Nobody likes to be hangry, doubly so when traveling. While it’s Chicago’s second busiest airport, Midway International Airport is still visited by hundreds of thousands of people each day. A $75 million concessions upgrade over the past couple of years has introduced multiple new food vendors, many of which have local ties. Although some longtime favorites are gone, additions like Arami, Hubbard Inn, and several Lettuce Entertain You restaurants have helped soften the blow and improved the overall lineup. So don’t despair the next time that inevitable flight delay occurs; check out the Eater Chicago’s Midway Airport Dining Guide to find every spot to grab a bite or drink.
Flying out of O’Hare International Airport? Check out our guide to O’Hare’s best restaurants.
Arami: Ty and Troy Fujimura’s beloved West Town spot, once one of the city’s best sushi restaurants, closed after a 14-year run in 2024. But fans can still get a taste if they’re flying into or out of Midway. Watch chefs carve up fresh fish while trying maki or poke. There are plenty of veggie options as well as sake and cocktails on offer. (Concourse A Food Hall)
Cielo Cantina: A burrito makes for a wonderful traveling companion. This full-service spot gives travelers a taste of Pilsen with quesadillas, street tacos, and 10 different margaritas, ranging from spicy to Hennessy varieties. (A7)
Gene’s Bistro: This airy bistro offers a full bar and a menu that features burgers, barbecue pork sliders, shrimp po’ boys, nachos, potstickers, and salads. Flyers looking for a spot to grab a drink will want to stop here: There’s a lengthy list of cocktails, wines, beers, and spirits. Fireball shots, anyone? (Main Terminal Central Market).
Harry Caray’s Shortstop: The restaurant dedicated to famed Cubs and White Sox broadcaster Harry Caray offers breakfast, burgers, wings, and a fully stocked bar. Calamari and toasted ravioli aren’t typical airport fare, but they’re available at Harry Caray’s, as is Eli’s Turtle Cheesecake — a local favorite. (A9)
Home Run Inn Pizza: Although tourists may think Chicago is all about deep dish, locals are every bit as (if not more) passionate about thin-crust pizza. Most people probably know Home Run Inn thanks to its presence in the frozen aisle at grocery stores, but the brand is also a South Side staple that slings tavern-style pies at Midway along with beer, cocktails, and breakfast sandwiches. All pizzas are personal-sized, so solo diners don’t have to worry about not being able to finish a whole one. (B16)
Hubbard Inn: River North’s eclectic restaurant and club brings its European-inspired plates and old-world decor to the airport. There’s no loud music at this outpost, so guests can chow on burgers, sandwiches, and salads in relative peace. The beverage program stars classic cocktails like Bloodys, Old Fashioneds, and Moscow mules, plus plenty of wine and craft beers. (B7)
Reilly’s Daughter: Every day is a celebration of all things Irish at Reilly’s Daughter, which has two locations at Midway. Belly up for some fish and chips or a Reuben, paired with a pint of perfectly-poured Guinness at this pub. (Main Terminal Central Market, Concourse A Food Hall)
White Sox Bar & Grill: The “Good Guys” have a spot for fans to catch the game and chow down on breakfast and ballpark bites such as chili cheese fries, wings, Italian beef, and the Chicago dog — all while surrounded by baseball memorabilia and sporty decor. (Main Terminal Central Market)
America’s Dog & Burger: It would be sacrilegious to visit Chicago and not try a hot dog. Out-of-towners can avoid the faux pas by getting a Chicago dog at this local mini-chain. Other menu items include a Maxwell Street Polish and sausages inspired by cities from around the country, such as a Milwaukee Guinness beer brat and Dallas chili dog served on Texas toast roll. (Main Terminal Central Market)
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese: As one might guess, cheese is the focus of this airport cafe. Start the day with an egg and cheese sandwich, or enjoy grilled cheese with tomato soup or mac and cheese. A full selection of caffeinated drinks helps weary travelers make it to their gates awake. (Main Terminal Central Market)
Big & Little’s: The Midway outpost is the last remaining vestige of what was once a taco mini-chain in Chicago. Diners can enjoy seafood, meat, and breakfast tacos, and wash them down with beer and wine. The ahi poke tacos are a particular standout. (B14)
Big Bowl: Fill up before a flight with orange chicken and Mongolian beef bowls, potstickers, and egg rolls at Lettuce Entertain You’s pan-Asian stalwart. (Main Terminal Central Market)
Big City Chicken: This Lettuce Entertain You restaurant might be unfamiliar to many — its other location is at Navy Pier — but the fried chicken coming out of the kitchen is a great choice for those traveling through Midway. Make the airport experience better by devouring a crispy chicken sandwich or some chicken strips served with dipping sauces. Spice fanatics can dial up the heat with Nashville-style hot chicken. (B7)
Big Shoulders Coffee: Recharge with a coffee, espresso, or latte from this Chicago-based roaster. Sandwiches are also available. (A15)
Billy Goat Tavern: Cheezborger! Cheezborger! The iconic Chicago burger joint, steeped in Cubbies lore, isn’t afraid to make an appearance in White Sox territory. The famous no-frills burgers were popularized on Saturday Night Live, and while they may seem quite simple compared to some of the city’s best burgers, they’re still worth a try. Guests will also find other Chicago staples, like Polish sausages, Italian beef, and pepper and egg sandwiches, on the menu as well as a selection of beer and wine. (Concourse A Food Hall)
Cafe Descartes: For folks waiting on their bags, this cafe supplies coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, and all-day breakfast bites. (Baggage Claim)
Camden Food Co.: Short on time? Stop here for to-go sandwiches, salads, fruits, and coffee. (B20)
Connie’s Pizza: A Chicago chain that dates back to 1963, Connie’s is a slice of local history. The menu at Midway features both deep dish and tavern-style pies, a meatball sub, pastas, and salads. (Main Terminal Central Market)
Dunkin’: Fliers may need to run on Dunkin’ to get to their final destination. The ubiquitous chain provides a selection of doughnuts, muffins, and caffeinated beverages. (B20, Main Terminal Central Market)
Einstein Bros. Bagels: The national chain fuels travelers with coffee and, of course, bagel sandwiches. (A7)
Farmer’s Fridge: Eat healthy on the go with salads and grain bowls that are made fresh and dispensed from vending machines. There’s even a steak salad. (Main Terminal Central Market, A4A, C1)
Fuel Bar: Grab a quick coffee, tea, or alcoholic beverage plus a muffin or croissant. (A4A)
Garrett Popcorn Shops: Pick up a bag of the signature mix of caramel and cheese popcorn to snack on during the flight. The chain has been a Chicago institution since 1949, and the souvenir tins are great for gifting — trust us, family and friends won’t be disappointed. (Main Terminal Central Market, B14)
M Burger: Lettuce Entertain You used to operate several M Burgers throughout Chicago, but now you’ll only find their all-natural Midwestern black Angus beef burgers and milkshakes at Midway. Those with an early flight can opt for a breakfast sandwich or burrito. (Main Terminal Central Market)
Nuts on Clark: Snack on assorted nuts, caramel corn, cheese popcorn, chocolate-covered nuts, and more from this Chicago-based store. A popcorn vending machine is located in the Central Market. (Concourse A Food Hall, Main Terminal Central Market)
The Orange Line: Named after the CTA train line that services Midway, this sit-down spot offers family-friendly crowd-pleasers, including Buffalo chicken mac and cheese, truffle fries, and burgers, as well as several types of Bloody Marys. (B21)
Porkchop BBQ: Swing by for hearty, comforting foods like brisket, pulled pork, and porkchop on a stick, complemented by cornbread and mac and cheese. (B14)
RJ Grunt’s: Lettuce Entertain You’s original restaurant remains a Lincoln Park icon. While the famous salad bar is missing at the Midway version, guests can try breakfast, burgers, wings, and Chicago-style hot dogs. (B16)
Tallboy Taco: Another one of Lettuce Entertain You’s many eateries, this West Coast-inspired taqueria focuses on fresh and simple ingredients. Start the day with some breakfast tacos or enjoy classics like al pastor and beer-battered crispy fish tacos. The menu also features salads, bowls, quesadillas, and agua frescas. (Main Terminal Central Market)
Woodgrain Neapolitan Pizza: Need a break from deep dish and tavern-style pizza? We won’t judge (too much). Travelers can savor a taste of Naples before departing, courtesy of this suburban pizzeria. Options include the classic margherita, Italian beef and giardiniera, and sriracha barbecue chicken. Gluten-free crust is also available; there’s no seating so be prepared to take the pies to go. (Concourse A Food Hall)
Jeffy Mai
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