The Best U.S. Airports for a Boozy Layover [2025 Data Study]

Whether you’re toasting to the start of vacation or simply trying to make a long layover fly by, sometimes the best airport amenities come in a glass. From cozy wine bars tucked beside departure gates to lively pubs serving local craft beer, America’s airports have become destinations for travelers who like their journeys with a splash of something spirited.

In this study, we aimed to determine which U.S. airports make it easiest to drink and unwind before takeoff. By analyzing data from individual airport websites and Google Reviews, we ranked the 50 largest U.S. airports based on 3 bar-related ranking factors:

1. Bars and Restaurants Serving Alcohol (Per Square Mile) — concentration
2. Bars and Restaurants Serving Alcohol (Per 10,000 Daily Passengers) — accessibility
3. Average Star Rating of Alcohol-Serving Venues — quality

Our findings reveal where you can find the best pours between flights, whether that’s a crisp IPA, a glass of red, or a quick cocktail before boarding.

So grab your carry-on and your drink of choice, because these are the best airports for a boozy layover across the country.

Boston Has the Best U.S. Airport for a Boozy Layover

The 5 Best Airports for a Boozy Layover

1. Logan International Airport (BOS) — Score: 75.1
Boston’s airport is packed with local flavor and plenty of spots to raise a glass. BOS ranks above average in all 3 categories, especially for bar density: 10.2 alcohol-serving venues per square mile, which is about 116% more than the study average (4.7). Travelers can sip New England brews while catching a game at the Boston Bruins Bar or enjoy a wine flight at Vino Volo between flights. 

2. Nashville International Airport (BNA) — Score: 72.4
It’s no surprise that Music City ranks near the top. BNA has the third-highest bar-to-passenger ratio in the study, offering 4.7 alcohol-serving venues per 10,000 passengers. That’s 76% more than the average airport in the study. With live music, Southern hospitality, and strong pours, BNA offers a bar scene that rivals downtown Nashville. Try Tennessee Brew Works or Tootsies Orchid Lounge for a true taste of local culture before boarding.

3. Kansas City International Airport (MCI) — Score: 68.6
Known for its BBQ and lively Midwest charm, MCI also stands out for its airport bar scene. Its alcohol-serving venues earn the highest average Google rating in our study (4.16 out of 5 stars), and it leads the study in bar accessibility with 5.6 venues per 10,000 passengers.  Stockyards Brewing Co. and Brown & Loe give travelers a taste of Kansas City’s local bar experience without ever leaving the terminal.

4. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) — Score: 68.5
Washington, D.C.’s DCA airport offers a polished drinking experience for travelers on the go. With wine bars like Vino Volo and lounges such as American Tap Room, this airport caters to those looking for an upscale preflight experience. DCA also ranks second in the study for bar density, offering 13.9 alcohol-serving venues per square mile — nearly triple the study average of 4.7.

5. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) — Score: 67.6
It’s no surprise that New Orleans, the city of jazz and cocktails, lands in the top 5. MSY’s airport bars earn an average star rating of 4.01 — higher than the study average of 3.71 — and the airport offers 37% more alcohol-serving venues (3.7) than the average of 2.7. Bar Sazerac brings the city’s legendary cocktail scene straight to the terminal, while restaurants like Emeril’s Table keep the good times rolling right up until boarding.

Honorable Mentions

The rest of the top 10 reads like a who’s who of traveler-friendly drinking destinations. Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) and San Diego International Airport (SAN) offer craft breweries on site, while Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) deliver dense bar-to-gate ratios perfect for a quick stop.

LaGuardia Airport in New York City ranks highest in bars per square mile (20.4), fueled by recent terminal upgrades filled with sleek wine bars and classic New York–style pubs. Its smaller land area amplifies that density, making LGA one of the most bar-saturated airports in the country. And, of course, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, Nevada, makes the list at number 10. After all, few places embrace an airport cocktail quite like Sin City.

The 5 Worst Airports for a Boozy Layover

1. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) — Score: 20.8
Despite its island charm, HNL in Honolulu, Hawaii, lands at the bottom due to limited bar options and low bar ratings that don’t match the tropical cocktail vibe travelers expect.

2. Oakland International Airport (OAK) — Score: 22.8
OAK struggles with accessibility and quality, offering fewer high-rated bars than other California airports, plus minimal restaurant overlap for those looking to pair food with drinks.

3. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) — Score: 24.6
RSW in Fort Myers, Florida, caters to family and leisure travelers, not bar hoppers. Limited dining areas and the lowest bar-to-passenger ratio in the study make this airport one of the least convenient for a preflight drink.

4. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) — Score: 26.7
Despite being one of the busiest airports in the world, JFK’s drinking scene is surprisingly underwhelming. Many terminals have a few standout spots, but long walks between them and large crowds make finding a drink more difficult than it should be.

5. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) — Score: 27.0
EWR in Newark, New Jersey, rounds out the bottom 5 with the lowest star rating of alcohol-serving venues in the study (2.84 stars). Poor bar ratings suggest travelers may want to skip the preflight pint at Newark.

Kansas City Has the Top-Rated Airport Bars in the U.S.

When it comes to quality over quantity, Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is the clear winner. Earning a 4.16-star average rating, MCI shares the top spot for best-rated airport bars and restaurants in the country, tied with San Antonio International Airport (SAT). Known for its warm hospitality and barbecue culture, Kansas City brings its signature comfort and flavor right into the terminal.

Travelers can grab a drink and a plate of smoked perfection at The Made for KC BBQ Experience, which has earned global acclaim for bringing the city’s iconic flavors to airport dining. From local brews to slow-cooked ribs, MCI manages to make every connection feel like a celebration of Kansas City’s food and beverage scene.

Other top-rated hubs include Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU), San Diego International Airport (SAN), and Orlando International Airport (MCO), all of which earned ratings above 4.0 stars. These airports combine well-reviewed restaurants with relaxing bars that offer local beer and even James Beard award-nominated regional specialties, proving that layovers can be something to look forward to.

On the other end of the scale, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) ranks lowest with an average 2.84-star rating, followed by Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) at 3.13 and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) at 3.18. While these airports offer a few reliable chains, travelers report limited options and inconsistent service, making them less than ideal for those seeking a quality preflight drink.

Even Honolulu International Airport (HNL), despite its tropical appeal, lands near the bottom with a 3.28-star average. If you’re planning to toast your next adventure, you may want to raise that glass in Kansas City and San Antonio before heading anywhere else.

Methodology

This study analyzed data from the 50 largest U.S. airports to identify where travelers can most easily find and enjoy a drink during their layovers. Researchers collected data in September 2025 directly from individual airport websites, which list all onsite dining and drinking establishments. Each airport was evaluated on 3 ranking factors related to bar density and average customer ratings of bars. The specific ranking factors, along with their respective sources, are listed below. 

The ranking factors were weighted equally. The individual factors were given scores from 0 to 5 and then combined to reach a total score of 0 to 100, with 100 representing the most favorable conditions. Airports with higher scores offer both a higher concentration of bars and stronger guest satisfaction ratings.

Final Thoughts

Airports have evolved far beyond basic terminals and quick grab-and-go snacks. Today’s travelers expect atmosphere, comfort, and a chance to unwind before takeoff, and our study shows which U.S. hubs deliver on that promise. Boston’s Logan International Airport claims the top spot overall, while places like Kansas City and San Antonio prove that airport bars can rival their city’s best. On the other end of the spectrum, travelers passing through Honolulu, Oakland, or Newark may want to temper expectations for layover drinks. 

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