For years, the Portland International Airport - PDX - has been voted one of, if not the, best domestic airports in the United States by Travel and Leisure readers, as well as earning top honors and accolades from other leading travel outlets including Conde Nast Traveler. While amenities like the movie theater, live music from local musicians, and boozy tasting rooms all contribute to its reputation as a cushy layover, part of PDX's charm is that it strives to be a true reflection of the quirky, craft-driven city it represents, especially when it comes to dining.
Currently, PDX's plethora of dining options include outposts of many big-deal names from the local dining scene, including Lardo and Screen Door, along with cafes, bars, and grab-and-go markets. In true Portland fashion, menus feature inclusive options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free travelers.
PDX is also in a state of flux at the moment, undergoing a major renovation of the main terminal that's slated for completion in 2024 or 2025. Not only does that mean a beautiful new terminal for travelers to shop, dine, and unwind in, but there will be 15 new food and drink businesses, including Portland heavy-hitters like Oven & Shaker and Smith Teamaker. Until then, travelers have more than enough options for a bite to eat or a relaxed meal during a long layover. Something to note: the concourse connector hallway, which usually makes it easy for visitors to explore the whole airport without going through security again, is currently under construction, so it's best to look within your side of the airport when considering a meal.
Cha Cha Cha has long been a Portland standby for colorful Mexican food made with locally sourced produce and meats; its first airport location is no exception. In the mornings, Cha Cha Cha offers burritos stuffed with birria and scrambled eggs, making it one of the top breakfast options in the airport. Later in the day, you'll find mole poblano bowls, roasted vegetable tacos, and margaritas to fuel up pre-flight.
Lardo is a Portland legend, a sandwich cart-turned-local chain that is known for its hardcore sandwiches and dirty fries. Situated in the corner of the South Lobby with access to Concourses B and C, Corner Store by Lardo keeps travelers satiated with bacon-egg-and-cheeses, thick Italian subs, and salads available to-go or to-stay at the sit-down countertop bar area.
The Country Cat, just past security in the North Lobby, is probably the most compelling reason to come to the airport early for travelers departing out of D and E gates, thanks to its house-made granola and potato-filled three-egg omelet. For a quick bite, the house-smoked turkey sandwich from the grab-and-go menu is an option.
Flying Elephant's Delicatessen: The airport outpost of this longstanding Portland deli offer many of the other locations' knockouts, from chile con queso breakfast burritos to its legendary Mama Leone's soup. It's hard to beat the cozy vibes of its chicken pot pie, however.
Café Yumm! is a smart option in Concourse C, specifically because its namesake dish is only available in the Pacific Northwest: The Yumm Bowl looks like just-your-average rice bowl with salsa, veggies, and cheese, but its eponymous Yumm sauce - tangy and a little salty - makes it a distinctive Made in Oregon staple. Plus, it's also one of travelers' best options for plant-based PDX meals, from gluten-free to vegan.
Tillamook Market: One of Oregon's most famous brands, this dairy company's cafe serves cheesy comfort foods like fried cheese curds, Tillamook cheddar cheeseburgers, and sourdough-pretzel-topped mac and cheese out of the new expansion in Concourse E. Plus, the shop scoops pre-flight ice cream for those in need of a sugar hit.
Deschutes Brewery, also in Concourse D, offers on-tap pours of Oregon craft brews with hearty pub grub including elk burgers, cheesy flatbreads, and fast-and-easy garlic fries with orange rosemary aioli.
Blue Star Donuts, available in Concourse E, is Portland's other big-name doughnut shop, with flavors like blueberry bourbon basil and passionfruit cacao nib. These brioche-dough wonders will make any early morning flight bearable.
Screen Door, a fresh-faced vision in pink and white in the new, light-filled Concourse B, brings its beloved Southern fare like chicken and waffles to weary travelers. Both brunch and dinner classics from the East Portland staple make appearances on the menu here, as well as brunch cocktails.
Juliett, the women-in-aviation-themed bar from Lightning Bar Collective and Chefstable, sits at the far end of Concourse E. The space harkens back to the golden-age glamour of air travel, with its elegant Art Deco-esque design and a slew of craft cocktails from Adam Ohlsson; alternatively, the bar also serves Oregon-made wine and beer from Coopers Hall and Fracture Brewing, respectively. On days when she's out, the views of Mount Hood further enhance the atmosphere.
In a food court with seats and tables in a shared center, travelers will find:
. Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen, a local chainlet that offers banh mi sandwiches, vermicelli bowls, and pho. The restaurant's beef pho comes stocked with slices of rib-eye, best paired with one of the restaurant's juices.
. Café Yumm!, an Oregon-based chain offering rice bowls or wraps with Yumm! sauce - creamy and tangy chickpea-based spreads the texture of hollandaise.
. Mo's Seafood & Chowder, a family-owned Oregon institution since 1946, beloved for its famous clam chowder, fried seafood baskets, and seafood sandwiches.
. Westward Whiskey, offering a number of single-malt whiskeys with locally malted barley, available for both retail and tasting.
. National pizza chain MOD Pizza, known for its build-your-own pizzas.
. Potbelly Sandwich Shop, a national sandwich chain.
Toward the end of the concourse, you'll find:
. Vino Volo, an airport wine bar pouring a selection of local Oregon wines as well as national and international offerings.
. Portland Coffee Roasters, a great spot to pick up a latte or cup of drip.
. McDonald's - you know McDonald's, right?
In an area that has seats and tables in the center, travelers will find:
. Cha Cha Cha Taqueria, a local chain that offers casual Mexican cuisine made with local and sustainably sourced ingredients. The taqueria serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with cocktails like mezcal margaritas.
. Hissho Sushi, a national sushi chain that also offers bento boxes, ramen, steamed buns, and makirrito. Grab-and-go boxes of pre-made rolls are available, as well.
. Burgerville, an Oregon fast food chain that regularly sources from Pacific Northwestern farmers. Expect a slate of burgers, breakfast sandwiches, and fries, but the real move at Burgerville is to get one of the milkshakes - especially ones made with Oregon strawberries.
And when it comes to non-local chains: