Dine and fly - airport restaurants - Directory

Sunset, Dec, 2000

Struck at the airport? Enjoy a fine meal--and a little local color--in or near airports from L.A. to Salt Lake City

You've just been told that your 7 P.M. flight will now depart at 10. Your stomach growls, reminding you that all you've eaten today was a piece of toast, eight hours ago. You feel yourself growing cranky and impatient, until an idea strikes you: dinner. A foil-wrapped burger won't do--you're thinking more along the lines of hot crab legs, or perhaps a little tuna tartare.

In this economic boom time, more and more airports are opening restaurants where you can find good food and an interesting ambience at street prices. The newly remodeled San Francisco International Airport, for example, is now in the process of unveiling 16 new restaurants, delis, and coffee bars operated by wellknown San Francisco restaurateurs.

Aside from the newcomers, many airports throughout the West have classic standbys that locals love. Los Angeles International Airport, for instance, is famous for its space age--themed Encounter Restaurant; Garduno's at the Albuquerque Sunport remains a haven for chile enthusiasts from around the globe.

For those times when your layover is several hours--or even a day--there's an additional option: Hop in a cab and head for a nearby eatery. We don't recommend leaving the airport if your layover is less than three hours, but when you're antsy for fresh air and a change of scenery and you have some extra time, if you know where to go, you can enjoy a fine meal and still get back for takeoff.

Here are a few of our favorite restaurants for meals on the fly. Those outside the airports are about 5 miles away, but be sure to call ahead, as restaurant hours are subject to change: Bon appetit and bon voyage!

Albuquerque International Sunport

Garduno's Restaurant and Cantina. It looks like a 1920s chili-packing warehouse, and indeed chile is its claim to fame. Order a bowl of the homemade green stuff--or guacamole, made tableside--and you'll be well on your way to bliss. A lunchtime Fajita Express station helps flyers get a quick fix. 6 A.M.-9 P.M. daily. Main Terminal; (505) 244-9200. -- Becky Wiese

Rio Grande Yacht Club. Just five minutes from the Sunport is the Rio Grande Yacht Club, one of the city's best steak and seafood restaurants. Fresh fish is flown in daily and the certified Angus prime rib and filet mignon are top-notch. 11-2 and 5:30-10:30 Mon-Sat, 5-9 Sun; reservations recommended. 2500 Yale Blvd. SE; (505) 243-6111.

Sharon Niederman

Denver International Airport

Moonlight Diner. Waiting for a 2 AM, flight? Retro Moonlight Diner; just 4 miles from DIA's Main Terminal, invites you to linger late into the night over chicken and biscuits or a big chocolate shake. 7 A.M.-11 P.M. daily (until 12 Fri-Sat). 6250 Tower Rd.; (303) 307-1750.

Claire Walter

Pour Ia France! This Denver-based restaurant has two airport locations: a very casual branch on the second floor of the Main Terminal (with a great view of the action below) and a more intimate one in Concourse B, with brick walls and dim lights. The food at both is simple and fresh, such as creative sandwiches on focaccia (try the roast beef with Brie cheese and mushrooms). Hurried fliers can get ready-made sandwiches, salads, and pastries to go. 7 A.M.--9 P.M. daily, express 5 A.M.--9 P.M. Main Terminal; (303) 342-7580. Concourse B; 342-7575.

Honolulu International Airport

Amy McConnell

Helena's Hawaiian Foods. In the neighborhood of Kalihi, Helena's dishes out authentic Hawaiian specialties at reasonable prices. Last year, head cook and proprietress Helen Chock won a regional cuisine award from the James Beard Foundation. Once you try the shortribs pipikaula-style, you'll understand why. 11-7 Tue-Fri. 1364 N. King St.; (808) 845-8044.

David Choo

Las Vegas International Airport

Bellagio. At Bellagio, the creme de la creme of Las Vegas's new luxury resorts, everything is larger than life--including the buffet. It's a groaning board of hot and cold seafood (including Alaskan crab legs), a carving station, an Asian station with sushi, imported cheeses, salads, breads, and all manner of desserts. All-you-can-eat dinner is $22.95, lunch is $13.95, and breakfast is $10.95. Only 10 minutes from the airport, Bellagio is a perfect place to fuel up before flying--and, if time permits, to check out the world-class art collection and amazing gardens. 7 A.M.-10 P.M. Mon-Fri (until 11 Fri), 8-4 and 4:30-11 Sat, 8-4 and 4:30-10 Sun. 3600 5. Las Vegas Blvd.; (702) 693-8111.

Muriel Stevens

Nobu. Nobu Matsuhisa has gained quite a reputation in his eponymous restaurants in Manhattan and L.A. Perhaps his most accessible restaurant is inside the Hard Rock Hotel, less than five minutes from the Las Vegas airport. Between flights, enjoy a quick sushi dinner (sit at the bar for the fastest service) or linger over a lavish spread of delicacies such as black cod with miso or monkfish pate with caviar. 6 P.M.-11:15 P.M. daily, reservations recommended. Hard Rock Hotel, 4455 Paradise Rd. at Harmon Blvd.; (702) 693-5090.