A Culinary Adventure Begins
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the sizzle of a perfectly cooked breakfast, the clinking of glasses filled with local craft brews – these are the sounds and smells that greet you at Portland International Airport. Forget the usual airport fare of bland sandwiches and overpriced snacks; PDX, as it’s affectionately known, boasts a thriving food scene that rivals some of the best restaurants in Portland itself. This guide will lead you through the culinary landscape of PDX, offering insights into the best options to satisfy your cravings before, during, or after your flight. Get ready to discover why food at PDX is an experience in itself.
Understanding the PDX Food Landscape
Traveling can be a stressful experience. Long security lines, delayed flights, and the general feeling of being in a busy place can take their toll. But at PDX, there’s a welcome distraction: the promise of excellent food. This airport has cultivated a reputation for culinary excellence, a testament to its dedication to showcasing local flavors and providing a diverse range of options for every traveler. PDX isn’t just a place to catch a flight; it’s a destination where you can enjoy a delicious meal or grab a refreshing drink, transforming your travel experience.
PDX is more than just a collection of terminals; it’s a hub of culinary creativity. The airport features a remarkable blend of established local favorites and national brands, all committed to delivering a high-quality dining experience. The food at PDX is characterized by fresh, local ingredients, a commitment to sustainability, and a celebration of the Pacific Northwest’s renowned food culture. You’ll find everything from gourmet burgers and artisan pizzas to authentic Mexican cuisine and classic American breakfasts.
The airport is organized into distinct terminals and concourses (A, B, C, D, and E). Each concourse offers a different mix of restaurants, cafes, and bars, designed to accommodate the flow of travelers. Navigating PDX is generally easy. Signage is clear, and the layout is user-friendly, allowing you to quickly locate your desired dining options, even if you are short on time. Keep an eye out for the shops, cafes, and other options throughout each concourse.
Must-Try Restaurants & Eateries
Let’s dive into some of the culinary highlights, offering recommendations for where to satisfy those pre-flight cravings. We’ll cover sit-down restaurants, quick bites, and places to quench your thirst.
Sit-Down Restaurant Gems
Deschutes Brewery Portland Airport:
Where to Find It: Concourse D
What to Expect: This branch of the beloved Bend, Oregon brewery delivers a relaxed atmosphere and a menu featuring classic pub fare alongside a wide selection of Deschutes’ award-winning beers. The atmosphere is lively, making it a great place to sit and relax or to gather before a flight.
Cuisine and Specialties: American pub food, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and of course, a vast selection of craft beers, from the flagship Black Butte Porter to seasonal brews.
Atmosphere: Casual, friendly, and bustling. It’s an ideal spot to watch a game on the TVs while enjoying your meal.
Recommended Dishes: The Deschutes Burger is a solid choice, and the fish and chips are reliably delicious. Definitely sample a few of their beers, perhaps a flight to explore the options!
Screen Door East:
Where to Find It: Concourse E
What to Expect: If you want a taste of Portland’s famous Southern-inspired cuisine, Screen Door East is the place to go. This spot delivers classic Southern comfort food in a stylish, inviting setting. Be prepared for potential wait times, as it’s a popular choice, but the wait is worth it.
Cuisine and Specialties: Southern comfort food. Fried chicken, shrimp and grits, biscuits, and all the delicious sides you can imagine. They also serve breakfast.
Atmosphere: Cozy, inviting, and full of the aroma of Southern cooking.
Recommended Dishes: The fried chicken is a must-try – it is legendary for a reason. The shrimp and grits are also a favorite. Don’t forget the biscuits!
Henry’s Tavern:
Where to Find It: Concourse C
What to Expect: A great option for anyone wanting a wide variety of options, this spot has a huge menu and also features a wide selection of beers. The menu has something for almost everyone.
Cuisine and Specialties: The menu offers everything from burgers, sandwiches, and salads. It also includes a great variety of beers.
Atmosphere: A lively, casual atmosphere.
Recommended Dishes: The burgers, salads, and sandwiches are all good choices.
Quick Bites and Cafe Stops
Capers Cafe & Deli:
Where to Find It: Various locations throughout PDX
What to Expect: A reliable choice for a quick and easy meal. Capers offers a wide selection of sandwiches, salads, and pastries, as well as coffee. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a fast bite or something to take with you on the plane.
Cuisine and Specialties: Sandwiches, salads, pastries, coffee, and pre-packaged snacks.
Atmosphere: Casual, counter-service style.
Recommended Dishes: Grab a sandwich to go or a pastry with your coffee. They offer pre-packaged snacks that you can take with you.
Pillsbury Pizza:
Where to Find It: Concourse D
What to Expect: This is a great option for a quick and satisfying meal. It provides a variety of pizzas, salads, and other treats. This is a great option for grabbing a quick meal.
Cuisine and Specialties: Pizza, salads.
Atmosphere: Casual, grab-and-go.
Recommended Dishes: The pizza is a good choice.
Bambu:
Where to Find It: Concourse C
What to Expect: A great spot to grab some quick Asian-inspired snacks or meals.
Cuisine and Specialties: Banh mi, pho and noodle dishes.
Atmosphere: Casual, quick service.
Recommended Dishes: The pho is a great choice.
Bars and Breweries to Unwind
Deschutes Brewery (mentioned above):
It’s worth noting again for its excellent beer selection.
Auntie Anne’s and Wetzel’s Pretzels:
Where to Find It: Various locations.
What to Expect: For those in a rush, these are great options for quick snacks.
Cuisine and Specialties: Pretzels, snacks, and soft drinks.
Atmosphere: Quick service and grab-and-go.
Recommended Dishes: Try a freshly made pretzel!
Meeting Dietary Needs at PDX
PDX is increasingly catering to diverse dietary needs, making sure everyone can find something to enjoy.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Many restaurants, like Capers, and others in the quick bite category offer vegetarian and vegan choices. Be sure to check the menus, but you will easily be able to find options here.
Gluten-Free Options: Many restaurants offer gluten-free options, and the menus are often well-labeled. You will want to check specific restaurant menus for choices.
Other Restrictions: PDX restaurants usually provide clear ingredient lists and the servers will be able to help you with any other dietary restrictions you may have.
Drink Options Beyond Beer
Coffee Shops and Cafes: PDX has the expected coffee shop chains, but many local businesses also offer a variety of drinks, including the following.
Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee: Locations throughout the airport.
Bars and Breweries: As listed above, there are plenty of options available.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages: You’ll find a variety of juice bars, smoothie spots, and places to grab sodas, water and other soft drinks.
Tips for a Seamless Dining Experience
Timing and Crowds: Airport restaurants can get busy, particularly during peak travel times. Allow extra time for your meal, especially if you’re planning to dine at a sit-down restaurant. Consider eating outside of peak hours (such as between lunch and dinner).
Mobile Ordering: Check to see if the restaurants you are interested in offer mobile ordering options. This can save you a significant amount of time, especially when you are running short on time.
Budgeting: Prices at airport restaurants are typically higher than at restaurants outside the airport. Plan accordingly, and check menus online in advance if you’re on a budget.
Gate Proximity: Before settling down for a meal, check your gate location and estimated walking time.
Shopping for Food and Souvenirs
If you’re looking to take something on the plane or to bring home as a gift, PDX offers several options. Many stores sell packaged snacks, chocolates, and local products. You can also find shops selling local artisan goods, such as chocolates or pastries. This is a great way to bring the flavors of Portland with you or to give a delicious gift.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Food at PDX is more than just fuel for your travels; it’s an integral part of the overall experience. From the lively atmosphere of the Deschutes Brewery to the comforting Southern flavors of Screen Door East, the airport offers a diverse array of options to suit every taste and preference.
So, next time you find yourself at PDX, take advantage of the opportunity to explore the fantastic food scene. Embrace the chance to savor local flavors, try something new, and transform your travel time into a culinary adventure. Have a fantastic journey, and bon appétit!
If you have a favorite spot for food at PDX, share it in the comments below! We’re always looking for new recommendations to add to our list.
