Where to Eat at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

Enjoy coffee drinks from Throughgood Bistro, Texas-focused fare at the Rustic, and tropical drinks and fried seafood from Galveston’s the Spot while flying through Hobby Airport

Considering the enormity of George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) offers a decidedly more low-key way to fly. As the city’s oldest commercial airport, you’ve likely caught a Southwest Airlines flight out of Hobby en route to another Texas city or a beach vacation destination.

It doesn’t have the incredible array of big names that IAH has to offer, but Hobby Airport is working on it. Following the Houston City Council’s decision to cut ties with Pappas Restaurants in 2023, the airport closed its locations of Pappas Burger, Pappasito’s Cantina, and Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and has introduced a bevy of new restaurants amid an overhaul.

Outposts of Houston-based Pink’s Pizza, Fat Cat Creamery, and Hubcap Bar & Grill, plus locations of Galveston’s the Spot, Gastrohub Bistro & Bar, Pick Up Stix, and Latrelle’s Mexican Kitchen are now open. Most recently, Hobby opened airport locations for Starbucks in the West Concourse, Throughgood Bistro in the ticketing area, and the Texas live music restaurant, the Rustic, near gate 44.

To navigate the airport’s dining options and its many changes, use this gate-by-gate guide to HOU’s restaurants, along with a few spots to grab a cocktail before you fly — and check back on which new restaurants and bars to expect through 2025 and beyond below.

Note: Find Eater Houston’s best bets in bold below. All establishments are listed in numerical order by gate number.

West Concourse [Gates 1-5]

• Throughgood Bistro & Bar — Paninis, salads, sandwiches, coffee drinks, and a full bar that serves sips from local breweries and Texas distilleries. [pre-security TSA checkpoint]
• Chick-fil-A [post-security, near gate 1]
• Starbucks — [pre-security and near gate 1]
• Pei Wei — fast-casual Asian American cuisine. [gate 2]
• Sprinkles Cupcakes — a kiosk that will fuel your sweet tooth with cupcakes and pastries baked fresh daily. [gate 2]
• The Spot — The local Galveston hotspot known for serving tropical frozen drinks and crispy coconut shrimp brings its Island disposition to Hobby Airport. Diners traveling early can enjoy filling plates of breakfast tacos and burgers, pancakes, and morning cocktails, including espresso martinis and spicy Bloody Marys, mimosas made with Grand Marnier and prosecco. Lunch and dinner hours offer many choices, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, fried seafood platters, and breezy cocktails. [gate 1]
• The Spot Bar — Grab a drink and some snacks or dishes from the Spot’s full menu while sticking close to your gate at the end of the West Concourse. [gate 4]

Central Concourse

• Pink’s Pizza — With eight locations, this local pizza joint’s outpost in Houston’s George Bush International Airport promises ample cheesy slices in Hobby’s airport. A second location in the airport is on the horizon. [post security]
• Latrelle’s Mexican Kitchen — [gate 21]
• Dunkin’ Donuts — [gate 27]
• Fat Cat Creamery — With locations in the Heights and Garden Oaks, this Houston-based ice cream shop is known for its small-batch scoops, with flavors ranging from Mexican vanilla to its coffee and cream flavor that’s made with beans from Houston’n Amaya roasters. [gate 27]
• Gastrohub Bistro and Bar — Enjoy a selection of bar bites, including smash burgers, smoked chicken nachos, BBQ belly ribs, and smoked chicken nachos, plus more refined dishes like shishito peppers dripping in garlic butter, a vegetarian Finless Tuna Salad, and plenty of cocktails. [gate 41]
• Pick Up Stix — fast-casual Asian American cuisine. [food court, gate 41]
• Wendy’s — [post-security in food court, gate 41]
• Sprinkles Cupcakes — a kiosk that will fuel your sweet tooth with cupcakes and pastries baked fresh daily. [gate 2]
• Starbucks Coffee — Tucked into the Texas Monthly News store, order your favorite beverages from the ‘Bucks before you go. [post-security, near gate 45]
• The Rustic — This Texas-born restaurant is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, live music, and a menu filled with wood-grilled dishes, including steaks and beer-can chicken, Texas-style smoked brisket tamales, and fried crawfish tails. Breakfast is also served here, with steak and eggs and a spicy Texas hot chicken and sandwich, topped with a sunny-side up egg and American cheese, with a side of jalapeño ranch. [gate 46]
• Velvet Taco — The Dallas import, which has infiltrated the Houston area with multiple locations, will offer its “kick-ass” tacos and margaritas for those traveling through Hobby. [gate 46]

Here’s what’s coming

Sometime in 2025

• Common Bond Cafe — No need to stop at a location of this Houston favorite en route to the airport. Now, you can get your coffee and favorite baked goods there.
• Dish Society — With six locations in the area, this Houston-based chain will offer some of its breakfast, brunch, and lunch favorites to busy travelers.

Julie Soefer

• Jersey Mike’s
• Longhorn Steakhouse
• Landry’s Seafood House
• Killen’s Barbecue — Smoky, tender meats are a guaranteed menu feature at the airport outpost of chef Ronnie Killen’s barbecue joint. The restaurant was most recently named a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide, which indicates good food at a good value.
• Spindletap Brewery — The Northeast Houston brewery is slated to offer its signature selection of brews, including its hazy IPAs.
• Yard House

Flying out of IAH instead? Check out this guide to every food & drink option at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.