A Traveler’s Guide to Restaurants at Reagan National Airport (DCA)

With a surge of travelers navigating the skies this Memorial Day weekend, Reagan National Airport has plenty of places to fuel up before a flight. The full list of open restaurants at Reagan can be found here.

The airports authority is now referring to areas of DCA by gates (not terminals). A 14-gate, 230,000-square-foot Concourse E that serves American Airlines flights debuted in 2021 (Gates 46-59) and has since welcomed Wolfgang Puck Bar + Bites, Peet’s Coffee, fast-casual Mezeh Mediterranean Grill, Timber Pizza Company, and Elevation Burger. The newest addition at DCA is national chain P.F. Chang’s, which landed at Concourse E in March with familiar favorites like spicy chicken, Mongolian beef, and lettuce wraps.

J. David Buerk

By the end of summer, National Hall will welcome D.C. burger bar Lucky Buns (in the now-closed Qdoba space) and Vino Volo Wine. A new Starbucks (Gate D) and Dunkin’ Donuts (Gate B) are also opening by the end of summer. Come 2024, DCA flyers can look forward to several newly announced attractions. That includes fast-casual burritos from NYC import Dos Toros Taqueria; ales and lagers from Ivy City’s solar-powered Atlas Brew Works; and caffeinated drinks from D.C.-wide chain Compass Coffee and Baltimore’s small-batch roaster Zeke’s Coffee.

To prepare for peak travel time, travelers can now skip the line and order from airport restaurants via mobile phone and pick up food and drink at the counter.

J. David Buerk Photography/DCA

Best Local Bets

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)

David Buerk Photo/Timber Pizza Co.

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. (Gate E50, post-security)

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).

EL Centro D.F.: Restaurateur Richard Sandoval’s extension of his Mexican brand, which recently called it quits on 14th Street NW, imports margaritas, guacamole, tacos, salads, and desserts, as well as breakfast, into the airport. (Post-security, Gates 23-34).

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority [Official photo]

Reagan National Airport

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 burgeoning cooked-to-order pizza maker is fast and consistent. (Post-security, Gates 35-45)

Taylor Gourmet: The Reagan airport version is a licensed business and independent from the revived 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)

Big Bowl: This made-to-order eatery serves fresh Thai and Chinese cuisine. (Gates 23-34)

Leisurely Meal Picks

P.F. Chang’s: The 5,800-square-foot Asian restaurant 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 spanish olives, and spiced lamb kofta.

Page: Celebrity chef Carla Hall lends her expertise in Southern cooking to this airport restaurant. Find items like biscuits, pimiento cheese, crab soup, 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)

Bracket Room: Billing itself as a classy sports bar and lounge, expect substantial eats (huevos rancheros tacos, chicken and waffles) while scanning highlights from the big game. (Post-security, Gates 23-34)

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

Reagan National Airport

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)

American Tap Room: Diners can start out the day with a beer and fried chicken waffles, followed by Bavarian pretzels, Maryland crab soup, wings, and steak sandwiches. (Post-security, Gates 23 – 34)

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)

Here’s a full list of dining options at DCA:

Post-security (now National Hall)

• Ben’s Chili Bowl
• Chick-fil-A
• Dunkin’ Donuts
• Legal Sea Foods
• Matsutake Sushi
• Starbucks

Terminal A (now Gate 1-9)

• Boar’s Head Delicatessen
• (2) Cibo Walk-Through Markets
• Cibo Express
• Custom Burger
• District Bar
• Dunkin’ Donuts
• Page
• Reservoir
• Tagliare

Terminal B (now Gates 10-22)

• Bracket Room
• Green Bean’s Coffee
• Cava Mezze Grill
• Great American Bagel Bakery
• Grille District
• Lickety Split
• Starbucks
• Sip, Munch N More

Terminal B/C (now Gates 23 – 34)

J. David Buerk Photography/DCA

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority [Official photo]

• Big Bowl
• Dunkin’ Donuts
• Dunkin’ Express
• El Centro, D.F.
• Lebanese Taverna
• Magic Pan
• Say Si Bon
• Smashburger
• Taylor Gourmet

Reagan National Airport

• U Street Pub

Terminal C (now Gates 35 – 45)

• &pizza
• American Tap Room
• Dunkin’ Donuts
• Dunkin’ Donuts Express
• Five Guys
• Georgetown Gourmet Market
• Kapnos Taverna
• Say Si Bon
• Washington Pour Bar
• Wow Bao

New Concourse (Gates 46-59)

J. David Buerk Photography/DCA

• 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]