Next to Gate A16, Midtown Cafe is the sit-down option
Right in Terminal 1 by gate A16, Midtown Cafe is the basic American diner-style spot when you want a table instead of another grab-and-go sandwich. It sits post-security on the A concourse, so you’re fine to walk straight in after TSA without backtracking across the terminal.
Prices stay in the $ tier, so think diner-level checks rather than steakhouse surprises. Expect standard casual American plates: burgers, fries, maybe a club sandwich, simple breakfast plates when they’re running a morning menu, and fountain sodas instead of craft cocktails. This is the place you hit when you’ve already spent too much on airport snacks and still need a real meal before a flight out of T1.
Hours officially “vary,” and reviewers mention irregular opening times, so don’t bank on midnight pancakes here. If you’re on an early departure out of A16–A20, walk past the gate about 30 minutes before boarding starts and visually confirm the lights are on and staff are moving. If the metal shutters are down, pivot to another concourse option instead of waiting around.
Service pace depends heavily on staffing; on lighter days plates can land in 10–15 minutes, but when a bank of flights hits the A gates, that can stretch longer. With a 45-minute layover, stick to something quick like a burger and fries instead of anything that looks like it needs a griddle and extra prep. The casual setup means you’ll usually pay at the table or a front counter before heading back to security lines and boarding groups.
Tip: If your flight leaves from A16–A24, grab a table facing the concourse so you can keep one eye on your exact gate and boarding line while you finish your meal.