Craft brewed beers range all the way from Samuel Adams, a product of the Boston Beer Company, to smaller regional breweries. To meet the definition “small” you must produce less than two million barrels of beer a year. And the best of it is finding its ways to airports – some beers (such as Boston’s Harpoon) are produced literally within a mile or so of the airport.
“Airports as a whole are going towards local presence in their retail concepts,” says Gordon. “[Flyers] are looking for local flavor. That’s what visitors are expecting when they come to the airport.”
Thus, thirsty reader, this beer guide from Cheapflights – a sky map to some of the best airport pubs in the country. So fast is craft brewing debuting at airports that we can’t cover them all. If you have a favorite airport pub we missed, let us know about it and tell us your favorite brew. Meantime, get that boarding pass, clear security and drink up – in moderation, of course.
Print the Beer Lover's Airport Guide.
Atlanta – Kick back for a bit at the planet’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) and savor a Sam Adams - on either Concourse A or C. The beer is beautiful, so sought-after that Men’s Journal named Samuel Adams Boston Lager the “Best Airport Layover Beer” last year. Ditch the bottle and order it up on draft. Depending on the time of year, pursue a pint of Sam’s seasonal brew (The White Ale is a nice change of pace for St. Patrick’s Day).
Boston – Bostonians know beer. In a town that gave birth to Samuel Adams (both the Patriot and the brew) lots of locals harken to Harpoon, a brand of beers that is quintessentially New England in every way. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) boasts its own Harpoon Brewery Tap Room. You’ll find it in the Terminal A Satellite, beyond security near Gates 18 – 22. This has got to be some of the freshest airport brew you’ll ever quaff. That’s because the Harpoon Brewery itself is just 1.2 miles form the airport. What’s to drink? Several options, but the hands-down favorite is Harpoon I.P.A., or Indian Pale Ale. Harpoon’s I.P.A. is a high-hop brew, with a lingering bitter finish that is neither harsh nor astringent – just crisp and pronounced. Harpoon achieves the trick by “dry hopping” – adding fresh hops to the conditioning beer for a fresh hop aroma.
Chicago – With a name like Boz O’Brein you know the guy has got to run a bar. And he does. It’s in the post-security food court at Chicago Midway (MDW) and it’s called Reilley’s Daughter. The first thing you’ll want to know about this cozy enclave is that the bar, and all its furniture, was crafted in Ireland. The second thing you’ll want to know is that much of the beer is Irish – Guinness, Harp, and Smithwick’s – and all on-tap. When O’Brien first opened the place, “I didn’t think people would be interested in Irish beer,” he said. So, O’Brein stocked up on mass-produced American brands. He was wrong. Guinness is his best seller. Now, the brew matches the ambience. If you’re stuck at Midway waiting for an airplane, this is where you’ll want to be.
Go goose hunting at Chicago O’Hare (ORD) The Goose Island Beer Company www.gooseisland.com recently set up shop in Terminal 1, Concourse C between Gates 8 and 10. The Goose Island enclave is a contemporary brasserie affair. Lots of ambience –lots of good beer. Try Honker Ale – blessed with a spicy hop aroma and a rich, malty middle. This is one of our favorites: Oatmeal Stout – perfect for the kind of blustery days that beset O’Hare all too often. It will ward off the cold, if not the delays.
Dallas – If you’re looking for a place to kick back at Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW), the best beer on the Manhattan-sized aerodrome may just be at Tigin Irish Pub & Restaurant. You’ll find it in International Terminal D, out by Gate D20. A pint of Guinness goes down nicely – whether solo, or in tandem with food. The Homemade Shepherd's Pie is particularly good with the beautifully bitterish taste of Guinness. The dish is made from ground sirloin and diced vegetables in savory gravy. It’s topped off with colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage). The fame of this particular airport pub is spreading like Irish mist. That’s because Terminal D is one of the world’s great crossroads, a prime international departure point for the world’s largest airline carrier, American Airlines.
Denver – The Rocky Mountains are synonymous with one brand: Coors. Great stuff. But there’s another far smaller brewery that’s winning friends and influencing flyers out of Denver International Airport (DEN). It’s New Belgium, and it sells its product at the Mile High aerodrome on Concourse B in the Regional Jet Terminal. It’s worth the trip – regardless of where your departure gate is located. The pub itself is called “The Hub,” and it features New Belgium beers. By far the most popular brew is the Fat Tire Amber Ale. Seventy-percent of the company’s sales derive from this beer alone. Fat Tire is a balanced beer. To quote from the company, the flavor is, “a feat of balance: Toasty malt flavors (think biscuits just pulled from the oven) coasting in equilibrium with crisp hoppiness.” One customer says New Belgium Fat Tire, “just makes you smile.” Next time you’re stuck in a snowstorm at DEN, The Hub looks to be the perfect place to be. Sip slowly.
Detriot – Where better to sip a pint or two than the McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). DTW is home to one of Northwest Airlines’ prime hubs, and also to the Three Irish Pub. The pub is located on Concourse B, near Gate B7. Not only does the place serve up such luminaries as Guinness, Harp, Smithwick, Samuel Adams, and Murphy Red, but it also boasts its own musician. Michael McMahon, formerly with the Irish band Black Mist, will perform at Three Irish Pub on St. Patty’s Day. He’s a favorite at downtown Detroit’s Old Shillelagh Pub. Want a wee bit of pub grub to go along with the beer and ambience? Order up a House Special Corned Beef on Pumpernickel Rye.
Los Angeles – Gordon Biersch www.gordonbiersch.com co-founder Dan Gordon says LA beer drinkers tend to favor his Blonde Bock - a brew that can be found in abundance in either of two Gordon Biersch theme bars at Los Angeles International (LAX), in Terminal 1 or Terminal 8. Here’s Gordon’s reasoning: “Blonde Bock is a high-alcohol brew, over 7 percent. LAX has given to launching lots of transcontinental and transoceanic non-stop flights, and people want to sleep the minute they hit their seat.” says Gordon. “Two of those,”, and you’re going to be a happy camper.”
Las Vegas – Quench your thirst at this deep desert airport at the Gordon Biersch in Terminal D at McCarran International (LAS). Match the mood of the dry desert with an appropriate drink. In this case, that’s a Pilsner – robustly hopped and light colored. Don’t be fooled by the color though. This is not a light-drinking beer. You might keep that in mind before hitting the slot machines that are scattered about the airport.
Miami – Miami International Airport (MIA) is the prime Latin launch pad in this country, the literal crossroads of two continents. Days can get sultry in south Florida. When they do, cool off at the Samuel Adams Brewpub in Terminal E. If you’re headed south in the summertime, a good way to beat the heat is with a pint of Summer Ale. It’s sold April through August, and is perfectly attuned to the season.
Minneapolis – Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP): This airport ranks 10th in the United States and 19th in the world in number of passengers served annually. If you are in the mood for some Brown Ale Chicken and homemade beer bread head to Rock Bottom Brewery, located in concourse C. This restaurant offers six handcrafted brews ranging from their traditional American ale, to the Itasca Extra Pale Ale to the Rock Bottom Wheat (spicy Belgian ale with coriander and orange peel flavoring). Rock Bottom also offers Budweiser on tap for those who like to stick to the basics.
New York – New York Kennedy (JFK) airport can be a hotspot for delayed flights. That can equate with frustrated flyers, assuming they haven’t paused for an attitude adjustment. You can do precisely that at Samuel Adams Brewpubs. There’s one in the Delta terminal, and another in International Terminal 4. Boston Lager is the best seller, but Sam serves up other luscious libations, too. Depending on your disposition that day, ask for a pint of Black Lager or Pale Ale. The former goes well with further delays; the latter is a sign they’re about to call your flight. See, you do have some control at the airport after all. Sam Adams also has three locations at busy Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). You’ll find Sam’s best brews Terminals A, B, and C.
Orlando – Orlando International Airport (MCO) has a lot to offer the kids, from a 3,000-gallon aquarium to kid-themed art however, there are also some great adult distractions here, too. Head to McCoy’s Grill located in the Orlando Airport Hyatt Regency Hotel. Enjoy a fresh locally-caught mahi sandwich and wash it down with an equally fresh Orlando Blonde Ale or an Orlando Red Ale organic beer. Both beers are brewed less than 15 miles from the Orlando Airport. If you are in the mood for something a little more global, McCoy’s offers over 20 different brews from all over the world. Try a Peroni, Sapporo, or a Pilsner Urquel. Whatever type of brew you are in the mood for, McCoy’s will not disappoint.
Philadelphia– Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): Thirty airlines, including five low-cost airlines, offer nonstop flights to more than 120 cities nationwide and around the globe. PHL is very flyer-friendly with award-winning food outlets, exhibitions, performing arts and hospitality programs. For flyers looking to quench their thirst, the airport offers visitors plenty of opportunity with Jet Rock Bar and Grill in concourses B, D and F. The restaurant offers 48 beers on-tap from local micro-brews from nearby Lancaster as well as more well-known brews. The restaurant offers pub style food, so grab a burger and a beer while you are waiting for your flight.
Portland – You’d be hard-pressed to find an airport with more handcrafted beer options that Portland International (PDX). This habitat is a haven for flyers in search of fine beer. One of PDX’s most enticing enclaves is the Laurelwood Brewing Company, with post-security locations on both Concourses A and E. And one of Laurelwood’s most fascinating flavors, by far, is its Organic Tree-Hugger Porter. It’s robust, and dark – with a chocolate malt ambience and a dry, roasty finish. So renowned is this stuff that it won the Silver Medal in during the 2002 World Beer Cup competition. As the name implies, this beer is brewed with 100 percent organically-grown malt. That’s not just for show. The epicenter for environmental consciousness on the West Coast is Portland, and PDX is the air portal through which you’ve got to pass to get there.
Raleigh – One of North Carolina’s major airports, Raleigh-Durham services almost 500 daily arrivals and departures, including nine major and 18 regional airlines serving 46 destinations. If you find yourself enduring a long layover in Raleigh-Durham, grab a beer at the Carolina Alehouse located in terminal 2 between gates C-15 and C-17. Watch the Tar Heels on one of the many HD screens and grab a bite to eat. The bar serves a large variety of beer including bottle beer ranging from the standbys of Budweiser, Heineken, and Rolling Rock to less traditional beer such as Flying Dog Heat Wheat, Highland Oatmeal, and Warsteiner. On tap they serve a large variety of beer including Red Oak Lager and Red Oak Battlefield Black, both local brews of North Carolina. If you find yourself at RDU, make sure you stop in for some sports, great food, and great beer.
Salt Lake City – Beer drinkers on the windward side of the Wasatch Range swear by Squatters beer. Understandably, Salt Lake City International (SLC) reflects the local tastes. Squatters Airport Pub is located in Terminal One, on Concourse C. The big seller is Squatters IPA. This golden-hued Indian Pale Ale has a reputation as a refreshing, balanced brew with a neat, foamy head. If you’re headed for a flight and want to get a bit of work done en route, try this IPA – and confine yourself to just one. It won’t load you down for the journey ahead.
San Francisco – A launch pad for the Pacific, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the most romantic airports anywhere. It sports a fine on-airport museum and lots of history. SFO is also the place to quaff one of the most favored beers brewed today: Hefeweizen. Go to Gordon Biersch in Terminal 3, Boarding Area F and ask for a glass. It’s amazing stuff, suffused with citrus, clove, bubblegum, and banana flavors – all produced naturally from the yeast and malted wheat. It’s a beer that’s a whimsical and diverse as San Francisco itself.
Seattle – Seattle flyers appreciate great beer as much as they do great coffee. That’s why raising a pint or two at Seattle/Tacoma International (SEA) is done with a certain reverence. Take a trek over to Concourse B and visit the Seattle Taproom. The ales are hand-crafted, the pub grub good, and the regional microbrews abundant. If you’re hungry, order beer braised bratwurst or habanero chicken. The latter could require a refill to your beer mug.
St. Louis – St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL): The St. Louis airport is making strides to create a more enjoyable experience for passengers with the launch of the Lambert Advantage program. This program focuses on more amenities and services for passengers traveling through STL. Budweiser may be king in St. Louis, but Schafly is a great micro-brew that prides itself on quality and freshness. If you are in the mood for a great local St. Louis brew, head to Schafly Tap Room located in the main terminal on Concourse B. Wash down the Hefeweizen battered cod with an ice cold British-style Pale Ale or a Dry Hopped American Pale Ale.
Washington DC – Reagan National Airport (DCA) is a great place to watch airplanes silhouetted against the alabaster skyline of our nation’s capital in the distance. It’s also a great place to buy a beer before boarding your flight. Do that at Gordon Biersch located in Terminal C, and in Terminal D near Gate 14. Dan Gordon, the company’s co-founder, has a theory that certain parts of the country favor certain brews. At DCA order up a Märzen. The brew is robust, and very malty with an auburn hue.
At Washington Dulles International (IAD) head for one of the legendary names in pubdom: Firkin & Fox, located in Concourse C, near Gate 22. One of the newest additions to a line-up that already includes the likes of Rickard’s, Smithwick’s and Guinness is Butlers’ Pale Ale. Firkin says the medium brew is available exclusively at its pubs. Want something to eat? A classic order of Fish n Chips go down nicely with just about every brew they serve. The Guinness Steak and Mushroom Pie is a nice compliment to a dark Guinness. Back before the German Purity Laws were enacted in 1516, beer was a makeup of anything anyone could find. Dan Gordon says,
“You had the equivalent of witches’ brew being produced. They threw in branches, twigs, and cow bile. It was absolutely disgusting.”
Thank goodness beer has come a long way – in time and space. Not long ago it was tough to find a good brew at the airport, but no longer is that a problem. The days of bad airport beer are all but gone. If you need convincing, just belly up to the bar at any of these airport pubs. Prosit!
