The food and drink options at the New Orleans airport got a serious upgrade with the opening of the new $1 billion, 35-gate terminal in November 2019. The mix includes several full-service dining options that encourage you to pull up a seat and take time to peruse menus from local names like Mondo, Emeril’s Table and Leah’s Kitchen, a concept named after and inspired by legendary chef Leah Chase.
SEE ALSO: A traveler’s guide to the New Orleans’ new airport terminal
The key word here? Time. Most of us don’t have a lot of that — even less so when we’re rushing to make a flight. There are still plenty of tasty options for the less leisurely travelers among us, though it helps to know where to find them.
Take a look at the map below to see where all the concessions are located.
Here are our picks for grab-and-go food options at the new airport:
Shake Shack
The popular chain developed by New York restaurateur Danny Meyer draws a following for its all-natural burgers, hot dogs and “crinkle-cut” fries. Anticipate lines on busy travel days. That said, the restaurant’s pared-down menu should keep things moving. The new location isn’t currently serving the chain’s signature “concrete” shakes, which blend custard and baked goods like brownies and pieces of pie. But it will have frozen custard and regular vanilla, chocolate and strawberry shakes.
Location: Main terminal, between security and Concourse B
Dook’s Burgers
This grab-and-go burger option is an offering from the Dooky Chase family, featuring quick burgers and sandwiches on the go.
Location: Concourse B, Gate 4
Smoothie King
The Metairie-founded smoothie concept is one of the food and beverage holdovers from the old airport. The new storefront is larger, which should help lines move more quickly than the juice stand set-up from the old airport. Get a 32-ounce Angel Food smoothie for $7.29.
Location: Main terminal at the Concourse B entrance
Chick-fil-A
The chicken sandwich chain’s new airport location has six ordering stations, but prepare for lines on busy travel days similar to Shake Shack. The wait time should be easy to scope out from a distance before deciding to jump in line. Popular items include the Chick-fil-A Deluxe sandwich and the chicken biscuit on its breakfast menu.
Location: Main terminal, between security and the Concourse C entrance
MoPho
This Mid-City restaurant from chef Michael Gullotta combines Vietnamese and New Orleans flavors with its build-your-own pho menu, fresh spring rolls and dependably delicious rotation of specials. It offers quick-service seating, but behind the open kitchen there’s a dedicated MoPho to-go kiosk selling items like the NOLA hot sausage “po-mi” sandwich and griddle pork spring rolls.
Location: Concourse B, Gate B6
City Greens
The New Orleans-based chain is known for its fresh (and fast) salads and wraps. Round out your meal with soup or a pressed juice – the perfect option for those who want a quick but healthy meal.
Location: Concourse B, Gate B8
Emeril’s Table To Go
Emeril’s Table, a restaurant from chef Emeril Lagasse, whose rise to culinary fame started in New Orleans, includes a large bar and an open kitchen with a wood-fired pizza oven. This is a sit-down establishment, but it also has a dedicated to-go area. Get Emeril’s Gumbo Ya-Ya with smoked chicken and andouille sausage or a paneed pork po-boy with pickled vegetables, collard greens and creole tomato jam.
Dishes from Eat Fit NOLA by dietitian Molly Kimball and Ochsner Fitness Center are also featured on the menu.
Location: Concourse B, Gate B10
Concourse C
Lucky Dogs
There are two Lucky Dogs hot dog carts in the MSY airport for your convenience. The French Quarter’s Lucky Dogs is a true New Orleans taste experience that you don’t want to miss.
Location: Main terminal at the Concourse B entrance and Concourse C, Gate C2
Cure
Quality craft cocktails are the main draw at Cure’s Freret Street bar and its new airport outpost, but it’s menu also includes quick snacks like spiced nuts, white bean bruschetta for $11 and smoked trout dip for $14.
Location: Concourse C, Gate C6
The Munch Factory
If you’re routed through the airport in the morning, Munch offers a quick-service breakfast for busy morning travelers. Try a delicious breakfast wrap. Munch doesn’t offer any grab-and-go options after breakfast, but if you have some time to sit down between flights, the Creole classics and modern soul food can’t be missed.
Location: Concourse C, Gate C6
Folse Market
A marketplace designed with famed Chef John Folse, stop by Folse market for food stations offering decadent cuisine from seafood and charcuterie to po’boys.
Location: Concourse C, Gate C10
Chili’s
While not exactly trendy or local, the Chili’s at the airport will have a dedicated to-go area for travelers on the move. Vegetarians can sub a black bean patty for any of the restaurant’s burgers. Get a Southwestern Egg Rolls for $10.29 or a Chili’s Chili Burger with fries for $10.89.
Location: Concourse C, Gate C4
Article updated by Cassidy Swanson
