I was traveling from Phoenix to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for work and had a connecting flight in Charlotte. I had eaten with coworkers much earlier in the morning, so I thought I could grab something to eat at the airport before boarding. However, I underestimated traffic in Phoenix and as a result arrived at the airport a little later than I would have liked and was unable to purchase anything to eat before departure. Of course, the airline had snacks and food for sale, but since I was sitting in the back of the main cabin, there wasn’t much left by the time they got to me. It was a long, hungry four hours. Luckily, that was followed by a three-hour layover in Charlotte, and I knew I would find something there. As I entered the main atrium, my stomach did the thinking for me and led me to the first place it knew we would find a decent meal: Carolina Pit BBQ from Brookwood Farms. I ordered a pulled pork barbecue sandwich with extra sauce. It came with coleslaw and mac and cheese. The sandwich was so full of pulled pork on a freshly baked bun that it overflowed onto the plate. The mac and cheese and slaw were also hearty portions. The meal with drink was about $15. The flavor, the heartiness, the freshly baked bun, and that warm feeling that only true comfort food can replicate, all combined to make this one of the best barbecue meals I’ve ever had. Not only was I full, but I kept asking myself: Should I buy another one to go and eat it later? I tell everyone I know who passes through Charlotte to stop by and eat, and I’ve returned many, many times. It never disappoints! Bobby Laurie, Washington, DC

Acai Bowl in Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, North Carolina

In a sea of ​​fast food and overpriced snacks, finding healthier options at the airport is like looking for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. During a layover at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, I was pleasantly surprised when I Sambaton, a food company that sells acai-based foods and beverages. A delicious, custom-made acai bowl with fresh bananas, blueberries, and mangoes, topped with meaty shredded coconut, cost me about $13, and I could hardly believe I was actually enjoying this explosion of fresh tropical flavors in an airport. Taryn White, Washington, DC

Bojangles’ four-piece Supremes dinner with fries, ranch sauce, a biscuit and Pepsi in Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, North Carolina

My first flight from North Carolina’s capital city of Raleigh to North Carolina’s most populous city of Charlotte is barely 30 minutes after takeoff, and the connecting flight to Phoenix is ​​tight. But as an economy passenger, I knew I wouldn’t get a meal on board, so I planned to get something decent to eat for the four-hour flight – without ruining myself or cutting into my tight transfer time. Luckily, I knew just the right place to do it. Any North Carolina native knows that when you need something quick and tasty, nothing beats Bojangles Locations Luckily, there are two locations in the airport: The Plaza (the largest food court near Concourse D) and Concourse B. My standard order? A four-piece “Supremes” meal with perfectly breaded chicken tenders, thick-cut fries, ranch sauce, and a Pepsi. It comes with a soft, buttered bun. (Pro tip: If you’re not that hungry but still want to eat, order a Supreme kids’ meal for a smaller portion at half price.) Of course, it shouldn’t surprise frequent travelers that airport food comes at a premium. While the same meal at an average Bojangles costs $8 outside, it costs nearly double at Charlotte Airport. Still, that’s a premium I’m willing to pay for food that I know will be consistently delicious. Bojangles in Charlotte has everything a hungry traveler needs: a local favorite with fast, friendly service and hot, filling meals. Stella Shon, Durham, NC

Potato buttermilk donuts with homemade jam in Cape Cod

Chatham Municipal Airport, Massachusetts