SEAGuide
Where To Eat At SeaTac Airport
photo credit: Floret
You finally made it through SeaTac security, which means you spent the better part of an hour in a never-ending line, or there were only four people ahead of you. (There’s no in-between.) And no matter what kind of TSA trauma you’ve endured, there’s a good chance that you might work up an appetite. But you don’t need us to tell you that McDonald's is open again at Gate B1. The following spots are well worth the 7am shame of getting screamed at to empty your pockets—no need for bagged pretzels from Hudson News.
THE SPOTS
photo credit: Belathee Photography
Airports are alternate dimensions where concepts like time and basic comfort are irrelevant, so arriving at SeaTac with no time to spare makes sense. And yet, Floret is the airport restaurant worthy of slowing things down. From the same team as Cafe Flora, you can expect excellent vegetarian food in the form of sandwiches, snacks, salads, and a not-sad tahini-dressed grain bowl loaded with fried tofu that we're still not convinced isn't popcorn chicken in disguise. Bring a book, sip a latte in a real mug, and soak in those final Seattle moments before getting out of here.
Near Gate A1
photo credit: Poke To The Max
Sometimes a restaurant's airport operation can ruin everything we love about it—but not at Poke To The Max. The SeaTac outpost of this Hillman City Hawaiian spot serves all the greatest hits from the original location. The crispy garlic chicken is just as sweet and sticky, the tuna poke nachos prove there's no need to be nervous about raw fish at an airport, and creamy mac salad with sharp onion tastes even better when a vacation is on the horizon. Just note that this place is a takeout counter, so grab it all (plus a spam musubi) and head to your gate.
Near Gate D6
photo credit: Evergreens
Evergreens may not be the same phenomenon it once was back when combat boots and Salt Bae were a thing, but the airport can feel like a vegetable desert—which is why a trip to this Seattle-born salad chain can help. Stop by for a spicy kale caesar that can do no wrong, or just customize your pre-flight bowl of greens with endless toppings.
Central Terminal
After spending 20 minutes watching a TSA agent throw every skincare product you’ve ever loved straight into a garbage can, head to Skillet for a sit-down breakfast that won’t make you regret traveling altogether. Here, you can comfortably hang out with your baggage and enjoy a stacked breakfast sandwich with sausage, bacon, and american cheese, or hunks of fried chicken on top of fluffy waffles that we’d eat any time of day.
Near Gate N18
When you’re about to spend the next three days at a bachelorette party in Palm Springs where the only sustenance will be orange Jell-O shots and Pedialyte, a giant bowl of pasta from Pallino drenched in butter and a mountain of parmesan is a great way to prepare yourself. Don't get your hopes up for a good pizza from this Italian spot (it trends oily and soggy), but their garlic bread works, too.
Central Terminal
photo credit: Lucky Louie Fish Shack
Maybe you’re visiting Seattle for the first time and somehow did everything but get fish and chips, or maybe you’re leaving the area and need a little taste before you go. Either way, Lucky Louie Fish Shack is a good pick. And while the panko-breaded pollock filets here may not top our best-of-the-best list, they’re pretty solid when the batch is freshly fried. The chowder here is tasty too, with lots of herbs, bacon, and potatoes that make the whole thing taste like a loaded baked potato. But save this one for the gate—we’d advise against slurping chowder from the middle seat of Row 29.
Central Terminal
This kiosk serves French macarons that are just as crisp and delicate as the ones you'll find at the other Lady Yum locations scattered around the city. If you're in a pinch for a last-minute souvenir—or have big plans to order a plastic cup of sparkling wine mid-flight—grab a bunch of flavors like tangy raspberry chardonnay, espresso fudge, and honey lavender. We cannot be held responsible if the shells get crushed in your carry-on.
Near Gate A1
While Salty’s On Alki Beach is a go-to spot for high school prom dinners or retirement parties that involve blowing a 401k on seafood platters, the SeaTac location doesn’t quite have the same charm (or torture, depending on who you ask). But if you're flying out early and require breakfast, pop by their grab-and-go counter. The bacon and egg breakfast sandwich comes on a fluffy brioche bun with slabs of bacon that jut out of the sides like an iceberg, and melty american cheese that becomes one with garlic aioli.
Central Terminal
