Gate-side burgers and beer in Terminal 1
TGI Fridays sits past security in Terminal 1 at Richmond (RIC), just down from several mainline gates, so you can keep an eye on boarding while you eat. It’s a full-service sit-down spot with a bar, not a grab-and-go counter. Think standard chain menu: burgers, wings, salads, sandwiches, and a full list of cocktails and draft beer. It feels like any suburban Fridays, just with rolling carry-ons instead of kids’ soccer teams.
Hours typically run from early lunch into the evening, roughly 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 or 9:00 p.m., though opening times can slide earlier for the morning bank and close a bit sooner on slower nights. Prices land in the usual airport-upcharge range: expect $15–$20 for a burger or entrée and $8–$14 for cocktails. If you just want to snack, shared plates like loaded potato skins or wings usually sit in the $10–$15 range.
Menu strategy is simple: stick with bar food and you’ll be fine. Burgers, chicken tenders, wings, and fries tend to come out faster and more consistently than salads or pasta. The bar pours standard national beers on draft plus basic spirits; it’s the kind of place to grab a Jack and Coke or a Sam Adams, not hunt for rare bourbon. Service speed depends heavily on how many departures are packed into the next 60–90 minutes.
Watch out for tight connections: if you have less than 45 minutes before boarding from a nearby gate, skip a full meal and just order a drink or one shared plate at the bar. Tabs can creep up quickly with add-ons and extra drinks, so scan prices before you say yes to upgrades. Tip: during peak afternoon banks, grab a bar stool instead of waiting on a table; you’ll usually get your check and food 10–15 minutes faster.