A Food-Lover’s Guide to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

updated May 24, 2019
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(Image credit: Charity Burggraaf)

Airport food is tough. You’re often lucky to pick up an overpriced, pre-packaged salad or sandwich. The same goes for food souvenirs. They’re usually the most appreciated by friends at home, but when it comes to convenience, they’re not ideal — edibles are often hard to pack and even harder to get through security.

But because Seattleites are fond of their food, the main terminal at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has an abundance of great choices if you want last-minute treats for your loved ones. And, well, if you’re hungry.

If you’re a traditionalist, good smoked salmon and Starbucks beans are available everywhere at Sea-Tac and say Seattle as loud as a Nirvana T-shirt (also available). But to share the treats Seattleites buy their own friends in the city, head to C gates, where the triad of Beecher’s Cheese, Caffé Vita, and Lady Yum offer exactly what you need for edible souvenirs and snacks in the air.

Where to Find It: Sea-Tac International Airport’s C Concourse, near gate C3.

1. Step One: Cheese for All

Start with gooey mac and cheese and a salad for yourself and Beecher’s flagship cheddar for a friend from Beecher’s Handmade Cheese.

2. Step Two: Caffeinate

Beecher’s shares a space with Caffé Vita aka Seattleites’ last stop for locally roasted espresso before boarding for cities with weaker caffeine addictions. Buy Vita’s Queen City blend, and a box of Theo Chocolate’s caramels, while you’re at it. Or if you need breakfast, try Seattle’s Ellenos yogurt — it has to be the lemon curd flavor.

3. Step Three: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Finally, browse the rainbow of freshly made macarons at Lady Yum, the new outpost of a Kirkland, WA favorite known for crazy flavors like pink peppercorn grapefruit and mango-habanero salted caramel.

Happy flying!