Top restaurants list
10 Best Restaurants in Charlotte Airport
- 10 restaurants
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Updated August 8, 2026
The 10 best restaurants in Charlotte Airport are 1897 Market, Midwood Smokehouse - CLT Airport Concourse B, Beaudevin, The Waterman Fish Bar at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Whisky River, Brookwood Farms Carolina Pit BBQ, Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, Summer House, California Pizza Kitchen, and Bojangles.
Charlotte airport's dining scene is defined by a strong emphasis on local Carolina flavors and regional barbecue joints. Diners line up for slow-smoked turkey and fresh seafood. 1897 Market provides a multi-course journey with recipes using local ingredients. The price of dining at popular restaurants in Charlotte Airport averages $25 per person.
1897 Market is one of the best restaurants in the airport, crafting a legitimate foodie experience with local and regional ingredients. Midwood Smokehouse is a local favorite for authentic barbecue specialties, while The Waterman Fish Bar is known for fresh lobster rolls and craft cocktails.
The best restaurants in Charlotte Airport are listed below.
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1
Whisky River brings good times and great food to travelers with its signature honky-tonk hangout vibe. The dining spot features a full drink menu, two sprawling bars, seating for over 200, and a VIP lounge.- Item Prices
- 42
- Average Item Price
- $8.73
Whisky River Menu PricesMore about Whisky River
Type of Restaurant:
Restaurant, Bar
Type of Food:
American, Pub Fare
Signature Dishes:
Dirty Tots
Texas Tequila Bacon Cheddar Burger
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Location:
5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208
Special Feature:
Plenty of room for dancing and a lively social atmosphere
What Makes It Special:
Cooks prepare hearty pub fare like pulled pork sandwiches and massive burgers.
What Sets It Apart:
This restaurant provides a fun and energetic honky-tonk experience right inside the airport.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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2
2. Bad Daddy's Burger Bar
1.5 (1 Reviews)
Salads Sandwiches American Burgers Takeout Pickup Milk Shakes Fries ShakesBad Daddy's Burger Bar is known for its customizable gourmet burgers such as the Bad Ass Burger and the Bacon Cheeseburger on Steroids. The cheapest item on the menu is...- Item Prices
- 115
- Average Item Price
- $12.03
Bad Daddy's Burger Bar Pittsburgher Burger Bad Daddy's Burger Bar Bacon Cheeseburger on Steroids Bad Daddy's Burger Bar Magic Mushroom BurgerBad Daddy's Burger Bar Menu PricesMore about Bad Daddy's Burger Bar
Type of Restaurant:
Restaurant
Type of Food:
American, Burgers
Signature Dishes:
Create Your Own Burger
Bacon Cheeseburger on Steroids
Tater Tots
Location:
1626 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Special Feature:
Custom build-your-own options and a selection of local craft beers
What Makes It Special:
Cooks grill thick and juicy burgers topped with creative and high-quality ingredients.
What Sets It Apart:
This restaurant delivers a highly fun and customizable burger experience.
Operating Hours:
Sunday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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3
Summer House is a Californian-style eatery and bar offering salads, tacos, burgers, and sandwiches. The restaurant provides a variety of American cuisine in a relaxed setting.- Item Prices
- 266
- Average Item Price
- $12.26
Summer House Menu PricesMore about Summer House
Type of Restaurant:
Restaurant
Type of Food:
American, Californian
Signature Dishes:
Baja Fish Tacos
Spaghetti Pomodoro
Grilled Surfer-Style Fish
Location:
5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208
Special Feature:
A full bar pouring wine, cocktails, and beer
What Makes It Special:
Chefs prepare light and fresh Californian-inspired dishes.
What Sets It Apart:
This dining spot brings a bright and sunny West Coast vibe to the airport.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Friday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PMSaturday - Sunday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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4
Casual Dining Pizza Dinner Salads Sandwiches American Italian Comfort Food Soup American (New) Salad Family Meals Diners Vegetarian Friendly Pasta Group Friendly Vegan FriendlyCalifornia Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a polished casual dining restaurant chain founded in Beverly Hills, California, in 1985. The company is credited with creating and popularizing California-style pizza with its...- Item Prices
- 395
- Average Item Price
- $36.35
California Pizza Kitchen Menu PricesMore about California Pizza Kitchen
Type of Restaurant:
Restaurant (Permanently Closed)
Type of Food:
Pizza, American
Signature Dishes:
Original BBQ Chicken Pizza
California Club Pizza
Thai Crunch Salad
Location:
5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208
Special Feature:
A menu of creative and non-traditional pizza toppings
What Makes It Special:
Bakers prepared innovative and globally inspired pizzas.
What Sets It Apart:
This chain brought a unique California twist to classic pizza recipes.
Operating Hours:
Permanently Closed
Price:
Closed
-
5
5. Bojangles'
4.4 (55 Reviews)
Fast Food Chicken American Fried Chicken Breakfast & Brunch Family Meals Family Friendly Chicken StripsBojangles is a popular fast-food chain in the Southern United States, known for fried chicken, biscuits, and sweet tea. The popular items at Bojangles are the Cajun Chicken Filet Biscuit,...- Item Prices
- 257
- Average Item Price
- $9.50
Bojangles' Menu PricesMore about Bojangles'
Type of Restaurant:
Fast Food
Type of Food:
Southern, American
Signature Dishes:
Fried Chicken
Buttermilk Biscuits
Seasoned Fries
Location:
3923 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205
Special Feature:
A highly efficient and fast-paced drive-thru service
What Makes It Special:
Cooks fry crispy chicken and bake fresh biscuits using traditional Southern recipes.
What Sets It Apart:
This chain delivers a highly consistent and budget-friendly Southern comfort food meal.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 5:00 AM - 12:00 AMSunday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price:
$5 to $15 per person
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6
6. 1897 Market
1897 Market is a foodie destination in Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The restaurant features a tempting raw bar, a mouth-watering carvery, an aromatic grill, and an enticing woodstone pizza oven. Cooks use local and regional ingredients to craft dishes with multiple layers of professional culinary observation and hands-on effort.More about 1897 Market
Type of Restaurant:
Restaurant
Type of Food:
American, Seafood
Signature Dishes:
Truffle Chicken Sandwich
Neese's Country Burger
Shrimp and Grits
Location:
5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208
Special Feature:
A focus on quality and taste with starters like dirty mac & cheese and spicy shrimp toast
What Makes It Special:
Chefs prepare featured entrée fare including steak frites and BBQ shrimp and grits made with local stone-ground cheddar grits.
What Sets It Apart:
This establishment provides a legitimate culinary experience that elevates typical airport dining.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Wednesday opens at 7:00 AM)
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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7
7. Midwood Smokehouse - CLT Airport Concourse B
Midwood Smokehouse is one of the top barbecue restaurants in North Carolina. The airport location serves authentic barbecue specialties on plates and in sandwiches.More about Midwood Smokehouse - CLT Airport Concourse B
Type of Restaurant:
Restaurant
Type of Food:
Barbecue
Signature Dishes:
Smoked Turkey
The Roadhouse
1930 Cheesesteak Sandwich
Location:
5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208
Special Feature:
A roadhouse-like setting providing a comforting and familiar atmosphere
What Makes It Special:
Pitmasters slow-smoke meats to create tender and flavorful barbecue.
What Sets It Apart:
This restaurant brings a highly acclaimed and authentic regional barbecue experience to travelers.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $40 per person
-
8
8. Beaudevin
Beaudevin is a sophisticated airport bar and restaurant. The menu offers wines and cocktails, plus eats such as charcuterie and panini.More about Beaudevin
Type of Restaurant:
Bar, Restaurant
Type of Food:
Wine Bar, Sandwiches
Signature Dishes:
Turkey Truffle Panini
Scottish Smoked Salmon
Smoked Paprika Chicken Salad
Location:
5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208
Special Feature:
An extensive wine list perfect for relaxing before a flight
What Makes It Special:
Cooks prepare elegant small plates and fresh paninis.
What Sets It Apart:
This bar provides a quiet and refined escape from the bustling airport concourse.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PMSunday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
-
9
9. The Waterman Fish Bar at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
The Waterman Fish Bar is a neighborhood seafood restaurant and oyster bar located in Concourse C by gate 13. The fresh seafood spot offers oysters, tacos, lobster rolls, and craft cocktails. A dedicated raw bar serves fresh oysters and other shellfish.More about The Waterman Fish Bar at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Type of Restaurant:
Restaurant, Oyster Bar
Type of Food:
Seafood
Signature Dishes:
Lobster Roll
Shrimp Tacos
Low Country Shrimp & Grits
Location:
5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208
Special Feature:
A dedicated raw bar serving fresh oysters and other shellfish
What Makes It Special:
Chefs prepare classic coastal dishes like lobster rolls and shrimp and grits.
What Sets It Apart:
This restaurant invites travelers to dock and delight in a high-quality seafood meal before their flight.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
-
10
10. Brookwood Farms Carolina Pit BBQ
Brookwood Farms Carolina Pit BBQ is an airport outpost of a Carolina pit barbecue specialist. Jerry Wood founded the family business in 1978, and forty years and four generations later, brothers Twig and Craig Wood carry on the tradition. Pitmasters roast the best cuts of USDA-approved meat low and slow over hickory charcoal.More about Brookwood Farms Carolina Pit BBQ
Type of Restaurant:
Restaurant
Type of Food:
Barbecue
Signature Dishes:
St. Louis Ribs
Chopped Bbq Chicken
Smoked Turkey
Location:
5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208
Special Feature:
A menu embodying a family legacy of bringing nostalgic flavors to homes and restaurants
What Makes It Special:
Pitmasters roast the best cuts of USDA-approved meat low and slow over hickory charcoal for irresistible smoky flavors.
What Sets It Apart:
This establishment brings authentic, pit-cooked Southern barbecue to travelers from around the world.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Friday: 5:15 AM - 10:00 PM (Monday opens at 6:15 AM)Saturday: 5:30 AM - 10:00 PMSunday: 6:15 AM - 10:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
On the map
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Restaurants in Charlotte Airport Famous?
Restaurants in Charlotte Airport are famous for a strong emphasis on local Carolina flavors, regional barbecue joints, unique celebrity-backed spots, award-winning terminal bars, and gourmet grab-and-go marketplaces. The airport features a nationally recognized dining environment that highlights the best of the regional food culture. Barbecue specialists like Midwood Smokehouse and Brookwood Farms serve meats smoked on-site with classic Southern sides. The Waterman Fish Bar brings a neighborhood seafood restaurant and oyster bar directly into the concourse, while Whisky River delivers a signature honky-tonk hangout vibe backed by a famous celebrity.
What Types of Restaurants are Commonly Found in Charlotte Airport?
The most common types of Charlotte Airport restaurants are authentic Carolina barbecue pits, fresh seafood and oyster bars, gourmet grab-and-go marketplaces, celebrity-backed honky-tonk hangouts, and sophisticated wine bars. The following list details the different restaurant options in Charlotte Airport.
- Authentic Carolina Barbecue Pits: Restaurants dishing out meats smoked on-site and classic Southern sides.
- Fresh Seafood and Oyster Bars: Casual spots offering oysters, tacos, lobster rolls, and craft cocktails.
- Gourmet Grab-and-Go Marketplaces: Dining destinations crafting recipes with local and regional ingredients.
- Celebrity-Backed Honky-Tonk Hangouts: Lively spots offering a full drink menu and a signature party vibe.
- Sophisticated Wine Bars: Airport bars offering wines and cocktails, plus eats such as charcuterie and panini.
Does Charlotte Airport Have an Authentic Restaurant?
Yes, majority of the restaurants in Charlotte Airport value authentic regional cooking, including Midwood Smokehouse and Brookwood Farms Carolina Pit BBQ. Midwood Smokehouse prepares true-to-roots barbecue, serving up authentic regional specialties in a roadhouse-like setting. Brookwood Farms Carolina Pit BBQ honors a family legacy dating back to 1978 by roasting the best cuts of USDA-approved meat low and slow over hickory charcoal for irresistible smoky flavors.
Do Restaurants in Charlotte Airport Offer Easy Online Reservations?
Yes, customers can easily secure tables online at several dining spots inside the airport. Diners planning to visit 1897 Market, The Waterman Fish Bar, Whisky River, and Summer House frequently use digital booking links to lock in seating before arriving at the terminal. Digital reservation portals help travelers avoid long wait times during busy holiday travel seasons.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Restaurants in Charlotte Airport?
The signature dishes of the best restaurants in Charlotte Airport include shrimp and grits, smoked turkey, and lobster rolls. The most popular food in Charlotte Airport is listed below.
- Shrimp and Grits: A classic Southern dish featuring local stone-ground cheddar grits at 1897 Market.
- Smoked Turkey: Tender and flavorful turkey slow-smoked over hardwood at Midwood Smokehouse.
- Lobster Roll: Sweet lobster meat served on a toasted bun at The Waterman Fish Bar.
- Texas Tequila Bacon Cheddar Burger: A massive burger with bold Southwestern flavors at Whisky River.
- St. Louis Ribs: Slow-smoked pork ribs coated in a signature barbecue sauce at Brookwood Farms.
- Bacon Cheeseburger on Steroids: A gourmet burger with gourmet toppings at Bad Daddy's Burger Bar.
- Baja Fish Tacos: Fresh fish tacos with a Californian-style twist at Summer House.
Does Charlotte Airport Enjoy Restaurant Food?
Yes, travelers in Charlotte Airport actively seek out local Carolina flavors and unique dining experiences. The airport's award-winning dining program encourages passengers to explore regional barbecue joints and fresh seafood spots. The presence of celebrity-backed concepts like Whisky River draws crowds looking for a fun and energetic atmosphere before a flight. Gourmet marketplaces like 1897 Market provide a legitimate foodie experience, using local ingredients to craft dishes with professional culinary observation. The strong emphasis on regional cuisine ensures that dining remains a central part of the travel experience.
What is the Average Meal Price at Restaurants in Charlotte Airport?
The price of a meal at popular restaurants in Charlotte Airport averages $25 per person. Travelers gladly pay between $20 and $40 at regional barbecue joints and fresh seafood spots to enjoy authentic Carolina flavors and high-quality ingredients. Diners seeking a budget-friendly option spend $10 to $20 at gourmet burger bars and fast-food chains for quick and satisfying meals. Upscale wine bars and gourmet marketplaces demand a slightly higher budget due to the sophisticated atmosphere and premium ingredients.
Are There Vegan Options at Restaurants in Charlotte Airport?
Yes, vegan options at restaurants in Charlotte Airport include 1897 Market and Summer House. 1897 Market happily accommodates plant-based requests by preparing fresh salads and vegetable sides using local and regional ingredients. Summer House crafts meat-free courses featuring fresh greens and Californian-inspired vegetable dishes.
Do Restaurants in Charlotte Airport Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, restaurants in Charlotte Airport serve plenty of gluten-free options including The Waterman Fish Bar, Midwood Smokehouse, and Brookwood Farms Carolina Pit BBQ. The Waterman Fish Bar serves naturally gluten-free fresh seafood and raw bar selections. Midwood Smokehouse provides wheat-free alternatives, allowing guests to safely enjoy slow-smoked meats and unbreaded sides. Brookwood Farms Carolina Pit BBQ customizes barbecue plates to safely accommodate wheat-free dietary requirements by offering gluten-free sauces and unbreaded proteins.
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