Have you ever experienced that pre-flight frenzy? The frantic rush through security, the slight panic when you can’t find your gate, and the overwhelming feeling that all you want is something delicious to take the edge off? Airport food often gets a bad rap – overpriced, bland, and generally uninspired. But hold on before you resign yourself to sad airplane snacks! Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is stepping up its culinary game. Forget the days of dreaded airplane pretzels; FLL boasts a surprising array of dining options, from quick bites perfect for a dash to your gate, to relaxed sit-down restaurants where you can savor a proper meal. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, a juicy burger, or something lighter, FLL has something to satisfy every palate and budget, ensuring travelers can find genuinely tasty meals before their flights take off. So, ditch the airplane peanuts and get ready to discover some hidden gems. Let’s dive into the best food Fort Lauderdale Airport has to offer!
Grab and Go: The Best Quick Bites
Time is of the essence when you’re navigating an airport. That’s why having reliable options for fast, delicious food is crucial. If you’re sprinting to your gate, these spots will fuel you up without slowing you down.
Starbucks
Yes, it’s a ubiquitous chain, but the Starbucks located in Terminal Three, near gate E six, is a lifesaver. Need that caffeine kick to survive an early morning flight? They’ve got you covered. Beyond the usual lattes and Frappuccinos, grab a pastry or a pre-made sandwich for a quick and satisfying bite. What makes this Starbucks a winner? Consistent quality, speedy service, and that familiar, comforting aroma that instantly calms travel nerves. The price range is what you expect for the brand – a quick affordable pick-me-up. Seating is limited at the immediate counter, however, plenty of gate seating is nearby.
Market Sixteen
Located conveniently inside terminal four near gate G eight, Market Sixteen is a solid choice for quality prepared sandwiches, salads, and snacks. A fantastic option for travelers seeking a classic deli experience, this spot is know for efficient service and a wide variety of snacks, candy and prepared food. This is a grab and go location, meaning most patrons take their orders with them. Pricing is a little higher than other grab and go locations, reflecting the quality of the ingredients.
Versailles Express
For those craving a bit of Latin flavor on the go, make sure to check out Versailles Express, found in terminal three by gate E five. A sister company of the famous Little Havana restaurant, this location offers a variety of the restaurant’s most popular sandwiches, snacks and sides. Known for quality authentic ingredients and quick service, Versailles is perfect for any traveler looking for something a bit more unique from the airport’s quick dining options.
Relax and Recharge: Sit-Down Restaurants
Sometimes, a hurried bite just won’t cut it. Maybe you have some extra time before your flight, or you simply crave a more relaxed dining experience. Fortunately, FLL offers several sit-down restaurants where you can unwind and savor a delicious meal.
Burlock Coast Seafare and Spirits
If seafood is your passion, you absolutely must check out Burlock Coast Seafare and Spirits. Found in the airport’s terminal E, Burlock is a welcome change from the run of the mill airport restaurants. With an atmosphere to match its decadent menu, diners may easily forget that they are about to travel! Service is notably high quality and the ingredients used for their seafood are some of the best the airport has to offer. Prepare to spend a bit of extra money for these items, but with the quality, you will surely find it to be well worth the investment.
Tequileria
For those looking for a more casual dining atmosphere, check out Tequileria. A Tex-Mex restaurant in the airport’s Terminal Three near gate E, this restaurant offers an assortment of casual tex-mex classics with a bar offering beer and cocktails. Enjoy items such as tacos, nachos and quesadillas with a view of the runway. Pricing is also friendly, offering a range of options affordable for any travel budget.
Air Margaritaville
And if you’re craving classic pub fare with a wide selection of beers on tap, Air Margaritaville could be just the spot for you. Located pre-security in terminal four, Air Margaritaville allows travelers to enjoy a relaxing meal before heading through security and off to their gates. Complete with a full bar and a full menu of casual dining options, travelers have a plethora of choices to sate their appetites. Pricing can be a little high depending on the options, however the quality of the ingredients can be considered worth the money.
Healthier Horizons: Fresh and Nutritious Choices
Traveling can throw your healthy habits off track. But FLL makes it easier to stay on course with several options catering to the health-conscious traveler.
Freshens
Freshens, located in terminal three, is a great choice for fresh salads, wraps, and smoothies. They also offer rice bowls with a variety of ingredients, creating a healthy option for any patron looking to pass the time before their flight. With fair pricing and quick service, Freshens is a great option for anyone looking to get something fast and light before their flight.
Hudson News
Another option is heading to Hudson News, a convenience store located near multiple gates. This grab-and-go store offers an assortment of fresh snacks and healthier options, such as fruits, salads, protein bars and pre-made sandwiches. Prices will generally be higher here to account for the convenience, however anyone in a rush may appreciate being able to grab a quick snack.
A Taste of South Florida
While larger chains often dominate airport dining, some spots at FLL try to capture the spirit of South Florida cuisine. While options may not be as abundant as in the city itself, here are a few places to look for that taste of local flavor.
Versailles Express
As mentioned previously, Versailles Express is an excellent way to get a taste of Cuban cuisine, with a menu inspired by the iconic Versailles Restaurant in Little Havana in Miami. This can be a great way to enjoy a local delicacy before leaving the sunshine state.
Family Friendly Choices
Traveling with children can add a layer of complexity to any trip, even to grabbing some food. Luckily, FLL offers multiple family friendly dining options.
Pizza Hut
A casual dining atmosphere and the ability to provide quick service makes Pizza Hut a great choice for families. Children love Pizza Hut for their quick service and tasty pizzas, ensuring they can get a meal without having to wait. With locations spread throughout the airport, Pizza Hut is a great option for any family.
Tips for Dining at FLL Airport
Navigating airport dining requires a bit of strategy. Keep these tips in mind to ensure a smooth and satisfying experience.
First, always double-check the restaurant hours. Airport operating hours may change without notice, so it’s always a good idea to make sure that the restaurant you want to visit is open and operational. This is also something to keep in mind with restaurants that may have limited operating hours due to a public holiday or another reason, so make sure to plan ahead.
Next, always allow ample time for security. Waiting in the security line for your gate can cause a delay in dining. Always ensure that you arrive at the airport early enough to ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy a meal before needing to get to your gate.
If the airport has an application, make sure to utilize the airport app, if applicable. If the FLL has its own application, chances are, the app may include useful information regarding the airport’s restaurants, such as locations, menus and operating hours. Taking a look at this information may assist in your planning.
And finally, consider pre-ordering, if possible. To save even more time, if the restaurant allows for it, consider placing your order ahead of time and picking it up at the restaurant upon arrival. Not all restaurants do this, but it’s something to consider if saving time is a priority for you.
Final Thoughts: Fort Lauderdale Airport Food, Elevated
So, there you have it – a delicious tour of the best food Fort Lauderdale Airport has to offer. Forget the stereotypes about bland, overpriced airport fare. FLL has seriously upped its culinary game, offering everything from quick caffeine fixes to relaxing sit-down meals, fresh and healthy options to authentic local flavors.
Next time you find yourself at FLL, remember that a satisfying meal is just steps away. Explore the options, savor the flavors, and fuel up for your journey ahead. Don’t settle for those airplane peanuts – Fort Lauderdale Airport has so much more to offer! Bon appétit, and happy travels!
