars on Concourse B follow Georgia state alcohol laws and airport policies.
  • Staff may cut off service if boarding time is approaching or if a traveler seems impaired.
  • Always allow yourself enough time to settle the bill and walk to your gate.

Tips Specifically for Atlanta Locals

If you live in the Atlanta area and use ATL frequently:

  • Know your concourse in advance.

    • If you’re flying Delta, there’s a strong chance you’ll be on A, B, C, or T, with B heavily used.
    • Checking your boarding pass before you leave home can help you decide whether to plan your meal at home, in the city, or at the airport.
  • Use your knowledge of traffic.

    • If you’re coming from I‑75, I‑85, or I‑285, factor in rush‑hour delays.
    • Sometimes it’s better to arrive early and eat on Concourse B than risk cutting it close by stopping for food in the city.
  • Compare with other concourses.

    • If food is especially important for a particular trip, some Atlanta travelers prefer:
      • Eating in the Domestic Terminal food court before taking the Plane Train, or
      • Walking one concourse over (like to Concourse A) if they prefer a specific restaurant and have time.

    The Plane Train connects all concourses, so you’re not locked into B-only choices as long as your timing allows.

Practical Details: Finding Food Once You’re on Concourse B

  • After getting off the Plane Train at Concourse B, you’ll typically arrive in the center area of the concourse.
  • This is where you’ll see a cluster of restaurants and bars, often including:
    • At least one sit‑down restaurant
    • Several fast casual counters
    • A coffee shop
    • A market or convenience-style shop

From there:

  • Walking toward lower gate numbers (B1–B10) and higher gate numbers (B20 and above), you’ll see:
    • Smaller food counters
    • Snack kiosks
    • Occasional bars or quick-service stops

Signs overhead clearly indicate “Food” or “Dining”, and digital boards often show restaurant names and locations along the concourse.

If you need in-person guidance:

  • Look for an airport information desk in the terminal or nearby concourses.
  • Staff at gate counters or security may also point you toward the nearest options on Concourse B.

When to Eat at the Airport vs. in Atlanta

For visitors staying in the city:

  • If you have time before departure:

    • Atlanta neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, Inman Park, and West Midtown have far more diverse and locally-owned restaurants than any airport concourse.
    • Many travelers choose to eat a full meal in the city and then use Concourse B for a light snack, coffee, or dessert.
  • If you’re just connecting through ATL:

    • Concourse B is designed for convenience and speed, not destination dining.
    • Plan to refuel efficiently so you’re not rushing to your gate.
  • If you’re arriving late at night:

    • Food service on Concourse B winds down as the last flights depart.
    • If you’re landing very late and heading to a hotel near the airport, check whether your hotel has late‑night dining or snacks, or grab something before you leave B if you see options still open.

By planning a bit in advance and knowing how Concourse B is laid out, you can make the most of the food options at Atlanta Airport—whether you’re an Atlanta local flying out, a visitor passing through, or someone just getting familiar with how ATL works.