The Experience
Marco Polo Chinese Restaurant & Mongolian BBQ is the kind of airport stop you choose when you want a real meal, not just a snack that leaves you hungry at boarding. It’s best described as quick-service with made-to-order cooking: you load up a bowl, hand it over, and the grill does the rest. The pace usually works well for travelers—faster than a sit-down restaurant, more satisfying than grab-and-go.
The vibe is casual and a little bustling, especially around meal rushes. What travelers consistently love here is the all-you-can-eat Mongolian BBQ format: it’s customizable, fun, and genuinely filling. You can build something light with veggies and sauce, or go full comfort-food with noodles, protein, and a bold, garlicky finish.
Location & Access
Marco Polo Chinese Restaurant & Mongolian BBQ is located post-security at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). JAX dining is concentrated after the checkpoint in the concourses, so plan to eat once you’ve cleared security rather than before.
- Security: After security
- Landmarks: Near the main concourse dining cluster (check the nearest gate signage after you pass TSA)
- Seating & waits: Seating is typical for an airport food court-style spot—shared tables nearby. Waits are usually shortest mid-morning and mid-afternoon; lunch and early evening can spike.
Menu Highlights
- Build-your-own Mongolian BBQ bowl: Start with noodles or rice, pile on meats and vegetables, then choose your sauces for a sweet-spicy, soy-garlic, or chili-forward finish. It’s the signature for a reason—hot off the grill and tailored to your mood.
- Veggie-heavy stir-fry: Load up on broccoli, onions, cabbage, mushrooms, and peppers for a lighter bowl that still feels hearty once it hits the grill.
- Protein-forward combo: If you’re starving or you’ve got a long connection, double down on meat and go easy on noodles for a more filling, less carb-heavy option.
Price: Reviews regularly call it a decent price for the all-you-can-eat Mongolian BBQ experience (airport pricing varies, so expect mid-range for JAX).
Dietary notes: This is one of the more flexible airport meals for vegetarians (easy to build a veg bowl). Vegan diners can do vegetables plus rice/noodles, but watch sauces for hidden animal ingredients. For gluten-free, sauces are the main risk (soy-based blends often contain wheat), so ask what’s safest or keep it simple. Halal options aren’t clearly advertised—if that matters, confirm protein sourcing before ordering.
Practical Info
- Mobile ordering: Not typically promoted here—assume you’ll order in person.
- Reservations: Not applicable.
- Best times to avoid crowds: Aim for 10:30–11:30 a.m. or 2:00–4:30 p.m. when fewer flights cluster around meal breaks.
- Power outlets: Mixed—some nearby airport seating has access, but don’t count on an outlet at every table.
Quick Verdict
- Best for: Hungry travelers who want a hot, customizable meal; families and groups who like everyone building their own bowl; anyone facing a long flight and needing something substantial.
- Skip if: You’re tight on time (the cook time can bottleneck at rush hour), or you need strict gluten-free/halal certainty without sauce/protein verification.