Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport food guide: Dining at DCA
Quick insights
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) dining offers a mix of local flavors, familiar chain restaurants and grab-and-go spots.
- There are two terminals at DCA, each with their own dining options.
- There are several airport lounges at DCA that may offer complimentary food and beverages.
In a city known for its monumental sights and dynamic culinary scene, the flavors of Washington D.C. don’t stop once you cross the Potomac to catch your flight. Ronald Regan Washington National Airport has five concourses full of restaurants that are a true reflection of the District, featuring tapas, local craft brews and iconic half-smokes.
Read on to learn more about where you can dine at DCA.
Dining options at DCA
DCA offers dozens of dining options throughout its two terminals—Terminal 1 and Terminal 2—most of which are past security. Travelers will find a mix of local favorites, popular national chains and full-service restaurants at DCA.
Terminal 2 is the larger of the two terminals. It has five concourses (B, C, D and E) with restaurants, fast food and vending machines spread throughout and near the gates. There is also a National Hall just before the C Gates that has a concentration of dining options and shops with concessions.
Terminal 1 has one concourse housing all A Gates. It has roughly a dozen options pre-security and near the gates.
There are also stores and shops that sell bottled beverages and snacks for those looking to grab a quick bite or snack before or after their flight.
You can view a map of all dining options and locationsOpens overlay on the DCA website.
Planning to eat at DCA
The DCA website has an interactive list of dining optionsOpens overlay . Dining listings typically include the establishment’s location, a description, its menu and a link to its location on the terminal map. Visitors of this page can also filter dining options by their location, service options and what is currently open.
Some restaurants at DCA support mobile ordering, meaning travelers can place a food order before arriving at the airport. Travelers can see a list of restaurants that participate in mobile orderingOpens overlay on the DCA website.
DCA lounge dining options
There are several lounges spread across DCA’s terminals. Lounges often provide complimentary food and beverages, in addition to other amenities like private restrooms, family areas and a variety of seating options for places to work or relax. To access airport lounges, you may need to have a membership that provides entry or pay a fee.
In summary
DCA has two terminals with dining options throughout, providing everything from quick grab-and-go food stands to full-service, sit-down restaurants. Terminal 2 is the larger of the two, providing more options and housing a National Hall with concertation of restaurants and concessions.
Most dining options are past security on the departures level, but there are a few options in both terminals that are pre-security. There also are several lounges at DCA that offer complimentary food and beverages. You may need a membership or pay an entry fee to access lounges.
