Where to Eat at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport (PHX)

Okay, let’s admit it. Nobody really loves spending time in the airport. But when an airplane is the best way to get from Point A to Point B — whether it’s for a business trip, a back-home visit, or a much-needed vacation — travelers could do a lot worse than spending time in the frequently renovated, ever-enlarging Sky Harbor, where amenities abound. Need a cup of joe to wake up? A fancy cocktail to chill out? A grab-and-go sandwich before boarding the plane or a fancy meal while waiting for a flight? Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport has it all, including airport outlets of some of Phoenix’s most popular restaurants and breweries. The following list should help you find whatever your heart desires — within reason.

Please note: some restaurants (both pre- and post-security) are open with limited hours, given the difficulty of finding staff to fully man their operations. Check Phoenix Sky Harbor’s website for updated information on opening and closing days and times.

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Terminal 3 (Pre-Security)

Peet’s Coffee: Located on Level 1, Peet’s Coffee provides the necessary caffeine jolt in a multitude of potable permutations, including seasonal maple lattes and cold brew. A short menu featuring all-day breakfast and lunch sandwiches also suggests the best coffees to pair with them. [Terminal 3, Level 1]

Terminal 3 (Post-Security)

The Best

Ajo Al’s: Family-owned and operated Ajo Al’s has dished out satisfying, Sonoran-style Mexican food in Phoenix since 1986. At the airport location, highlights include chicken and brisket tacos, mushroom blanco enchiladas, and crispy flautas. [Terminal 3, Level 4, Near Gate E4]

Scramble: This self-described “breakfast and lunch joint” started life as a breakfast restaurant, so expect lots of good a.m. options such as cinnamon rolls, biscuits and gravy, benedicts, scrambles (with toast and hash browns) and brizzas (breakfast pizzas). Lunch choices run to salads, wraps, sandwiches, and an egg-topped burger. To wash it all down: coffee drinks and cocktails, including mimosas and Bloody Marys. [Terminal 3, Level 4, Near Gate E4]

Phoenix Beer Company: Hoping to catch the last minutes of the weekend basketball game before takeoff? Grab a locally brewed beer, a glass of wine or a cocktail, as well as guajillo chile wings, whiskey bbq meatballs, cast iron mac and cheese, and various grass-fed burgers. The restaurant is open from 5 a.m. to last flight every day. [Terminal 3, Level 4, Near Gate E4]

The Tavern: Local TV show host, restaurateur, and wine wonk Mark Tarbell is the brains behind this upscale operation, offering one of the most extensive menus in the airport. Imagine a cheese and charcuterie board, deviled eggs (with whipped Dijon aioli mousse), roasted local beets with Crow’s Dairy quark, inspired salads, tacos, and an award-winning BLT. Transcend the airport environment with something fancy — maybe seared Scottish salmon with honey-mustard glaze or a spice-rubbed flat iron steak. [Terminal 3, Level 4, Near Gate F3]

SanTan Brewing Company: Owned by brewmaster Anthony Canecchia, SanTan is one of the Valley’s oldest and most revered breweries. At the airport location, travelers can sip an award-winning brew while watching planes take off. The extensive menu offers great beer food, including nachos, burgers, fish and chips, tacos, and enchiladas. The daily brunch menu, available until 10:30 a.m., offers four options, including a New Mexican skillet and a florid bacon-hash brown-cheese-avocado combo served with an English muffin or a tortilla. [Terminal 3, Level 4, Near Gate F6]

Half Moon Empanadas: This Miami-based outlet offers artisanal empanadas (hand-held pastry pockets) in 11 different flavors (nine savory, two sweet), including spicy beef, three-cheese with tomato and basil, and a breakfast-y bacon, egg, and cheese. For dessert, there’s dulce de leche or nutella, both with cream cheese. [Terminal 3, Level 4, Near Gate F7]

Shake Shack: This popular national chain, founded by celebrity NYC restaurateur Danny Meyer, is famous for its thick, creamy shakes, but don’t sleep on the burgers, made with hormone- and antibiotic-free, 100-percent Angus beef. Live large with a side of bacon-and cheese-adorned crinkle-cut fries. [Terminal 3, Level 4, Near Gate F7]

Humble Torta & Taco: Not surprisingly, every dish — including wings lacquered with chile honey and salsa macha — has a Mexican slant, but many skew a bit modern. There are four tortas (including a Cubano and camarone po’boy) and five tacos, as well as a brekky quesadilla, cocktails, and a large selection of beer. For dessert, churros with berries. [Terminal 3, Level 4, Near Gate F9]

The Rest

Panera Bread: This national chain is famous for its baked goods, including bagels, cookies, scones, muffins, and pastries. But the vast menu offers so much more, including eight daily soups, turkey chili, salads, better-than-average sandwiches, and mac and cheese. Can’t decide? Try the You Pick 2 (two-item combos such as a cup of soup with half a sandwich). [Terminal 3, Level 4, Near Gate F6]

Starbucks: Lattes, coffee, chai, and more are offered at this mini-version of Starbucks. Selected foods like blueberry muffins, wraps, yogurt, and protein boxes are available. [Terminal 3, Level 4, Near Gate 4]

Terminal 4 (Pre-Security)

The Best

Blue Mesa Tacos: This fast-casual, Chipotle-esque Mexican restaurant specializes in build-your-own-bowls, burritos, quesadillas, and tacos. Customers pick their protein (chorizo, ground beef, chicken, carnitas, or veggies), and add the desired fixings such as rice, beans, cheese, or lettuce. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Departures]

Chelsea’s Kitchen: The original Chelsea’s, which sits along the bank of one of Phoenix’s famous canals, is beloved for its fun, casual menu, and that same menu has been brought to the airport, where travelers can choose among deviled eggs, shrimp ceviche, green chile burgers, short rib tacos, rotisserie chicken, and Brussels sprout salad. Finish up with artisanal gelato. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Departures]

Cheuvront Restaurant & Wine Bar: Travelers who have the time to relax over a glass of wine should check out Cheuvront, whose global wine list includes New World selections from Argentina, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand, Washington, and California as well as Old World wines from France, Spain, and Italy. The food menu features a cheese board, eight-ounce Harris Ranch burgers, salads, and sandwiches. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Pre-Security]

Wildflower Bread Company: Founded by Louis and Tracy Basile in 1996, the airport outlet to this local bakery and fast-casual cafe specializes in sandwiches made on fresh-baked breads such as sourdough, challah, nine-grain and brioche. Possibilities include the tomato pesto and brie, spicy Cuban, or ultimate grilled cheese, Kids can get a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or build their own cold cut sandwich, which comes with fresh fruit and a cookie. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Pre-Security, Near Departures]

The Rest

Dunkin’ Donuts: Stop at Dunkin’ Donuts for chocolate-sprinkled donuts and a warm cup of coffee. There is usually a line, but it moves quickly. [Terminal 4, Pre-Security]

PHX FLT Club: Need a carb and some caffeine? This pre-security outpost has croissants, bagels, muffins, cakes, coffee, and tea as well as burritos, wraps, salads, and sandwiches. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Pre-Security]

PZA: Sandwiches (including three breakfast sandwiches), salads, and kid’s meals are on offer, but the claim to fame here is individual-size pizza, prepared in four straightforward permutations, as well as one lone oddball: Buffalo chicken pizza. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Departures]

Red Rock Burger: Look for breakfast burritos, burgers (including a vegetarian version), chicken sandwiches, and various spud sides. For the kids, grilled cheese and chicken tenders. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Departures]

Terminal 4 (Post-Security) Gates A1 - A14

The Best

Zinc Brasserie Grab & Go: If you’re looking for no-fuss meals, Zinc Brasserie Grab & Go has sandwiches, salads, desserts, and other packaged items to go. This is a mini-version of the brick-and-mortar restaurant but strictly for to-go items. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate A1]

Olive & Ivy: Breakfast options here include yogurt parfait and bagels with cream cheese as well as coffee and lattes. Lunch items focus on panini, with choices including turkey, cheese, or roast beef. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate A4]

Blanco Tacos and Tequila: In the scheme of things, the allegedly limited menu at Blanco isn’t really all that limited. It offers nachos, guacamole, quesadillas, two salads, burritos, and tacos (filled with grilled fish, carne asada, green chile pork, braised chicken, or veggie). Bonuses: a kid’s menu and margaritas. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate A5]

Zinburger: As the name suggests, burgers are the main event here. The menu features four of them (the adventurous should try the spicy El Diablo, made with fire-roasted jalapeños) plus a chicken sandwich, fries, and shakes. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate A4]

Dilly’s Deli: For passengers too rushed to sit down and eat, Dilly’s Deli offers wraps, salads, and sandwiches to grab and go. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate A7]

Wildflower Bread Company: A sandwich on the run, mac and cheese for the kids, and cookies for the plane are all available at Wildflower Bread Company. If you want to eat light, salads are also on the menu. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate A8]

The Rest

Panda Express: Fast-casual Chinese food at Panda Express includes spring rolls, noodles, stir-fries, firecracker shrimp, and legendary orange chicken. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate A8]

Terminal 4 (Post-Security) Gates A17 - A30

The Best

Dilly’s Deli: The cafe, Dilly’s Deli, has a selection of sandwiches, salads, sides, and desserts. It’s a perfect pitstop for passengers who don’t want to wait in line. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate A17]

Four Peaks Brewery: The original Four Peaks in Tempe is the Valley’s oldest brewery, founded in 1996. Although the menu is considerably shorter at the airport, it does offer plenty of beer-friendly food, including a big pretzel, a cheeseburger, and beer-battered fries. Wash it all down with a Kiltlifter, the brewery’s flagship ale. In the morning, a short breakfast menu features breakfast sandwiches and oatmeal. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate A20]

Humble Pie:

Tammie Coe To Go: Tammie Coe has long been famous for her big cookies and whimsical, fondant-draped cakes. Drop in her airport location for a sandwich, salad, or snack box (the nosy nosh packs Caprese salad, Tillamook cheddar, Genoa salami, garlic chili naan and marinated artichoke). Don’t forget to grab a sweet treat — maybe a big, homey cookie or a muffin. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate A22]

Delux Burger: They follow the KISS principle at Delux (one of Phoenix’s most popular late-night burger joints back in the day), offering two Angus beef burgers on toasted brioche, a chicken sandwich, fries, and shakes in three basic flavors. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate A22]

Pei Wei Asian Kitchen: This quick-serve Asian outlet (baby sis to P.F. Chang’s) turns out tons of chicken dishes — firecracker chicken, orange chicken, grilled bourbon chicken, chicken dumplings, chicken lettuce wraps, and chicken eggrolls. For breakfast: bacon and egg fried rice. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate A23)

The Rest

Peet’s Coffee & Tea: There is no shortage of coffee, lattes, or other beverages at Peet’s Coffee & Tea. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate A18]

Terminal 4 (Post-Security) Gates B1-B14

The Best

Cowboy Ciao Express: The express version of the restaurant Cowboy Ciao has sandwiches, salads, and beverages to go. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate B3]

Pita Jungle: This outpost of a local Mediterranean restaurant is a great choice for vegetarians. It offers various types of hummus (cilantro-jalapeno, for example), lentil soup, falafel, and a veggie bowl bolstered with organic brown rice. For the carnivores, there are gyros, Philly steak pita, and chicken shawarma. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate B3)

Sweet Republic: When all you need is a sweet treat, head to this airport outlet of Phoenix’s favorite ice cream shop, where you’ll find sundaes with fancy toppings, shakes (try the Belgian chocolate) and ice cream sandwiches, made to order with baked-on-premises chocolate chip cookies). [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate B4]

Matt’s Big Breakfast: Matt’s is one of Phoenix’s most popular breakfast restaurants, famous for its hearty, wholesome food. Look for the Five Spot Platter (a two-egg breakfast sandwich with two slices of thick-cut bacon, cheese and grilled onions) and the juicy Big Butter Burger, which lives up to its name. Choices on drinks range from fresh-squeezed OJ and coffee to wine or a Matt’s Big Bacon Bloody Mary. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate B5]

Focaccia Fiorentina: Wraps, sandwiches, and salads — all priced at $12.99 — are available 24 hours a day at this to-go stand. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate B7]

OHSO: Grab a beer and enjoy the game at OHSO, another popular Valley brewery with multiple locations. Besides the usual wings and things, travelers will find creative burgers (the AZ burger has jalapeno cream cheese, poblano aioli, and crispy onion strings), a Pilgrim sandwich (a cranberry aioli-smeared croissant stacked with turkey, bacon, and gouda), and all-day chicken and waffles. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate B9]

The Refuge Coffee, Food, and Wine: Coffee beans are imported from Africa and Latin America at the Refuge Coffee Food & Wine, where specialty caffeinated beverages, both hot and cold, are plentiful. Expect loads of baked goods, a handful of wraps, panini, and croissant sandwiches as well. Best of all, a build-your-own breakfast sandwich in which you choose the bread (bagel, croissant, panini, or tortilla), the protein, and the cheese. [Terminal 4, Post-Security, Gate B9]

Fazoli’s: Want something comforting? Try this Italian-American chain, offering fried mozzarella bites, pizza by the slice, subs, and pasta dishes such as spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccine Alfredo, and baked lasagna. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate B9]

The Rest

Wendy’s: No surprises at this fast-food staple, where patrons can enjoy chicken sandwiches, burgers, fries, and shakes. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate B3]

Terminal 4 (Post-Security Gates) Gates B17-B28

The Best

Mission Grab-n-Go: Need a last-minute drink or snacks? Mission Grab & Go has convenient eats for noshing on the plane. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Gate B17]

La Madeleine: Famous for its tomato basil soup and quiche, this French bakery and cafe chain offers both of those delectable things here, as well as sandwiches on a variety of breads and plenty of sweets. Grab a fancy coffee and a mini tart, palmier, cookie, torte, or slice of cheese cake. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate B20]

Cowboy Ciao: The original Cowboy Ciao was a quirky Old Town Scottsdale fixture, beloved for its modern American menu and stellar wine list until its closure in 2018. The good news is, the airport location still offers the famous Stetson Chopped Salad — combining Israeli couscous, chicken (swapped for the original smoked salmon), grilled sweet corn, trail mix, tomato, and arugula, anointed with buttermilk pesto dressing — and the signature Exotic Mushroom Pan Fry, which involves mushrooms in ancho cream sauce, ladled over grilled polenta. Soup, salads, sandwiches, and burgers are also available. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate B21]

The Rest

Starbucks: If you absolutely need that cup of coffee courage before you get on the plane, Starbucks has you covered. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Gate B17]

McDonald's: All customers know what to expect at McDonald’s. Egg McMuffin, hash browns, and pancakes are available for breakfast, while lunch offers burgers, fries, and apple pies. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate B20]

Terminal 4 (Post-Security) Gates C1-C10

The Best

The Express by Mark Tarbell: A good place to grab a packaged salad or sandwich for the plane. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate C1]

The Goods by Mark Tarbell: Yes, you’re in the airport, but local celebrity chef, wine aficionado and restaurateur Mark Tarbell keeps the experience classy, offering French toast with fresh berries and whipped cream, a brioche breakfast roll, Mediterranean frittata, and steel cut oatmeal (topped with strawberry sauce and powdered sugar) for breakfast until 10 a.m. before moving into hot and cold sandwiches such as meatball, BBQ pulled pork, a BLT and a classic burger. For dessert, cookies or a double chocolate brownie. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate C2]

Los Taquitos: This family-owned Mexican restaurant, which has four locations in metro Phoenix, was featured on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” for its carnitas tacos, which are available at the airport location as well. The pared down airport menu includes a few other street tacos (carne asada, chicken and veggie) as well as burritos, quesadillas, and guacamole with chips. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate C3]

Humble Pie: Famous for its 10-inch pizzas, this local mini-chain cranks them out at the airport in five ultra-simple versions. The menu also features a few burgers, sandwiches and salads to go along with an extensive cocktail, beer, and wine list. Bonus: the kid’s menu (cheese pizza or chicken tenders), printed separately, has games on it. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate C4]

The Rest

Starbucks: Looking for a reliable latte or cup of coffee? Starbucks delivers, so to speak. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate C1]

Terminal 4 (Post-Security) Gates C11-C20

The Best

Zinc Brasserie: This airport offshoot of Matt Carter’s perpetually crowded Zinc Bistro offers a selection of French sandwiches. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate C11]

Sir Veza’s Taco Garage: Sir Veza’s Taco Garage, a Tucson staple, offers burritos, burgers, tacos, and bowls. For breakfast, consider breakfast sliders or breakfast nachos and don’t miss the “Sirnoran” dog, a Sonoran-style hot dog wrapped in bacon and topped with beans, fries, tomatoes, and jalapeño relish.[Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate C13]

Cartel Roasting Co.: For coffee lovers, there’s Cartel, a longtime Phoenix favorite for its specialty coffees made with roasted beans from around the world. Espressos, macchiatos, cappuccinos, lattes, chais, cold brew — it’s all here, as are fancy teas and bags of whole beans to take home. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate C13]

The Rest

Panera Bread: This national chain of bakery-cafe fast-casuals carries standard favorites like muffins, croissants, cookies, quiches, bread, soups, and salads. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate C14]

Terminal 4 (Post-Security) Gates D1-D8

The Best

Barrio Cafe: Although chef-activist Silvana Salcido Esparza recently closed her legendary Barrio Cafe, some of the dishes that made her famous live on at the airport outlet, most notably, guacamole (studded with pomegranate seeds when in season) and goat’s milk caramel-filled churros. The menu also features tacos, burros, posole, enchiladas suizas, huevos con chorizo, and chilaquiles. Relax over a specialty margarita, paloma, or michelada. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate D1]

La Grande Orange: Affectionately known as LGO, La Grande Orange has been an Arcadia neighborhood fixture since 2002, first as an upscale market deli and later, a market with a pizzeria attached. The imaginative pizzas are beloved for their fermented sourdough crusts, and The Gladiator, topped with sausage and pepperoni, is a favorite. Breakfast is offered until 10:30 am, while lunch offerings include a guacamole BLT, a Cubano and a tuna melt. There are also self-serve choices like salads, baked goods, and sandwiches. Finish up with a scoop or two of artisanal gelato from Grateful Spoon. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate D1]

The Rest

Peet’s Coffee & Tea: No matter the terminal, finding a good cup of coffee at Peet’s is never a problem. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate D1]

Terminal 4 (Post-Security) Gates D11-D18

Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay: It’s the (almost) unbeatable Bobby Flay, so expect clever burgers such as the nacho burger (topped with queso, pickled jalapeños and blue corn tortilla chips) and the bacon crunch burger (topped with American cheese, bacon, potato chips and Bobby’s sauce), fries, coffee drinks, and thick shakes. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate D11]

Berry Divine: Founded in Sedona, Arizona by father-and-daughter team Todd Shreve and Jessica Ebarb, this outlet specializes in acai bowls (the acai being 100 percent organic frozen berry pulp), topped with granola, fresh fruit, nuts, and such extra goodies as agave nectar, bee pollen, chia sees, and lemon zest. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate D11]

eegee’s: Sub sandwiches, a frozen fruit drink called “the eegee,” and ranch dressing in several flavor variations are the claim to fame for this Tucson-based Arizona chain. Half-sandwiches are available, and eegees come in four flavors: lemon, piña colada, strawberry and mango. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate D11]

Pedal Haus Brewery: Not only does this airport outlet for an award-winning, Tempe-based brewery sell plenty of beer, it also turns out imaginative food infused with beer: a Bavarian pretzel with beer cheese, a waffle made with wheat beer, and home fries marinated in beer. There are also creative pizzas (including one for breakfast), cocktails, and loaded coffee drinks such as Irish coffee. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate D11]

Sip Coffee & Beer: True to its name, this kiosk offers coffee and beer as well as baked goods and artisanal snacks from local purveyors. Keep an eye out for fresh desserts labeled SaludEats from local pastry chef Soraya Medina. [Terminal 4, Level 3, Near Gate D12]