Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of great food, but DTW genuinely punches above its weight. The McNamara Terminal, which handles most of the major domestic and international flights, is where you'll find the bulk of the dining action. Local standouts include Andiamo, a beloved Detroit-area Italian institution that brings its signature pasta and wood-fired flavors airside, and Dos Pesos, a solid spot for Mexican fare when you need something hearty before a long haul.

For travelers connecting through the North Terminal, the pickings are a bit leaner, but the concessions there cover the basics with reasonable quality. Spread throughout both terminals, you'll find Michigan-proud touches worth seeking out — grab a Coney Island-style hot dog, a regional institution that shows up in a few spots, or hunt down Better Made potato chips, a Detroit snack brand that's been crunching since 1930. Coffee lovers should make a beeline for Dunkin' or Starbucks for a quick fix, but the local Tim Hortons outposts also draw a crowd among Michiganders who grew up with the brand.

If you have a longer layover in McNamara, sit down at the Wolverine State Brewing Co. outpost and order a Michigan craft beer alongside a proper burger — it's genuinely one of the better airport bar experiences in the Midwest. The Food Network-branded Kitchen by Food Network counter is popular for its variety and speed. Detroit is a food city with real pride, and even at 30,000 feet — or just before you get there — you can taste a little of that spirit if you know where to look.