For those who love a good burger, Hubcap Grill and Beer Yard satisfies that craving with fresh cuts of beef and hand-cut fries. The airport menu includes the classic Hubcap Decker—a ground-beef patty topped with American and Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and a special mayo sauce, served on toasted buns. Other dishes include the Philly cheesesteak burger, the Texas BBQ burger, which comes with barbecue sausage, jalapeños, and crispy fried onions—and a patty melt burger served on rye. Make your meal as big as Texas with a side order of bacon cheese fries.

This Midtown breakfast go-to is always busy, with lines that wrap around the building no matter the time of day. At its location in IAH, you don’t have to worry about all that trouble—enjoy some of the restaurant’s famous dishes before taking off, without the wait. Try the French toast, served with two eggs and a choice of pan sausage, bacon, ham, or turkey; or the Kroissant, a croissant breakfast sandwich made with eggs, cheese, tomatoes, and your choice of protein. For a version of its all-time favorite, order the wings and grits, served with a choice of potatoes or eggs, with toast or a biscuit.

Yes, it's fast food and it's everywhere, but sometimes you've got to get your fix in, especially when you're about to leave the state. For breakfast, go with the beloved honey butter chicken biscuit or breakfast on the bun. Other classics include the #1 Whataburger meal or Whataburger patty melt, but if you're feeling like straying from the staples, try the taquitos or the honey BBQ chicken strip sandwich.

This local pizzeria is our go-to spot even outside of the airport. At IAH, by-the-slice options include classic cheese; pepperoni; Hawaii Five-0, made with Canadian bacon, pineapple, and cheese; the Veggie Supremo (onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, black olives, and tomatoes); or the meaty Big Boss, which is layered with pepperoni, Italian sausage, beef, Canadian bacon, and American bacon. Add a salad and/or hot wings for a full spread.

Dine at James Beard Award–winning chef Hugo Ortega's Mexican restaurant inside IAH. The mastermind behind Hugo’s, Xochi, and Zaranda offers a combination of snacky bites (chips and salsa, chips and guacamole, and coctel de camarón), alongside heartier options like ham or turkey tortas, tacos, soups, and salads. The best part: The restaurant also has a wide variety of cocktails, beers, wines, mezcal, and tequila to sip on while you wait for your flight.

Houston-based Berg Hospitality Group has been prolific at opening new restaurants over the years—and yes, even in our airports. The Annie Café and Bar, an icon in the city since it opened as Café Annie in 1989, has an outpost at IAH, serving American cuisine.

Anyone venturing to their flights before 10:30am can enjoy morning plates like the chorizo and egg breakfast bowl; the Bayou brunch toast with avocado, chopped bacon, and grape tomatoes; the Cowboy Campfire Oats with chia seeds; or the H-Town Rise & Shine—eggs, a choice of bacon or sausage, served on toasted brioche. For lunch and dinner, find smaller plates like loaded hummus and a Hill Country Cobb salad, or handhelds like pork sandwiches, a backyard BBQ flatbread, and a chicken wrap. Wind down with specialty cocktails, draft beers, wines, and zero-proof options. 

When in Houston, do as the Houstonians do by visiting this Pappas restaurant. This Creole staple offers a variety of appetizers, including mozzarella cheese sticks, baked crab mac and cheese, and crispy alligator. If you have time before your flight, settle in with the rainbow trout and crab, a crawfish platter, or crawfish étouffée. For a quicker bite, opt for a po’boy sandwich or a bacon cheeseburger.

Another Pappas mainstay, Pappasito's offers a chance to sit back, relax, and enjoy menu favorites like cheese enchiladas, tacos al carbon, or quesadillas. Fuel up on protein with the fajita platter (options include chicken or beef) or take a burrito to go. Beer and margaritas are also available if looking for a bit of a boozy layover. 

If you find yourself with extra time and a dire need to fuel up before going through security, head to this Houston-grown concept for paninis, salads, and sandwiches. The full bar offers an impressive look into local brews and spirits from Texas distilleries. 

This Galveston gem brings a touch of the seawall to travelers as one of Hobby Airport’s newest restaurants. Enjoy breakfast options like a taco plate, a breakfast burger, or pancakes with powdered sugar. Burgers, sandwiches, and wings are also on offer, but of course, we come here for the seafood plates. Try the coconut shrimp, fish and chips, diablo grilled shrimp, or Uncle Bill’s famous shrimp po’boy, which features a slather of spicy remoulade. Leave with one of its classic milkshakes for a sweet treat while you wait at your gate.

The Spot Bar is also available on level two just past security. The full menu can be found here, too. 

Available in both airports, this location of Pink's offers slices of its diner-favorite Hawaii Five-0 pie, made with Canadian bacon, pineapple, and cheese; and the Big Boss, a Houston equivalent of Meat Lovers.

Another local institution has made its landing at HOU. Spindletap Brewery goes well beyond beer, with breakfast served until 10am. Options include breakfast biscuit sandwiches and classic biscuits and gravy. For lunch and beyond, enjoy bar bites like soft pretzels, beer cheese nachos, meatball subs and French dips, and pizza. While draft beers are its forte, travelers can also enjoy cocktails, wine, and Bloody Marys.

Launched more than 10 years ago in the Heights, this ice cream shop scoops some of the best frozen desserts in the city. The airport location keeps the reputation going with its signature Mexican vanilla and Amaya coffee and cream flavors, plus other treats including sodas, floats, and milkshakes.

Missed out on barbecue during this trip to Houston? Start your morning here with a breakfast taco filled with smoked barbecue (sausage, brisket, bacon, turkey, or jalapeño sausage) until 10:30am. Lunch calls for one of Killen's baked potatoes loaded with your meat of choice, or try a meat plate served with sides such as creamed corn, mac and cheese, potato salad, baked beans, or coleslaw. Save room for the tres leches bread pudding. 

This spot has plenty of space for travelers to relax before hopping on their flight. The restaurant serves popular favorites like the steak Laredo, a beef tenderloin stuffed with white cheddar and topped with chile rojo sauce; cedar plank salmon served with ancho-lime butter and green beans; and the Texas hot chicken and cheese sandwich. The Rustic also caters to early-morning travelers with breakfast burritos, brisket breakfast tacos, and steak and eggs.