Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) offers a generous variety of respectable restaurants and food. In particular, since a $62 million rehab, up-and-coming Terminal C provides something for everyone. Consider my picks (before and after security checkpoints) for Logan airport’s best restaurants and food vendors.
I fly often for business and pleasure. Logan is my home airport. I can grab a grilled chicken snack wrap and smoothie or relax with a glass of wine. In addition, Logan has comfort food like mac and cheese or healthier fare of Chinese chicken salad. By the way, arrival is on Logan’s lower level; departure is the upper level.
1. Legal Sea Foods
Terminal C – Pre-Security – Departure Level
Oh, my, where to begin: Well, Legal Sea Foods qualifies as a well-rounded, good for everyone (kids, too) restaurant and seafood bar. I live in Massachusetts and love seafood, but I love only “great” seafood. In 2011, all three of Legal’s Logan airport establishments made Frommer’s “Top 10 U.S. Airport Restaurants.”
It’s a great place to chill while awaiting a drawn-out Boston departure. There’s four menus: breakfast, all-day, kids, and yes, gluten-free. Kids can order fish and chips, chicken fingers, mac and cheese, grilled shrimp, salmon, and the old standard: burgers. A kids meal averages $6 to $8.
Do you follow a vegetarian diet? Legal offers a vegan-friendly vegetarian box. I’m not vegetarian, but the meal of sesame sauce stir-fried veggies, brown rice, tofu, and cashews in a Thai red coconut sauce sounds yummy.
Airport food is not budget-friendly. The quality of seafood sold at Legal demands the price. The cost, certainly above average, is worth the money spent. The menu is extensive, portions ample, and the food delicious.
A tuna burger is about $14, and Atlantic salmon $25. I’d have to worship raw oysters to pay over $25 a dozen. New England clam chowder, which is my favorite, is $5 a cup. No matter where you go in Massachusetts, that’s an average price for worthy chowder. 617-568-2800
2. Currito
Terminal C – Pre-Security – Departure Level – Food Court
In the hurry-up world of travel, fast food, indeed, has its place. If you’re pressed for time, the food court at Logan is your friend.
I’m not a fan of traditional fast food; I like a refreshing alternative to chicken nuggets and fries. That’s why I’m including Currito in my list. Plus, it’s quick, and the staff is patient, friendly, and helpful. That’s a huge bonus at a food court.
If build-your-own burritos and salads, organic tofu, snack wraps, and Nutella milkshakes make you happy, then check out this Mexican-style fast food. Breakfast items are available until 11 a.m.
A classic Mexican breakfast of huevos rancheros (fried eggs on a flour tortilla and topped with salsa) runs about $5 without any extras. That’s a fair price for airport food.
Depending on the burrito you order, plan to spend an average of $5 to $12. Here’s a hint: You’ll have to finish that mango passion smoothie before getting to security; thank heavens it’s OK to take your burrito through the checkpoint. 617-567-1112
3. Au Bon Pain
Terminal B – Post-Security – Gate Area: B6 – Food Court
I frequent the Au Bon Pain on Logan’s upper level. Altogether, there’s four Au Bon Pains at the airport, including Terminals A and C.
I understand that restaurants and food vendors are subjective. Honestly, I don’t like all Au Bon Pain cafes. I do like this one. It opens at 5 a.m., which is perfect for early-bird fliers. The scones are my least favorite item, but I truly like the breakfast egg sandwiches at this cafe bakery.
I’ve bought more warm cinnamon rolls than I care to count. There’s salads, wraps, and sandwiches to pick from. It’s no-frills food, but it’s fresh and good. I spend $8 to $10 for a sandwich and coffee or drink.
It’s nice to make a quick stop at ABP to pick up a Thai peanut chicken salad to take with me on my flight. Tip: If you’re dieting or simply conscience of calories and fat, before you go, view or print out Au Bon Pain nutrition information. 617-561-6020
4. Lucky’s Lounge
Terminal A – Post-Security – Gate Area: A6
Do you have time to kill before your flight? Perhaps you only have time for a quick beer or wine. Is retro decor a passion? Then check out Lucky’s Lounge. It’s a fun, trendy place that embraces the Frank Sinatra Rat Pack era. It’s family-friendly, too. Lucky’s is a full-service restaurant.
It offers pizza, nachos, gargantuan sandwiches, mac and cheese, and scrumptious salads, to name a few of their yummy delights. Order a full dinner of marinated steak tips or homemade meat loaf that might be better than your mom’s.
I recommend Lucky’s Kobe burger. Don’t faint; the burger goes for $16. In defense of the price: This burger, with its dreamy pecan wood-smoked bacon, is hands-down the best burger I’ve ever, ever eaten. It’s no wonder Boston Magazine recently honored Lucky’s for the city’s best sliders. 617-567-2299
Boston Logan International Airport continues to modernize and expand. Logan officials were smart to add some of the best restaurants and food vendors going. Enjoy your flight!
