Domestic Terminal food map Atlanta airport

The Domestic Terminal Atrium at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the central pre-security dining area located between the North and South Terminals. This public space (accessible without a boarding pass) offers a mix of quick eateries, coffee shops, and sit-down restaurants for travelers and visitors. Below is a comprehensive overview of all current food and beverage options in the Atrium (pre-security), organized by category, along with hours, locations, menu highlights, recent changes, and tips.

Fast Food Chains

Burger King – Fast-food burgers & breakfast. Located in the SE Atrium, open 5:00am – 2:30am daily. Serves the classic BK menu (Whoppers, fries, chicken sandwiches) and also offers breakfast items in the morning. Its very long hours make it a go-to for late-night bites. Lines can form during peak meal times, but service is generally quick.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen – Fast-food Southern fried chicken. Found in the SE Atrium, open 6:00am – 10:00pm. Offers its famous fried chicken, spicy chicken sandwiches, crispy tenders, and buttermilk biscuits. Vegetarian options are limited, but it’s a quick, hearty option.

Taco Bell – Fast-food Tex-Mex. Newly opened next to Leeann Chin on the SE Atrium side. Open 6:00am – 10:00pm. Serves crunchy tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos. Travelers can customize orders and grab quick Mexican-inspired bites on a budget.

Leeann Chin – Fast-casual Chinese-American. Located in the SE Atrium near Taco Bell, open 9:00am – 10:00pm. Offers American-Chinese dishes like Orange Chicken and Mongolian Beef with rice or noodles. Vegetarian options include stir-fried veggies or rice.

Auntie Anne’s Pretzels – Quick snack stand. Positioned in the NE Atrium, open 5:00am – 8:00pm. Sells freshly baked soft pretzels, pretzel dogs, lemonade, and dips. Great grab-and-go snack for early travelers.

Piedmont Park Travel Mart – Convenience mart. Located just off the Atrium (South Terminal side, opposite baggage claim 3), open 6:00am – 10:00pm. Sells grab-and-go items like drinks, snacks, packaged sandwiches, and travel essentials.

Coffee & Beverages

Starbucks – Coffee shop chain. Located in the NE Atrium, open 4:30am – 10:00pm. Serves espresso drinks, brewed coffee, teas, and breakfast snacks. Popular for early travelers; lines can be long during morning rush.

We Juice It – Fresh juice and smoothie bar. Situated in the NW Atrium, open 7:00am – 10:00pm. Offers cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and wellness shots with organic produce. Good option for health-conscious travelers.

Sit-Down Restaurants & Bars

TGI Friday’s – Full-service American restaurant & bar. Located in the NW Atrium (North Terminal side, near baggage claim 3). Open 7:30am – 11:00pm. Serves burgers, steaks, salads, pastas, and has a full bar. A convenient meeting point with table service.

The A Bar & Grill – Upscale-casual bar and grill. Located in the NE Atrium, open 6:00am – 10:00pm. Offers American fare with Southern flair, including steak dishes, buttermilk-fried chicken, and craft cocktails. Modern atmosphere and a more premium dining option pre-security.

Other Casual Eats and Breakfast Options

IHOP Express – Breakfast-focused casual eatery. Located in the SW Atrium, open 5:00am – 11:00pm. Pancakes, waffles, omelets, and breakfast combos served all day. Quick counter service.

TJ’s Sandwiches – Local sandwich shop. Located near the south end of the Atrium, open 6:00am – 10:00pm. Offers deli classics like Reubens, cheesesteaks, and club sandwiches. Made-to-order counter service with quality above typical fast food.

Piedmont Park Travel Mart (again) – Sells breakfast pastries, yogurt, fruit cups, and coffee-to-go. Useful if lines are long at other breakfast spots.

Breakfast Note: By 5:00am, Starbucks, IHOP, Burger King, and Auntie Anne’s are all open. Travelers with early flights have access to full breakfast options or lighter grab-and-go snacks. Burger King also serves breakfast sandwiches starting at 5:00am.

Variety, Dietary Options & Quality

The Atrium offers a good range of choices: burgers, fried chicken, Chinese takeout, Tex-Mex, smoothies, sandwiches, and a sit-down steakhouse.

Most are chain brands, though a few local and healthier options have recently been added. Vegetarians can find options at The A Bar & Grill, TJ’s, Leeann Chin, Taco Bell, and We Juice It. Gluten-free and special dietary accommodations are limited. Quality is generally reliable, especially at The A Bar & Grill, Leeann Chin, and TJ’s Sandwiches.

Convenience & Atmosphere

The Atrium is centrally located and accessible to both travelers and non-travelers. It’s an ideal meeting point and has ample seating. During peak hours (early mornings and lunch), lines are common but usually move quickly. Grab-and-go options like Auntie Anne’s or the Travel Mart are helpful for those in a rush.

Practical Tips for Atrium Dining

Early Flights: Starbucks opens at 4:30am, IHOP and Burger King at 5:00am.

Meeting Spot: Great place for locals to meet travelers pre-security; popular spots include Starbucks, TGI Friday’s, or The A Bar & Grill.

Avoiding Crowds: Eat before 11am or after 2pm for shorter lines. Check for mobile ordering availability. If one fast-food line is long, others may be shorter.

Luggage-Friendly: Ample space for carry-ons and seating accommodates travelers with baggage.

Quick vs. Sit-Down: Choose based on your schedule. Quick-service spots are fast; sit-down options offer more comfort if you have time.

The Atrium is convenient and open to all, but the real culinary gems of ATL are found post-security. Past security, ATL offers over 100 restaurants including local favorites, chef-driven concepts, and a wider range of international cuisines. If you’re a ticketed passenger with time to spare, dining post-security provides the most variety and flavor.