December 23rd is the busiest travel day of the year. If you're traveling by air, then you need a drink. Mini bottles aside, for Day 23 of our 25 Days of Toad Advent, here's our list of the Best Airport Bars in North America. Sit back with a cold one and marvel at the wonders of flight, count your blessings, and keep an ear out for last call - boarding, not bar service. Traveling for the holidays sure does have its perks.
LAX: Vino Volo
Located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, Vino Volo is the place to get an amazing glass of wine. With a sommelier on staff, sidle up to the bar and ask the som' what's new and what's good. Or better yet, do a sampling. No Two-Buck-Chuck here. Best part about it? You'll find Vino Volo in a handful of airports around the country.
Atlanta International Airport : One Flew South
Make your way to Terminal E for the best southern cocktail east of the Mississippi. After a couple of drinks at One Flew South you wont even remember that you're in an airport. Get an Old Fashioned and the Pulled Duck Sliders for some good southern cookin', right on the concourse.
San Diego International Airport: Stone Brewing
Wander over to Terminal 2 for Stone Brewing, a scaled-down version of San Diego's beloved farm-to-table craft brewery. Sit at the bar and order a cold one from one of their 12 taps (10 from Stone Brewing, 2 rotating beers from other craft breweries). We like their IPAs, but you really can't go wrong.
PDX: Rogue's Public House
Portland is known for it's killer food trucks and unrivaled craft beers, so it's no surprise that the Portland International Airport would continue the tradition. Grab a beer at Rogue's Public House in Concourse D. They start serving booze at 6:30am, so if you're on London time then you're just in time for a lunch beer. Grab a local ale, charge your phone and watch whatever game is on. Bring on the layovers.
SFO: SF Uncork'd
If you're into cozy wine bars, you can't beat SF Uncork'd located in Terminal 3. It's sleek, has views of the runway, and will leave you niiiiiiice and relaxed before your flight. Get a flight of local California wines then buy a bottle of your favorite for the plane (actually opening it is between you and the flight attendant).
Charlotte Douglas International Airport: Whiskey River
Modeled after the popular nightclub in Uptown Charlotte, Whiskey River is a little slice of Charlotte smack dab in the middle of Concourse E. Good beer, live music and tater tots with pulled pork. Better re-route through Charlotte.
Chicago Midway: Reilly's Daughter Irish Pub
Only in Chicago can you find a traditional, Southside neighborhood tavern in the back of Concourse B. Belly up to the bar for a pint of Guinness or an Irish coffee - better make it a double if it's a long layover. They don't serve food but you can bring your own, and if you ask nicely, the bartender may make you a "to-go" cup when you're off to catch a flight. This may just be the best bar ever.
