Best Restaurants at St. Louis (STL)
STL 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 · STL
What restaurants are in Terminal 1 — Concourse A at St. Louis?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Budweiser Brew House | American beer bar | $$ |
| Schlafly Beer Tap Room | St. Louis independent craft brewery | $$ |
| Brioche Dorée | French bakery café & pastries | $$ |
What restaurants are in Terminal 1 — Concourse C at St. Louis?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chili's | American Tex-Mex bar | $$ |
| Pasta House | Italian pasta | $$ |
| Farmer's Fridge | Healthy salads & grab-and-go | $ |
| Pizza Studio | Pizza fast-casual | $ |
What restaurants are in Terminal 2 — Concourse E (Southwest Airlines only) at St. Louis?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shake Shack | American fast-casual burgers | $$ |
| Crushed Red | Pizza self-serve kiosk | $ |
| Stella Artois Bar | Belgian beer bar & bites | $$ |
What's the best quick bite at St. Louis?
Farmer's Fridge — fresh salad jars, wraps, and snack packs available in both terminals; the healthiest fast option at STL
Quick-service counters at STL typically get you through the line in 5–10 minutes at off-peak times, and up to 20 minutes during the morning rush. Budget an extra 15 minutes at minimum if you plan to eat before your flight — and check your Leave-By Time before you sit down so you know exactly how much runway you have.
Where can I get a sit-down meal at St. Louis?
Schlafly Beer Tap Room (Terminal 1) — St. Louis's beloved independent craft brewery; the airport tap room is a genuine local experience with rotating taps
Full-service restaurants at STL typically require 45–75 minutes from being seated to paying the check. If you want a relaxed dining experience, plan to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before boarding — factor in security wait, the walk to your gate, and a buffer for the unexpected. The Leave-By calculator can fold your meal time into your total airport plan.
How much does food cost at St. Louis?
STL is moderately priced; Terminal 2 Concourse E is exclusively for Southwest passengers and not cross-accessible post-security; counter items run $9–14 and bars average $20–30 per person.
Airport restaurants across the US typically charge 20–40% above street prices due to higher operating costs, rent, and logistics. At STL, use this rough guide:
| Price Symbol | Per Person | Typical Options |
|---|---|---|
| $ | Under $12 | Fast food, coffee, grab-and-go snacks |
| $$ | $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 St. Louis?
Yes — TSA allows solid foods through security checkpoints at STL. 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 STL 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: STL TSA wait times · STL security tips · Bringing food through security
Common questions about dining at STL
What restaurants are in each terminal at STL?
STL 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 STL?
Farmer's Fridge — fresh salad jars, wraps, and snack packs available in both terminals; the healthiest fast option at STL
Is there a sit-down restaurant at STL?
Schlafly Beer Tap Room (Terminal 1) — St. Louis's beloved independent craft brewery; the airport tap room is a genuine local experience with rotating taps
How much does food cost at STL?
STL is moderately priced; Terminal 2 Concourse E is exclusively for Southwest passengers and not cross-accessible post-security; counter items run $9–14 and bars average $20–30 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 STL security?
Yes — TSA allows solid foods through security checkpoints at STL. 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.