Finding airport dining options suitable for children can be
a challenge. Quite often I settle for
the familiar standby (McDonald’s) or whatever the closest restaurant happens to
be. I thought I would give some tips for
kid-friendly airport dining at the airport I know best-Salt Lake International.
As Delta’s largest western hub, chances are that sooner or
later you will find yourself at the Salt Lake International Airport with kids
in tow, looking for a bite to eat. Even
those families familiar with the airport are in for a new airport dining
experience. SLC has recently undergone a
total overhaul of its restaurants and shops, so you have a host of new places
where you can nosh. Here are my Top 5 airport dining options that your kids and your wallet will love.
1.
Café Rio:
Offers FREE cheese quesadillas for
kids with adult purchase. Serves great fresh Mex that parents will love (I
recommend the shredded chicken salad). I
also love airport dining choices like this that support locally-owned
businesses. Located between concourses C and D.
2.
UFood
Grill: Ask for their grilled cheese-they
cook up a full size sandwich for just $2. It’s not on the menu, so you have to
ask for it. Try their un-fries which are baked, not fried, with no salt added.
Yum! Everything here is baked or grilled
and they can customize many of their items. Located in the C and E concourses.
3.
McDonald’s:
OK, I know, I know. But their ice cream
sundae is only $1.49 and comes in hot fudge, caramel , or strawberry. That’ll soothe even the most savage of
beasts! Grab a vanilla cone for even less. Located between concourses C and D.
4.
Greek
Souvlaki: Try their loukoumades (think
honeyed donut holes). Kids love them and they are easy to dish out to a
crowd. A package of ten costs $4.59. They
also have a spaghetti kids meal along with the standard corn dog and chicken
nugget options. Located between concourses C and D.
5.
Wendy’s:
Like most other airport fast food dining places, they don’t offer a value menu.
Still, you can get a large chili for
just $2.19 or a baked potato for
$1.39, which is a lot cheaper than most other airport dining menus. Located at
the end of the B concourse.
If you are looking for gluten-free options, your airport
dining choices are limited. If you just want to grab a quick snack, look for
the gluten-free muffins at the French Meadow Bakery located in the B concourse
or the Glutino gluten free bagel chips sold at the Fresh Market on the Go in
the A concourse.
If you’d like a more grown up airport dining experience,
don’t assume that your kids will disappointed with their choices. Always ask if kid menus are available. One of
my favorite SLC airport dining spots is Squatter’s Pub. They don’t advertise
their kids menu, but they have one, with half a dozen choices under $5.
SLC is still working to add more airport dining options from
national chains like Pei Wei to local favorites such as Market Street Grill.
These should be complete by 2013. Look for an updated guide to SLC airport
dining when construction is complete.
