Cat Cora’s Kitchen at Atlanta Airport: What To Know Before You Go

If you spend a lot of time flying in and out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), you’ve probably seen or heard of Cat Cora’s Kitchen. It’s a chef-driven kitchen and bar concept created by celebrity chef Cat Cora, focused on Mediterranean-inspired American fare, wine, and cocktails in a casual airport setting.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to what Cat Cora’s Kitchen is, what you can expect, and how it fits into your options at ATL.

Where You’ll Find Cat Cora’s Kitchen in Atlanta

Cat Cora’s Kitchen has typically appeared in major airports rather than on city streets, and Atlanta is no exception. When it operates at ATL, it’s usually:

  • Inside the secure area (after TSA), not curbside
  • In or near Concourse A or Terminal North/South (exact locations can shift with airport renovations)
  • Integrated with other full-service airport restaurants and bars

Because airport concessions can change frequently (concepts get replaced, locations move, menus refresh), Atlanta travelers often:

  • Check terminal and concourse restaurant directories at ATL once they’re through security
  • Look at airport terminal maps and overhead signs for updated locations
  • Ask an information desk attendant or gate agent which concourse Cat Cora’s Kitchen (or its successor concept) is currently in

If you’re planning a connection in Atlanta and want to eat there, it’s worth allowing time to ride the Plane Train between concourses and walk a bit, since ATL is one of the largest airports in the country.

What Kind of Place Is Cat Cora’s Kitchen?

Cat Cora’s Kitchen is designed as a modern, casual sit-down restaurant and bar that aims to feel a little more elevated than a standard airport fast-food option.

Common features when operating at ATL include:

  • Full bar with wine, cocktails, and beer
  • Table service (host stand, servers, bar seating)
  • An open, lounge-like bar area that works for solo travelers
  • Power outlets or USB ports at some seats or bar areas (varies by build-out)
  • A mix of two-tops, four-tops, and bar seating, geared toward quick-turn but comfortable dining

For Atlanta-based travelers, it often serves as:

  • A pre-trip meal spot before longer flights
  • A more relaxed alternative to grabbing food at a crowded fast-casual counter
  • A meeting point if you’re coordinating with friends or colleagues on the same flight

Food and Drink: What You Can Expect

The exact menu can change over time and may differ slightly by airport, but in Atlanta you can generally expect a mix of:

Typical Food Offerings

  • Small plates and starters
    • Hummus or dips with pita or vegetables
    • Flatbreads or shareable appetizers
  • Salads and lighter options
    • Green salads with grilled protein
    • Mediterranean-leaning combinations (olives, feta, chickpeas, citrus dressings)
  • Sandwiches and handhelds
    • Burgers or sliders
    • Grilled chicken or fish sandwiches
    • Vegetarian or plant-forward options, depending on the current menu
  • Entrees (when offered)
    • Grilled fish, chicken, or pasta dishes
    • Comfort-style plates with a subtle Mediterranean twist

Food at ATL airport restaurants, including Cat Cora’s Kitchen, is generally designed for:

  • Relatively quick preparation
  • Portions that work for one full meal
  • A balance between familiar and slightly upscale for an airport setting

Bar and Beverage Options

You can typically expect:

  • Wine by the glass and bottle (often including some Mediterranean or California selections)
  • Classic cocktails (martinis, margaritas, mojitos, etc.)
  • House or signature cocktails branded to the restaurant concept
  • Beer (domestic, some imports, and sometimes local or regional craft choices)
  • Non-alcoholic options such as soft drinks, juices, and sometimes specialty mocktails

Because Georgia liquor laws and airport rules apply, you’ll need to:

  • Present valid ID for alcoholic beverages
  • Be aware that last call times can vary depending on flight schedules and location within the airport

Price Range and What Atlanta Travelers Typically Experience

At ATL, pricing at Cat Cora’s Kitchen tends to reflect:

  • Airport pricing, which is usually higher than a similar dish in-town
  • The chef-driven, sit-down positioning of the concept

While exact numbers change over time, most travelers report that:

  • Appetizers and small plates are in the moderate airport range
  • Sandwiches and salads fall into a higher mid-range compared with standard fast food
  • Bar tab totals depend heavily on wine and cocktail selections, which can add up quickly

If you’re budgeting for a trip out of Atlanta, it can help to:

  • Plan for one sit-down airport meal to cost more than a similar meal in Midtown or Decatur
  • Decide ahead of time whether you want a full meal with drinks or a light snack and non-alcoholic beverage to keep costs in check

When To Choose Cat Cora’s Kitchen at ATL

For Atlanta locals and visitors, Cat Cora’s Kitchen at the airport fits best if you:

  • Have at least 45–60 minutes before boarding (more if it’s a busy time of day)
  • Prefer table service to standing in line at a counter
  • Want a glass of wine or a cocktail in a calm(er) environment
  • Enjoy food that leans Mediterranean and fresh, instead of heavy fried options

It may be less ideal if you:

  • Have very little time before your flight
  • Are traveling with a large group that wants a quick, budget-focused option
  • Need grab-and-go food you can take directly to the gate

Using ATL Layout to Your Advantage

Hartsfield–Jackson is large but fairly straightforward:

  • Domestic Terminals: North and South
  • Concourses: T, A, B, C, D, E, and F (plus the international terminal)
  • The Plane Train runs between concourses underground
  • Clear signage leads you to restaurants and bars on each concourse

If you’re aiming for Cat Cora’s Kitchen or a similar kitchen-and-bar concept:

  1. Check your departing gate first so you know your concourse.
  2. Locate restaurant listings on the overhead digital boards or concourse maps.
  3. If Cat Cora’s Kitchen is not currently listed, look for comparable full-service bars in your concourse. ATL has several chef-driven and local-brand options that serve a similar purpose (sit-down, cocktails, full menus).
  4. Build in extra time for the walk back to your gate after you’re done eating or drinking.

Alternatives in Atlanta if You Like the Cat Cora’s Kitchen Style

If you’re drawn to Cat Cora’s Kitchen because you like chef-driven, bar-focused dining, Atlanta offers similar styles both in-airport and in the city:

At or Near the Airport

While concepts change, ATL often features:

  • Other full-service bars and grills in multiple concourses
  • Spots that highlight Southern or local Atlanta flavors with a bar program
  • Sit-down restaurants where you can order a proper entree and drink before boarding

If Cat Cora’s Kitchen is closed, relocated, or replaced at ATL when you travel, look for:

  • Bar-and-grill style restaurants on your concourse
  • Wine bars or taprooms that also serve small plates or full meals

In the City of Atlanta

If you like the kitchen-and-bar vibe and want something similar off-airport:

  • Neighborhoods like Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Buckhead, and West Midtown offer many chef-focused restaurants with full bars.
  • You’ll find plenty of spots that combine creative menus, cocktails, and wine lists in a casual but polished setting, similar in spirit to Cat Cora’s Kitchen but without the airport markup and time pressure.

These in-town options are especially appealing if:

  • You’re staying in Atlanta overnight before or after a flight
  • You prefer to eat before heading to the airport, especially during peak travel times
  • You want a longer, more relaxed meal than you’ll typically get between flights

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Using Cat Cora’s Kitchen

Here are a few quick, Atlanta-specific tips if you’re planning around Cat Cora’s Kitchen or a similar spot at ATL:

  • Check same-day availability: Airport restaurants can be rebranded or temporarily closed for renovations. Use information boards or ask staff once you’re through security to confirm.
  • ⏱️ Time your visit: For a sit-down meal and a drink, aim to arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight, especially during busy mornings and evenings.
  • 💺 Consider solo seating: If you’re alone, the bar is often the fastest way to be seated and served.
  • ✈️ Watch boarding times: ATL’s concourses are connected, but it can still take 10–20 minutes to get from the restaurant back to a distant gate, especially with crowding on the Plane Train.
  • 💳 Plan for airport pricing: Expect to spend more than you would at a similar spot in Midtown or Decatur; factor that into your travel budget.

How Cat Cora’s Kitchen Fits Into Atlanta’s Restaurant Landscape

In Atlanta, Cat Cora’s Kitchen is best understood as an airport-only, chef-branded kitchen and bar, not a restaurant you’d visit on Peachtree Street or in a traditional neighborhood.

For someone:

  • Living in Atlanta: It’s an option you’ll encounter mostly when you fly, offering a more polished meal and drink than basic fast food while you’re at ATL.
  • Visiting Atlanta: It can be a comfortable first or last taste of a chef-driven concept before you dive into (or say goodbye to) the city’s broader dining scene.
  • Trying to understand the local context: Think of it as part of Atlanta’s airport dining ecosystem, sitting between quick-service counters and more formal white-tablecloth spots, with a menu that feels familiar but slightly more modern and Mediterranean-influenced.

If you’re flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Cat Cora’s Kitchen—when open and operating—can be a practical choice for a sit-down meal, a glass of wine, and a brief pause in the middle of a busy travel day.