Chicago Midway Airport welcomed over 22 million passengers in 2023, and its dining scene got a stunning $75 million makeover. The Midway Airport Food Map directs travelers to 33 food spots that include local Chicago favorites and quick-service locations throughout the concourses.
The airport’s unique design features three connected concourses that let passengers reach all food options without going through security again. A central market buzzes with activity and plenty of seating. Local favorites like Arami, Billy Goat Tavern, and Tallboy Taco bring authentic Chicago flavors to travelers. This complete guide shows every dining option in the terminal to help you pick the perfect meal at this Southwest Airlines hub.
Midway Airport Food Map Overview
Midway Airport’s dining scene spreads through three connected concourses and a busy Central Market that creates a quick way to find food for hungry travelers. The Central Market stands as the main dining hub where you’ll find popular spots like M Burger, Tallboy Taco, and White Sox Bar & Grill.
Terminal layout and food zones
You’ll find food establishments in four main areas:
- Central Market: The heart of MDW’s dining scene
- Concourse A: Features the Food Hall with local favorites
- Concourse B: Home to quick-service options of all types
- Concourse C: Houses healthy options like Farmer’s Fridge
Pedestrian walkways connect each concourse naturally. This lets passengers check out food options throughout the terminal without having to double back. The Food Hall in Concourse A has grown into another popular dining spot that features Chicago favorites like Billy Goat Tavern and Arami.
Pre-security vs post-security options
Most restaurants open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though some places run 24 hours. Café Descartes welcomes travelers in the baggage claim area before security, serving morning coffee and breakfast to arriving passengers.
You’ll find most food spots past security, making it easy for ticketed passengers to grab a bite. Dunkin’ in the Central Market and several Farmer’s Fridge vending spots stay open 24/7, perfect for those early morning or late-night flights.
A recent $75 million renovation has reshaped the dining scene by bringing in new vendors with strong local ties. This investment has created a food scene with more variety that’s easier to access, offering everything from quick grab-and-go kiosks to full-service restaurants throughout the terminal.
Best Restaurants at Chicago Midway Airport
Chicago’s culinary heritage comes alive through Midway Airport’s diverse dining options. Travelers can enjoy authentic local flavors and quick-service choices throughout the terminal.
Local Chicago favorites
Billy Goat Tavern, an iconic Chicago institution, serves their famous “cheezborgers” with Polish sausages and Italian beef sandwiches in Concourse A’s Food Hall. Home Run Inn, a South Side favorite, creates personal pizzas and breakfast sandwiches while maintaining a full bar for early travelers. Garrett Popcorn Shops, a Chicago tradition since 1949, delights passengers with their signature mix of caramel and cheese popcorn.
Quick-service spots
The airport features several outstanding quick-service establishments:
- BIG & little’s (Concourse B) creates unique tacos, including sushi-grade ahi tuna varieties
- Big City Chicken serves crispy chicken sandwiches with Nashville-style hot options
- Arami prepares fresh sushi, poke bowls, and runs a sake bar in Concourse A
Big Bowl serves Asian-inspired dishes like potstickers and egg rolls, while Tallboy Taco makes fresh breakfast tacos and classics like al pastor. M Burger serves all-natural Midwestern black Angus beef burgers and satisfying milkshakes.
Full-service dining
Travelers with extra time can relax at several sit-down restaurants. Harry Caray’s Shortstop in Concourse A features a complete menu with breakfast options, wings, and various sandwiches. Hubbard Inn brings River North’s European flair to Concourse B with burgers, sandwiches, and salads in a peaceful setting.
Cielo Cantina captures Pilsen’s flavors with street tacos, quesadillas, and refreshing margaritas. White Sox Bar & Grill surrounds diners with baseball memorabilia while serving Chicago classics like Italian beef and cheese curds.
These restaurants operate from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, perfect for early morning departures and evening flights. The renovation project has placed these establishments throughout the concourses. Quality dining options are available whatever your gate location.
Food Options by Terminal Location
The Midway Airport dining scene spreads across four distinct zones. Each zone features carefully chosen restaurants that serve unique dishes at different times throughout the day.
Central Market dining choices
The Central Market serves as the heart of airport dining where concourses A and B meet. Beecher’s Handmade Cheese delights travelers with their “World’s Best” Mac & Cheese and grilled breakfast items. Chicago sports fans will love White Sox Bar & Grill with its walls covered in baseball memorabilia. The market showcases several Chicago favorites:
- Gene’s Bistro: Handcrafted cocktails and fresh salads await diners (5:30 AM – 10:00 PM)
- M Burger: Fresh-ground Midwestern black angus beef makes perfect burgers (5:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
- Tallboy Taco: Local tortillas become amazing tacos (5:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
Concourse A restaurants
Local favorites fill Concourse A with delicious options. Arami, the beloved West Town Japanese restaurant, serves premium sushi, sashimi, and an extensive sake selection. Baseball fans can enjoy homerun meals with drinks at Harry Caray’s Shortstop. Early birds will find Big Shoulders Coffee ready to serve from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Concourse B food spots
Concourse B boasts a variety of tasty choices. South Side favorite Home Run Inn creates personal pizzas near Gate B16. Navy Pier’s famous fried chicken comes to life at Big City Chicken by Gate B7. Health-conscious travelers can head to Camden Food Co. near Gate B20 for fresh salads and artisan sandwiches.
Concourse C quick bites
Concourse C might be smaller but packs convenient dining options. Farmer’s Fridge vending machines dish out fresh salads and grain bowls 24/7 near Gate C1. Quick, healthy meals between flights make this concourse perfect for busy travelers.
Time-Saving Food Tips for Travelers
Smart travelers know that good timing and planning can make a huge difference at airport restaurants. Midway Airport’s food map shows many quick options for passengers who need to catch their flights.
Grab-and-go locations
You can find food at any time of day at several spots. Dunkin’ keeps its Central Market location open 24 hours. Farmer’s Fridge machines serve fresh salads and grain bowls all day long. Nuts on Clark machines also give you quick snacks around the clock.
Camden Food Co. near Gate B20 has ready-to-go sandwiches and salads. Café Descartes serves quick breakfast and coffee in the baggage claim area. Einstein Bros. Bagels gives you fast service for bagels, sandwiches, and coffee near Gate A7.
Mobile ordering options
The airport lets you order food without downloading apps through GoEatMDW.com. Here’s how you can use it:
- Scan QR codes you see in the terminal
- Look through menus from open restaurants
- Order food for pickup or delivery anywhere
- Get updates about your order right away
- Pay with credit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay
You can order from Arami, Big City Chicken, Billy Goat Tavern, DeCOLORES, Dunkin’ Express, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Harry Caray’s Shortstop, Home Run Inn Pizza, Nuts on Clark, and Woodgrain Neapolitan Pizzeria.
Peak hours to avoid
Knowing rush hours helps you plan better. Midway’s restaurants get busiest during:
Morning Rush: 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM Evening Peak: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
These busy times match heavy passenger traffic and create longer waits at security and food spots. Mid-mornings and early afternoons give you shorter lines and a more relaxed meal.
If you have an early flight, Big & Little’s, M Burger, and Tallboy Taco open at 5:00 AM. You’ll find shorter lines between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Mobile ordering works great during busy times because you can skip the lines. You can place orders before security and have food ready at your gate. The service works with Grab, AtYourGate, and Hyde Park Hospitality to bring food right to your gate or anywhere in the terminal.
Midway Airport’s rich culinary heritage shines through its impressive dining choices across interconnected concourses. A $75 million renovation has revolutionized the airport into a food lover’s paradise that brings iconic Chicago establishments and modern dining spots under one roof.
Travelers can save time by heading over to GoEatMDW.com for mobile ordering, which works great during busy hours. The airport offers plenty of budget-friendly meals, and food enthusiasts can enjoy local favorites like Billy Goat Tavern and Home Run Inn right inside the terminal.
Quick connections or long layovers don’t matter – quality food stays within easy reach at Midway. Round-the-clock vendors, grab-and-go spots, and full-service restaurants let passengers grab a bite any time. This detailed food guide shows how Midway Airport has grown way beyond typical airport food to showcase Chicago’s vibrant food scene.
Here are some FAQs about Midway airport food map:
Can I bring food into Midway Airport?
Yes, passengers can bring food into Midway Airport, but it must comply with TSA regulations. Solid foods are generally allowed, while liquids or gels must follow the 3-1-1 rule. Travelers can also check the Midway Airport Food Map to find dining options inside the airport.
What terminal does Southwest use at Midway?
Southwest Airlines primarily operates from Concourse A and B at Midway Airport. Travelers can check the Chicago Midway Airport Food Map to find nearby dining options while waiting for their flights. The Midway Airport Map Food section also provides information on gates and lounges.
How early do I need to be at Midway Airport?
It is recommended to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Midway Airport can experience long security lines, especially during peak hours. Using the MDW Airport Food Map can help travelers find food spots if they have extra time before their flight.
Does Midway Airport have a subway?
Midway Airport is connected to downtown Chicago by the CTA Orange Line, which operates like a subway. The station is conveniently located near the terminal, providing easy access to the city. Travelers can check the Chicago Midway Airport Map Food options before heading into the city.
Can I bring food in my carry-on?
Yes, food is allowed in carry-on bags, but liquids, spreads, and gels must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less. All items must fit into a quart-sized bag per TSA regulations. Passengers can also explore the Midway Airport Food Map for additional dining choices before their flight.
What is the 3-1-1 rule?
The 3-1-1 rule is a TSA regulation that limits carry-on liquids, gels, and aerosols to 3.4 ounces per container. Each passenger is allowed one quart-sized clear plastic bag, and only one bag per traveler is permitted. Those needing food or drinks can use the Midway Airport Map Food guide to locate restaurants.
Does Midway have TSA PreCheck?
Yes, Midway Airport offers TSA PreCheck, allowing eligible travelers to use an expedited security line. This service speeds up the screening process by allowing travelers to keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on. Travelers using the Chicago Midway Airport Food Map can find food options near the PreCheck lanes.
Is Midway a large airport?
Midway is smaller than O’Hare but still a busy airport with multiple concourses and restaurants. It primarily serves domestic flights and is a major hub for Southwest Airlines. The Chicago Midway Airport Map Food section helps travelers find food spots within the terminal.
What is allowed in carry-on baggage on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item. Liquids, gels, and aerosols must follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. Travelers can refer to the Midway Airport Food Map to find dining options if they prefer to buy food after security.
