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NashvilleAirport-BNA

Best Places to Eat at and Near Nashville Airport (BNA)

Mike Steves By 4 min read

Restaurants and dining options at Nashville International Airport (BNA)

There are numerous places to eat at Nashville International Airport (BNA). These restaurants are located in the Main Terminal, specifically in Concourse B, C, D, Satellite Concourse, C/D Connector, BNA Marketplace, and the A/B Rotunda. These food outlets offer local cuisine, barbecue, and live music.

Also, there are some food outlets a short distance away from the airport. During a layover, before boarding, or after deboarding, passengers can explore these eateries.

Best Places to Eat at Nashville International Airport (BNA)

For different cravings, there are several dining options at BNA. Some of the iconic dishes and locations of the restaurants serving them are mentioned below.

What you want Where to go Location
Iconic hot chicken Hattie B's Concourse C
Tennessee barbecue Bar-B-Cutie SmokeHouse A/B Rotunda
Sit-down meal with live music Ole Red Concourse C, Gate C-18
Quality coffee Barista Parlor / Bongo Java Concourse C / Satellite Concourse
Familiar quick brands Chick-fil-A, Shake Shack A/B Rotunda / Concourse C

Eateries at Nashville Airport

Restaurants at BNA can be found in Concourse B, C, and D, the A/B Rotunda, C/D Connector, Satellite Concourse, and BNA Marketplace (pre-security) in the main terminal lobby. Many are local Nashville restaurants rather than generic chains. Here are some top picks depending on what you're looking for:

1. Hot Chicken

  • Hattie B’s (Concourse C)- National hot chicken chain serving hot chicken with sides and drinks. They also serve a selection of hot breakfast biscuits exclusive to the airport until 10 a.m.
  • Prince’s Hot Chicken (C/D Connector)- Known for its original hot chicken recipe, dating back to 1945.
  • 400 Degrees Hot Chicken (Concourse C)- Hot chicken and flatbread pizzas, burgers, and craft beer.
  • Party Fowl (Concourse D)- Serves hot chicken, brunch, and drinks at its full bar.

2. BBQ & Southern Comfort

  • Pig Star (Concourse B)- Memphis-style barbecue from the legendary pit master, Carey Bringle of Nashville.
  • Bar-B-Cutie SmokeHouse (A/B Rotunda)- The oldest BBQ in Nashville, opened in 1950. Local meats are smoked on-site using local hickory.
  • Swett's BBQ (Concourse C)- A classic local favorite. Family recipes passed down through the generations.
  • Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant (Concourse D)- Southern classics from a 1950s Leiper's Fork grocery store.
  • The Southern Steak & Oyster (Concourse D)- Best place to get a proper meal. Offers steaks, Gulf seafood, and an extensive menu.

3. Live Music & Full Service Eatery

  • Ole Red (Concourse C)- A country bar by Blake Shelton serving freshly made meals. Live music is available every day from 5 a.m. till 10 p.m. Walk-in only.
  • Tootsie's Orchid Lounge (Concourse C)- A famous honky-tonk serving BBQ sandwiches, burgers & chicken fingers with live local music throughout the day.

4. Quick Bites, Pizza & Coffee

  • Slim & Husky’s- Local, James Beard-nominated pizza (Concourse C).
  • Chick-fil-A, Shake Shack & Burger King are all reliable quick bites (A/B Rotunda, Concourse C & D).
  • BNA Marketplace- Acme Feed & Seed, Kitty Hawk Eat + Drink (Voodoo Doughnuts), and Titans Press Box (upmarket). This is a great option for visitors meeting arriving passengers.
  • Handmade Argentinian empanadas at Half Moon Empanadas (Concourse B).
  • Coffee can be found at Barista Parlor (Concourse C), Bongo Java (Concourse C/Satellite), 8th & Roast (Concourse C/D) and Starbucks (A/B Rotunda).
  • Local craft beer can be found at TailGate Brewery, Yazoo, Little Harpeth & Tennessee Brew Works.

Best Places to Eat Near Nashville Airport

There are a few restaurants near BNA. However, there are a handful along McGavock Pike and Elm Hill Pike. They are about a 5-10 minute drive away.

Restaurant Cuisine Best for
Nectar Urban Cantina - 206 McGavock Pike Mexican-inspired cantina Tacos, breakfast, fresh juices
Darfons Restaurant & Lounge - 2810 Elm Hill Pike American, family-owned since 1989 A quiet sit-down lunch or dinner
The Nashville Palace - 2611 McGavock Pike Country music venue and kitchen Classic country music with your meal

Dining Tips at Nashville International Airport (BNA)

  1. The airport runs on flight times, so after the last flights of the evening there aren’t many options for eating. Don’t count on having a late meal in the terminal.
  2. Concourse C will have the most options. If departing from D, you can walk to Prince’s Hot Chicken & The Green Room whiskey bar via the airside C/D Connector.
  3. Use the filters on the directory. All restaurants in the terminal are listed on BNA’s official site with filters for vegan, vegetarian & gluten-free.
  4. The whole terminal has free Wi-Fi, so it’s easy to order ahead or check wait times.

Conclusion

BNA is one of the few airports in America that has a destination in itself to eat in the terminal. Whether it’s hot chicken on Concourse C, hickory-smoked BBQ in the A/B Rotunda, live honky tonk with Ole Red and Tootsie's, or you can get into one of the local kitchens within 30 yards of the curb.

About the author

Mike Steves

Travel writer

Mike Steves is a passionate traveler, photographer, and travel writer who has spent over two decades exploring the hidden corners of Europe. Born with a natural curiosity, Mike has dedicated his life to uncovering authentic local cultures, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and the best culinary secrets the continent has to offer. When he isn't writing his comprehensive, easy-to-read guidebooks, Mike splits his time between his home in Seattle and his favorite cafes in Italy.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

01Are there quality food options available inside Nashville International Airport?
Yes, Nashville Airport has several great homegrown brands. These include Hattie B's, Prince's, Swett's, Slim & Husky's, and Tootsie's.
02What special dishes are available at BNA?
Nashville Airport is best known for hot chicken. There are four hot chicken concepts inside the terminal, including Hattie B's, Prince's, 400 Degrees, and Party Fowl.
03Are there any local restaurants near Nashville Airport?
Near BNA, local restaurants are located on McGavock and Elm Hill Pike and will take you 5-10 minutes by car or a quick ride share.
04Where can I grab something to eat before going through security?
In the main lobby of BNA, BNA Marketplace offers a range of restaurants. These include Acme Feed & Seed, Kitty Hawk Eat + Drink, and Green Beans Coffee.

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