Dining Options at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport

DFW Airport boasts a wide variety of dining options across its five terminals, tailored to different tastes and traveler needs. From fast food chains to high-quality restaurants and local Texan cuisine spots.

FAQs about Dining at DFW

Which is the best terminal for food?

Undoubtedly, Terminal D. It offers the greatest variety and quality, from fast food to sit-down restaurants like The Italian Kitchen or Hickory. If you have a long layover, it's worth taking the Skylink here to eat.

Are there restaurants open 24 hours?

Very few. Most close around 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM. Outside these hours, your options are limited to vending machines, some 7-Eleven stores, and specific spots like Subway in Terminal B or Farmer's Fridge (salad machines).

Where can I find healthy food?

Look for Farmer's Fridge vending machines (fresh salads) available in several terminals, or spots like Plum Market (Terminal A and B) and Artisan Market (Terminal D).

A food plate with french fries and vegetables

AI-generated image

Traveler's Manual: Avoid Going Hungry

Dining at DFW can be a great experience or a frustration depending on your terminal and schedule.

The Terminal E "Desert Zone"

Frequent flyers describe Terminal E as a culinary "solitary confinement." Options are limited and there are often long lines at the few available spots (like Whataburger or Chick-fil-A).

Strategy:

If flying from E, consider eating in Terminal D before taking the Skylink to your gate, or bring your own food.

The "Rush Hour" Factor

During lunch hours (12:00 - 2:00 PM), popular restaurants like Pappadeaux or Cantina Laredo have waiting lists of 30+ minutes.

Strategy:

Use "Order Ahead" options in apps for chains like Starbucks or Chick-fil-A while walking to the spot to skip the line.

Below is a summary of the dining options most highlighted by users in each terminal, based on real reviews.

McDonald’s (Terminals A, B, C, and D)

User Experience: Valued for speed and availability, especially early in the morning. However, during peak hours, lines can be long and service somewhat chaotic.

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen (Terminals A and C)

User Experience: Highly praised for seafood freshness and Cajun dishes. One of the best options for a full meal, though prices are high.

Whataburger (Terminals D and E)

User Experience: An essential Texan classic. Loved for its authentic taste, but be prepared to wait: lines are usually slow due to high demand.

Cantina Laredo (Terminal B)

User Experience: Good option for sit-down Mexican food and margaritas in a more relaxed atmosphere, though service can lag if the place is full.

Starbucks (All Terminals)

User Experience: Convenient but always crowded. Many users recommend using the mobile app to order ahead and avoid long morning queues.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit (Terminals C, D, and E)

User Experience: Noted for authentic Texas BBQ and quality meats. A solid choice if looking for quick local flavor.

Applebee's (Terminal D)

User Experience: Appreciated by families and groups for its varied menu and casual atmosphere. However, service can be slow during peak times, so don't go in a rush.

TX/MX (Terminal D)

User Experience: Praised for authentic Tex-Mex food (tacos, enchiladas) and pleasant atmosphere. Some consider prices somewhat high for portion sizes.

Chick-fil-A (Terminals C, D, and E)

User Experience: Favorite for consistency and fast service. Remember the golden rule: always closed on Sundays.

Complete List of Spots by Terminal

Terminal A

Auntie Anne's
Bugatti Bar & Tavern
California Pizza Kitchen
Dallas Cowboys Club
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Farmer's Fridge
La Crème Coffee & Tea
La Madeleine
Lorena Garcia Tapas y Cocina
McDonald's
Panera Bread
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Pappasito's Cantina
Plum Market
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Smoothie King
Sprinkles Cupcakes
Starbucks
TGI Fridays
Twisted Root
Whisk & Bowl

Terminal B

Auntie Anne's
Baskin-Robbins
Cantina Laredo
Caribou Coffee
Cousin's Back Porch
Cousin's Bar-B-Q
Decanted
Dunkin' Donuts
Farmer's Fridge
Hickory by Kent Rathbun
McAlister's Deli
McDonald's
Panda Express
Plum Market
Red Mango
Smashburger
Starbucks
Subway (24 hours)
TGI Fridays
The Rodeo Bar
Wingstop

Terminal C

A burguer with onion, chips and a jar of beer

Ampersand Coffee House
Auntie Anne's
Banh Shop
Baskin-Robbins
Boar's Head Deli
Chick-fil-A
Chili's
Dickey's Barbecue Pit
Dunkin' Donuts
Farmer's Fridge (24 hours)
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Freshëns Yogurt & Smoothies
Maggiano's
McDonald's
Nowitzki
Pappadeaux Seafood Bar
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Pappasito's Cantina
Pinkberry
Pizza Hut
Shake Shack
Starbucks
TGI Fridays
Whisk & Bowl

Terminal D

A piece of cake served in a small plate with a fork

Applebee's
Artisan Market
Auntie Anne's
Banh Shop
Bar Louie
Brewed
Buffalo Wild Wings
Cake Bar
Chick-fil-A
CRÚ Food & Wine Bar
Dickey's Barbecue Pit
Eatzi's
Farmer's Fridge
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
Hickory
Lavazza Coffee
Licorice Vending
McDonald's
Peach Cobbler Factory
Smoothie King
Starbucks
Subway
The Italian Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck
Trinity Groves Food Lockers
Trinity Groves Kitchen & Bar
TX/MX
Whataburger

Terminal E

A table with several pastries and cookies served in plates and tables

2.0 Taco & Tequila Bar
Auntie Anne's
AV8 Bar & Cafe
Boar's Head Deli
Chick-fil-A
Dickey's Barbecue Pit
Drew Pearson's Sports 88
Dunkin' Donuts
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Farmer's Fridge
Freshëns Yogurt & Smoothies
IHOP
Jamba
Jimmy John's
Love Shack
Panda Express and Bar
Peet's Coffee & Tea
Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse
Starbucks
TGI Fridays
Uno Due Go
Wendy's
Whataburger