Stuck at LaGuardia Airport with a rumbling stomach and the sinking feeling that your only option is an overpriced, lackluster sandwich? Think again! LaGuardia Airport has undergone a major transformation in recent years, and that includes a significant upgrade to its food scene. Gone are the days of limited choices and uninspired fare. Today, LGA boasts a diverse array of restaurants, cafes, and grab-and-go options to satisfy every craving and dietary need. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite between flights, a sit-down meal to relax before takeoff, or a healthy snack to keep you going, LaGuardia has something for you.
This guide will help you navigate the culinary landscape of LGA and find the best places to eat, no matter your terminal or your preferred cuisine. We’ll break down the dining options in each terminal, highlighting must-try dishes, price ranges, and why each spot is a worthy choice. Get ready to discover the delicious side of LaGuardia Airport!
Terminal B: A Culinary Adventure
Terminal B, known for its modern design, soaring ceilings, and abundance of natural light, is a dining destination in itself. The food scene here reflects the terminal’s sleek and contemporary vibe, offering a range of choices from quick-service favorites to more upscale dining experiences.
Eli’s Essentials
Description: A New York institution, Eli’s Essentials is your go-to for classic sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. It’s a great place to grab a quick and satisfying bite. They focus on fresh ingredients and simple, delicious preparations.
Must-Try Dishes: The pastrami on rye is a classic, and their selection of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie is also excellent.
Price Range: $$
Location: Located in the central Marketplace of Terminal B, after security.
Why it’s a Good Choice: Perfect for a quick and tasty meal, especially if you’re craving a taste of New York. It’s reliable and consistent.
Shake Shack
Description: The iconic burger chain needs no introduction. Shake Shack offers delicious burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and creamy milkshakes. It’s a crowd-pleasing option for travelers of all ages.
Must-Try Dishes: The ShackBurger, crinkle-cut fries, and a classic chocolate shake are all must-tries.
Price Range: $$
Location: Located in the central Marketplace of Terminal B, near the escalators.
Why it’s a Good Choice: A reliable and delicious option for burger lovers. Expect a line, but it usually moves quickly.
La Chula
Description: Craving authentic Mexican flavors? La Chula delivers with its fresh tacos, burritos, and other classic dishes. Their focus is on high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes.
Must-Try Dishes: The al pastor tacos are a standout, and their guacamole is freshly made and delicious.
Price Range: $$
Location: Located in the central Marketplace of Terminal B, near the Shake Shack.
Why it’s a Good Choice: Offers a vibrant and flavorful alternative to standard airport fare. Great for a quick and satisfying meal.
Irving Farm Coffee Roasters
Description: Need a caffeine boost before your flight? Irving Farm Coffee Roasters serves up high-quality coffee, espresso drinks, and pastries. It’s a great place to relax and recharge.
Must-Try Dishes: Try their signature latte or a pour-over coffee. They also have a selection of delicious pastries and muffins.
Price Range: $
Location: Located in the central Marketplace of Terminal B, near the entrance to the terminal.
Why it’s a Good Choice: Offers a superior coffee experience compared to standard airport coffee shops. A great place to grab a coffee and pastry before your flight.
Terminal C: A Diverse Dining Destination
Terminal C, known for its modern and airy design, provides a diverse range of food places in LaGuardia Airport. Whether you’re craving Italian, Asian, or classic American cuisine, you’ll find something to satisfy your appetite.
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
Description: Famous for its enormous and decadent slices, Artichoke Basille’s Pizza is a must-try for pizza lovers. Their signature artichoke pizza is a unique and unforgettable experience.
Must-Try Dishes: The artichoke pizza is the obvious choice, but their Sicilian slice is also excellent.
Price Range: $$
Location: Located near gate C28 in Terminal C.
Why it’s a Good Choice: A unique and delicious pizza experience. Be prepared for a large slice!
Salotto
Description: Salotto brings a taste of Italy to Terminal C, offering a variety of pasta dishes, pizzas, and salads. It’s a great place for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Must-Try Dishes: Try the Cacio e Pepe or any of their freshly made pasta dishes. The pizzas are also a good choice.
Price Range: $$
Location: Located in the main dining area of Terminal C.
Why it’s a Good Choice: Offers a taste of Italy with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors.
Custom Burgers
Description: Create your own perfect burger at Custom Burgers. Choose from a variety of toppings, sauces, and cheeses to create a burger that’s exactly to your liking.
Must-Try Dishes: Build your own burger with your favorite toppings!
Price Range: $$
Location: Located in the main dining area of Terminal C.
Why it’s a Good Choice: Offers a customizable and satisfying burger experience.
Terminal D: A Quick Bite Oasis
Terminal D, often used for Delta Shuttle flights, offers a selection of convenient and quick food places in LaGuardia Airport. While the options may be more limited than in Terminals B and C, you can still find plenty of choices for a satisfying meal or snack.
Dunkin’
Description: The ubiquitous coffee and donut chain is a reliable option for a quick caffeine fix and a sweet treat.
Must-Try Dishes: A classic coffee and a donut are always a good choice. They also offer breakfast sandwiches and other quick bites.
Price Range: $
Location: Located near the entrance to Terminal D.
Why it’s a Good Choice: A convenient and affordable option for a quick caffeine fix and a sweet treat.
Bowery Bay Bar
Description: This bar offers a selection of drinks and light snacks. It’s a good place to relax and unwind before your flight.
Must-Try Dishes: They offer a variety of beers, wines, and cocktails, as well as some light snacks like pretzels and chips.
Price Range: $$
Location: Located in the center of Terminal D.
Why it’s a Good Choice: A good option for a drink and a snack before your flight.
Special Considerations for Airport Dining
When navigating the food places in LaGuardia Airport, keep these considerations in mind:
Quick Bites on the Go: For travelers in a hurry, places like Shake Shack, Eli’s Essentials, and Dunkin’ offer quick and easy options. Grabbing a pre-made sandwich or salad is also a great way to save time.
Healthy Eating: If you’re looking for healthy options, many restaurants offer salads, grilled chicken, and other nutritious choices. Look for places that emphasize fresh ingredients and lighter preparations. Eli’s Essentials often has good salad options.
Family-Friendly Options: Shake Shack, La Chula, and Custom Burgers are all great choices for families with children. They offer familiar favorites that kids will enjoy.
Best for a Relaxing Meal: Salotto in Terminal C offers a more relaxed atmosphere for a sit-down meal. Take your time and enjoy the flavors of Italy.
Local Flavors: Eli’s Essentials provides that taste of New York you might be looking for if you are visiting. Their pastrami is a New York staple.
Budget-Friendly Options: Dunkin’ offers some of the most affordable options for coffee and snacks. Grabbing a quick sandwich or salad at Eli’s Essentials can also be a budget-friendly choice.
Practical Information for Eating at LGA
Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when dining at LaGuardia Airport:
Mobile Ordering/Delivery: Check with individual restaurants to see if they offer mobile ordering for pick-up or delivery to your gate. This can save you time and hassle.
Wi-Fi Availability: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, so you can easily browse menus and read reviews before choosing a restaurant.
Hours of Operation: Most restaurants are open from early morning until the last flights of the day, but it’s always a good idea to check individual restaurant hours, especially if you’re traveling during off-peak times.
Payment Options: Most establishments accept credit cards and mobile payments.
For the most up-to-date information on food places in LaGuardia Airport, including menus and hours of operation, be sure to check the airport’s official website.
LaGuardia Airport offers a surprisingly diverse range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From quick bites to relaxing meals, you can find something to satisfy your hunger before your flight. So, next time you’re flying through LGA, take some time to explore the airport’s culinary offerings – you might be surprised by what you find! Instead of dreading that airport meal, view it as a chance to sample some local flavors or enjoy a comforting favorite. A little planning can transform your pre-flight experience from stressful to satisfying.
