The Most Unique Things to Do and See at O'Hare International Airport, Including a Dinosaur (2024)

As the birthplace of the skyscraper, an epicenter of art and architecture, one of the most famed food cities on Earth, and a cultural oasis of kaleidoscopic neighborhoods, festivals, and parks, there is no shortage of world-class attractions drawing travelers to Chicago. The one place that most of said travelers all visit, though, is O’Hare International Airport, a frenzied hub that operates almost like its own city-within-a-city. While one of the world’s busiest airports may not take top billing on most travel itineraries as a destination in and of itself, O’Hare has made significant advancements in recent years, in terms of activities and dining options, which at least soothe the sting of delayed flights or extended layovers.

Sure, O’Hare is never going to have the same shiny draw as the Bean, and its portfolio of restaurants aren’t exactly Fulton Market. But Chicago’s main airport—which includes Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5—has evolved into an attraction all its own, with plenty of upgrades and additions that have made it a great place to dine, drink, and pamper yourself as you await your flight. Whether you’re killing time at the gate, or you’re just one of those folks who arrives four hours early, here is your ultimate guide for what to see, do, eat, and drink at O’Hare International Airport.

Getting there

Aside from, um, flying into O’Hare, the best way to access the colossal airport is via public transit. The CTA offers convenient direct access to the airport via the Blue Line “L,” which links the hub with the Loop downtown, along a northwestern route through neighborhoods like Jefferson Park, Avondale, Logan Square, Wicker Park, and West Town. Those taking the Metra from Union Station, or outside the city from the northwestern suburbs, can transfer via the Metra’s North Central Service station. Of course, rideshare options are prolific, though traffic along I-1​90 can be nightmarishly unpredictable. Passenger drop-off can take place right at the front curb, or the Kiss ‘n’ Fly drop-off point avoids bottlenecked traffic by allowing passengers to use the Airport Transit System (ATS), which links to all terminals, and the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) for rental cars, the Metra stop, and economy parking. Lastly, if you’re transferring from Midway to ‘OHare, your best bet is to take the Orange Line to the Loop from the former, and transfer to the Blue Line.

Find it in: Terminal 1, Concourse B
If you’re looking for a souvenir dinosaur fossil while in transit, you’ve come to the right place. A pared-down counterpart to the colossal Field Museum in the South Loop, the Field Museum Store at O’Hare is basically the Spark Notes version of the Museum Campus icon. The big thing here is merchandise inspired by Sue, the world’s most complete T-Rex fossil at the museum, along with other singular trinkets worth perusing, like unique jewelry, kids’ clothes, stuffed animals, books, and toys.

Find it in: Terminal 1 and 3
Traveling is stressful as is. Traveling through one of the biggest and busiest airports on Earth? That calls for a pedicure. Fortunately, the Terminal Getaway Spa is a soothing balm for all your travel woes, offering a tranquil space for deep tissue massages, manis, pedis, and everything in between.

Find it in: Terminal 2, Hilton Chicago O’Hare
If you’ve got an extended layover, hop on over to the Hilton Chicago O’Hare hotel, accessible via Terminal 2, for a shave and a haircut. A traditional men’s barber shop, it offers all the requisite grooming treatments for the on-the-go gentlemen, including neck trims, razor lines, hot shaves, and specialty haircuts—so you can arrive at your destination looking all prim and proper.

Find it in: Terminal 1, Concourse C
For travelers with status, O’Hare offers member lounges in all of its terminals. United and American, both of which have hubs in O’Hare, are the most widespread, with United’s Polaris Lounge offering one of the snazziest environs to bide your time. Open daily from 6–9 am, for United Polaris and Star Alliance premium passengers, as well as Star Alliance Gold members on other international flights only, a boarding pass is required for entry, the sleek lounge features an expanded buffet of hot and cold items, full-service dining, lounge areas, showers, nap rooms, and gratis drinks at the upgraded bar.

Best restaurants and bars at O’Hare for trying Chicago-famous dishes:

Find it in: Terminal 1, Concourse C
A Chicago institution, Billy Goat Tavern was first established right across from what is now the United Center all the way back in 1934. Although known for their famous “Cheezborger,” the tavern slings other all-day delights, too, like Steak and Eggs, Corned Beef Sandwiches, Polish Sausages, and more. Just remember—no co*ke, Pepsi!

Find it in: Terminals 1, 3, and 5
After winning Chicagoans over with his take on traditional Mexican eats at several venues throughout the city, chef Rick Bayless brought those flavors to ORD with three locations, the first being Terminal 1’s Tortas Frontera. Travelers can taste their way through tortas, soups, salads, and, of course, the restaurant’s famous chips and guac. And like the merciful Top Chef-winner that he is, the Bayless spot offers margaritas and other boozy beverages to-go, which helps soften the blow of hearing the gate agent delay your flight.

Find it in: Terminal 2, Main Hall
Just like its perennially packed Lincoln Park location, this Lettuce Entertain You venture focuses on fresh California-style cooking, offering travelers a lighter, healthier alternative to standard on-the-go fare. Case in point? Bright and sunny options like grilled chicken clubs, grilled fish tacos, and egg sandwiches. It should also be noted that, just like its Lincoln Park outpost, Summer House ORD supplies some epic cookies, which make for a great meal alternative if you’re having one of those travel days.

Find it in: Terminal 3, Concourse K
An offshoot of one of Chicago’s most celebrated New American outposts, this inviting outpost from One Off Hospitality serves fantastic grab-and-go snacks as well as sit down all-day fare with a robust selection of craft beer and wine. If you have the time, consider snagging a table and lining it with tasty items like Frites, Spicy Pork Rinds, Fish Sandwiches, and Avocado Salad. This is probably also the only airport restaurant to offer Potted Rillettes and nonna-worthy Ribollita Soup. Despite its low-brow locale, this handsome addition manages to deliver without skimping on quality or service. Added bonus: the Publican team recently expanded their O’Hare presence with the addition of Publican Quality Bread, specializing in pastries, breads, and coffee, in Terminal 5.

Find it in: Terminals 1 and 3
Chicago is now home to a bevy of breweries, but Goose Island continues to soar as one of the biggest and brightest. Saddle up at the bar to quaff a few of local musts—312 Urban Wheat Ale or Green Line Pale Ale—and make sure to try the food, too, which spans sandwiches, salads, and wings.

Find it in: Terminal 1, Concourse C
The name is a bit of a misnomer—don’t come here expecting the kind of real-deal live music you’d find at, say, The Green Mill—but the leisurely Jazz Bar is a breath of fresh, boozy air nonetheless. The pint-sized watering hole keeps it simple with a music-themed atmosphere and a menu of beer, wine, and snacks. Craft beer is its bread and butter, boasting an impressive lineup of bottled brews in particular, including one of the few places in the airport where you can snag a Sam Adams.

Find it in: Terminals 1, 3, and 5
A visit to Chicago isn’t complete without a stop at Garrett, the popcorn emporium that’s been attracting out-the-door lines at any of its downtown locations for nearly 75 years. While the cheese or caramel flavors do just fine on their own, there’s no topping the Garrett Mix—a combination of the two mixed in perfect proportions by the popcorn masters themselves.

Airport lounges and nearby hotels if you're willing to pay to rest:

Find it in: Terminals 1 and 2
The airport lounge with the largest presence at O’Hare is the United Club, with three locations in Terminal 1, and another in Terminal 2. They’re all open from 5 am until 9 pm, with full-service bars, snacks, and plenty of comfortable space to lounge, linger, work, or snooze. Visitors need a valid United Club membership, and same-day boarding pass for travel on a United flight, or a partner airline. Day passes are also available for purchase for non-members, and travelers can bring two adult guests.

Find it in: Terminal 1, Concourse C
A slightly expanded and elevated experience for United members, Polaris Lounge is accessible to United Polaris and Star Alliance premium passengers, as well as Star Alliance Gold members on other international flights, with boarding passes required for entry. The lounge offers an expanded buffet, full-service dining, lounge areas, showers, nap rooms, and complimentary drinks at the bar.

Find it in: Terminal 3
With three lounges throughout Terminal 3, American Airlines’ main hub offers spiffy confines for members, travelers with status, qualifying First and Business Class passengers, and based on availability, day passes for non-members. Hours vary at the lounges, but each one features complimentary food and drink, a full-service bar, and at the lounge in Concourse H/K, showers and conference rooms.

Find it in: Terminal 5
For Delta members, or those flying international First Class, the Delta Sky Club beckons. Located in a new 22,000-square-foot space, the dazzling lounge features a full-service bar with free drinks and snacks, seating for 400, mixed-media art installations, showers, privacy sound booths, and expanded food and beverage menus.

Conveniently anchored right across from Terminals 1, 2, and 3, via underground walkways, the Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel makes it easy to skip traffic and leisurely stroll right from your bed to your gate. For non-guests, shower facilities in the hotel’s health club can be used for a small fee. With nearly 900 rooms, including runway-view rooms that should entertain aviation enthusiasts, there’s plenty of space for plenty of passengers, along with an 8,000-square foot fitness center, a sports bar, UPS store, the aforementioned barber shop, and restaurants like the Gaslight Club for surf and turf, and Andiamo for more of an international menu.

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Nicole Schnitzler is a contributor for Thrillist.