Where to Eat at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

The holiday travel season is here, and with airports nationwide still facing long delays and cancellations from the government shutdown, flying can be especially stressful, especially on an empty stomach. As one of the busiest hubs in the world, O’Hare International Airport welcomes lots of hungry travelers each day. Fortunately, upgrades in the dining department over the last several years mean flyers don’t have to suffer through bad meals anymore. Many of Chicago’s best restaurants now have outposts at O’Hare — including the Publican, Brown Sugar Bakery, and Bar Sienna — and the newest to join them is Loop favorite the Dearborn. Keep reading to see our top picks, plus a comprehensive list of every single place for a quick bite or drink. Want to venture outside of the airport? Check out this map.

For those flying out of Midway International Airport, check out our guide to Midway’s best restaurants.

Tortas Frontera: By now, seemingly everyone knows about Rick Bayless’s airport oasis. But here’s a pro tip: Fliers can order online ahead of time and have those griddle-baked tortas magically waiting once they get through security. Conversely, when the plane lands, pull out that phone (don’t bother to text a loved one; tortas are important!), place an order while on the tarmac, and once again, the food will be ready after de-boarding. The New York Times thinks it’s one of the best restaurants in Chicago. Did they not have the guts to praise the O’Hare Chili’s? (Terminal 1 – B10, Terminal 3 – K4, Terminal 5 – M18)

Publican Tavern: One Off Hospitality Group has a miniature version of its beloved Publican brand at O’Hare, and it’s been a big success. The bar pours draft beers alongside craft bottles and cans from local brewers. Travelers can pair them with signature bites imported from the Publican menus, including chicken wings, a pub burger, and the popular roasted chicken with frites. (Terminal 3 – K1)

Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi Bar: This sushi bar has nothing to do with the Wicker Park neighborhood; HMSHost management discovered customers responded well to the name. In a rarity for O’Hare, chefs carve up fish on-site for nigiri, sashimi, and maki rolls. The fully stocked bar pours classic cocktails, sake, and shochu. There are two spacious locations in separate terminals. (Terminal 1 – C1, Terminal 2 – Main Hall)

The Dearborn: One of the Loop’s most popular restaurants has brought its hospitality to O’Hare. The Dearborn’s Terminal 5 outpost delivers an approachable menu from chef Aaron Cuschieri, including favorites like fish and chips, a dry-aged smash burger, and crispy fried chicken wings, plus tavern-style pizzas, breakfast options, and a full lineup of wine, beer, and cocktails. (Terminal 5 – M17)

Brown Sugar Bakery: After years of selling her Southern sweets at the O’Hare outpost of the Goddess and Grocer, baker Stephanie Hart opened a cafe in Terminal 3 in September 2024. Guests can enjoy her sugary treats along with breakfast items and coffee from Veteran Roasters. Don’t leave the airport without trying the caramel cake from one of the best bakeries in Chicago. (Terminal 3 – K15)

Berghoff Cafe: The historic German restaurant, one of the oldest in Chicago, has an O’Hare outpost with its own seating area. Morning travelers can wake up over omelets and breakfast sandwiches; the menu also offers classics like corned beef and Reuben sandwiches, and pretzels with beer cheese. Beers from Adams Street Brewery, the Berghoff’s in-house brewery, are available on tap as well. (Terminal 1 – C26)

Beaudevin: Kill some time before your flight at this European-inspired wine bar, complete with a granite-topped bar, wine glass chandeliers, and more than 20 wines available by the glass, bottle, or flight. Pair them with cheese and charcuterie plates or a shrimp cocktail. (Terminal 1 – C17)

Garrett Popcorn: The cult-favorite popcorn shop sells its signature CheeseCorn with CaramelCrisp mix at the airport. For fliers not hungry enough for a full meal, it’s the perfect light snack. Grab a bag or two for the flight (or to bring home to family and friends). (Terminal 1 – B8, Terminal 3 – H2, Terminal 5 – M10 and M18)

Bar Siena: Known for its flagship on Chicago’s Randolph Restaurant Row in the West Loop, this casual Italian restaurant from DineAmic Hospitality (which opened with Top Chef alum Fabio Viviani) unveiled its first airport location in early 2024 with much fanfare. Travelers can order breakfast or dinner off a menu of crowd-pleasing pastas, pizzas, and salads. (Terminal 5 – M34)

Goose Island Beer Company: Concessionaire HMSHost opened a Goose Island-branded bar inside Terminal 1 in 2017. The spacious hangout sits in the middle of Concourse B, allowing travelers to keep an eye on their gates while refueling with seasonal drafts, sandwiches, and pizza. There are locations in Terminal 1 and 3. (Terminal 1 – B1, C10, Terminal 3 – L10A)

Butcher & the Burger: Lincoln Park’s Butcher & the Burger made its way to O’Hare in November 2024. Flyers looking for something a bit more elevated than a Big Mac can build their own beef, turkey, or lentil burgers, customized with a variety of spice blends, cheeses, toppings, and buns. The menu also offers breakfast sandwiches and cocktails like a fig Manhattan and hazelnut espresso martini. (Terminal 5 – M26)

Tuscany Cafe: Phil Stefani’s Italian stalwart Tuscany has a location in Terminal 1. The menu is fairly large by airport standards, with a variety of starters, soups, salads, pastas, pizzas, and entrees to choose from. There aren’t many places at O’Hare offering fettuccine Alfredo, eggplant parm, and steaks, and the drink list is similarly extensive, so if you’ve got time for a sit-down experience, this is one of the better options. (Terminal 1 – B18)

The Hampton Social: Operated by Parker Hospitality, The Hampton Social is a mini-chain that arrived at O’Hare with nautical East Coast yacht club energy in January 2024. Frosé cocktails and the restaurant’s famous Rosé All Day pink neon sign make for excellent Instagram fodder, but those seeking a substantial meal can try lobster rolls, shrimp tacos, and New England clam chowder. (Terminal 5 – M7)

Summer House Santa Monica: The airport version of Lettuce Entertain You’s beach house-themed restaurant offers both sit-down dining and counter service, as well as grab-and-go items. California-style salads, tacos, burgers, omelets, and breakfast sandwiches are available. Summer House’s signature house-made cookies and pastries are also here. (Terminal 2 – Main Hall)

Publican Quality Bread: The award-winning bakery from One Off Hospitality supplies bread for many of the city’s top restaurants and also has a stand in Terminal 5. Grab a La Colombe coffee and specialty pastries like chocolate croissants, kouign amanns, canelés, financiers, and more for the road. They certainly beat stale doughnuts. (Terminal 5, M5)

Billy Goat Tavern: Legendary for its history with the Cubs and its appearance on Saturday Night Live, the Billy Goat Tavern is one of Chicago’s most recognizable restaurants. Luckily for both locals and tourists, they don’t have to go far to try the famous “cheezborger.” (Terminal 1 – C19)

Gold Coast Dogs: Some of the city’s most iconic foods are served at this local mini-chain. Don’t fancy airline meals? Order a Chicago-style hot dog, Italian beef, or Polish sausage to bring on the plane. (Terminal 3 – L4)

Bubbles Wine Bar: Settle in for a spell at this jazz club-style bar, which features soft lighting and a grand piano. Sparkling wine, complemented with plates of cheese or vegetables, is the focus here. Upgrade your airport experience with a Champagne flight before taking to the skies. (Terminal 3 – H4)

Eli’s Cheesecake: Make your trip a little sweeter with a slice of Chicago’s most famous cheesecake. Or purchase a whole cake to bring a taste of the city to your final destination. The stand also offers Vienna Beef hot dogs and Home Run Inn Pizza. (Terminal 1 – B9)

In addition, here’s a geographic breakdown of all the dining options:

Terminal 1 | Concourses B and C

Terminal 2 | Concourses E and F

Terminal 3 | Concourses G, H, K, and L