The Ultimate Guide to Eating, Drinking, and Killing Time at LaGuardia Airport

With the help of a billion-dollar renovation initiative, LaGuardia Airport has undergone a major glow-up since its previous punchline status. This holiday season, travelers can count on flying through a modernized (and much cleaner) transportation hub for domestic flights in and out of the Big Apple.

Named after Fiorello La Guardia, a former NYC mayor from 1934–1945, LGA Airport in the East Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens was first established in 1939. More than 80 years later, the recently revamped property now flaunts three terminals, 72 gates, and two runways, while functioning as one of the top 25 busiest airports in the US.

Explore the newly revitalized facilities, pamper yourself pre-flight, or sit down for an actually decent meal before boarding. Here's our ultimate guide on everywhere to eat, drink, and hang at LaGuardia Airport in NYC.

If you find yourself looking for a way to stretch your legs, one of the most popular pastimes of LGA travelers is checking out the historic parts of Terminal A—which is also known as the Marine Air Terminal. Within the rotunda, visitors can check out the Art-Deco architecture, as well as a well-preserved mural that depicts the history of flying called Flight by artist James Brooks.

Closest gate: Gate A2
The pickings for a decent meal are slim in Terminal A. Other than a Cibo 1 and a Dunkin’ Donuts, Salotto is your only spot to fill up before your flight. Explore Italian-influenced offerings like sandwiches and pizza.

After clearing security, check out a recent addition to the LGA property that combines the use of water, lasers, and sound. The water feature runs continuously, but every 15 minutes one of the two signature shows come to life. While watching, you can catch glimpses of iconic NYC landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Chrysler Building.

Sometimes your travel leans more on the side of business than pleasure. For those looking to shoulder through some work or conduct video calls, drop by the recently opened Atrium Business and Conference Center. Accessible through Terminal B, the center offers conference rooms, lounge areas, coffee plus wine bar, and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Manhattan skyline.

Closest gate: Gate 48
A New York fixture since 2004, McNally Jackson commands five popular storefronts across the city, as well as an outpost at LaGuardia Airport. Here, voracious readers are not hemmed in with the typical airport selection of cheesy romance novels or tedious autobiographies. Instead, there’s a large selection of titles from current bestsellers to great American classics, sci-fi thrillers, and art academia.

Closest gate: Gate 48
Fret not if you find out that you forgot your makeup essentials. Perk yourself up pre- or post-flight with a trip to the MAC store for a new blush, lip gloss, or eyeshadow.

Closest gate: Gate 48
Whimsy is the specialty at FAO Schwarz. Keep the kids (or yourself and fellow adults) entertained with a trip to the candy corner (dubbed FAO Schweetz) or pick up an ultra-plush stuffed animal for anxious flyers.

Closest gate: Gate 14
Convenience (with a dash of dystopia) reaches a whole new level at WH Smith’s first retail location in North America. Travelers in a hurry or those just looking to avoid human contact can take advantage of the Just Walk Out technology, which simply requires a tap of a credit card upon entry and from then on recognizes what each customer takes and returns from the shelves. From there, customers can shop around, pick up snacks and bottled drinks, and leave without waiting in a line.

Closest gate: across from Gate 22 and 23
This new addition to the sit-down restaurant crew in Terminal B brings travelers a more laidback take on a NYC chophouse. Following in the footsteps of its Times Square counterpart (which is called Hunt & Fish Club), offerings include American classics like bisques, steaks, and pork chops.

Closest gate: Gate 47
Born in the Manhattan neighborhood of Gramercy, Irving Farm New York Coffee Roasters has been a popular go-to for a caffeine fix for two decades. The sleek outpost offers the usual variety of drip coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, which you can order alongside a breakfast sandwich.

Closest gate: Food court
From the son of the founders of the legendary NYC Jewish market Zabar’s comes Eli’s Essentials. To-go bagels, sandwiches, and pastries can be purchased from the cafe.

Closest gate: Food court
Top tier, Texas-style barbecue favorites like fried chicken and pulled pork reign supreme at Hill Country.

Closest gate: Gate 24
Nervous fliers and time killers unite at airport bars. One of the better spots to post up in Terminal B is an outpost of the decades-old East Village wine bar, Bar Veloce. In addition to wine, there’s a selection of cocktails to sip on, as well as handhelds, salads, and soups to linger over.

Closest gate: above the Eastern Concourse
Views of the bustling terminal and airfield below draw travelers into the recently debuted Panorama Bar. Perched above the Eastern Concourse, the bar offers both stiff drinks and a bird’s-eye-view of LGA.

Closest gate: After security
A behemoth among standard airline lounges (and actually the largest ever), the SkyClub Lounge takes over 34,000 feet and can hold more than 600 travelers. Amenities include two buffets, three bars, a gourmet kitchen, plenty of workstations, and unrivaled views of the airfield. A second expansion of the lounge, which includes an outdoor deck and more seating, is expected to debut in 2024.

Closest gate: Headhouse connector, Level 3
We all know that specific smell, the airplane smell. In an effort to avoid or (more likely) mask this scent, drop by the luxurious Le Labo shop for a fresh new fragrance. In addition to popular perfumes like Santal 33, there’s candles and bath products for sale.

Closest gate: HH Galleria
A doctor-founded company, Beekman 1802 has gained global recognition for its goat milk skincare products. Make sure your skin stays glowing and moisturized while in transit with a stop by the LaGuardia store before takeoff.

Closest gate: Gate D92
When it comes to bagels in NYC, the competition is fierce (to say the least). But for this hometown stalwart, a 50-year-old legacy and still-buzzed-about menu helps keep it top of mind for New Yorkers. Lucky travelers in Terminal 5 can stop by for artisanal BECs and lox.

Closest gate: Concourse E
Comfort food from Bubby’s just might be your saving grace during any holiday flight delays. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are covered here with everything from pancakes and biscuits to burgers and fried chicken.

Closest gate: Gate 76
First started in Prospect Heights, this popular neighborhood go-to is also an option for Terminal C travelers. Chuko, which means vintage in Japanese, focuses on traditional techniques and ingredients for all of its bowls of piping hot ramen.

Closest gate: Gate 74
A more casual extension of the Lower East Side’s Essex Restaurant, Essex Burger solely focuses on a selection of (you guessed it) burgers. Smashburgers, chimichurri-topped fries, and vegan patties make this a spot for any hungry voyager.

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