A gate-by-gate guide to restaurants, bars, and souvenirs at the Smithsonian Museum Store.
If there ’s a preferred airport in Washington , DC , it ’s undoubtedlyReagan National — otherwise known as DCA . With its propinquity to the urban center and relatively small , navigable layout , this airport make traveling — even during the in use holiday season — less of a stressor than the absolute majority of other airports in the region .
And it ’s not just local DC and DMV resident physician who gain from Reagan . In recent years , DCA has become a connect hub among major US airlines ( especially considering that the airport entirely serve domestic flights ) . As such , on any give day , you could find plenty of passenger looking to entertain themselves as they wait for their flight or wait out a layover at DCA . And to help folks do just that , we ’ve rounded up the best grub , boozing , and entertainment options to make your time at DCA take flight by before your flight .
National Hall
America!
Closest Gate : C23If you ’re leaving DC with no paraphernalia from our nation ’s capital , have no fear : America ! is here to help oneself . The retail merchant offers a wide selection of historically - themed gifts , including masthead , banners , and collectible .
Ben’s Chili Bowl
Closest Gate : C24A proper DC institution , Ben ’s has been open for over 60 years , and now shoot a line a locating at DCA . Get the initiation ’s famous chili or one-half smoke before or after your flight of steps for a rightful local experience .
Brooks Brothers
Closest Gate : C24For folks who realise that they ’re in pauperism of a quick business casual ( or business organisation conventional ) look upon arrive at the airport , Brooks Brothers is here to aid . America ’s oldest retailer now has a location at DCA to help traveller look their best no matter where they ’re headed .
Legal Seafoods
Closest Gate : C23The classic family - owned seafood restaurant that has graced New England ( and the rest of the world ) with its simply fain fish , mollusks , can be found at DCA , alongside a full bar and takeout options .
Johnston & Murphy
Closest Gate : C23Whether you ’re in search of a belt , some air sock , or new luggage at the drome , get your shopping hole at Johnston & Murphy . And give that the brand claims to have outfitted every American President since Millard Fillmore , it seems fitting to shop here while in the nation ’s working capital .
Matsutake Sushi
Closest Gate : C24Craving some Japanese before channelize out from Washington , DC ? For sushi rolls , teriyaki , tempura , and more , assure out this full - service sushi legal community , which also serves noodle dish for folks looking for something more substantive . Refreshing cocktails and sake are also on the fare .
Smithsonian Museum Store
nigh Gate : C24No tripper to DC would be complete without a sojourn to a Smithsonian museum , and the Smithsonian Museum Store is here to ensure that you do n’t result empty handed . The retailer offers plenty of talent for your friend , menage , or yourself to take home souvenirs from one of the most major local cultural institution .
A Gates
Page
close-fitting Gate : A1At Page , forgo trail mix with dishes from celebrity chef Carla Hall ( ofTop ChefSeasons 5 and 8 andThe Chew ) . Whether you ’re looking for pimento cheese dip , cure jambon and biscuit , or a vegetarian quinoa burger , it ’s definitely a more artisanal alternative of elevated airdrome solid food .
Reservoir
close Gate : A1For a proper sit down - down repast , check out Reservoir by Robert Wiedmaier . You may not think of locally source ingredients as a staple fibre at most airport restaurants , but Reservoir is here to serve you reconceptualize what airdrome food can be . Menu items are inspired by the Provence region of France , and the whole eating place is meant to call down a Gallic bistro .
B Gates
Grille District
Closest Gate : B15If you ’re looking for a burger , flatbread , or other familiar American transportation , check out Grille District . Thanks to plenty of television screens , you’re able to watch the game while look for your trajectory .
Cava Mezze Grill
Closest Gate : B16DC ’s favorite loyal - casual chain of mountains has a nursing home at the B Gates in DCA , offering Mediterranean inspired salad , sandwiches , and grain bowl for phratry in a hurry . Build your own combining of ingredient , or cull from one of Cava ’s attempt and true favorites .
C Gates
EL Centro D.F.
Closest Gate : C30El Centro add up from chef Richard Sandoval , whose DC - base conglomerate of restaurants now expands to DCA . Check out El Centro for Latin American flavors in both solid food and crapulence options .
Forbes News
Closest Gate : C28Get all the late news , as well as travel requirement like electronics , health and beauty accessories , souvenirs , and even baggage from this Forbes News store , one of the larger retail option within DCA .
U Street Pub
Closest Gate : C27For folk in hunting of a watering jam , U Street Pub is the utter discovery . This stripe — complete with plenty of television screens — is inspired by local DC joints , and is a neat way to pass the time before boarding .
D Gates
American Tap Room
Closest Gate : D38As the name suggests , you ’ll find plenty of beers on water tap at this restaurant , which offers more of a pose - down experience than some of the fast casual eateries palisade the restaurant . Also useable are burgers , salads , and traditional bar bites .
Kapnos Taverna
Closest Gate : D37With Greek - animate dishes and vino listing , Kapnos is a great place to pass some meter at DCA . Chef Mike Isabella , also ofTop Cheffame , is the originator behind the concept , and brings his Mediterranean cooking style to the menu .
Georgetown Gourmet Market
Closest Gate : D40Quickly grab pre - packaged sandwich , salad , soups , pastry , and more from this efficient market ( which also serves beer , wine , and juice for folks in a hurry ) .
E Gates
DC Originals
Closest Gate : E46If you ’re looking for a DC gift before depart the metropolis , check out this retail merchant . As the name suggest , you ’ll find trinkets from D.C. brand ( as well as some national chains ) . Whether you ’re in hunt of a keychain , a afternoon tea towel , or a ball jacket , DC Originals has you cover .
Inmotion
Closest Gate : E46For noise canceling earphone , speakers , tablet , seaworthiness bands , and more electronic accoutrement , be sure to check out InMotion and load up on requirement before your tenacious trajectory .
P.F. Chang’s
close Gate : E47This popular Chinese - inspire restaurant is a big place to grab a takeout box before board your plane , or stop by for a multi - course meal after shore . The large bar area offer plenty of infinite to relax , especially during a stressful travelling twenty-four hour period .
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Bites
tight Gate : E59Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck has opened up a DCA outpost with what the team calls “ approachable fine dining , ” complete with a wide selection of cocktail , beer , wine , and of course , plenty of snacks for a pre- or post - flight treat .
Other things to do nearReaganNational Airport
Should you regain yourself with too much clip to wipe out at an airdrome — whether a longsighted layover or , heaven forbid , a time lag — the real dish of DCA is its incredible proximity to some of the best that Washington , DC has to offer .
DCA is but a 10 - minute drive ( on a high-risk daylight ) from the National Mall , where you may admire the Washington Monument , the Jefferson Memorial , the Lincoln Memorial , and other great American landmarks .
And once you find yourself on the Mall , you might as well chat one of the many Smithsonian museums dotting the borders — check out theMuseum of Natural account , theNational Museum of African American History and Culture , or for a non - Smithsonian spot that ’s a must - see in DC , there ’s theNational Gallery of Art .
Reagan Washington National Airport|Photo credit: Patrick Donovan, via Getty Images
If you ’re interested in catching a bit outside of the airport , you ’re just across the river from the Southwest Wharf neck of the woods , where you may discover plenty of restaurants for either a insouciant drink ( perhaps atMi Vida ) or a fancier repast ( tryIlili DC ) . And with plentitude of happy hour offerings during the weekdays ( and even some of the weekends , including atBoardwalk ) , you wo n’t have to break the bank either .
Ben’s Chili Bowl|Photo Courtesy of Ben’s Chili Bowl
Kapnos Taverna|Photo courtesy of Kapnos Taverna
Lincoln Memorial | Photo by Scott Suchman for Thrillist
