Best Restaurants at Richmond (RIC)
RIC 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 · RIC
What restaurants are in Main Terminal / Atrium at Richmond?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Applebee's | Full-service American | $$ |
| Ironclad Coffee Roasters | Coffee & pastries | $ |
What restaurants are in Concourse A at Richmond?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cross Grain Brewhouse | Brewpub / casual fare | $$ |
| The Market on Broad | Grab-and-go market | $ |
| Ironclad Coffee Roasters | Coffee shop | $ |
What restaurants are in Concourse B at Richmond?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Adams Celebrates Richmond | Beer bar & local fare | $$ |
| Club Level Grill | Grill / sit-down-style fare | $$ |
| Cheeburger Cheeburger | Burgers | $ |
| Ironclad Coffee Roasters | Coffee shop | $ |
What's the best quick bite at Richmond?
Ironclad Coffee Roasters — a local Richmond roaster with locations in the Atrium and both concourses, open as early as 4am and the fastest reliable option before a morning flight.
Quick-service counters at RIC 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 Richmond?
Applebee's (Atrium, Main Terminal) — RIC's only full-service, table-service restaurant.
Full-service restaurants at RIC 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 Richmond?
RIC is a small regional airport with modest pricing close to Richmond street prices; quick counter items run about $8–14 and Applebee's entrees run roughly $12–20. Note: Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, a Wolfgang Puck Bar & Bites, and two Beet Box juice-bar concepts were announced in 2025 for Concourses A and B but were not yet listed on the airport's official dining page as of this write-up — confirm they're open before counting on them.
Airport restaurants across the US typically charge 20–40% above street prices due to higher operating costs, rent, and logistics. At RIC, 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 Richmond?
Yes — TSA allows solid foods through security checkpoints at RIC. 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 RIC 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: RIC TSA wait times · RIC security tips · Bringing food through security
Common questions about dining at RIC
What restaurants are in each terminal at RIC?
RIC 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 RIC?
Ironclad Coffee Roasters — a local Richmond roaster with locations in the Atrium and both concourses, open as early as 4am and the fastest reliable option before a morning flight.
Is there a sit-down restaurant at RIC?
Applebee's (Atrium, Main Terminal) — RIC's only full-service, table-service restaurant.
How much does food cost at RIC?
RIC is a small regional airport with modest pricing close to Richmond street prices; quick counter items run about $8–14 and Applebee's entrees run roughly $12–20. Note: Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, a Wolfgang Puck Bar & Bites, and two Beet Box juice-bar concepts were announced in 2025 for Concourses A and B but were not yet listed on the airport's official dining page as of this write-up — confirm they're open before counting on them. 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 RIC security?
Yes — TSA allows solid foods through security checkpoints at RIC. 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.