A Traveler’s Guide to Restaurants at Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Nov 25, 2024
Tablet-enabled Page at DCA offers oysters, biscuits, quinoa burgers, and more. | Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority [Official photo]
Grab a half-smoke, lobster roll, or Spanish tapas before a flight Located right across the Potomac, Reagan National Airport will experience a surge of travelers navigating the skies this holiday season. Luckily, DCA has plenty of places to fuel up before a flight. The full list of open restaurants at Reagan can be found here.
Capital One Landing made a long-awaited arrival this month with a food and beverage program designed by José Andrés Group. The pre-boarding oasis at DCA, sized 5,400 square feet, sits post-security in Terminal 2.
And D.C. import Lucky Buns recently brought its familiar lineup of burgers, chicken sandwiches, and global flavors to National Hall. DCA also upgraded its 24/7 vending machines with fast-moving salads and wraps.
Other options at the airport include Vino Volo at National Hall — a wine bar specializing in Virginia-made wines and flights, with another location at Dulles — and Dunkin’ Donuts (Gate B).
The 230,000-square-foot Concourse E that serves American Airlines flights debuted in 2021 welcomed Wolfgang Puck Bar + Bites, Peet’s Coffee, fast-casual Mezeh Mediterranean Grill, Timber Pizza Company, and Elevation Burger. DCA is also home to national chain P.F. Chang’s, which landed at Concourse E last year with familiar favorites like spicy chicken, Mongolian beef, and lettuce wraps. A years-long “DCA Reimagined” project is under way in Terminal 2, complete with upgraded restrooms, more seating, and new amenities.
J. David Buerk
P.F. Chang’s debuted a 5,800-square-foot location at DCA this spring.
More new dining attractions landed at DCA this year. Options include San Francisco-styled burritos from NYC import Dos Toros Taqueria; ales and lagers from Ivy City’s solar-powered Atlas Brew Works; Half Moon Empanadas; a second Cava Mezze Grill; and Baltimore’s small-batch roaster Zeke’s Coffee. Previously announced concessions still coming soon include Maryland-based Nalley Fresh, DMV-wide chain Compass Coffee, and D.C. Mexican cantina Mi Vida. There’s also two recent closures to report at DCA (Gates 23-34): EL Centro D.F., restaurateur Richard Sandoval’s extension of his Mexican brand that formerly sat on 14th Street NW; and casual beer bar American Tap Room.
To prepare for peak travel time, travelers can skip the line and order from airport restaurants via mobile phone and pick up food and drink at the counter.
Some naming changes to note: post-security National Hall is called Terminal 2; Terminal A is Terminal 1 (Gates A1-A9); Terminal B is Terminal 2 (Gates B10-B2); Terminal B/C is now Terminal 2 (Gates C23–C34); Terminal C is now Terminal 2 (Gates D35–D45); and the new concourse is Terminal 2 (Gates E46–E59).
J. David Buerk Photography/DCA
Wolfgang Puck’s sleek setup at DCA’s new American Airlines gate.
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Atlas Brew Works: The Ivy City-born brand brings its popular brews to DCA, along with breakfast sandwiches, salads, Reubens, shrimp po’boys, and more. (Post-security, Gate B12)
Capital One Landing: The credit giant’s glam new lounge serves a tapas and cocktail menu designed by Spanish celebrity chef José Andrés (Jaleo, the Bazaar, Zaytinya). Capital One Venture X and Venture X Business members get free unlimited access, Venture and Spark Miles cardholders pay $45, and all other guests pay $90. (Post-security, Concourse D)
Capital One
Soft blue and brown leather seating welcome diners at DCA’s new Capital One Landing.
Timber Pizza Co.: The acclaimed pie shop and food truck from Daniela Moreira and Andrew Dana (Call Your Mother) is open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night orders to cater to red-eye flyers. A menu of made-to-order, 10-inch personal pies feature its most popular red, green and white options. There’s also freshly made breakfast biscuits. (Concourse E, Gate E51)
Lucky Buns: Chef Alex McCoy’s Adams Morgan hangout, with additional locations at the Wharf and Union Market, is devoted to burgers that top Creekstone Farms beef with globe-trotting condiments like bacon XO jam, pickled beetroot, or a Thai chili take on D.C.’s treasured mumbo sauce. Its DCA debut features glassy views of the tarmac from a tropical bar framed in slick green tiles (located in an old Qdoba space). Open until 10 p.m. (Post-security, National Hall, Concourse B)
David Buerk Photo/Timber Pizza Co.
Timber Pizza Co. opened in 2022 at DCA.
Elevation Burger: Founded in 2002, the health-conscious patty pioneer known for its grass-fed burgers and olive oil-cooked fries also sends out ice cream shakes, cage-free chicken sandwiches, onion rings battered in gluten-free breading, and meat-free proteins. (Post-security, Gate E50)
Ben’s Chili Bowl: Now tourists don’t even need to leave the airport to try D.C.’s iconic half-smokes. (Post-security, National Hall)
Reservoir: This sit-down spot from restaurateur Robert Wiedmaier is inspired by French bistros. Find Provençal-style cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. (Post-security, Gates 1-9)
Cava Mezze Grill: This homegrown Mediterranean chain offers build-your-own breakfast and lunch bowls, pitas, and Compass Coffees. (Post-security, Gates 10-22)
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority [Official photo]
The Ben’s Chili Bowl at Reagan airport.
Reagan National Airport
Half-smokes, sandwiches and sides at Ben’s Chili Bowl.
Quick Meal Picks
Wow Bao: Dumpling fans can head to this steamed buns stand. Wow also serves soup and fields vegetarian options. (Post-security, Gates 23-34)
&pizza: D.C.’s cooked-to-order pizza brand is fast and consistent. (Post-security, Gates 35-45)
Taylor Gourmet: The Reagan airport version is a licensed business and independent from the born-in-D.C. chain. There are breakfast hoagies for early travelers. (Post-security, Gates 23-34)
Chick-fil-A: This national favorite features chicken sandwiches with its famed Chick-fil-A sauce. (National Hall)
Five Guys: Locally grown burger chain Five Guys features delicious burgers and nostalgic shakes. (Gates 35-45)
Leisurely Meal Picks
P.F. Chang’s: The 5,800-square-foot Asian chain brings the travel hub its lineup of familiar favorites like spicy chicken, Mongolian beef, and lettuce wraps. This airport location joins the six other P.F. Chang’s locations across the D.C. area. (Concourse E, Gates 46-59)
Wolfgang Puck’s Bar & Bites: This sleek restaurant in the new concourse from none other than famed chef Wolfgang Puck features delicious small bites and Mediterranean-style meals. Favorites include the seven spice tenderloin skewers, marinated olives, and spiced lamb kofta.
Page: Celebrity chef Carla Hall lends her expertise in Southern cooking to this 110-seat airport restaurant. Find items like biscuits, pimiento cheese, Chesapeake oysters, crab soup, quinoa burgers, lobster rolls, and more. (Post-security, Gates 1-9)
Grille District: This grill sells American staples like salads, burgers — along with the Impossible Burger patties taking the country by storm — local spirits, and beers. (Post-security, Gates 10-22)
Legal Sea Foods: This two-story outpost of the Boston-based chain features 1960s designs with a nod to modern convenience (aka power outlets placed everywhere). While charging up your phone, hit the raw bar or order New England clam chowder, a lobster roll, or a tuna burger. (Post-security, National Hall)
Reagan National Airport
Made-to-order sushi rolls at Matsutake Sushi (Post-security, National Hall).
Matsutake Sushi: This Japanese restaurant specializes in made-to-order sushi rolls and Japanese cuisine like teriyaki dishes, tempura, fried rice, and noodles. (Post-security, National Hall)
Kapnos Taverna: Serves classic and coastal-inspired Greek dishes, including favorites from the Greek Islands along with tastes from other regions known for their fine local products. (Gates 35-45)
Good Stuff Eatery: Top Chef alum Spike Mendelsohn and his culinary family brings DCA gourmet burgers, fries, and shakes, as well as breakfast sandwiches, omelets, waffles, yogurt, coffee, tea, nonalcoholic beverages, and juices. (Terminal B)
Here’s a full list of dining options at DCA:
Post-security, National Hall (now Terminal 2)
Lucky Buns
Half Moon Empanadas
Ben’s Chili Bowl
Vino Volo
Chick-fil-A
Dunkin’ Donuts
Legal Sea Foods
Matsutake Sushi
Starbucks
Terminal A (now Terminal 1, Gates A1-A9)
Zeke’s Coffee
Atlas Brew Works
Boar’s Head Delicatessen
(2) Cibo Walk-Through Markets
Cibo Express
Custom Burger
District Bar
Dunkin’ Donuts
Page
Reservoir
Tagliare
Terminal B (now Terminal 2, Gates B10-B2)
Good Stuff Eatery
Cava Mezze Grill
Great American Bagel Bakery
Grille District
Lickety Split
Starbucks
Sip, Munch N More
Terminal B/C (now Terminal 2, Gates C23–C34)
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority [Official photo]
Big Bowl offers all-day Chinese and Thai dishes like customizable rice or lo mein bowls, dumplings, and eggrolls.
Dos Toros
Dunkin’ Donuts
Dunkin’ Express
Cava
Magic Pan
Say Si Bon
Smashburger
Taylor Gourmet
Reagan National Airport
Wow Bao focuses on fast-casual Asian food.
U Street Pub
Terminal C (now Terminal 2, Gates D35–D45)
Capital One Landing
&pizza
Dunkin’ Donuts
Dunkin’ Donuts Express
Five Guys
Georgetown Gourmet Market
Kapnos Taverna
Say Si Bon
Washington Pour Bar
Wow Bao
New Concourse Terminal 2 (Gates E46–E59)
J. David Buerk Photography/DCA
Fast-casual chain Mezeh is known for its halal dishes made with 100-percent olive oil.
Mezeh Mediterranean Grill
Peet’s Coffee
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Bites
Timber Pizza Co.
Elevation Burger
Where to Eat and Drink at Washington Dulles International Airport [EDC]
Where to Eat at Baltimore-Washington International Airport [EDC]
All Airport Dining Guides Coverage [EDC]