Airports are magical places. No, not because of the giant flying vehicles that allow people to travel across the world at tremendous speeds. They stopped calling that magic years ago. Rather, it’s that they're meeting grounds for loved ones and adventure seekers all looking for their place in the world.
However, traveling cannot be done on an empty stomach.
This is why we went through all the terminals at Los Angeles International Airport to find the most delicious and drool-worthy menu items you should try. Whether it's before boarding or after a long, exhausting flight, the airport dining experience is detrimental. So when there’s good food to be had, you really need to know where to find it.
Also, there’s booze. Booze everywhere.
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Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Who: Ford's Filling Station
What: With a name like Ford’s Filling Station, you'd better believe travelers will expect to leave with a belly full of fuel. The Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese is a perfect combination of savory...and savory. You'll probably still feel it resting comfortable in your stomach, miles into the air.
Where: Terminal 5
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Spanish Omelet
Who: bld (Breakfast Lunch Dinner)
What: If you’re in the mood for a rustic breakfast, Breakfast Lunch Dinner should do the trick. The Spanish Omelet is stuffed with chorizo, fingerling potatoes, roasted piquillo peppers, paprika, and manchego cheese, and it's served with herb-roasted potatoes and choice of bread.
Where: Terminal 7
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Pastrami Sandwich
Who: Cole’s
What: Nothing goes better with a nice tall glass of beer like a hearty Pastrami Sandwich. Stacked with a generous amount of cured meat, the sammich is served with a pickle spear bar side.
Where: Terminal 4
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Champagne and Caviar
Who: Petrossian Caviar & Champagne Bar
What: Feeling fancy? You’re already in the international terminal, why not indulge yourselves further with some champagne and caviar? Served with crackers and other hors d'oeuvres, it’ll be a light snack to tide you over until your in-flight meal.
Where: Tom Bradley International Terminal
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Macarons
Who: La Provence Patisserie and Cafe
What: If you’re looking for a last-minute gift, look no further than a box of assorted macarons. These colorful pastries, albeit pricey, will definitely bring a smile to the recipient's face. Or you can just buy a box for yourself and eat them while you’re waiting for luggage.
Where: Terminal 4
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Tacos
Who: Loteria! Grill
What: Tacos galore. Perfect for someone looking for a quick, light and savory meal. Includes different styles of pork, beef, chicken and veggies prepared in savory marinades and salsas. Order them in singles, pairs or platters.
Where: Terminal 5
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Pizza
Who: 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria
What: Travelers can choose from a pre-designed pizza, like the classic Margarita, or build their own from 800 Degree’s list of toppings and sauces. Either way, the pizzas should put you in a comfortable slumber for the majority of your flight or the car ride from the airport.
Where: Tom Bradley International Terminal
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Veggie Bowls
Who: Real Food Daily
What: The LAX and Pasa[dena] Bowls. The Pasa bowl features quinoa, club seitan and mixed veggies over a bed of rice. The LAX Bowl boasts black beans, jalapeño cashew cheese, guacamole and a lime-cilantro dressing over brown rice. A perfect spot for vegetarians, vegans and anyone looking for a healthy meal before flying.
Where: Terminal 4
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Lemonade
Who: Lemonade
What: Lemons. Water. Sugar. Who would have thought that three simple ingredients could become a beverage popular enough to open a restaurant around? With tons of stores all over California, and one in the Middle East, Lemonade is a light pit stop through the terminal. They don't just have lemonade either, food can also be found.
Where: Terminal 5
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LAX Burger (Umami)
Who: Umami Burger
What: An Umami Burger with port-caramelized onions and a Stilton blue cheese spread. Greasy, juicy, savory. That's pretty much all you need to know here.
Where: Tom Bradley International Terminal
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Chicken and Waffles
Who: Engine Co. No. 28
What: An insanely crispy piece of chicken thrown on top of a savory Belgian waffle. While Engine Co. doses the sucker with a special sausage country gravy, don't let that deter you from drowning it in maple syrup as well. They also serve some chili that’s pretty fire, although you might want to pass on that if you’re in for a long flight.
Where: Terminal 8
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Corned Beef Hash
Who: Campanile
What: We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. Corned beef hash is one of the most under-appreciated breakfast foods out there. You got your savory potatoes, deliciously salty corned beef and a shamefully yolky poached egg.
Where: Terminal 4
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Steak
Who: B Grill by BOA Steakhouse
What: There’s nothing better than a nice, juicy, well-seasoned steak. If you call yourself steakhouse, you better believe people are you going to expect a great steak. Needless to say, B Grill delivers, even with the high-speed expectations of diners running late for flights. Their BOA Burger is pretty legit, also.
Where: Terminal 7
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Breakfast Pizza
Who: Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill
What: Our two favorite foods: breakfast and pizza. Breakfast pizzas will always hold a magical place in our hearts. Sammy’s boasts two morning pies on their menu, one featuring sausage, mushrooms and eggs, and the other, bacon, cheddar and eggs.
Where: Terminal 4
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Philly Cheesesteak
Who: Rolling Stone Bar & Grill
What: Comfort food at its finest. Made with marinated beef, sauteed onions and melted provolone, Rolling Stone serves their Philly cheesesteak on a toasted bun topped with diced red and green peppers.
Where: Terminal 7
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Cupcakes
Who: Vanilla Bake Shop
What: Honey-roasted peanuts just can’t satisfy a sweet tooth like a cupcake can. Vanilla Bake Shop pretty much has it all: chocolates, macarons and cupcakes. We recommend trying a red velvet cupcake, or three.
Where: Tom Bradley International Terminal
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Kogi Tacos & Quesadilla
Who: Kogi
What: You would think the last place you’d find a Kogi truck would be smack dab in the middle of an airport. Yet, here we are. Nestled in the heart of Terminal 4, Kogi recreated an authentic truck serving the same fusion foods you find on the streets. A wild Roy Choi may occasionally appear.
Where: Terminal 4
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The LAX Burger (The Counter)
Who: The Counter
What: Yep, another LAX Burger. This burger, however, features quite a few more toppings than its Umami counterpart. Stacked with onion confit, sauteed mushrooms, horseradish aioli and a brioche bun, the burger boasts a hormone- and antibiotic-free beef patty.
Where: Terminal 7
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Fish Tacos
Who: Slapfish
What: A cajun rubbed fish taco for those craving some seafood before some quick globe-trotting. The tacos are topped with cabbage and a tangy tartar sauce. Though if you're gonna cross the ocean, you might want to ease up on that sauce.
Where: Terminal 2
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Stinky Fries
Who: Sea Legs
What: Fries drenched in a three-cheese garlic fondue. It's topped with shaved parmesan and truffle oil. Just remember to pop a mint before boarding, cause you'll probably devour these.
Where: Terminal 2
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The LAXisHappening website also features terminal-specfic information on all the restaurants availibable at whatever terminal you're in.
Photos by Peter Pham. Cover image photographed by Brian Yamamoto.
