Summer travel season is here, and with the long TSA wait times and new ID requirements, the airport can be a stressful place, 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. 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.

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: 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)

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: 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 - Gate K1)

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: 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)

: After years of selling her Southern-inspired 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 - Gate K15)

The Berghoff

: 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)

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: 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)

Master ConcessionAir

: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 - Gate M34)

Chicago Department of Aviation

: 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 additional outposts in Concourse C and Terminal 3. (Terminal 1 - B1, C10, Terminal 3 - L10A)

: 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 - Gate M26)

: 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 - Gate B18)

O’Hare International Airport

: 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 - Gate M7)

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: The airport version of Lettuce Entertain You’s breezy, beach house-inspired 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)

: 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, bouign-amanns, canelés, financiers, and more for the road. They certainly beat stale doughnuts. (Terminal 5, Gate M5)

: 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)

: 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)

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: 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)

: Make the trip a little sweeter with a slice of Chicago’s most famous cheesecake. Or purchase a whole cake to bring a taste of the Windy City to your final destination. The shop now 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

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