Noted food critic Alan Richman once wrote, "The grim state of airport dining is incomprehensible." Granted, some of it leaves a bad taste in your mouth, but as road warriors - grabbing meals in terminals from Midland to Miami - you've surely uncovered some of the diamonds in the rough. If you haven't, check out our short lists of inspired airport eateries. - J.B.

Local Flavor

A welcome trend in airport dining is to treat travelers to a taste of regional specialties. Also, a growing number of outposts of neighborhood dining institutions can be found at airports. For example, Perry's, a San Francisco staple for over 35 years, is introducing its classic American cuisine to a whole new set of fans at its year-old location in San Francisco International's Terminal 1. At Seattle-Tacoma, there's an entire food court, called Pacific Marketplace, which focuses on regional fare and features offshoots of homegrown favorites like Ivar's Fish Bar (celebrated for its clam chowder) and Alki Bakery Express (which draws raves for its cinnamon rolls).

The short list

Albuquerque: Gardunos Chile Packing Company and Cantina

Austin: Salt Lick and Matt's Famous El Rancho

Boston: Legal Sea Foods Express

Chicago: Harry Caray's

Dallas-Fort Worth: Reata Grill

Memphis: Jim Neely's Interstate Bar-B-Que