The Best O’Hare Airport Food (ORD)

A list of the best food at O'Hare has to start with Frontera. In addition to being my personal go-to airport spot, it was the most suggested when I asked you all for your favorites on my instagram story.

If you have one stop in ORD for food, this should be it.

Is it expensive? YES.
Is it worth it? Also yes.

What to Get:

• Tortas (my favorites are Pepito & Cochinita Pibil)
• Guacamole & chips (fully dressed)
• Greek yogurt with cajeta
• Coffee (my second favorite ORD coffee. Full list here!)

Wait Time:

• Usually ~10-15 minutes
• If you're in a rush, you can order online in advance. Or, tell them when you order and they can direct you toward items you can get right away (like their pre-made open-face molletes, yogurt, or guac)

Terminal Locations, Gates, and Hours (as of publication):

• Terminal 1, Gate B11 (5:30am - 9pm)
• Terminal 3, Gate K4 (5:30am - 9pm)
• Terminal 5, M12 (10am - 9pm)

I have literally missed a flight because I was drinking wine at The Publican's airport location, Publican Tavern (100% my fault - not theirs!).

Whoops. But at least you know it's good. 😄

This spot is newer than Frontera, and a strong contender for best overall. If you're in Terminal 3, you should give it a shot!

What to Get:

• Proscuitto
• Fried chicken
• Hot smoked salmon
• Hot Doug Sohn Sandwich
• Wine!!!
• Full menu

What to Drink:

Publican Tavern has the best coffee at O'Hare airport IMO - it's Sparrow Coffee!

You can get it to stay or to go. More on that here.

Wait Time:

• There's a lot of seating - I've always been seated right away
• Be sure to ask your server about the wait time based on what you order

Terminal Locations, Gates, and Hours (as of publication):

• Terminal 3, right past security - Gate K1 (5:30am to 9pm)

Psst! Publican's West Loop location is one of my top 5 brunch spots - see my Chicago Brunch Checklist for more info.

If you're looking for healthy & delicious airport food, you can actually have it with Farmer's Fridge.

I still have flashbacks to horrible watery fruit cups from my consulting days years ago -- but Farmer's Fridge is basically the opposite of that.

They have vending machines in every ORD terminal that are filled with fresh, healthy food that's delivered daily. They're open 24 hours, and it takes a minute to get your food. It's good, affordable, and fast -- and you can even get 50% of your first order (there's a code in each machine).

What to Get:

• Salads (they change seasonally - check the full menu here)
• Cauliflower fried rice
• Southwest quinoa bowl

Wait Time:

• 1 minute

Terminal Locations, Gates, and Hours (as of publication):

• Terminal 1, Gate B20 (24 hours)
• Terminal 2, Gate F7/F9 (24 hours)
• Terminal 3, Gate K6 (24 hours)
• Terminal 3, Baggage Claim (24 hours)
• [coming soon] Terminal 5, at Arrivals next to Hudson News (24 hours)

Psst! Farmer's Fridge's downtown food hall location is also included in my guide for the Best Avocado Toast in Chicago!

Is the concept of airport sushi gross, or is it actually one step closer to Japan?? Lol. 😂😂

Wicker Park Sushi is a great spot for your airport sushi fix. The bar seats are great for solo travelers, and have a great view of planes flying in and out too.

What to Get:

• Specialty rolls
• Sake 🙂

Wait Time:

• You can usually sit down right away
• Be sure to ask about the wait when you are seated!

Terminal Locations, Gates, and Hours (as of publication):

• Terminal 2, Main Concourse (8am - 8pm)

Summer House Santa Monica is another downtown Chicago spot with an airport location, joining my list of the best food at O'Hare. This spot has both seated and counter-service options.

I've personally only had the counter service, and I have heard service at the seated option can be a bit slow. If you have a short layover, I recommend ordering at the counter!

What to Get:

• Salads
• Omelettes
• Giant cookies
• Rosé!!!
• Full menu (note: may have changed since this was posted)

Wait Time:

• Varies by counter service / seated

Terminal Locations, Gates, and Hours (as of publication):

• Terminal 2, Main Concourse (5:30am - 9pm)

Psst! Summer House's Lincoln Park location is included in a few of my other guides: Chicago Brunch Checklist, Best Avocado Toast, Fancy Smoked Salmon.

The airport is actually my favorite spot to buy Garrett popcorn.

The lines are typically much shorter than their downtown locations, and it's also the perfect last-minute Chicago gift to bring someone when traveling. Just make sure you don't open it on the plane, or you'll eat the whole thing before you land.

Speaking from experience, here.

What to Get:

• Garrett Mix (that's the technical name... but it's still Chicago Mix to me)

Wait Time:

• under 5 minutes

Terminal Locations, Gates, and Hours (as of publication):

• Terminal 1, Gate B8 (6am - 9pm)
• Terminal 3, Gate H2 (6am - 9pm)

If you're looking for great Chicago beers while you wait, look no further than Goose Island's brew pub locations in Terminals 1 and 3.

This is more of a stop for beer (vs. food) - and there are a ton of great Chicago options to try while you wait.

For food, I'd personally go with one of the above spots instead. 🙂

What to Get:

• I like their Belgian ales (Matilda, Sofie)
• Or one of their seasonal ales (varies - they currently have some great summer beers)

Wait Time:

• Fast for beer!

Terminal Locations, Gates, and Hours (as of publication):

• Terminal 1, Gate C4 (5am - 9pm)
• Terminal 3, Gate L10A (5am - 9pm)