Once upon a time, ordering a beer in an airport bar meant choosing from among a handful of uninspiring adjunct lagers. But now, more and more craft brewers are working their way through security and establishing outposts of good taste near even the most far-flung gates. Here are eight hot spots to order a cool beer and recover from the trauma of your intimate preflight pat-down.
Cigar City Brewing
Tampa International Airport (TPA), Airside C
Cigar City’s pub in Tampa’s airport (pictured above) is the country’s first airport pub to feature an on-site brewery. Jai Alai IPA and Florida Cracker share space with Tony Jannus pale ale, named for the aviation pioneer who became the world’s first commercial pilot when the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line opened (for five months) in 1914.
First class: On your return flight from Hunahpu's Day, order a beer to-go in a plastic cup to enjoy at the gate while you wait for your flight.
Cisco Brew Pub
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Terminals B and E
There once was a brewery from Nantucket. Actually, there are just a couple of breweries on Nantucket, one of which is Cisco Brewers. At this Logan airport venue, enjoy a Grey Lady wit or Indie Pale Ale while you nosh on quintessential New England fare such as clam chowder and Cuban sandwiches (wait, what?).
First class: While you recharge your mind and body with beer, take advantage of one of the tableside power outlets to recharge your electronic devices.
Golden Road Brewing
Los Angeles International (LAX), multiple locations
Anyone who’s traveled through LAX knows just how crucial beer is to one’s continued sanity. Fortunately, venues throughout Terminals 2, 6, 7, and the International Terminal pour Point the Way IPA and Get Up Offa That Brown from LA’s own Golden Road Brewing.
First class: Carry On Citrus Ale, a collaboration between Golden Road and travel concessionaire HMSHost, is available exclusively in airports.
Good People Brewing_
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), Concourse A_
Choosing from a lineup that includes Snake Handler Double IPA and Coffee Oatmeal Stout is hard enough, but a breakfast menu that features Brisket Gravy & Biscuits served with your choice of hash browns or grits just might convince you to opt for that early morning flight.
First class: Every server is a Cicerone Certified Beer Server, so you can ask questions and expect intelligent answers.
New Belgium Hub
Denver International (DEN), Concourse B
In addition to brewery standards such as Fat Tire and 1554, the rotating tap has been known to dispense La Folie from time to time. Hub’s no-frills food menu features sandwiches, chicken, and waffles.
First class: Denver’s underground train makes transferring between concourses fast and convenient, so even Concourse C passengers can easily get over to Hub. But be ready for a walk—Hub is located at the farthest end of Concourse B.
Pork & Pickle
Kansas City International (KCI), Terminal B
The Pork & Pickle pub offers a variety of bottles, cans, and drafts from regional favorites Boulevard, Free State, and Bell’s. Soak it all up with your choice of Kansas City barbecue or a gussied up hot dog called the Gastro Home Wrecker.
First class: Order an extra rack of ribs for the plane. You never know when you’ll need an inflight bargaining chip these days.
Rogue Ales Public House
Portland International (PDX), Concourse D
The dream of the 1990s remains alive and well in Portland, thanks in part to classics such as Dead Guy Ale, Shakespeare Stout, and Hazelnut Brown Nectar, all of which you’ll find here on tap. The food menu includes myriad goodies prepared with Rogue’s own beer.
First class: Rogue Ales PDX fills growlers to take with you, or buy local bottles to-go at Made In Portland.
Schlafly Tap Room_
Lambert–St. Louis International (STL), Concourse C_
Enjoy a Schlafly Pale Ale, Oatmeal Stout, or rotating seasonal alongside a menu of tacos, sandwiches, burgers, and more.
First class: Try the St. Louis Slinger, a mélange of tater tots, all-beef patty, chili, beer cheese, and a fried egg: quite possibly the world’s finest cure for a hangover.
Stone Brewing Company
San Diego International (SAN), Terminal 2
You’ll find all of your Stone Brewing Co. favorites in San Diego’s Terminal 2, but if Arrogant Bastard, Ruination, and Levitation aren’t reasons enough to stop in, then the chimichurri steak sandwich with cilantro aioli is.
First class: You can buy bombers to take home.