RDU Airport Brings 8 Local Restaurants, Bars to Terminal Mix

This fall and winter, RDU's terminals will welcome eight fresh dining spots. Most come from the Triangle area. These additions fill spots left quiet since COVID-19 struck.

At the helm of this food shift stands MERA Corporation. They've picked a mix of local stars and big names. The main terminal now houses Bongiorno & Son, a North Raleigh deli. It sits between Dunkin' and Guy Fieri's Pizza Joint.

"They actually approached us," Bongiorno told The News & Observer. "It took time. We did test runs, met with folks, and held tastings. In the end, we made it."

Terminal 2 will buzz with six new spots. Oscar Diaz, twice picked as a James Beard semifinalist, brings Mexican flair with Adios!. Bobby's Burgers picks RDU as its second airport spot after Phoenix.

Cary's Bond Brothers Taproom & Kitchen makes its comeback. Durham Distillery steps in with Conniption Cocktails & Cuisine, mixing drinks with fresh food. Half Moon Empanadas adds Miami-style street bites to the mix.

The Lonerider spot shut its doors for now. It'll return bigger and better as a full restaurant. Try their special Boots Up Ale: you won't find it anywhere but RDU.

Over in Terminal 1, two new spots take shape. Puro Gusto serves Italian food and coffee. The Raleigh Beer Garden pours from 30 taps and cooks up a storm.

Last fall saw Crawford's Genuine join Terminal 2. Big names like Starbucks, Popeyes, BurgerFi, and Jason's Deli keep their spots in the mix.