Working as a crew member often means grabbing a bit between flights and grabbing some airport food. So what to eat where? Each month we will review a couple of airports and give you some hints on which locations are worth your time and money to visit. This month we look at Austin and Barcelona. But we also want to hear from you! Do you have a favorite airport restaurant? Tell us so we can pass the word in future issues on the NonRevTraveler! Email us at reviews@nonrevtraveler.com with your airport restaurant suggestions!
This month we start with Austin, Texas Airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). It is a relatively small airport terminal and pretty easy to get around. All of these suggestions are behind security so you can get to them easily between flights or when you plane is doing a turn in Austin.
- Salt Lick BBQ – If you have a hankering for BBQ or need a quick BBQ fix then head for the Salt Lick. The Salt Lick barbecue restaurants have been raved about in everything from the Washington Post to the New York Times, and now you can get a little taste of Texas from a stand at the airport. Don’t let the time of day dissuade you from stopping here — there are breakfast tacos for the morning and there’s brisket for all other meals. Location – West Terminal by Gate. 12.
- Maudies – Tasty breakfast taco’s to get your going in the morning. Perfect for crew members who work those 5am departures and come thru Austin early. You will also find migas and a full menu of other classic, hot Tex-Mex dishes! Very reasonable prices – 2 tacos for less than $4. Location – West Terminal by Gate. 12.
- Nuevo Leon – If you want a great option in the East Terminal and love Tex Mex then Nuevo Leon should be your stop. Fantastic breakfast tacos and other tasty dishes to help you shake off the early morning blues. For lunch and dinner you can pick from a wide select of tasty TexMex dishes. Location – East Terminal by Gate. 7.
- Saxon Pub – A great dive bar/live music establishment in Austin, it also has a branch at the airport. If you can’t make their location on South Lamar on a layover, then this satellite location has drinks, snacks and live music. A great place to settle in between flights (yes they serve soft drinks, coffee and iced tea). Note – the close early (6:30pm everyday but Saturday when they close at 6pm, don’t ask me why. Location – East Concourse by Gate 5.
- Waterlook Ice House – There a number of Waterloo Ice Houses around Austin so a location at the airport seems appropriate. Great people watching while you wait for your next flight. The menu is classic American with burgers, catfish, soups, salads are on the menu for lunch and dinner. For breakfast you will find a choice of pancakes and more! Location – East Terminal by Gate 7.
Out 2nd city this month is where to eat in Barcelona (BCN). International crews with long overnights might not need this info but for those who Barcelona is only a stop on your day or where you flight turns then keep reading on where to dine at the Barcelona El Prat International Airport (BCN).
There are two terminals at El Prat as it is known locally. Terminal 1 has lots of options. Terminal 2, not so much as it is under renovations. When it is completed the options will greatly expand and probably be pretty similar dining options to what you find in Terminal 1. For now at we hope you fly in and out of Terminal 1.
So let’s take a look at Terminal 1 dining options. Best Selection in the entire airport is…….
Porta Gaig: If you have some time on your hands, then check out Porta Gaig, The noted Catalan chef, Carles Gaig who trained under Juan-Mari Arzak and owns two restaurants in Barcelona, oversees the menu at this location. It includes rustic classics like roasted chicken, croquettes, veal as well as pata negra. This is not Michelin-level dining, but they do it right. The space makes everything look and feel a little more contemporary. Location – P3, or floor three.
Other options in Terminal 1 worth your time and money include:
- Asador del Mar: Looking for something healthy? Asador del Mar is a good option for simple grilled Catalan seafood and cured meats. Location – P1, or floor one
- La Pausa: Lots of these locations in most all European airports offering inoffensive traditional food. As its name suggests, you can take your time here. Location – P1, or floor one.
- Lizarrán: More than 200 locations worldwide including this one at the Barcelona airport. Here you will find finding a satisfying array of traditional tapas such as pulpo a Feira, bravas and lacón, plus on occasion, their trademark, baroque pinchos. You can get it to go or hang out and people watch. Location – P1, or floor one (3 locations, one of which is before security).
- Mussol: Like the two Mussol locations in the city, the one at the airport specializes in grilled meats and vegetables and offers plenty of other traditional options, including cheeses. Not on a diet? Then get a plate of french fries topped with butifarra and a fried egg. Location – P1, or floor one, two locations.
- Quasi Queviures: Lots of great to-go items. It is not as high-end as Semon, the airport location of Paseo de Gracia’s QuQu is a very good spot for the usual food items Barcelona is known for such as tapas and hearty cooked raciones. Location – P1, or floor one.
- Pans and Company: The Spanish chain serves up bocadillos, chips, fries, and non-alcoholic beverages. If time is short, this is the fastest location on this list. Location – P1, or floor one, two locations
- Pastafiore: If pasta is your choice and not sure why that would be the case in the Barcelona airport then this chain won’t be too offensive. Lots of cream, bacon, ham, and sauces of the not so low cal variety. They also serve pizza! Location – P1, or floor one.
- Semon: Might be the best option of the quick bites spots at the airport, Semon has a menu of tapas, plus prepared cold and hot raciones including ensaladilla rusa and croquettes and even caviar. The space is airy and modern European in an IKEA kind of. Location – P1, or floor one.
Just need a drink or some coffee? Then check out:
- Caffe di Fiore: There are three of these scattered throughout the terminal, one of which is actually before the security checkpoint. Location – P1, or floor one and 3, floor 3. One location is before security on P1, the other two after, on P1 and P3.
- Caffe di Roma: Looking for an alternative to Spanish coffee? Then this is your place. As they only serve Lavazza. Location – P1, or floor one.
- Gambrinus: Cruzcampo beer is the star at this location. Location – P1, or floor one.
- Häagen-Dazs: Coffee, beverages, and, of course, ice cream. Location – P1, or floor one.
- Medas Beer: The place to go if you’re more in the mood for some Estrella Damm more than you are hungry and looking for something to eat, which they also offer. Location – P3, or floor three.
Terminal 2 – Caffe di Fiore offers some pastries and snacks. The other option is Pans & Company which has similar deli style offerings as Caffe di Fiore. Like we said earlier, when the renovations in Terminal 2 are finished we expect many of the same options available in Terminal 1 to be found in Terminal 2.