Best Restaurants at Columbus (CMH)
CMH has dining options across all 3 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 · CMH
What restaurants are in Concourse A at Columbus?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chili's | Tex-Mex/American | $$ |
| Vino Volo | Wine bar | $$ |
| Donatos | Pizza | $ |
| Starbucks | Coffee & pastries | $ |
What restaurants are in Concourse B at Columbus?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Eddie George's Grille 27 | Sports bar | $$ |
| Wolfgang Puck Kitchen Counter | Fast-casual | $$ |
| Land-Grant Brewing Co. | Local craft beer | $$ |
| BrewDog | Craft beer & bowls | $$ |
| Escape Lounge | Pay/membership lounge | $$$ |
What restaurants are in Concourse C at Columbus?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| PGA TOUR Grill | Sports dining | $$ |
| American Craft Tavern | Craft beer & pub food | $$ |
| Donatos | Pizza | $ |
What's the best quick bite at Columbus?
Auntie Anne's Pretzels (Concourse B) — fast counter service open from 5am, ideal for a quick bite before a short-haul flight; Charleys Philly Steaks pre-security is the best hot option if you haven't cleared the checkpoint yet.
Quick-service counters at CMH typically get you through the line in 5–10 minutes at off-peak times, and up to 20 minutes during the morning rush. Budget an extra 15 minutes at minimum if you plan to eat before your flight — and check your Leave-By Time before you sit down so you know exactly how much runway you have.
Where can I get a sit-down meal at Columbus?
Eddie George's Grille 27 (Concourse B) — full-service sports bar with airfield views, co-owned by Ohio State football legend Eddie George; widely regarded as CMH's best sit-down option.
Full-service restaurants at CMH typically require 45–75 minutes from being seated to paying the check. If you want a relaxed dining experience, plan to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before boarding — factor in security wait, the walk to your gate, and a buffer for the unexpected. The Leave-By calculator can fold your meal time into your total airport plan.
How much does food cost at Columbus?
CMH runs typical mid-size-airport pricing — counter-service items average $9–14 and full-service sit-down meals run $15–28 per person, noticeably less than large hub airports.
Airport restaurants across the US typically charge 20–40% above street prices due to higher operating costs, rent, and logistics. At CMH, use this rough guide:
| Price Symbol | Per Person | Typical Options |
|---|---|---|
| $ | Under $12 | Fast food, coffee, grab-and-go snacks |
| $$ | $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 Columbus?
Yes — TSA allows solid foods through security checkpoints at CMH. 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 CMH 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: CMH TSA wait times · CMH security tips · Bringing food through security
Common questions about dining at CMH
What restaurants are in each terminal at CMH?
CMH has 3 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 CMH?
Auntie Anne's Pretzels (Concourse B) — fast counter service open from 5am, ideal for a quick bite before a short-haul flight; Charleys Philly Steaks pre-security is the best hot option if you haven't cleared the checkpoint yet.
Is there a sit-down restaurant at CMH?
Eddie George's Grille 27 (Concourse B) — full-service sports bar with airfield views, co-owned by Ohio State football legend Eddie George; widely regarded as CMH's best sit-down option.
How much does food cost at CMH?
CMH runs typical mid-size-airport pricing — counter-service items average $9–14 and full-service sit-down meals run $15–28 per person, noticeably less than large hub airports. 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 CMH security?
Yes — TSA allows solid foods through security checkpoints at CMH. 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.