Airports can create an ideal time for a drink, whether celebrating an impending trip or relaxing on a long layover. Whether a local pub serving a West Coast IPA or a lounge with rare wines, America’s airports have something for every traveler.
Recently, Upgraded Points performed a study to determine the best airports in America for a drink before takeoff. Here are the results.
From craft beer hubs to cocktail lounges, these airports turn delays into delights
The study by Upgraded Points aimed to “determine which U.S. airports make it easiest to drink and unwind before takeoff.” To do that, the website studied metrics from Google Reviews and airport websites, and ranked the 50 largest U.S. airports based on the following:
- Bars and Restaurants Serving Alcohol (Per Square Mile) — concentration
- Bars and Restaurants Serving Alcohol (Per 10,000 Daily Passengers) — accessibility
- Average Star Rating of Alcohol-Serving Venues — quality
Leading the way was Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) with a score of 75.1. It ranked above average in all categories, particularly in bar density, with 10.2 alcohol-serving venues per square mile, which is 116% more than the study average. Favorite spots include Vino Volo and the Boston Bruins Bar.
Next was Nashville International Airport (BNA), earning a score of 72.4. The bar scene evokes downtown Nashville, with live music, strong pours, and Southern hospitality. Local hotspots include Tootsies Orchid Lounge and Tennessee Brew Works.
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) came in third, with 68.6 points. The airport’s bars received the highest average Google rating (4.16 out of 5 stars) among the competition, and also led the study in bar accessibility (5.6 per 10,000 passengers. Brown & Loe and Stockyards Brewing Co. bring Kansas City’s bar scene to the airport.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) earned 68.5 points, with a nice combination of upscale lounges and wine bars like American Tap Room and Vino Vilo. DCA also has the second-highest bar density, with 13.9 alcohol-serving venues per square mile.
Rounding out the top five was Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) with a tally of 67.6 points. The bars earned a strong 4.01 star rating and the airport had 37% more alcohol serving venues (3.7) than the study average (2.7). Notable spots include Emiril’s Table and Bar Sazerac.
