EATER: Where to Eat at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
The roundup includes great spots to try around the airport as well, with Copperleaf, Mango Thai, and Salty’s at Redondo receiving great highlights!
Endless security lines, unexpected luggage charges, and inevitable flight delays are wrongs that only good food, coffee, and/or alcohol can remedy. Just before the start of summer travel, here are some solid dining options past security at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, better known as Sea-Tac. While most airport meals are sold by chains, many of these picks are unique to the Puget Sound or representative of Washington. Take a look and strategize where to score a proper dinner, quick snack, or drink before taking off. (For the full list of airport eats, check the official website.)
South of Seattle proper, Sea-Tac is a bit removed from the city's dining boom, but for those who simply refuse to eat airport food, Eater has also listed a few suggestions for the surrounding area. Bonus: A few of Greater Seattle's marvelous Mexican restaurants are only a stone's throw from Sea-Tac, nearby Southcenter has an array of tasty Asian restaurants, and the thriving food hub of White Center is accessible as well.
Food and Drink Inside Sea-Tac
Africa Lounge: The most salutary aspect of this place is that it's dark and it has a great selection of local beers on tap. The service is hit or miss, so be advised to ask for the check at your first opportunity. Also, no kids have ever been observed here. Concourse A, Gate 5.
Photo Credit: SeaTacShops.com
Anthony's Restaurant and Fish Bar: The view is not as picturesque as at Anthony's other locations, but the seafood stays pretty close to form. Basics like fish and chips and halibut tacos are always good bets, and there's also a nice selection of local brews to get happy with. This feels like a sit-down restaurant, so it's a prime spot if you need to kill some time. Central Terminal.
Beecher's Handmade Cheese: In addition to its namesake cheeses, this quintessential spot offers Beecher's famous mac and cheese, hot breakfast items, and grilled sandwiches. Also of note: Caffe Vita espresso. If you're going to drink coffee at Sea-Tac, it should be here. Concourse C.
Bigfoot Food And Spirits: This Northwest-inspired casual restaurant, one of the highest-rated in the terminal, offers a variety of Bigfoot-themed plates, like huge omelets and Rob's Beast Feast (ribs, smoked sausage, BBQ chicken, etc.). There are also healthier soup and salad options, as well as plenty of local beer and wine to choose from. North Satellite.
Photo Credit: SeaTacShops.com
Dish D'Lish: Known as the place to grab a hot breakfast sandwich or a heartier bite to-go (tarragon chicken salad sandwich), this venerable grab-and-go spot is stocked with healthy options, which are rare in many airports. Expect salads like wasabi potato, Mediterranean quinoa, and Northwest couscous. Note that there is another Dish D'Dlish before security, but it has a smaller selection of hot items. Central Terminal.
Ivar's Fish Bar: At this outpost of the popular Seattle restaurant, go for the chowder Ivar's is known for: the smoked salmon or clam. The fish and chips, too, are cheaper than at Anthony's and are just as good. Central Terminal.
Maki of Japan claims to use local produce in its Asian-inspired menu, featuring the usual fast food suspects like orange chicken, beef with broccoli, sushi, fried rice, and lo mein. Central Terminal.
Photo Credit: SeaTacShops.com
Seattle Seahawks 12 Club: Hawks fans, rejoice! Almost always packed, this sports bar offers soups, salads, sandwiches, and a large selection of appetizers including nachos, wings, and chicken quesadillas. A breakfast menu features omelets, bacon, and eggs. The drinks are spendy. You've been warned. North Satellite.
Vino Volo: Vino Volo is a chain of airport wine bars, but it makes the list because of its nicely curated selection of Washington wines. If you really like one of the wines you sample, you can buy the bottle (at a good price) and gate-check it. This location also sources locally for its small plates menu, including a standout Beecher's mac and cheese. Also of note: Vino Volo has its own wi-fi, which is often faster than the airport's. Central Terminal.
Best Bets Around Sea-Tac
Photo Credit: Cedarbrook Lodge [Official Site]
Copperleaf Restaurant: Copperleaf is the top fine-dining restaurant in the Sea-Tac area, offering up "New American" fare paired with Northwest wines. The cozy fireplace and service niceties may lull you into staying long past your layover. Settle in at the Cedarbrook Lodge, where Copperleaf is located—you won't be sorry. Allow three hours to go, eat, and come back to Sea-Tac. 18525 36th Ave S.
Mango Thai: Authentic Thai food right near the airport with a full menu served all day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.. Free parking can be found inside Wally Park in the "Retail" parking section just before the ticketing booths. 18613 International Blvd., SeaTac.
Photo Credit: Salty's Waterfront Seafood Grills [Official Site]
Salty's at Redondo Beach: Did you know that this Salty's location offers free van service to/from Sea-Tac? It's yet another option for good seafood, and it doesn't get much more old-school Seattle than this. Also, water views. Allow three hours to get here, eat, and come back to Sea-Tac. 28201 Redondo Beach Dr S, Des Moines, WA.
Source: http://seattle.eater.com/2016/5/24/11761272/sea-tac-international-airport-dining-guide-seattle