The holidays are creeping up fast, which means airports will soon be buzzing with millions of travelers. Last year, a staggering 7.5 million people hopped on flights to reunite with family or squeeze in a year-end getaway. But holiday travel likely means long layovers and delays, putting a damper on travel plans. Instead of stewing by the gate, make your layover a mini happy hour at one of the best airport bars in the country.
Online betting platform BetUS crunched the numbers to find out which airport watering holes are worth your time and money. Their ranking factored in Google ratings, beer prices, burger costs, menu size and bar location within the airport. Because if you’re stuck waiting for a flight, you might as well enjoy yourself.
Coming in at number one is TGI Fridays in the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. This isn’t your average Fridays—this spot scored a Google rating of 3.9 and an overall score of 79.4. What sets it apart is wallet-friendly pricing. You’ll pay just $5 for a draft beer, $12.98 for a cheeseburger, and a very reasonable $2.86 for fries.
At number two is the legendary Billy Goat Tavern at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. This place oozes historic charm. It’s a slice of Chicago that’s perfect for a pre-flight bite or drink.
Rounding out the top three is Chili’s at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. With draft beers priced at just $3, it’s got the cheapest brews of any major airport bar. Add in cheeseburgers at $13.49 and a seven-page menu brimming with options, and you’ve got yourself a solid spot to kill time without killing your budget.
If you’re strictly on the hunt for the cheapest pint, Chili’s in Milwaukee takes the crown, followed by Bardenay at the Boise Airport. At the other end of the spectrum, 49th State Brewing at Anchorage’s Ted Stevens Airport and Cask & Larder at Orlando International charges a whopping $16 and $14 per pint, respectively.
Next time your layover at one of these airports threatens to drag, treat yourself to a beer and burger. Find the full rankings here.
10 best airport bars in the U.S.
- TGI Fridays – Dallas/Fort Worth International
- Billy Goat Tavern – Chicago O’Hare International
- Chili’s – Milwaukee Mitchell International
- Gourmandise Euro-Diner & Bakery – Salt Lake City International
- Village Pub Vegas – Harry Reid International
- SkyDine Services – Sioux Falls International
- Pedal Haus Brewery – Phoenix Sky Harbor International
- Bardenay – Boise Airport Boise Airport
- OMB at Charlotte Douglas International Airport – Charlotte Douglas International
- Providence Provisions – T.F. Green International