Best Restaurants at Allentown (ABE)
ABE has dining options across all 2 terminals — from local institutions to reliable chains. Below is a terminal-by-terminal guide to the highlights, plus the best quick bites, sit-down spots, and what to expect on pricing before your flight.
Airport Dining · ABE
What restaurants are in Main Terminal (pre-security) at Allentown?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lehigh Valley Cafe | Coffee & light fare | $ |
What restaurants are in Wiley Post Jr. Gate Concourse (post-security) at Allentown?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Drafthouse @ABE | Craft beer & comfort food, full-service | $$ |
| Which Wich Superior Sandwiches | Fast-casual sandwiches | $ |
| Dunkin' | Coffee & bakery | $ |
| Zekraft | Artisanal local food & kitchen goods | $ |
What's the best quick bite at Allentown?
Dunkin' (Gate Concourse) — fast coffee and grab-and-go breakfast items that match ABE's early departure bank.
Quick-service counters at ABE typically get you through the line in 5–10 minutes at off-peak times, and up to 20 minutes during the morning rush. Budget an extra 15 minutes at minimum if you plan to eat before your flight — and check your Leave-By Time before you sit down so you know exactly how much runway you have.
Where can I get a sit-down meal at Allentown?
The Drafthouse @ABE (Gate Concourse) — the airport's only full-service, sit-down restaurant, with local craft beer and a plated dinner menu.
Full-service restaurants at ABE typically require 45–75 minutes from being seated to paying the check. If you want a relaxed dining experience, plan to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before boarding — factor in security wait, the walk to your gate, and a buffer for the unexpected. The Leave-By calculator can fold your meal time into your total airport plan.
How much does food cost at Allentown?
ABE is a small regional airport with modest counter-service pricing; expect roughly $8–14 for a coffee/sandwich combo and $12–20 for a Drafthouse entree, noticeably cheaper than big-hub airport dining.
Airport restaurants across the US typically charge 20–40% above street prices due to higher operating costs, rent, and logistics. At ABE, use this rough guide:
| Price Symbol | Per Person | Typical Options |
|---|---|---|
| $ | Under $12 | Fast food, coffee, grab-and-go snacks |
| $$ | $12–25 | Fast-casual, sandwiches, pub fare |
| $$$ | Over $25 | Full-service restaurants, steakhouses, seafood |
Prices as of 2026. Tip (18–20%) is additional at full-service restaurants.
Can I bring outside food into Allentown?
Yes — TSA allows solid foods through security checkpoints at ABE. You can pack a sandwich, snacks, fruit, homemade food, or even a full restaurant meal in your carry-on bag and bring it through the checkpoint without any issue.
The restriction applies to liquids and gels over 3.4 oz (100 mL): soups, dips, nut butters in large containers, juice boxes, and similar items must follow the 3-1-1 rule or be placed in checked baggage. Solid food — including wrapped sandwiches, chips, candy, produce, and baked goods — passes through freely.
This means you can save significantly on airport food prices by packing your own meal or picking something up before you enter the terminal. See the full TSA food policy and tips in our guide: Can you bring food through airport security?
Arrive early enough for a relaxed meal
The Leave-By calculator folds your real-time ABE security wait, drive time with traffic, and gate walk into one exact time to leave home — so you arrive with time to eat, not just sprint.
Calculate your Leave-By Time →See also: ABE TSA wait times · ABE security tips · Bringing food through security
Common questions about dining at ABE
What restaurants are in each terminal at ABE?
ABE has 2 terminals, each with its own set of restaurants. Highlights vary by terminal — see the terminal-by-terminal breakdown above for the full list.
What is the best quick bite at ABE?
Dunkin' (Gate Concourse) — fast coffee and grab-and-go breakfast items that match ABE's early departure bank.
Is there a sit-down restaurant at ABE?
The Drafthouse @ABE (Gate Concourse) — the airport's only full-service, sit-down restaurant, with local craft beer and a plated dinner menu.
How much does food cost at ABE?
ABE is a small regional airport with modest counter-service pricing; expect roughly $8–14 for a coffee/sandwich combo and $12–20 for a Drafthouse entree, noticeably cheaper than big-hub airport dining. Airport restaurants typically charge 20–40% above street prices. As a rough guide: $ = under $12, $$ = $12–25, and $$$ = over $25 per person.
Can I bring food through ABE security?
Yes — TSA allows solid foods through security checkpoints at ABE. You can bring a sandwich, snacks, fruit, or even a full meal from outside the airport in your carry-on. Liquids and gels over 3.4 oz are still restricted; soups, dips, and similar items must comply with the 3-1-1 rule. See the full policy in our guide.