The Ultimate Guide to Eating, Drinking, and Killing Time at Philadelphia International Airport

A terminal-by-terminal guide to spas, bookstores, and your three options for cheesesteak.

Philadelphia International Airport Restaurants, Bars, and Things to Do
Independence Prime at Philadelphia International Airport | Photo courtesy of Philadelphia International Airport
Independence Prime at Philadelphia International Airport | Photo courtesy of Philadelphia International Airport

There are no locations as odd as an airport. Edifices suspended from reality, airports are one of the few places you’ll find people from all over the world toting without their shoes on. (In the US at least.) Thanks to some of the oddities of flying—and the infuriating delays that have plagued travelers of late—you may find yourself spending more time than you intended in the airport.

If that airport happens to be Philadelphia International Airport, you have seven terminals (terminal A has an east and a west wing) and two inter-terminal areas of eating and shopping to keep you busy. With over 100 places to eat, drink, and shop—including local favorites like Tony Luke’s, Chickie’s & Pete’s, and La Colombe—so you can have a little taste of Philly even on your way out the door.

Whether you’re headed home after a trip to Philly or if PHL is your home base, here are our favorite spots for entertainment in Philadelphia International Airport, organized by terminal.

Philadelphia International Airport Restaurants, Bars, and Things to Do
Chickie’s & Pete’s | Photo courtesy of Philadelphia International Airport

Terminal A

Closest gate: A21 and A22 (additional locations in Terminals C, D/E Connector, and E)
Located in Terminal A West, the home of the Crabfry is a hop, skip, and a jump away from international gates. Kill some time with a couple beers, some wings, and other classic bar fare. Crabfries—crinkle cut fries covered in Old Bay-type seasoning with a side of white cheese for dipping—are a must.

Closest gate: A9, A14, and A18
While not the sexiest of shopping experiences, international travelers can grab tax and duty free items before heading overseas. Perfect if you forgot souvenirs for someone back home and need a fancy bottle of booze in a pinch. There are Duty Free locations in Terminals A East and West.

Closest gate: A6, A6a, and A13
It might be awhile before you can taste a Philly-brewed craft beer so take advantage of the best drinking the airport has to offer. Get your fill of Yards’ signature beers like the Brawler, Philly Pale Ale and/or Loyal Lager before you board in Terminal A East.

Terminal B

Closest gate: B13
A James Beard award-winning chef? In an airport? Chef Michael Solomonov’s Baba Bar focuses on small plates of hummus, babaganoush, stuffed grape leaves, Greek salads, roasted vegetables, tabbouleh, skewers, and kebabs.

Closest gate: B10 and B11
The thin-crust, Neapolitan-style pizzas are all the rage at chef Stalin Bedon’s Italian spot. Build your own personal pie or choose from one of the pizzas on the menu and enjoy freshly baked slices to lull you into a mile-high nap.

Terminal B/C Connector

Closest gate: B2
If you forgot reading material at home or finished all your books during your stay in Philly, pick up a bestseller, a classic, a mag, or a neck pillow.

Closest gate: B2
You can’t leave Philly without a cheesesteak. One of the city’s best-known purveyors of fried meat and cheese is Geno’s, right here in the Philadelphia Airport. We dare you to bring one on the plane.

Closest gate: C18
Bring home an Eagles hoodie for the pro sports fan in your life (or the soon-to-be sports fan). All the professional teams—Eagles, Phillies, 76ers, Flyers—are represented with apparel, jerseys, accessories, drinkware, commemorative memorabilia, toys, and gifts.

Photo courtesy of Philadelphia International Airport
Bud & Marilyn’s

Terminal C

Closest gate: C18
You’re traveling. You’re stressed. Enjoy a little pampering at this in-airport spa, offering massages, nail care, and waxing.

Closest gate: C18
Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran classic comfort food joint comes to PHL. Expect the same wood-paneled decor as the OG and the crunchy Fried Chicken N’ Waffle.

Closest gate: C24
Just one cheesesteak shop in the airport would not be sufficient. While Jim’s original South Street location is closed for repairs after a 2022 fire, you can still get their robust sandwiches, packed with finely chopped steak and Cheez Whiz.

Terminal D 

Closest gate: D9, D11, and D13
Chef Michael Symon, previously host of ABC's The Chew, is the namesake of Bar Symon, where hearty dishes are in no short supply. Who needs in-flight snacks when you can fill up on a Fat Doug burger topped with coleslaw, pastrami, mustard and Swiss cheese?

Terminal D/E Connector

Closest gate: D1 (additional location in Terminal F)
Pick up lotions, serums, creams, and washes to lather your face and hands for your flight, regardless of how long you’re in the air. You’ll land looking as moisturized and refreshed as ever.

Philadelphia International Airport Restaurants, Bars, and Things to Do
Good Luck Pizza Co. | Photo courtesy of Philadelphia International Airport

Terminal E

Closest gate: E12
Another Safran Turney venture, these pies are oven-baked and served hot, Neapolitan-style. The menu also includes a Roasted Pork and Sharp Sandwich, Chicken Parmesan, and breakfast offerings, like a Veggie Breakfast Sandwich.

Closest gate: E3 (additional locations in Terminals A, B, and B/C Connector)
Local coffee giant La Colombe’s outposts in the airport are your spot for pre-flight caffeination (because you need to watch as many in-flight movies as possible). Find all your standard coffee options—cold brew, lattes, espresso, etc.—plus pastries and breakfast sandwiches.

Terminal F

Closest gate: F8
One of the main food groups in Philadelphia, a classic soft pretzel with its dense, doughy, salty goodness, is the perfect airport munch. Throw a couple into your carry on for later. (Even a little stale, they’re still tasty.)

Closest gate: F8 and F9
If your flight is delayed into oblivion and you have some rage-energy to burn, head to the airport’s first gym, conveniently located in Terminal F. With three treadmills, an elliptical, a recumbent bike, stationary bike, rower, free weights, TRX system, yoga mats, MIRROR, infrared sauna, and more, you can get in a full workout while you wait. ROAM Fitness also offers gear rental if you didn’t bring workout clothes with you (or don’t want to stow sweaty socks in your bag). They’ve also got showers and lockers. Because the gym is past security, you’ll need a boarding pass to access it.

Closest gate: F11 and F12
Another famous cheesesteak joint in the airport is Tony Luke’s. Aside from the signature sandwich, the menu also includes chicken cheesesteaks, seasoned french fries, and hamburgers.

Philadelphia International Airport Restaurants, Bars, and Things to Do
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge | Via Getty Images

Other things to do near Philadelphia International Airport

If you’re looking to kill time near the airport, there’s not a ton to do since PHL is about 15 minutes outside of the city proper. But there are a few visit-worthy destinations within plane’s reach.

A 10-minute drive from the airport is a nature oasis starkly opposed to the fluorescent man-made confines of the airport. John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum has the distinction of being America's First Urban Refuge. Its grounds encompass 10 miles of trails and is home to native fish, wildlife, and plants, like the Bald Eagle, Musk Turtle, and American Shad. If you didn’t pack binoculars or fishing rods, you can borrow some for free.

This once-active military fort on the Delaware River dates back to the Revolutionary War. Now it’s a tourist attraction where you can step inside the barracks, officers quarters, blacksmith shop, and more. Hop on a tour or, if your schedule allows, a nighttime paranormal investigation. You’re so close to the airport (10 minutes) you can feel—and see—the rattle of planes flying overhead.

From one mode of transportation to another, the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum is a huge collection of racing sports cars amassed by the late local collector Dr. Frederick Simeone. On view are nearly 100 cars from Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Mercedes, Jaguar, Bentley, Porsche, Aston Martin, Corvette, and Ford. A quick 10 minute jaunt from the airport will get you there.

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Allie Volpe is a writer based in Philadelphia. She hasn't slept in days. Follow her on Twitter: @allieevolpe.