Introduction
Ever found yourself sprinting through security, your stomach rumbling louder than the jet engines outside? Airport food often gets a bad rap, but knowing your options can transform a stressful pre-flight experience into a surprisingly pleasant one. If your travels take you through Allentown/Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), you’re in luck. This guide is your comprehensive roadmap to navigating the Allentown airport food scene, ensuring you can fuel up before your flight with choices that cater to various tastes and budgets. We’ll explore the restaurants, cafes, and grab-and-go spots available, helping you make an informed decision and avoid that dreaded airport hunger. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal, a quick snack, or a caffeine boost, Allentown airport has something to offer.
Dining Before Security Checkpoint
The options available before passing through the security checkpoint at Allentown airport might be slightly limited compared to those airside, but they still provide valuable choices for travelers and those meeting or greeting them. Having a meal or snack before heading to security allows you to relax and take your time, making the pre-flight process less rushed.
The Café Experience
One of the key spots before security offers a classic café experience. Here you can find a variety of freshly brewed coffees, teas, and specialty beverages. It’s perfect for those needing a caffeine boost before a long day of travel or a relaxing cup while waiting for a loved one to arrive. Beyond beverages, the café also offers a selection of pastries, sandwiches, and salads. This provides a light and convenient meal option for those who prefer something quick and easy. The café’s comfortable seating area makes it a great place to unwind, catch up on emails, or simply watch the comings and goings of the airport. The pricing at this pre-security café is generally moderate, making it an accessible option for most travelers. Their operation hours are aligned with the airport’s peak traffic times, ensuring that there is always a convenient place to grab a drink or a bite before heading through security.
Vending Selections and Quick Bites
For those truly pressed for time or looking for a budget-friendly option, vending machines are available in the pre-security area. These offer a selection of snacks, drinks, and quick bites, providing a convenient way to satisfy immediate hunger. While the vending machine options are limited in variety, they are readily accessible and require no waiting, making them ideal for travelers in a hurry. Think of classic candy bars, chips, and soda – the usual suspects for on-the-go snacking. It’s also an easy way to grab a bottle of water before proceeding through the security checkpoint. These vending machines are available twenty four hours a day so no matter when you arrive at ABE you have access to a quick snack.
Food After Security
Once you’ve cleared security, the heart of the Allentown airport food scene awaits. This is where you’ll find a more diverse range of dining options, designed to cater to travelers with varying tastes and time constraints.
Airport Restaurant Experience
A sit-down restaurant provides a more substantial dining experience for travelers with time to spare. This restaurant typically offers a menu with a range of options, from classic American fare to lighter salads and appetizers. The atmosphere is designed to be relaxing and inviting, providing a comfortable space to unwind before a flight. Prices are generally moderate, reflecting the sit-down service and the variety of menu items. You can typically find burgers, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and salads, offering something for everyone. They also frequently have alcoholic beverages and coffee/tea. The restaurant’s hours of operation are coordinated with flight schedules, ensuring that there are always dining options available during peak travel times. With comfortable seating and table service, it’s a great place to relax, enjoy a meal, and recharge before your flight.
Grab-and-Go Marketplace
For travelers on the move, a grab-and-go marketplace offers a convenient way to pick up a quick bite or a refreshing beverage. These markets typically stock a variety of pre-packaged sandwiches, salads, yogurt parfaits, and snacks, as well as bottled drinks, juices, and coffee. The emphasis is on speed and convenience, allowing travelers to grab what they need and be on their way. The prices are generally reasonable, making it an accessible option for those looking for a quick and affordable meal. This is an ideal spot to grab a healthy snack or a light meal to take on the plane, avoiding the need to purchase expensive or less healthy options inflight. The grab-and-go marketplace is usually open during all flight departure times, ensuring you can always find something to eat.
Coffee Stop Before Boarding
Needing a caffeine boost before boarding? A dedicated coffee stand is located post-security, providing a quick and convenient option for coffee lovers. They offer a range of coffee beverages, from classic drip coffee to lattes and cappuccinos, as well as teas, pastries, and light snacks. The focus is on speed and quality, ensuring that travelers can get their caffeine fix without missing their flights. Prices are comparable to those at other coffee shops, making it an accessible option for most travelers. This is the perfect spot to grab a cup of coffee and a pastry before settling into your seat on the plane. The coffee stand is typically open during all flight departure times, so you can count on a caffeine pick-me-up whenever you need it.
Things to Consider Before You Eat
Navigating the Allentown airport food scene requires a bit of planning to ensure you have a smooth and satisfying experience. Keeping a few key considerations in mind will help you make the best choices for your needs.
Verify the Times
One of the most crucial steps is to verify the operating hours of the restaurants and cafes you plan to visit. Airport food vendors often adjust their hours based on flight schedules, so it’s essential to check ahead of time to avoid disappointment. The official ABE website is the best place to find the most up-to-date information on dining options and their hours of operation. You should confirm the hours especially for early morning or late-night flights. This will help you avoid arriving at a restaurant only to find it closed, leaving you scrambling for an alternative.
Don’t Be in a Rush
Allow yourself plenty of extra time for ordering and eating, especially during peak travel times. Airport restaurants can get crowded, and service may be slower than usual, so it’s best to factor in some buffer time. This will help you avoid feeling rushed and stressed, allowing you to enjoy your meal at a relaxed pace. Rushing your meal can lead to indigestion and discomfort, which is the last thing you need before a flight. Factor in enough time for ordering, waiting for your food, eating, and paying, to ensure a more pleasant dining experience.
Bring Your Own Snacks
While Allentown airport offers a range of food options, packing your own snacks can be a budget-friendly and convenient alternative. Bringing your own food allows you to control what you eat, avoid potentially unhealthy airport snacks, and save money. This is particularly useful for travelers with dietary restrictions or those who prefer to eat healthy on the go. Some great options include granola bars, fruit, nuts, and sandwiches. Just be sure to comply with TSA regulations regarding liquids and gels.
Dietary Needs
Travelers with specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan, should inquire about the availability of suitable options at each restaurant. While Allentown airport may not have dedicated menus catering to these needs, many restaurants are willing to accommodate special requests. Ask your server about ingredient information to ensure that the food you order meets your dietary requirements. Don’t hesitate to communicate your needs clearly to the staff, as they are often happy to help you find something that works for you. Many cafes will have non-dairy milk options for your coffee drink.
The Bottom Line
Allentown Airport food provides a range of options to fuel your journey. From quick bites at the grab-and-go marketplace to relaxing meals at the sit-down restaurant and a caffeine boost at the coffee shop, there’s something for every taste and budget. By checking hours, allowing extra time, and considering your dietary needs, you can ensure a satisfying and stress-free dining experience. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a first-time visitor, knowing your options at Allentown airport can make your travel experience more enjoyable. Before you take flight, remember to research the latest available dining and snacking options. With a little planning, you can transform your pre-flight meal from a necessary chore into a pleasant start to your journey. So next time you find yourself at ABE, take a moment to explore the Allentown airport food scene, find your perfect meal, and have a safe and enjoyable flight!
