Dining at Dulles

With the advent of heightened post-September 11 security it seems that most eateries have migrated airside – out past the security checkpoints to airport concourses. At many airports, that leaves family and friends seeing someone off with scant places to sit down and have a meal.

Now, there is word that there’s a new restaurant landside (pre-security) at Washington Dulles International, United Airlines’ prime East Coast hub. It’s called Harry’s Tap Room, a sit-down affair that’s located in the Main Terminal.

Harry’s is among the latest of several eatery options at IAD. Most are out on the concourses. Already on Concourse A is Famous Famiglia Pizzeria. Coming soon are Cosi café, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, and Mayorga Coffee.

Already open on B are Villa Pizza, Fudruckers, Dunkin’ Donuts, Matsutake Sushi, Ben & Jerrys, Tequileria, and another Harry’s Tap Room. Coming soon to B are the Gaslight Bakery, and Potbelly Sandwich Works.

Now open on Concourse C is Auntie Anne’s pretzels (perfect for on-board snacks), Vino Volo wine bar, Wendy’s, Potbelly Sandwich Works, a couple of locations of Starbucks, and a pair of Maui Wowi coffee and smoothies. Debuting soon are Tidewater Landing, California Tortilla, and Firkin and the Fox pub (which, if it’s anything like the similarly named establishments in the UK, will be terrific).

Finally, way out on Concourse D look for Dunkin’ Donuts, Subway and Gordon Biersch. In the offing: Starbucks, Moe’s Grill, Cuisine D’Avion, Villa Pizza, and Nelson’s Bar.

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler

Comments

[TC]

The much-vantued, only-forty-years-late pre-security eatery Harry's Taproom has a little secret no one's mentioned: it's beyond expensive. While airports elsewhere have caught on to the BAA Pittsburgh model of competitive prices for in-terminal businesses, Dulles once again finds itself twenty years behind the times. A quick glance at the menu revealed things like $11 hamburgers, etc.

Add to that that it looks like what it is: something knocked up in the middle of the already crowded terminal. It really looks out of place (although anything not made of stucco concrete would look out of place).

Once more I am left scratching my head, wondering why Dulles is the premier international gateway to DC.

[Will McKenzie]

I certainly agree that Dulles is behind in many areas. I fly through Dulles just about every week. Transport to the concourses is decades behind. Food is finally getting better however has a long, long way to go. The airport keeps promoting all these new brands but the quality and service still leaves much to be desired. However, the one extremely bright spot is a cafe in the main terminal, Guava & Java. The food is fantastic! Fresh! And every time I've stopped there, the service has been outstanding! Much better than Starbucks (which has about 7 locations at Dulles). I would rather see more Guava & Java's. At least they seem to care that I actually enjoy what I'm eating or drinking.