Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) is like Amy Poehler in Mean Girls. It’s a cool airport. The bustling terminal has always been a place to find a little Austin flair in the travel experience. It smells of barbecue, local art adorns the walls,
and live musicians fill the space with tunes. Airport outposts of several good Austin restaurants and bars also make a layover or delay a great opportunity to eat something infinitely better than a burger from a national fast-food chain.
Getting through ABIA, however, is a totally different story. 2025 was the airport’s third-busiest year on record, with more than 21.6 million passengers at the airport, according to the City of Austin. Major events like South by Southwest, Austin City Limits Music Festival, and Formula 1 bring waves of travelers, often making an already busy airport even busier. Meanwhile, a multibillion-dollar expansion project means construction is an ongoing headache. Arriving early is necessary, particularly during major event weekends and peak travel periods.
We can’t do much about TSA lines or construction, but we can help with food and drink. Here’s where to grab a bite at ABIA, whether there’s time for a proper meal or just one last Austin taco before boarding.
Additional reporting by H. Drew Blackburn.
Where to Eat and Drink Inside the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA)
Barbara Jordan Terminal — aka the main terminal
24 Diner
An Austin original, this diner offers travelers a chance to fulfill their breakfast taco craving with an all-day menu featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner with meatloaf sandwiches, bacon and avocado burgers, and no-bean chili.
Location: Near Gate 11
Amy’s Ice Creams
To satiate sweet cravings, head to the airport location of this favorite local ice cream chain. Its signature Mexican vanilla ice cream is available alongside an array of flavors, plus vegan options, smoothies, and to-go pints.
Location: Near Gate 21
Annie’s Cafe & Bar
Stop by for breakfast sandwiches, burgers, soups, fresh salads, and a full bar.
Location: Near Gate 27
Antone’s
Outpost of iconic downtown venue with burgers, fries, sandwiches, and local beer.
Location: Near Gate 23
The Beerdrop
The airport beer bar focuses on offerings from beloved local breweryAustin Beerworks and other regional and national breweries available in cans, bottles, and drafts.
Location: Across from Gate 13
Berry Austin
A one-stop shop for frozen treats like ice cream, fro-yo, smoothies, and shakes.
Location: Near Gate 17
Caffe’ Medici
Head here for coffee from an Austin-based roaster, where all kinds of espresso-based drinks, sandwiches, and pastries are available.
Location: Near Gate 9
Caribou Coffee & Einstein Bros. Bagels
Two of the greatest pairings exist at this airport stall — bagels and coffee. Get them both here, with various bagel styles, creams, and schmears.
Location: Near Gate 24
Departure Lounge
Sit down spot with TVs breakfast, beers, wines, sandwiches, and more.
Location: Near Gate 17
Earl Campbell’s Taco Truck
It doesn’t get any more Austin than tacos from a legendary former University of Texas Longhorn football player served from a food truck parked inside the airport. Find other ATX-centric dishes, like brisket sandwiches and a stellar baked potato salad.
Location: Near Gate 19
East Side Pies
Grab a slice from the Austin-based pizzeria and mini-chain. It’s known to stick to thin crust only, but the toppings are all over the place.
Location: Near Gate 22
Farm Aire Express
Quick grab and go bites for when you’re in a pinch.
Location: Near Gate 31
Flyrite
Have your chicken sandwich and eat it, too, at this Austin-owned shop that offers all-natural chicken fried, grilled, and in tender form.
Location: Near Gate 22
Half Moon Empanadas
Bespoke empanadas from Miami are on the menu here, with options like creamed spinach, spicy chicken, and pulled pork.
Location: Near Checkpoint 2W
Hippies and Hops
Hit up this beer bar for local IPAs, pilsners, ambers, and plenty of ales from the city’s oldest brewery, Live Oak Brewing Company, which is also located near the airport.
Location: Near Gate 17
Hut’s Hamburgers
This old-school spot has been slinging hamburgers in the Austin area since 1939. Get a taste of its old-fashioned burgers at its only remaining location in the airport.
Jo’s Coffee
This Austin cafe’s airport outpost features a strong menu of coffee drinks, including its refreshingly sweet iced Turbo concoction, breakfast tacos, and pastries.
Location: Near Gate 19
Jugo
Looking for a smoothie, fresh juice, or something quick to eat? This is the spot.
Location: Near Gate 10
JuiceLand
Head here for cold-pressed juices, smoothies loaded with veggies and fruits, protein drinks, and vegan dishes.
Location: Near Gate 17
Kome Sushi-A-Go-Go
This old-school Austin sushi shop now lives on solely as an airport food vendor. Order up rolls, sashimi, ramen, and Japanese-influenced entrees.
Location: Near Gate 12
Mad Greens
Salads, wraps, and grain bowls from the Colorado-based chain.
Location: Near Gate 16
Noble Sandwiches
Another one of those restaurants that initially opened in Austin but now exists only in the airport, this beloved spot offers an easy menu of sandwiches, including the fantastic turkey rendition, and filling sides like macaroni and cheese.
Location: Near Gate 12
Parkside
Experience Austin inside the airport at the smaller version of this Sixth Street bistro. Parkside starts with pancakes and avocado toast for breakfast, and features an all-day menu with ceviche and a full raw bar; sandwiches, including a cheeseburger and a chicken and bacon sandwich; and a lump crab and tomato salad.
Location: Near Gate 3
Ruta Maya Cafe & Books
Coffee drinks from a local Austin company that sources beans from Mayan farmers in Chiapas, Mexico, plus muffins and breakfast items.
Location: Near Gate 28
The Peached Tortilla
The Southern-Asian fusion restaurantbranched out withan airport location.On deck are tacos filled with brisket and crispy pork belly, along with familiar, favorite dishes like its signature JapaJam burger, banh mi bowls, bacon jam fries, and brisket or pad Thai tacos.
Location: Near Gate 17
The Salt Lick BBQ
Although it’s nothing like heading out to the original Driftwood restaurant and loading up on piles of smoked meats, when a quick taste of Texas is in order, the airportSalt Lick stand will do just the trick. Order a glass or two at itswine bar, which features mostly Texas wines.
Location: Near Gate 22
Salvation Pizza
Enjoy a personal-sized New Haven-style pizza here, with options like margherita and veggie delight.
Location: Near Gate 11
The Saxon Pub
Slide into the vibe of this South Lamar pub in the airport with multiple beers on tap and bar bites.
Location: Near Gate 19
Second Bar + Kitchen
This is another spot that’s left with only an airport outpost. Second Bar is a good option for a stiff cocktail, including solid bloody marys, Negronis, and a Painted Mule, where you can choose your own spirit. The food menu features pizza and sandwiches, and a grab-and-go section.
Location: Near Gate 16
Starbucks
Those who love Starbucks already know what to expect and what to order. For everyone else, it’s coffee and snacks.
Location: Near checkpoint 1
Tacodeli
Early flights call for breakfast tacos, and Austin’sfavorite new-school taco chain has ‘em at the airport, with go-tos like the Otto and migas, best paired with salsa and its famous doña sauce. For quicker service, take advantage of the digital kiosks.
Location: Near Gate 23
Thundercloud Subs
Want that sandwich Austin-style? This long-running local mini-chain offers a long list of classic sub options, but you’ll want to go for the Austin, made with mesquite-smoked chicken, avocado, and bacon.
Location: Near Gate 30
Thurman’s Old Fashioned Burger
This burger stand comes from the team behind the Salt Lick, and features a menu of simple burgers, cheesesteaks, and hot dogs.
Location: Near Gate 21
Vino Volo – Hill Country StoreWine shop offering wines by the glass, tasting flights, or bottles to take home or have shipped. Offering small bites and pizzas for dining in.
Location: Near Gate 8
Zocalo Cafe
Enjoy plates of Tex-Mex and Mexican-style tacos.
Location: Near Gate 12
