Shake Shack at the Atlanta Airport: Where to Find It and What to Expect at ATL
If you’re craving a burger and wondering about Shake Shack at the Atlanta airport, you’re not alone. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the busiest airports in the world, and many travelers want to know if they can grab Shake Shack during a layover or before a flight.
This guide explains where Shake Shack is located at ATL (if available), what to expect from dining at the airport, and how to plan your meal around your terminal, timing, and security.
Does the Atlanta Airport Have a Shake Shack?
As of the most recent widely available information, Shake Shack has not had a long-standing, permanent location listed at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport the way it does in some other major airports.
However, ATL regularly updates and rotates food options, and well-known national brands, including burger chains, do appear in different:
- Concourse food courts
- Gate-adjacent quick-service spots
- Renovated terminal areas
Because of this, if you’ve heard about Shake Shack at Atlanta airport, it may be:
- A past or limited-time location
- A planned or newly opened spot that hasn’t yet appeared in widely referenced guides
- Confusion with other burger-focused restaurants at ATL
To avoid walking the concourses searching, it’s worth taking a few quick steps to confirm current options.
How to Check If Shake Shack Is Currently at ATL
Since airport restaurant rosters change, the most reliable way to know if Shake Shack is currently in the Atlanta airport is to check directly with ATL’s official resources or on-site information.
1. Use ATL’s official tools
Hartsfield–Jackson regularly publishes dining information by terminal and concourse. Look for:
- Digital terminal maps on airport screens
- Printed “You Are Here” maps near escalators and concourse connectors
- The Dining / Restaurants section on the airport’s official site or app
Search specifically for “Shake Shack” or scan the burger / American category.
2. Ask at an information desk
In-person can be fastest when you’re already at ATL:
- Look for Customer Service / Information counters in:
- Domestic Terminal North and South
- The Atrium (between North and South)
- Various concourse connector points
- Ask staff directly:
“Is there a Shake Shack in the airport right now, and if so, what concourse is it on?”
They can tell you:
- If Shake Shack is present
- The exact concourse and gate area
- Best route from your current location
3. Check your airline’s app or terminal guide
Some airline apps and in-flight entertainment systems list food options by gate. While not as complete as the airport’s own tools, they can help you confirm if a Shake Shack appears near your departure gate.
If There’s No Shake Shack: What to Expect from Burgers and Fast-Casual at ATL
If Shake Shack isn’t available during your visit, you’ll still find multiple burger and fast-casual options throughout Hartsfield–Jackson. Travelers passing through Atlanta commonly look for:
- Quick-service burger counters in the main food courts of major concourses
- Full-service sit-down restaurants that serve burgers and fries
- Grab-and-go coolers with sandwiches if you’re short on time
You can usually find burger-style or sandwich meals in at least these areas:
- Concourse A, B, C, D: Heavy with quick-service chains and bars with burgers
- Concourse T: Often features a mix of national brands and local Atlanta eateries
- Concourse F (International Terminal): Has more international and sit-down options but usually includes American-style choices too
Look for “Burgers,” “American,” or “Grill” in the restaurant name or description.
Terminals, Security, and Getting to Food at ATL
At ATL, where you can eat depends on your security status and your concourse. This matters if you’re trying to get to Shake Shack or any specific restaurant.
Domestic terminals vs. concourses
Domestic Terminal North & South (pre-security)
- Check-in areas for most airlines
- Limited food options before security
- Good for meeting someone or grabbing a quick bite if you’re not flying
Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, F (post-security)
- Connected by Plane Train (underground shuttle)
- You may move between concourses freely after security, as long as you stay airside
- Most full-service and fast-casual restaurants are here
Moving between concourses for food
If Shake Shack (or another burger spot you like) is in a different concourse than your gate:
Check your boarding time and security wait
- You want to allow enough time to get back to your gate.
Use the Plane Train
- Trains run frequently and connect all concourses and terminals.
- Ride to the concourse where your desired restaurant is located, then return to your departure concourse before boarding.
Watch your time window
- For domestic flights, many travelers aim to be at the gate 30–45 minutes before departure.
- International flights may require even earlier arrival at the gate.
Quick Reference: Planning for Shake Shack (or Similar) at ATL
Below is a simple summary to help you quickly decide how to plan around a potential Shake Shack visit at Hartsfield–Jackson:
| Situation | What to Do | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|
| You haven’t gone through security | Check terminal maps in the Domestic Terminal and online before heading through. | If Shake Shack is post-security, you’ll need a boarding pass and to clear TSA first. |
| You’re already at your gate with time to spare | Use ATL’s maps or ask staff if Shake Shack is in another concourse. | Factor in Plane Train travel + walking + ordering time. |
| You have a tight connection | Skip crossing multiple concourses for a specific brand. | Look for nearest burger or sandwich option in your current concourse. |
| You’re picking someone up and want Shake Shack | Confirm if Shake Shack is pre-security (rare) or only airside. | Most “big-name” airport brands are past security, not accessible to the general public. |
Tips for Eating at the Atlanta Airport When You Have a Craving
Even if Shake Shack isn’t available, you can still eat strategically at ATL.
1. Plan based on your concourse
- If you know your concourse in advance (for example, Concourse B), search for food in that concourse first.
- Only consider other concourses if you have:
- At least 60–90 minutes before departure
- Comfort navigating the Plane Train and walking between gates
2. Use your layover wisely
On a layover at ATL:
- Check your arrival concourse and departure concourse on your boarding passes or screens.
- If your flights use the same concourse, it’s easier to roam and find a specific spot.
- If you have to change concourses anyway, consider planning your food stop along that route.
3. Be aware of peak times
Lines at popular burger or fast-casual spots often build:
- Early morning rush (for breakfast items)
- Midday (lunch traffic)
- Late afternoon and early evening (pre-dinner travel crowd)
If you’re hoping for something specific like Shake Shack and time is tight, have a backup choice nearby in case of long lines.
For Atlanta Locals: Shake Shack in the Metro Area vs. the Airport
If you live in Atlanta or nearby and simply want Shake Shack, you may find it easier and more predictable to visit a non-airport location in the metro area, depending on the current store lineup.
That way, you avoid:
- TSA lines
- Time pressure from boarding
- Uncertainty about current airport tenant status
Airport visits just to chase a meal rarely make sense unless you’re already flying or dropping someone off inside the secure area.
Key Takeaways for Shake Shack at Atlanta Airport
- Shake Shack is not consistently listed as a permanent, long-standing ATL tenant, so its presence can change.
- Always verify in real time via:
- ATL’s official maps and dining lists
- Information desks inside the airport
- Digital displays and apps
- If you can’t find Shake Shack, you still have plenty of burger and fast-casual alternatives across Concourses T, A, B, C, D, E, and F.
- Factor in security, concourse changes, and boarding times before traveling across the airport for any specific restaurant.
By checking the latest information and planning around your concourse and schedule, you can decide whether to seek out Shake Shack specifically—or opt for another quick burger option while you’re passing through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
