The Best Airport Restaurants at LAX
Los Angeles is blessed with a behemoth airport with plenty of dining options, including the namesakes of celebrity chefs for the savvy clientele who covet their "foodie" status. And, of course, there are the usual suspects--fast-food outlets, sports bars with pub fare, grab-and-go spots, and ubiquitous Starbucks outlets spread amongst Los Angeles International Airport's (www.lawa.org) nine passenger terminals. Tom Bradley International Terminal--the hall that serves most passengers on their way to or from exotic locales--has the most options. Open to all patrons, Daily Grill (www.dailygrill.com) the popular chain establishment that serves heaping portions of wonderful American comfort food, offers sit-down service as well as a buffet for those who are watching their watches. Boasting to be the "largest full-service airport restaurant in the United States," the Daily Grill features such feel-good classics as chicken pot pie, meat loaf, and braised short ribs. Wines by the glass, appetizers, and side dishes are also on the menu. The departure level of Terminal 7 houses a branch of Karl Strauss Microbrewery (www.karlstrauss.com) with beer-pairing menus, a good selection of appetizers, and a tasty selection of microbrews. Chef extraordinaire Wolfgang Puck (www.wolfgangpuck.com) maintains a presence in both Terminal 2 and 7. These cafés provide light and creative gourmet fare including the renowned pizzas with distinctive toppings. Also noteworthy are: Sushi Boy (sushiboy.net) with gourmet Japanese casual offerings such as the obvious sushi options, as well as combo dishes and salads; and Eaturna (eaturna.com), which specializes in fresh, healthy, low-fat entrees, salads, wraps, paninis, and other nutritious choices. For fine dining, Encounter Restaurant (www.encounterlax.com) is the pièce de resistance. In the re landmark 1960's-era Theme Building, at the core of LAX, this re-invented venue boasts a space-age interior, dramatic lighting, a "futuristic" cocktail lounge with signature martinis and "floating" bar stools, and a diverse menu of creative "California fresh" cuisine.