Where to Eat at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) - Eater Houston

George Bush Intercontinental Airport, or IAH, is one of the busiest airports in the world. Hosting more than 46 million travelers every single year, IAH boasts a ton of restaurants that can satisfy the cravings of pretty much any traveler.

At this bustling airport, dining options range from upscale sit-down experiences to quick grab-and-go kiosks that serve sandwiches that can easily be eaten on the plane.

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Browse through this terminal-by-terminal guide to every dining option at IAH, complete with recommendations for locally born spots.

Best bet for booze and comfort food: Hubcap Grill & Beer Yard

There’s no better way to prepare for a flight than downing a big greasy burger and plenty of beer, and this Houston favorite is the perfect spot to do just that. Park your luggage and enjoy bacon-topped patties served on locally baked buns and killer hand-cut fries. Add a boozy milkshake if you’re looking to get festive. [gate A26]

Best for breakfast and beyond: The Breakfast Klub

Houston favorite for breakfast sandwiches and wings and waffles. [gate A7]

The Rest:

Best bet for filling up on seafood: 3rd Bar Eating House

3rd Bar Eating House is a solid option for fresh Gulf oysters, fried shrimp po’ boys, and Tex-Mex-inspired seafood dishes. If you’re not feeling fish, order a trio of sliders with different proteins or a crisp Cobb salad. [gate B1]

Best bet for barbecue: Q Bar

Houston pitmaster Greg Gatlin added another outpost during the pandemic, serving traditional Texas barbecue with mobile ordering capabilities. [gate B11]

Best bet for pizza: Tagliare

Thin crust and Sicilian-style pizza come out of piping hot ovens. [gate B1]

The Rest:

Best bets from celebrated Houston chefs:

Pala — Chef Ryan Pera of Houston’s Coltivare Pizza & Garden serves up oven-fired pizzas with both creative (Brussels sprouts) and classic (pepperoni) toppings at this airport outpost. Here, dessert for breakfast is also not out of the question, so be sure to order the Nutella calzone. [gate C5]

Ember — Underbelly Hospitality, the restaurant group once helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd, offers hand-cut steaks, Gulf seafood dishes, and starters like smoked chicken wings for a decidedly quality alternative to generally lackluster airport fare. [security checkpoint]

Olio — James Beard Award-nominated chef Monica Pope’s restaurant focuses on locally sourced produce to make up a bevy of fresh salads, paninis, and more. [C14]

Vida Taqueria — A part of the Ninfa family that’s credited with introducing the United States to fajitas in the 1970s, Houston chef Roland Laurenzo brings Tex-Mex in the form of tacos, fresh seafood, enchiladas, and guacamoles. [C6]

The Rest:

Best bets from celebrated Houston chefs:

Hugo’s Cocina — Award-winning Houston chef Hugo Ortega’s airport restaurant offers tortas, salads, chips and guacamole, and cocktails like blueberry mojitos. [gate D6]

The Rest:

Best Bets:

The Rest:

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