Best Restaurants at Washington (DCA)
DCA 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 · DCA
What restaurants are in Terminal 1 at Washington?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dunkin' | Coffee & donuts | $ |
| Subway | Sandwiches | $ |
| Starbucks | Coffee | $ |
What restaurants are in Terminal 2 at Washington?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ben's Chili Bowl | DC half-smokes & chili | $ |
| Legal Sea Foods | New England seafood | $$$ |
| Alta Strada | Italian-American | $$ |
What's the best quick bite at Washington?
Ben's Chili Bowl (Terminal 2) — the DC institution's airport outpost is the only place in any US terminal to get a proper half-smoke hot dog.
Quick-service counters at DCA 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 Washington?
Legal Sea Foods (Terminal 2) for crab cakes and lobster bisque, or Alta Strada for Italian-American pasta and a glass of Italian wine.
Full-service restaurants at DCA 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 Washington?
DCA runs Washington DC pricing; Ben's is under $12, while full-service spots average $28–45 per person.
Airport restaurants across the US typically charge 20–40% above street prices due to higher operating costs, rent, and logistics. At DCA, 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 Washington?
Yes — TSA allows solid foods through security checkpoints at DCA. 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 DCA 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: DCA TSA wait times · DCA security tips · Bringing food through security
Common questions about dining at DCA
What restaurants are in each terminal at DCA?
DCA 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 DCA?
Ben's Chili Bowl (Terminal 2) — the DC institution's airport outpost is the only place in any US terminal to get a proper half-smoke hot dog.
Is there a sit-down restaurant at DCA?
Legal Sea Foods (Terminal 2) for crab cakes and lobster bisque, or Alta Strada for Italian-American pasta and a glass of Italian wine.
How much does food cost at DCA?
DCA runs Washington DC pricing; Ben's is under $12, while full-service spots average $28–45 per person. 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 DCA security?
Yes — TSA allows solid foods through security checkpoints at DCA. 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.