For decades airports have lacked quality places to eat, including Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Traditionally, the food choices lean toward overpriced and unhealthy, with burgers from fast food chains and prepackaged cold sandwiches being the main options.
In fact, having to dine at the airport was often a last resort for travelers saddled with long layovers or flight delays. But that’s all changed in recent years.
Nowadays, regional restaurants, celebrity-chef owned eateries, and even local brewpubs are upping the ante on airport cuisine. And, lucky for us, our Arizona airport has caught onto the trend.
Sure, there’s still the ubiquitous McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Dunkin’, but now plenty of only-in-Arizona options have joined the line up. Today travelers can enjoy over 50 sit-down, fast-food, and grab-and-go spots in Sky Harbor airport.
We’ve selected 10 of our favorites that showcase the best of the Valley’s dining scene. From tacos to craft beer, French bistros to French fries — the options may leave you looking forward to a long layover.
Ajo Al’s
Located: Terminal 3, near Gate E4
This family-owned local chain has five, full-service locations across the Valley, serving Sonoran-style Mexican food since 1986. In 2020, Ajo Al’s opened an outpost at Sky Harbor as part of the airport’s $590-million Terminal 3 Modernization Program.
Open from 6 a.m. until the final plane lands for the day, Ajo Al’s serves up addictive smoked street tacos and frozen margaritas. No time to make breakfast before that early morning flight? Grab the Gringo Breakfast with eggs, refried beans, and Southwest potatoes on flour or corn tortillas. The eatery also offers vegetarian versions of its popular tacos, burritos, and salads.
PHX Beer Co.
Located: Terminal 3, near Gate E4
Adjacent to Ajo Al’s, the aptly named PHX Beer Co. pours up a range of brews, from easy-drinking lagers and ales to specialty sours to hoppy IPAs like the award-winning Monsoon IPA. With all these options, the bar makes for a great hangout for a long layover.
The food menu features classic pub-style dishes, including soups, salads, burgers, and flatbreads. Each menu description, from the Bavarian Bratwurst, topped with beer cheese and beer mustard, to the Creamy Truffle Cavatappi, includes a recommended beer pairing.
San Tan Brewpub
Located: Terminal 3, near Gate F6
One of the Valley’s original brewpubs, San Tan Brewing Co. is known as much for award-winning craft beers as it is for the pub-style cuisine. Favorites from the brewery’s Chandler location have found a place on the airport menu. For example, the Pub Pretzels, Crispy Chicken Fingers with Mr. P’s habanero barbecue sauce, the Chandler Club with turkey, bacon, and avocado on sourdough, and the HefeWeizen-battered Anthony’s Fish + Chips.
Wash it all down with one of San Tan’s flagship beers such as the MoonJuice IPA, Juicy Jack IPA, or Sky Harbor Lager. In the cooler months, be sure to try the seasonal favorite Sex Panther, a double chocolate porter inspired by the Will Ferrell cult classic Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.
The Tavern by Mark Tarbell
Located: Terminal 3, near Gate F3
Looking for something a little more refined? A place to escape the madness that is your departure gate? Legendary Phoenix chef Mark Tarbell has you covered at The Tavern. The large corner spot is modeled after a cozy wine cave, with rich earth tones and a moody ambiance.
At the focal point you’ll find the bar, which is well-stocked with wines from around the globe. The food menu includes many favorites from Tarbell’s Biltmore counterpart, including the Classic American Burger and The Best BLT in Phoenix, as well as a selection of tacos, salads, and steaks.
Eegee’s
Locations: Terminal 4, near Gate D11
Okay, so it’s fast food, but this Tucson-based chain has been a regional favorite since 1971. Locals love Eegee’s signature frozen fruit-flavored drinks and ranch fries with crunchy bacon bits. The Terminal 4 outpost offers a complete menu that includes breakfast, kid’s meals, a wide selection of grinders, and of course, those famous fries and Eegees drinks. Locals know to get half-lemon and half-strawberry for a sweet, tangy, and refreshing treat that will take your mind off that all-to-common flight delay.
Four Peaks Brewing
Location: Terminal 4, near Gate A20
Known for its iconic Kilt Lifter amber ale, Four Peaks is regarded as the pioneer of the Valley’s craft beer movement. Weary travelers will find this brew and other local favorites including Sunbru and Hop Knot, all on tap. So, grab a pint — or a glass of wine or cocktail — and enjoy it alongside a plate of Fish & Chips, chicken tenders, or the Verde Burger, topped with spicy Hatch green chiles. Breakfast is served from 5 to 10 a.m.
Zinc Brasserie
Location: Terminal 4, near Gate C11
Zinc Brasserie has all the upscale Parisian flair of its Scottsdale counterpart, Zinc Bistro, albeit without the giant illuminated Eiffel Tower centerpiece. The menu is filled with French standards that aren’t typically found in airport restaurants outside of la République, such as Croque Monsieur, Steak Frites, Onion Soup, and brandied duck pate. Breakfast options include croissants and crepes, while crème brûlée is a must on the dessert menu. The brasserie also boasts a full bar with a robust wine selection.
Pedal Haus Brewery
Location: Terminal 4, near Gate D11
The Tempe-born craft brewery’s airport location takes off with pints of award-winning Day Drinker Light Lager and Bière Blanche Belgian Witbier, along with a selection of pilsners, IPAs and seltzers.
Pair your Pedal Haus Brewery beer with local favorites such as rustic pizzas — try the Prosciutto & Goat Cheese — the best-selling Bavarian Pretzel with Bière Blanche beer cheese, and the Grilled Chicken & Apple Salad. Morning flyers also have plenty of options, including the Bière Blanche Waffle or Breakfast Pizza topped with Bière Blanche beer cheese, eggs, bacon, bratwurst, and cheese.
Tacos Chiwas
Location: Terminal 4, near Gate B4
When it comes to tacos, husband and wife duo Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin have been serving up some of the Valley’s best since 2016. Their first taqueria opened inside a former Dairy Queen, and since then, the couple has been nominated for two James Beard Awards.
Before a flight, grab a Taco Combo, which comes with your choice of three tacos, including pastor, barbacoa, or calabacitas. Pair that with a Spicy Cucumber Margarita.
Or, for a light snack, try the Elote en Vaso, roasted street corn topped with cotija, mayo, and Tajín. But for a truly unique flavor, don’t miss Tacos Chiwas’ signature Desherbrada Verde or Desherbrada Roja burrito, marinated green or red chile beef with potato and refried beans. It’s one last taste of the Valley before you disembark on adventure.
Chelsea’s Kitchen
Location: Terminal 4, pre-security
Terminal 4 offers a selection of eateries right before you reach security, so if you’re stuck waiting for an incoming flight, you don’t need to spend your time doom scrolling in baggage claim. Instead, head to Chelsea’s Kitchen for some great Southwest-influenced comfort food. The restaurant is known for using local, seasonal ingredients, so every dish is packed full of flavor. The signature house-made Deviled Eggs remains a menu staple, and other favorites include the Green Chile Burger, Ethan’s Vegetarian Tacos, and the award-winning Short Rib Tacos.
