Gone are the days when dreary grab-and-go sandwiches and greasy fast food were the only options past security. As airlines have cut back on in-flight food in recent years, airport terminals are coming to the rescue with a versatile buffet of culinary options — many of them with local connections.
The ultimate guide to eating local at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
Skip the chains. Here's where to get a taste of Minnesota's dining scene at the airport.
October 18, 2019 at 2:01PM
![Red Cow is located in the newly opened Food Truck Alley on Concourse E. ] JEFF WHEELER • jeff.wheeler@startribune.com The MSP airport is home to loads of new shops and restaurants that are the result of the current refresh of the Lindbergh Terminal. Several were photographed Tuesday afternoon, August 22, 2017 in Minneapolis.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/3IQZYGCW6UVFK4VZATOZWH4OZM.jpg?&w=712)
Here's your guide to the best local eats at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
The Mall
1M. Leeann Chin: Minnesota-based Chinese food chain.
2M. Caribou: Minnesota's own coffee shop takes over a former Starbucks. Opening in December.
3M. The Cook & the Ox: New full-service steakhouse, with menu from consultant Jack Riebel of the Lexington, in Ike's former location.
4M. Champions' Grille by Ike's: Golf-themed restaurant from a Minneapolis mainstay.
5M. Peoples Organic: Cafe with organic and fair-trade bites by the owner of French Meadow.
6M. Lake Wine Kitchen + Bar: Wine to go or sit-down service with sandwiches, small plates and entrees.
7M. PinKU: Japanese street food by way of northeast Minneapolis with a full bar. Opening in late October.
8M. Black Sheep: Coal-fired pizza from one of the Twin Cities' renowned pie shops.
9M. Smack Shack: Lobster rolls and po'boys by this North Loop restaurant.
10M. Stone Arch: 30 local craft beers are on tap at this airport-only restaurant from the co-founder of Bar La Grassa and Burch Steak.
Concourse A
1A. Blue Door Pub: Home of the Juicy Blucy burger.
2A. The Cocktail Room at 18th and Central: Speakeasy-style cocktail bar with food from Tattersall Distilling. Opening in November.
Concourse C
1C. Buffalo Wild Wings: National wings chain with Minnesota roots. Opening Jan. 2020.
2C. Bottle Rocket: Blue Plate Restaurant Co.'s shuttered Mac-Groveland spot relocates to former Dairy Queen. Opening in November.
3C. Twins Grill: Sports bar honoring Minnesota's division champions.
Concourse D
1D. Republic: This outpost of the Minneapolis craft beer pub includes live music.
Concourse E
1E. Angel Food Bakery: Doughnuts, cupcakes and breakfast sandwiches from the downtown Minneapolis bakery.
2E. Holy Land Deli: Hummus, falafel and more from the Minneapolis Mediterranean deli.
3E. Red Cow: Gourmet burgers, beer and wine from a local joint.
4E. LoLo American Kitchen: Full-service and grab-and-go offerings from the Stillwater restaurant and cocktail bar.
Concourse F
1F. Caribou: Minnesota's own coffee shop
2F. Peoples Organic: Cafe with organic and fair-trade bites by the owner of French Meadow.
3F. Hi-Lo Diner: Airport version of the E. Lake Street retro diner.
Concourse G
1G. Caribou: Minnesota's own coffee shop
Sharyn Jackson and Mark Boswell
Lefse-wrapped Swedish wontons, a soothing bowl of rice porridge and a gravy-laden commercial filled our week with comfort and warmth.
