Flight delays rarely make anyone happy, but some airports around the world turn waiting time into something worth savoring. Some airports in the world have bars with great drinks, inviting settings, and a touch of local culture, which makes it easy to unwind when plans get shuffled. Here are 14 airport bars that turn a layover into a surprisingly fun experience.
Cure – Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), United States
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Travelers passing through New Orleans can taste the city’s cocktail legacy right in Concourse C. Cure’s airport outpost opened in 2019 and mirrors the award-winning Garden District original. One of the classics served is the Sazerac alongside house creations, and the drinks menu reflects the city’s passion for balance and history.
One Flew South – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), United States
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One Flew South effortlessly combines fresh sushi and Southern flavors. The drink menu keeps things interesting with cocktails like the Golden Ticket, a mix of bourbon and ginger liqueur. The James Beard Foundation twice honored the restaurant for its warm, attentive service.
Airbräu – Munich Airport (MUC), Germany
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Germany’s first airport brewery has been brewing since 1999 between Terminals 1 and 2. Airbräu follows the 1516 German Purity Law, crafting beers like Fliegerquell and Kumulus on-site. For travelers short on time, a smaller bar named Airbräu: Next to Heaven in Terminal 2 serves the same fresh pours without leaving security.
Book & Bourbon Southern Kitchen – Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), United States
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Kentucky’s bourbon heritage is front and center in this pre-security favorite. Book & Bourbon showcases nearly 100 bottles, including rare selections like Pappy Van Winkle. The kitchen offers classic Southern fare, creating pairings that highlight the state’s spirit-making tradition. Travelers can explore flights of bourbon that would rival stand-alone whiskey bars.
The Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club – LaGuardia Airport (LGA), United States
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This two-story lounge in Terminal B caters to Chase Sapphire cardholders and features a 360-degree bar. NYC’s Apotheke team created eight signature cocktails served alongside premium spirits. The Sapphire drink itself, with blueberry, ginger, and spices, has become a lounge favorite.
Portermill – Des Moines International Airport (DSM), United States
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Portermill focuses on Iowa-made beers, with nearly 20 taps and an array of local cans. The menu offers regional snacks like gouda cheese curds and hearty sandwiches. Staff members often guide newcomers through the state’s vibrant craft scene, which surprises many visitors. For travelers curious about Midwestern brewing culture, this bright and casual airport bar delivers a flavorful introduction without ever leaving the terminal gates.
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge – Nashville International Airport (BNA), United States
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Tootsie’s, known for its honky-tonk roots, brings live country music to BNA. This airport outpost keeps the vibe lively with BBQ plates, cold beer, and spontaneous performances. Visitors often stumble upon local artists warming up for a gig.
Bar Sazerac – Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), United States
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Bar Sazerac sits in the terminal with a nod to New Orleans’ cocktail roots. The bartenders focus on classic rye-and-bitters Sazeracs but aren’t shy about experimenting with modern flavors. Inside, the setting feels sleek and inviting—a good place to pause and experience a piece of local bar culture before boarding.
Center Bar and Kitchen – Zurich Airport (ZRH), Switzerland
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This venue, located in the Airside Center, offers a mix of Asian-inspired dishes and European drinks. Guests can choose a gin and tonic from an impressive international selection or try a DOC Lugana by the glass for about $10. The vibe is relaxed, and the service is efficient.
Vantage Bar – Auckland Airport (AKL), New Zealand
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Here, food complements the drinks without fuss, and people love the easygoing environment where travelers can unwind while watching departures and arrivals roll by. Plane-spotters love Vantage Bar’s runway-facing windows in Auckland’s international terminal. Opened in 2019, it highlights New Zealand’s craft beers and regional wines, encouraging visitors to sample both.
Rogue Ales – Portland International Airport (PDX), United States
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This Oregon brewery is celebrated for bold, experimental beers, and its airport location delivers the same reputation. Travelers often pair a pint with light snacks while soaking in the local brewing culture. It is a casual stop that captures Portland’s craft-beer spirit before boarding, no side trip into the city required. Rogue Ales serves flagship IPAs and seasonal releases in a tasting room right inside the terminal.
O.H.S.O Brewery – Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), United States
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Visitors often try a seasonal ale with their burger or sandwich in this spot. Located in Terminal 4, O.H.S.O Brewery combines hearty dishes with house-brewed beer. Breakfast service runs until 10 a.m., which makes it a rare airport bar catering to early travelers.
Whisky River – Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), United States
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Whisky River serves signature cocktails like the Moonshine Mule. Its casual sports-bar vibe pairs well with its Southern roots. For passengers seeking a friendly place to spend an hour, Whisky River, created with NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr., manages to feel lively without losing that laid-back charm.
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse – John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), United States
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This members-club-style lounge in Terminal 4’s Concourse A mixes futuristic design with a creative cocktail menu. Drinks developed by Employees Only bartenders include a range of signature offerings and nonalcoholic mocktails. Plush seating areas let guests relax while checking their flight status.
Dutch Kitchen Bar – Schiphol Amsterdam Airport (AMS), Netherlands
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This spot, situated just after security, showcases Dutch comfort food alongside playful drinks. The design references Delft pottery with blue-and-white details, while the menu features pancakes, croquettes, and herring. Guests can order a Genever martini for a uniquely local experience.