Where to Eat at John F. Kennedy Airport as Travel Picks Up Again

Nearly a year after the pandemic halted air travel for most Americans, things are starting to change. More and more people are vaccinated, airlines have lifted some precautionary moves like keeping middle seats open, and international travel is starting to show signs of coming back. What hasn’t changed is how difficult it is to find something actually good to eat whether you’re the type of person that shows up hours before boarding or the one running last minute.

Still, navigating air travel is full of variables today, from figuring which destinations require COVID tests to the new CDC guidelines on mask wearing. Here’s a list highlighting dining options based on the most up-to-date information from the Port Authority. While Eater will continue to update this guide, the hours for these vendors are subject to change given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The latest CDC guidance for vaccinated diners during the COVID-19 outbreak is here; dining out still carries risks for unvaccinated diners and workers. Please be aware of changing local rules, and check individual restaurant websites for any additional restrictions such as mask requirements. Find a local vaccination site here.

Terminal 1

Eat & Go Istanbul: Turkish food, from peynirli toast to gyros — though it may be best to stick to the sweets and pastries like baklava. Between gates 5-7, post-security

JikJi Café: Counter-service Korean and Japanese food like bulgogi, udon noodle soup, and kimbap. Food court, pre-security

McDonald’s: Burger fast-food chain. Food court, pre-security

Wok & Roll: Steam-table Chinese fare. Food court, pre-security

Terminal 2

No dining options currently listed as open.

Terminal 4

Bento Sushi: Grab-and-go sushi and donburi rice bowls. Gate B25, post-security

Buffalo Wild Wings: Chicken wing chain. Gate B26, post-security

Camden Foods: Sandwich shop with coffee and tea. Gate B41 and retail hall west, post-security

Dunkin’: Doughnuts and coffee. Arrivals hall east, pre-security and retail hall west, plus gates B18 and B33, post-security

La Brea Bakery: If pastries are more your style for breakfast, head to the only East coast outpost of Nancy Silverton’s renowned bakery. Find bagel sandwiches, muffins, and coffee. Gate B34, post-security

Le Grand Comptoir: A free-standing wine bar with cheese and charcuterie. Retail hall west, post-security

Mi Casa Cantina and Restaurant: This Mexican restaurant serves street food, including tortas, burritos and salads, and guacamole. Tequila and mezcal-based cocktails come from Lynnette Marrero, who is also behind drinks at Brooklyn Peruvian favorite Llama Inn. Gate B23, post-security

McDonald’s: Burger fast-food chain. Retail hall east, post-security

Peet’s Coffee & Tea: Coffee and tea chain. Gates A3 and B26, post-security

Pizza Vino: Pizza and wine, like the name suggests. Gate B28, post-security

Shake Shack: Terminal 4 has two branches of this beloved Danny Meyer favorite. Homegrown burger chain Shake Shack offers all the favorites you find at the other locations, plus breakfast sandwiches and good coffee in the morning. Gates B23 and B37, post-security

So Chocolate: Chocolate and candy shop. Retail hall east, post-security

The Palm Bar & Grille: If you’ve got time to kill and are looking for a leisurely meal and a drink, head to this version of the famed Manhattan steakhouse. Retail hall west, post-security

Urban Crave: Food from various cuisines such as banh mi, fish and chips, and a cobb salad. Gate B46, post-security

Terminal 5

5ive Steak: Salads, sandwiches, burgers, steak, and sushi. Marketplace, post-security

AeroNuova: Italian with a menu created by Pasta Flyer’s Mark Ladner. Marketplace, post-security

Artichoke Pizza: Pizza shop. Marketplace, post-security

Aunt Butchie’s Bakery Café: Dessert shop. Gates 14-15, post-security

Baked by Melissa: Mini cupcakes. Marketplace, post-security

Cibo Express Gourmet Market: Convenience store with grab-and-go fare. Opposite security checkpoint and at baggage claim 4, pre-security and gates 4 and 9 and in the food hall, post-security

Deep Fly Market: The grab-and-go version of one of the best sushi spots you’ll ever find in an airport. Marketplace, post-security

Dunkin’: Coffee and doughnuts. Baggage claim 4

New York Sports Grill: Bar with burgers and sandwiches. Gates 9-10, post-security

Philly Cheesesteaks: Cheesesteak and fries. Food hall, post-security

Re:Vive Bars: Bar with sandwiches and salads. Gates 6, 14, 18, and 24, and outside the food hall, post-security

Terminal 7

Dunkin’: Doughnuts and coffee. Arrivals, pre-security and gate 10, post-security

Le Grand Comptoir: A wine bar with cheese and charcuterie. Food court, post-security

Terminal 8

Abitinos Pizza: Pre-made pizza and pasta. Food court and gate 40, post-security

Cibo Express Gourmet Market: Convenience store with grab-and-go fare. Gate 7, post-security

Mezze Cafe Express: Paninis, wraps, and baked goods. Near dining terrace

TWA Hotel/David Mitchell [Official Photo]

TWA Hotel

Paris Café: Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s restaurant serving food inspired by Trans World Airlines’s in-flight menus from the ’50s and ’60s is open Wednesday through Sunday from 4:30 to 10 p.m. Second level of the hotel, open to the public

Connie: A cocktail lounge within a restored 60-year-old TWA airplane known as Connie, which broke the transcontinental speed record on a flight from California to New York in 1946. Reopens on May 21; operating hours are 4 to 10 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Outside the hotel, open to the public

The Sunken Lounge: A bar in a red-velvet conversation pit serving 1960s-era favorites like an Old Fashioned and a champagne cocktail that used to be served in gold-flecked glassware to TWA’s elite passengers. Wines and craft beers will be available, too, as well as snacks like olives, hummus, and a charcuterie board. Hotel lobby, open to the public

Rooftop pool bar: A bar at the rooftop observation deck, which overlooks a busy runway, serving aviation-themed drinks like the “Mile High Spritz,” made with vodka, St.-Germain elderflower liqueur, lime, and Prosecco. Poolside fare includes fruit salads, fish tacos, and a fried chicken sandwich. Only open to hotel guests due to COVID-19 restrictions

Coffee bar: Chicago-based Intelligentsia Coffee pours coffee here and throughout the large hotel lobby. Hotel lobby, open to the public