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Navigating any airport — especially during a holiday season — is stressful enough, but trying to navigate the food scene + find coffee while not straying too far from your gate can be downright overwhelming.
To help those traveling through RDU, we’ve put together a list of airport eats + locations to help make your next trip easier. It’s all about planning and preparation.
Bonus: all Triangle-based eats and drinks are indicated with a 📍 emoji at the end of the listing.
Coffee
- La Farm Bakery + Café | Terminal 2, Marketplace | Daily, 5 a.m.-4 p.m. | Grab a Durham-based Counter Culture coffee from a shop that’s recognized among the “Best Artisanal Bakeries in North America.’' Make sure to check out its French Bistro menu while you’re there. 📍
- Starbucks | Terminal 1, Gate A7 | Daily, 5 a.m.-7 p.m. | Get your caffeine fix from this tried-and-true coffee shop with popular espressos, Frappuccinos, teas, and more.
- Bruegger’s Bagels | Terminal 2, Gate C18 | Daily, 5 a.m.-4 p.m. | Try a custom-blended coffee with your blueberry muffin, specialty sandwich, or freshly-baked bagel.
Dining options
- Raleigh Taproom | Terminal 2, Gate D3 | Daily, 7 a.m.–Last Departure | Stop by the local brewery that has become Wake County’s third largest production brewery, offering cold brews + food items perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 📍
- ACC American Café | Terminal 1, Gate A7 | Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.–Last departure + Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.– Last departure | Stop by the first officially licensed restaurant from the Atlantic Coast Conference and try options ranging from seafood and pasta to sandwiches and flatbreads.
- Jason’s Deli | Terminal 2, Gate D3 | Mon., Thurs., Fri. + Sat., 6:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | This deli specializes in custom-made sandwiches + hearty soups, but the best feature is the option to use the self-service kiosk to speed you through the line to catch your flight.
Open early
- 42nd St. Oyster Bar | Terminal 2, Gate C1 | Daily, 5 a.m.–Last departure | Seafood is the focus of this eatery, arriving fresh daily. Visitors can enjoy a full breakfast menu featuring “traditional southern favorites.” 📍
- La Tapenade Mediterranean Café | Terminal 1, Concourse entrance | Daily, 5 a.m.–5 p.m. | Enjoy a broad menu of made-to-order flatbread sandwiches, paninis, and wraps along with daily, pre-made Grab ‘N Go sandwiches, salads, and snacks. There are also fresh flat bread pizzas + a daily breakfast menu.
- Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen | Terminal 2, Gate D15 | 5 a.m.–Last Departure | Looking for a familiar name? Try This: signature buttermilk breakfast biscuit with bacon, sausage, or ham + eggs and seasoned hash browns.
Open late
- Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina | Terminal 1, Gate A5 | Daily, 11 a.m.–Last departure | Stop in for a made-to-order salad, burrito, quesadilla, taco, or bowl from locally-sourced ingredients + house-made sauces. 🌯
- Whisky River | Terminal 2, Gate D14 | Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.–Last departure + Sun., 11 a.m.–Last departure | Grab a seat and enjoy cow skin seatbacks, reclaimed wood accents, and a Belt Buckle wall. The menu features pulled pork, burgers, and more with Dale Jr.’s signature barbecue sauce. 🍖
- Sheetz | 1145 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville | Open 24 hours | Located near Park & Ride 3, choose between made-to-order sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, soups + salads. Baristas are also available to create specialty coffee drinks. ⛽
