Introduction to Airport Food Rankings
Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport has been ranked as one of the best airports for food and beverage options in the country. According to a 2025 study by Restaurant Furniture, IAH arrives at No. 12 in the ranking, making a flight delay a bit more bearable.
Methodology of the Study
The study relied on Google reviews of food and beverage establishments at the busiest U.S. airports to come up with its list. It included only those restaurants and bars with at least 20 Google reviews. IAH earned an average Google review rating of 3.29 out of 5 stars for its food-and-beverage establishments.
Top-Rated Establishments at IAH
The study analyzed 61 restaurants and bars at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The Houston airport’s highest-rated establishment was Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, with an average Google review rating of 4.48 out of 5. George Bush International is also home to the study’s highest-rated Chick-fil-A and Whataburger restaurants.
Recent Upgrades to IAH Dining Options
Several years ago, IAH made a major effort to upgrade its dining options by partnering with local chefs such as Chris Shepherd, Ryan Pera, and Greg Gatlin on concepts for Terminal C North. More recently, a change in the city’s airport concessions contract brought local favorites such as The Annie Cafe and Common Bond to the George Bush.
Importance of Airport Dining Options
“Airports aren’t usually renowned for their choices of bars and restaurants, and this is often because people just want to get through the airport and onto their final destinations as quickly as possible,” says Nick Warren, head of e-commerce at Restaurant Furniture. “However, a good airport bar or restaurant can provide a great rest stop after a long flight, and these positive experiences can go a long way towards travelers choosing which airport they will fly from in the future.”
Top 5 Airports with the Best Food
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport soared to No. 1 in the rankings, with restaurants and bars earning an average of 3.56 out of 5 stars on Google. The top 5 airports with the best food are:
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (No. 1)
- Miami International Airport (No. 2)
- San Francisco International Airport (No. 3)
- Denver International Airport (No. 4)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (No. 5)
Airports with the Worst Food Options
On the other hand, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport offers the sixth worst restaurant and bar options among the study’s 31 airports, landing at No. 26 overall. The study looked at Google reviews for 17 food-and-beverage establishments at the airport, earning an average Google review rating of 2.96 out of 5 stars.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rankings of the best airports for food and beverage options are a great way to determine which airports offer the best dining experiences. With IAH ranking No. 12 and having top-rated establishments such as Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, travelers can expect a great culinary experience at the airport. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, these rankings can help you make the most of your airport experience.
