MSP airport services the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. As someone who has traveled weekly around the United States and frequently, around the world, I always wish more airports offered the quality of food and amenities that MSP offers travelers. There are a lot of places to sit and relax and enjoy a meal. What is great about the food choices at MSP is that there is something for everyone. If you want healthy or gluten free, this airport has it. If you want a huge prime rib, or craft beer, that is available as well. And if you want to work some of this food off, there are are plenty of clean isles to go out for a hike and keep your muscles working.
My biggest tip is to get to the airport early enough and pick up a few delicious items to pack in your suitcase, especially if you have a connecting flight. You will not regret it.
Top Five Restaurants and Food Vendors at MSP Airport:
Caribou Coffee-In every gate area at Terminal 1 and outside of baggage claim at Terminal 2:
Caribou Coffee is a regional chain based out of the Twin Cities. The first place open in the morning, Caribou sells excellent coffee, offering a dark and a lighter roast to select from. They also make a variety of coffee drinks including their incredible mochas. They also serve hot chocolates, various teas, both hot and iced and blended drinks. If you want a quick bite, they sell scones, incredible cinnamon coffee cake, delicious sandwiches and yummy pastas. Don’t forget to pick up an addictive packet of chocolate covered coffee beans–better yet, pick up two and a bag of beans to bring home. Drink prices start at $1.75, snacks at $1.99. Open 5am to 10pm. 612-726-9305.
Local restaurant, and first certified bakery in the US, French Meadow Bakery features vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items. But if you are a meat eater, don’t look any further-this is your place too! You can eat in or carry out food at this restaurant. They are open at 5am serving many filling breakfast items. My husband loves the bacon and eggs and I am partial to the breakfast burrito. They offer a variety of salads, quiches, hot and cold sandwiches and unique items such as bison short ribs and free range turkey burgers. They also have a case full of pre-made sandwiches, salads, fruit, pastries, desserts, water and fresh juices.
I always pick up a made-to-order turkey sandwich, bag of blue corn chips, and a delicious pecan bar and slip it into my carryon. The food is scrumptious-and healthy! Prices start at $2.00, most meals start at $7.95. Open 5am to 9pm. 812-355-4695. Smaller French Meadow Bakery at the Mall, with freshly made pastries, coffee and drinks. Open 5am to 9pm. 612-355-4641.
Rock Bottom Brewery-Terminal 1, Gate C:
Are you in the mood for a thick, delicious cheeseburger, fries and a craft beer? Then Rock Bottom Brewery is the place to stop by. The generous portions are served in this upbeat sports bar. Open at 7am, seven days a week, Rock Bottom Brewery serves a full breakfast including egg dishes, French toast and smoothies. The menu offers many options for lunch and dinner. They serve a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, pasta and fish and chips. Their burger menu is incredible, with choices of beef, chicken or veggie and they offer a vast selection of beer. Prices start at $8.99. Open 7am to 9pm. 612-355-4647.
If you have time to relax and enjoy a meal, Axel’s Bonfire is the place to visit. This is where you will find their delicious walleye fingers- a real Minnesota favorite, burgers, rotisserie chicken, fajitas, juicy prime rib and wonderful wood-fired pizzas. Wash your meal down with a cocktail or beer and you will not feel like you spent a day at the airport. Meal prices start at $9.99. Open 6am to 9pm. 612-355-4632.
Itasca Grille-Terminal 1, Gate A:
For a quick bite and a drink, the Itasca Grille offers several types of chicken wings, salads, homemade soups, nachos, sandwiches, burgers and fries and my favorite walleye sandwich. They also serve a full breakfast, including omelets and french toast. Meals start at $7.99. Open 7am to 9pm. 612-727-1007.
Georgia Makitalo has written more articles on the Twin Cities:
