Food Flight!

As one of the busiest airports in the country, Phoenix Sky Harbor sees its share of travelers through its halls. For those who come hungry, it’s more than just an airport—it’s a foodie paradise. While many airports offer fast food and chain restaurants, Sky Harbor boasts a bevy of local restaurants that have opened airport locations.

The trend toward local restaurant options began in Sky Harbor’s busiest terminal, Terminal 4. Today you can find something for every taste and every meal.

One popular eatery began as an 800-squarefoot restaurant in Downtown Phoenix. Lines stretched down the block as diners flocked to what would become a Phoenix breakfast institution. Today, travelers can stop by the Matt’s Big Breakfast airport location any time of the day to feast on breakfast dishes made from ingredients from local purveyors like The Chop and Chick, an egg and pork chop dish.

For travelers who want a taste of Southwest food and culture, one of the city’s most iconic Mexican eateries, Barrio Café, serves up those regional food specialties. Try the Cochinita Pibil or Chiles en Nogada, and don’t forget to sample some spirits in the restaurant’s tequila tasting room—the perfect antidote to a stressful travel day.

If you prefer a bit of Texas while in Arizona, the family-owned and -operated Joe’s Real BBQ fits the bill. With brisket, pulled pork, chicken and ham all smoked over pecan wood, your taste buds will be flying high after a lunch or dinner here. Another must-try is the Mac n’ Cheese side dish.

For a bite of Mediterranean fare, head to Olive & Ivy, one of the restaurants by Phoenix’s most prolific restaurateur, Sam Fox. Be transported to the French Riviera as you nosh on bruschetta, shareable plates and fresh seafood dishes.

Meanwhile, Cheuvront Restaurant and Wine Bar is a perfect spot to wine and dine during a long layover. Oenophiles will delight in an extensive wine list featuring Old and New World wines and bubbles. Pair those with a classic cheese board and you have the makings for an ideal respite from travel stress.

As Sky Harbor continues another year of work remodeling and modernizing Terminal 3, the success of local restaurants in Terminal 4 is driving a slew of new, local restaurants to form the backbone of the new dining options in Terminal 3.

One of Phoenix’s top chefs, Mark Tarbell, brings his casual Tavern concept to the airport, with a menu of shareable plates, top wines and classic American fare.

At Christopher’s Crush, James Beard Award-winning chef Christopher Gross introduces travelers to his cuisine with a menu focused on meats, cheeses, pizzas and salads.

Another pizza option includes The Parlor, a trendy local favorite where wood-fired pizza reigns supreme. The Food Network even voted its pizza the best in Arizona.

Today travel is about having local experiences and through the food at Sky Harbor, travelers are able to get a taste of the city without ever leaving the airport.

BY DENA ROCHÉ