Caffeine at the airport: TPG traveled nationwide to uncover the finest coffee options available in terminals.

Early morning travelers can enhance their airport experience with two essentials: a carry-on and, above all, a good cup of coffee.

Sadly, the phrase "airport coffee" often conjures up thoughts of weak, watery brews served in flimsy plastic cups.

As both a traveler and a coffee enthusiast, I was intrigued by the lack of quality coffee at airports. Are there any noteworthy coffee spots in these travel hubs?

It was time for me to don my investigative journalist cap — and pack my bags. This summer, I delved into the world of airport coffee, exploring terminal maps, interviewing airport food insiders, and gathering recommendations from TPG readers. Naturally, spirited discussions arose among TPG's writers and editors who are well-versed in the coffee landscape of U.S. airports.

Ultimately, two airports stood out from the rest — none could compare. Rather than just making the usual coffee run, I traveled across the country to Nashville International Airport (BNA) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) for a taste test of the best coffee options for my competition.

Fellow coffee enthusiasts, keep reading to discover where to find the finest airport coffee in the country.

Introduction to airport coffee

Upon entering a major airport, you'll likely spot a few familiar faces like Starbucks and Dunkin'. You might also come across Peet's Coffee, Caribou Coffee, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and other popular brands.

If you find yourself in a coffee wasteland, you can often stop by Hudson News to grab a cold brew (usually Starbucks) from the cooler. However, even the popular chain coffees don't always live up to their reputations in airports. Frequently, the flavor falls flat, lacking the richness of their off-airport versions, leaving you with less value for your money.

To understand the dynamics between airports, national brands, and local establishments, I chatted with Tyler Pitman, the vice president of portfolio development and brand partnerships at HMSHost North America. The company has recently ended its exclusive deal with Starbucks to make room for more local vendors.

"The airport serves as the gateway to the community," Pitman noted. "It's the first impression for arriving passengers and the last glimpse for those departing."

According to Pitman, if a traveler were blindfolded during a flight and had no idea of their destination, they should be able to look around the airport and instantly recognize where they are. He emphasized that airports should reflect the "culinary fabric" of their locales, which undoubtedly includes coffee.

In Florida, you can savor local Cuban coffee at Miami International Airport (MIA), and at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), enjoy a cup brewed fresh from the French Quarter. Coffee not only gives you a boost but also fosters a sense of community, something big chain brands struggle to replicate.

While major airports like Nashville International Airport (BNA) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) feature a variety of local coffee choices, most others do not measure up. In my investigation for this project, I explored terminal maps of the 100 busiest airports in the U.S. and discovered that the majority had either no local coffee shops or just one.

TPG's top picks for airport coffee shops

To clarify, I'm not a coffee expert — but I can tell the difference between a diluted Dunkin' beverage and a rich, house-roasted brew. Although my experiences at these shops were limited, many were either recommended or vetted by TPG team members who have frequented them multiple times.

Nashville International Airport (BNA)

At BNA, I passed my gate twice, captivated by the airport's charm. With so many local businesses, walking through BNA feels like wandering down Broadway. There's even a honky-tonk restaurant featuring live music.

8th and Roast

8th and Roast was my top pick for the best airport coffee. My cappuccino was luxuriously smooth, reminiscent of the rich brews you'd find in trendy Soho cafes or charming Parisian boulangeries. The frothy cloud of foam on top made each sip feel heavenly. I also treated myself to an iced latte (yes, I ordered two), which remained creamy despite the ice. And the coffee? It was powerful — just a few sips propelled me into high gear. Plus, it’s fair trade.

Location: Concourse D.

Note: Even in the hustle and bustle of a busy airport, 8th and Roast captures the essence of a neighborhood coffee shop. The baby-blue decor, inviting atmosphere, and enticing aroma of freshly ground coffee beckon travelers inside. The line may take 10 minutes, but the experience is absolutely worth it.

Bongo Java

If you enjoy quirky, sweet flavors, Bongo Java is the spot for you. Besides classic options, you can indulge in lavender, hazelnut, and matcha lattes — or even a latte infused with local honey and cinnamon. They also offer a wide range of pastries and snacks, many of which are gluten-free and vegan-friendly.

Location: Concourse C.

Note: Bongo Java holds the title of Nashville's oldest coffeehouse and has garnered plenty of attention over the years.

Barista Parlor

I opted for the barista's pick — a pour-over — alongside a classic iced latte at the nautical-themed Barista Parlor. Both beverages delivered a rich flavor, much more robust and enjoyable than anything from Starbucks. It nearly rivaled 8th and Roast.

I couldn't resist the temptation of the flaky chocolate croissant in the display case — just take a look at it!

Location: Concourse C.

Note: Barista Parlor collaborates with Frothy Monkey, a beloved local Nashville bakery, to offer delightful pastries. Plus, they toast your croissant for you.

Kijiji Coffee

Much like Bongo Java, Kijiji Coffee serves up sweeter coffee options. My coconut milk mocha was rich and tasty. Many of Kijiji's specialty beverages incorporate coconut milk or flavoring. While the coffee here was slightly milder compared to other BNA spots, it remains a solid choice for a quick drink. A second location is set to open soon in Concourse B.

Location: Concourse A.

Note: Kijiji Coffee holds the distinction of being the oldest African American-owned coffee shop in Nashville.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Seattle's airport also collaborates with local businesses to showcase a range of local shops throughout the terminal. With just one security checkpoint for the entire airport, travelers can easily wander between terminals, making it a breeze to explore. The airport itself is an attraction; in fact, SEA provides day passes for non-flyers to enjoy the airport.

Every coffee shop I explored in SEA featured seating areas that felt just like traditional cafes; you can enjoy your pastry right there.

Floret

This was undoubtedly the most charming cafe I visited, featuring neon signs, lush plants, and a cozy dining area that made me forget I was in an airport. Floret serves coffee beans roasted by Stumptown, known for its roots in Portland, Oregon. (If you visit Portland International Airport, you can’t miss Stumptown coffee.) Staying true to Floret's floral theme, I ordered the lavender fields latte — while it gave me a nice caffeine kick, the coffee didn’t taste as fresh as at the other cafes I had visited. Nonetheless, it was still well above the usual bland airport coffee options, and the delightful ambiance made up for the slight bitterness.

Location: Concourse A.

Note: If you want to enjoy the charming cafe, it's not a grab-and-go situation; table service only. If you find yourself with a long layover, lunch at Floret could be a pleasant highlight.

Caffe Vita

My iced latte was wonderfully creamy, which is a delightful surprise when oat milk is your go-to choice. (Dairy-free, yay!) The coffee was fresh and robust enough to provide an energy boost after just a few sips. I visited another Caffe Vita location (outside the airport) and can confirm that the airport coffee matches its quality perfectly.

Location: Central Terminal in Beecher's Cafe.

Note: Although Caffe Vita is rooted in Seattle, it has several locations in New York City and Portland — as well as one in Phoenix.

Caffe D'arte

I made a serious mistake at Caffe D'arte: I ordered decaf. Overwhelmed by caffeine, I thought decaf might be a nice change of pace. Unfortunately, my decaf coffee tasted like mud. I returned for an iced latte, which was delightful. I can't rate Caffe D'arte five stars because of the decaf mishap, but it remains one of the best coffee shops I visited.

Location: Concourse A.

Note: Avoid ordering decaf.

Dilettante Mocha Cafe

Chocolate enthusiasts, take note! Dilettante Mocha Cafe is your go-to spot for all things mocha: frappes, hot chocolates, Turkish coffee ... you name it. After placing your order, you can customize your drink's chocolate intensity; I chose to amp up the sweetness. My mocha latte was reminiscent of hot chocolate, which was a delightful surprise in the chilly, air-conditioned terminal.

Location: Central Terminal.

Note: The display case is filled with decadent treats, and most of them are — you guessed it — chocolate flavored.

Caffe Ladro

My latte from Caffe Ladro was definitely fresh, but it leaned towards the sweet side! The only nondairy option available was almond milk, which tasted sweetened. If you enjoy sweeter coffee, Caffe Ladro is the place for you. Plus, there was a great selection of pastries and snacks to choose from.

Location: Concourse A in the Capitol Hill Food Hall.

Note: Caffe Ladro has locations in 16 different neighborhoods across Seattle, including Capitol Hill.

Honorable Mentions

Although the coffee shops featured in this airport-by-airport guide didn't make the top 10 (due to travel limitations), they remain highly recommended choices according to TPG staffers and readers.

Final Thoughts

For a fantastic selection of airport coffee, consider scheduling your next layover at Nashville International Airport or Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Although I consumed 15 cups of coffee across both airports, which left me a bit jittery, many of the beverages pleasantly surprised me for airport coffee. Supporting local businesses while traveling was also a rewarding experience, allowing me to enjoy a genuine taste of Nashville and Seattle.

To keep the coffee discussion alive, feel free to share your thoughts in the TPG Lounge Facebook group and let others know about unique airport coffee spots you've discovered.

Image featured in graphic by Yuliya Ufimtseva/Getty Images.