Find These Healthier Dining Options At O'Hare And Midway This Holiday Travel Season

By Jennifer A. Freeman in Food on Dec 19, 2013 10:00PM

Photo by Renee Rendler-Kaplan

While you’re sitting on your suitcase to make sure that last pair of boots fit and scooping all your liquids and gels into a 1-quart plastic bag, packing food for the airport is probably the last thing on your mind. Unfortunately the food available at airports is notoriously terrible—and expensive. But no need to start your trip off by grabbing a McDonald’s Value Meal on the way to your gate. We’ve gathered a few healthier options for meals at Chicago airports. (And by healthier, we include alcohol because sometimes a Bloody Mary is necessary to brave the holiday airport crowds.)

O’Hare

Sit-down meal
If your flight is delayed it’s much nicer to kill time at a restaurant rather than fighting for outlet space by the gate. Our favorite is Bubbles Wine Bar in Terminal 3. You might even be able to tune out the airport announcements in this jazz club-like bar. Grab a glass of champagne to soothe pre-flight nerves and order a few veggie sushi rolls for a healthy, but filling, meal.

Vegetarian
CIBO Gourmet Market looks like just another grab-and-go market, but its fare is much more expansive. We were impressed to find a wide variety of healthy snacks for every dietary need. Vegetarians will be excited to have more sandwich and salad options beyond those sad pre-packaged salads found in the terminal kiosks. If you’re really in a rush, grab a pre-packaged GoPicnic meal with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Treat yo’self with a gourmet chocolate bar, too. There are locations in Terminal 2 and 3.

Gluten-free
Grab one of the meals at CIBO to make sure you have a snack on the other side of your gate, but save room because gluten-free diners get a treat at O’Hare. You get to splurge at Tortas Frontera, just like everyone else! Ask for any of the tortas (without the bread, of course) served in a bowl. The salads and soups are also pretty delicious, and go ahead and get a big bowl of guacamole. You need something to go with the fresh margaritas. Maybe arrive at the airport a little early for two margaritas. Tortas for everyone in Terminals 1,3 and 5.

Midway

Dining options are a little more sparse than O’Hare, but there are still some food options for those looking for fast-food alternatives.

Sit-down meal
Wish Chicago a fond farewell with corned beef or pastrami at Manny’s Deli. Even if your gate isn’t in Concourse A, it’s worth the walk to get potato pancakes with applesauce and sour cream. It may not be the healthiest option on our list, but you won’t regret it.

Vegetarian
Pegasus on the Fly in the Triangle Food Court is probably your best bet for something other than a pre-packaged salad. Grab a spinach and feta pie and a Greek salad and then head across the food court for a Bloody Mary at Reilly’s Daughter.

Gluten-free
It’s slightly risky to eat Mexican food before getting on a plane, but Lalo’s in the food court is one of your only options at Midway that isn’t a sandwich or hot dog. Stick to one or two tacos, and we’re sure you’ll be fine. Perhaps if you are flying out of Midway, your best bet is to bring your own gluten-free food.