Shop Overview
Pei Wei at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is a convenient, fast-casual Asian kitchen designed for travelers who want a hot, filling meal without the long wait of full-service dining. Expect familiar, crowd-pleasing flavors—think stir-fried noodles, rice bowls, and saucy wok-style entrees—served quickly and packaged well for eating at the gate.
The experience is typically straightforward: you order, customize (protein, spice level, add-ons), and get a made-to-order meal that’s more substantial than a snack from a newsstand. It’s a good “default choice” in Concourse E when you want something warm and consistent before boarding.
What to Buy
- Best sellers: Go for a rice or noodle bowl with a savory stir-fry style sauce—these travel best and stay satisfying even if your boarding time shifts.
- Protein-forward picks: If you’re trying to stay full on a longer flight, choose a bowl with chicken, beef, or shrimp and add extra protein if offered. It’s often better value than buying multiple snacks elsewhere in the concourse.
- Quick, lighter options: When you don’t want a heavy meal, choose a smaller bowl or a veggie-focused option and keep it simple (less sauce = less mess in your seat).
- Family-friendly choice: Noodles and mild rice bowls are usually the safest bet for kids or picky eaters, especially when you can request mild spice.
- Local specialties / airport exclusives: Pei Wei is a national brand rather than a St. Louis specialty, so if you’re hunting for local flavors, pair your meal with a St. Louis-themed snack or gift from nearby Concourse E retailers.
- Price comparisons: This is not duty-free. Prices are in line with airport fast-casual dining—typically higher than off-airport locations but competitive versus sit-down restaurants in the terminal.
Location & Hours
Exact location: Concourse E, near Gate E6 at STL. After clearing security for Terminal 1/Concourse E, follow overhead signs toward the E gates; you’ll find Pei Wei in the central passenger walkway close to E6.
Security: After security (in the secure gate area), so it’s best for pre-flight dining once you’ve committed to your concourse.
Hours: Airport dining hours can vary by day and flight banks. Check posted signage in Concourse E or the official flystl.com listings on the day you travel.
Peak vs. quiet times: Expect the biggest rush during morning departures and the late-afternoon/early-evening wave. Midday between banks is often the quickest time to order and find nearby seating.
Shopping Tips
- Time it right: For hot food without stress, aim to order 30–45 minutes before boarding, especially during peak departure periods in Concourse E.
- Make it travel-proof: Choose bowls over extra-saucy items if you’ll be eating on the plane; they’re easier to manage in tight seating.
- Duty-free reminder: Pei Wei purchases don’t qualify for duty-free. If you’re also shopping Duty Free Americas (available at STL for international travelers), keep food and duty-free liquids separate for easier packing and compliance.
- Reserve & collect: Typical airport quick-service dining is walk-up; if mobile/online ordering is available at the location, it will be posted at the counter or on airport signage.
- Returns/refunds: Food purchases are generally final; if there’s an order issue, address it immediately at the counter while you’re still nearby.
- Payment: Expect major credit/debit cards and mobile wallets; carry a backup card during busy periods in case a payment terminal is down.
Category
dining
Location
E6