If you're stuck in a terminal at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport without a lot of great options (looking at you, Terminal E and TGIFriday's), you can catch a tram between terminals without having to go through security again.
American Airlines Flagship Lounge (Terminal D)
Wait! Hold on. It's actually not too expensive. Hear us out. Head to Terminal D to American Airlines' Flagship Lounge where you'll have a large space with plenty of room to spread out with posh amenities such chef-inspired meals, an open bar and a premium wine table. Plus: shower suites. While the lounge is reserved for certain cardholders, which you can find under "Access" on the website, make note of the single visit pass for $150 or 15,000 AAdvantage miles. So, here's the thing: They have complimentary food and alcoholic beverages and no crying or disruptive children, making this an absolute no-brainer. You'd probably spend $150 at the airport bar anyway, right?Papasito's (Terminal A)
No one has really ever had a bad time sitting at the bar at Papasito's with chips, salsa and a marg. Prove it. It's not our favorite local Tex-Mex spot by any means, but if you're stuck in Terminal A, it's a damn savior. Those smokey fajitas rolling through the dining room just might make you think you're still in Cabo, if you get enough of those margs anyway. CRU Food & Wine Bar (Terminal D)
CRU — Airport Wine Bar of the Year in 2019 — is a wine bar where you can relax in a calm space with a panini, burger, pizza, salad and a wine flight (our favorite flights). There are even charcuterie boards. The kitchen is open 6:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., and the wine bar is open until 11 p.m. every day of the week.Flying Saucer Draught Emporium (Terminal D)
The food may get some mixed online reviews, but The Flying Saucer is an excellent spot to grab a beer and watch sports. There's a large seating area, too, if you're with a party. Choose from around 40 craft beers on draft, plus a cooler of cans and bottles. If you fancy yourself a craft beer drinker, or just like a pub vibe, make your way here.Nowitzki (Terminal C)
Albeit a bit utilitarian esthetically, this restaurant and bar pays tribute to Dallas' best Maverick ever with some interactive elements (a photo booth and a bigger-than-life-sized mural). There are a couple of German-influenced options — brat bites and a brat dog. Other than that, Dirk wants you all to eat healthy-ish when you travel. Get salads or protein bowls along with flatbreads followed by a Slam Dunk Sundae. Cute, huh? The cocktail menu is on point with drinks like The Fade Away (a bloody mary) and Forty-One with Casamigos, citrus juice and soda.Brewed (Terminal D)
Brewed is a Fort Worth restaurant with an outpost in Terminal D. The space is airy and bright with a full bar with TVs overhead, plus a dining room that spills out into the terminal. There are homestyle favorites like bacon mac and cheese, pulled pork hash, shrimp and grits and chicken-fried steak and eggs. Biscuits and waffles are available all day, which is something we can get behind, as are burgers. Boarding last never tasted so good.Bonus: Cake Bar (Terminal D)
Sheet cake like grandma's at the airport, you say? Yes, we say. The Dallas baker has a strong local following for the thick, moist and fresh cakes, sold by the slice here in Terminal D. From German chocolate to Key lime, there's a flavor for every palate. And each slice is large enough to get you through a holding pattern over O'Hare.For a full list of all the restaurants, visit the airport website.
