The Sunken Lounge at the TWA Hotel | Photo courtesy of TWA Hotel, photo by David Mitchell
The Sunken Lounge at the TWA Hotel | Photo courtesy of TWA Hotel, photo by David Mitchell
As New York State’s largest airport and the nation’s sixth busiest, if you’re flying in or out of the Big Apple during the 2022 holiday season, there’s a good chance it will be through the airport international John F. Kennedy.
Opened in 1948 in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, the famous JFK airport serves millions of passengers annually (with a record number of 62 million in 2019) through six terminals, 131 gates and four runways. And most recently, a $1 billion renovation initiative, launched in 2018 and expected to run through 2030, promises to improve the quality of JFK’s facilities through new indoor green spaces, public art, renewable energy technologies and more.
So whether you’re looking for overnight accommodation before an early flight or reliable spots for pre-boarding bites and cocktails, here’s our ultimate guide to where to eat, drink, hang and more at John F. Kennedy International Airport. in New York.
AirTrain at JFK Airport | Markus Mainka/Shutterstock
JFK Airport with public transportation
bus: If ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft are out of your budget, one option is to hop on an MTA bus via routes B15, Q3, Q6, Q7, or Q10.
Metro and AirTrain: Otherwise, the easiest and most cost-effective way is through the subway and AirTrain which will cost a total of $10.75.
If you’re coming from Manhattan, take the A train bound for Far Rockaway (make sure it’s not the A train bound for Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd, and if you take this one by mistake, just get off at the Rockaway Boulevard stop to move to the One of Far Rockaway). Then transfer to the AirTrain at Howard Beach Station.
If you are coming from other locations in the city, take the downtown Jamaica subway lines on the E, J, or Z trains to Sutphin Boulevard/Archer Avenue/JFK Airport and then transfer to the AirTrain.
Exciting TV
Wine and cheeseburger
Wine and Cheeseburger: Harley and Lara pair Falafel with wine
H&H Bagels
JFK Airport Restaurants
To have breakfast: Along with classics like Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, which can be found in almost every terminal, stop by H&H Bagels in the Terminal 5 food court for artisanal BEC and lox; or Croque Madame in Terminal 2 for crepes and quiches. Other popular eateries include La Brea Bakery in Terminal 4 for bread and pastries; and Suite 7B in Terminal 7 for sandwiches to eat, plus coffee and tea.
La Palma
Lunch and dinner: Crush some of that extra wait time with a leisurely feast at The Palm Bar & Grille in Terminal 4 for salads, seafood and steaks. Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s (Red Rooster) American bistro, Uptown Brasserie, is also located in Terminal 4 and serves everything from grilled chicken and salmon sandwiches to grits and pancakes. Additionally, AeroNueva’s menu in Terminal 5 was created by Chef Mark Ladner (Pasta Flyer) and includes Italian offerings such as Spaghetti & Meatballs and Chicken Milanese. Launched with the help of Chef Robby Cook (Morimoto), Shiso in Terminal 2 serves Japanese items such as specialty rolls.
If at one point, Terminal 1 offers Turkish food from Eat & Go Istanbul/New York; Korean and Japanese bites from JikJi Cafe; and Asian dishes like ramen and soy balls and sake.
In Terminal 2, there’s charcuterie and pasta at Due Amici, as well as slices from Tagliare, run by the son of the legendary Dom DeMarco who founded Di Fara Pizza.
In Terminal 4, Mexican fare like burritos, tacos and more can be found at Mi Casa Restaurant and Cantina, plus burgers and fries from an outpost of New York-born Shake Shack.
Terminal 5 is home to everything from pan-Caribbean dishes at Caribbean Kitchen and take-out sashimi from Deep Blue on the Fly to Big Apple favorites like Carxoke Pizza and Baked By Melissa.
In Terminal 7, burgers are the specialty of True Burger, and no-fuss sandwiches and salads are prepared in Apartment 7B.
Finally, Terminal 8 includes options such as the Farmer’s Fridge automated refrigerator service, which is offered with salads, wraps and vegetable bowls; Bobby Van’s Steakhouse for American fare including sandwiches and ribs; and Mezze Cafe, which serves paninis and baked goods.
Blue Point Brewing
bars: Spread across six terminals, there are plenty of watering holes for cocktails and beers. With all places licensed to serve alcohol from 8am until closing, Le Grand Comptoir in Terminal 7 is an enveloping wine bar with snacks like cheese boards and Bruschetta; and the Martini Bar in Terminal 1 offers wine, beer and no-frills cocktails. For a cold beer, there’s also a New York-based Blue Point Brewery pub in Terminal 4. Other laid-back bars include Tigin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant in Terminal 4 and New York Sports Bar in terminal 8.
Bookstore at JFK Airport | Sorbis/Shutterstock
JFK Airport Shops
Retail therapy and last minute gifts: Sometimes a little retail therapy really cures lingering pre-flight anxiety or saves you from showing up to holiday celebrations empty-handed. Options at the airport include small outlets for top designers such as Cartier, Coach and Ferragamo in Terminal 1, plus Swarovski, Brooks Brothers and Juicy Couture in Terminal 4. For more options affordable, there’s a New York Originals store in Terminal 8 for all your souvenir needs and a 47 Brand hat shop in Terminal 4 too.
For reading materials, magazines, books and newspapers from Hudson News stores in Terminals 1, 4, 7 and 8; in addition to a Read bookstore in Terminal 2; and a WhereTraveler Books in Terminal 5.
Be relaxed
JFK Airport Lounges and Spas
Pamper yourself and spend time between stairs: Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, pampering yourself really is the ticket to a more relaxed flight. After you’ve cleared security, release some tension with a quick shoulder or neck massage at Xpress Spa in Terminal 1 or BeRelax in Terminal 5.
For a more stylish place to put your feet up, there are several exclusive airport lounges for members/international ticket buyers, including the Air France lounge in Terminal 1; Delta Sky Clubs in Terminals 2 and 4; Swiss, Emirates, Air India and Etihad Lounges in Terminal 4; and more
For long layovers, Terminal 4 is also home to a crew of Minute Suites, which are quaint rooms with a couch, desk and TV for travelers looking to rest between 1 hour minimum and 8 hours maximum.
TWA Hotel Terminal | Photo courtesy of TWA Hotel, photo by David Mitchell
Hotels near JFK Airport
The best option: The jewel in the crown of accommodations is undoubtedly the TWA Hotel. Accessible via Terminal 5, the hotel debuted in 2019 and flaunts a sleek 1960s design. Built inside the former TWA Flight Center, the fantastic hotel consists of 512 rooms; a cocktail lounge called The Sunken Lounge; an aviation history museum; a rooftop pool; The Paris Café by Jean Georges (Tin Building); an airplane converted into a bar called the Connie Cocktail Lounge; and a vacation-inspired post-swim destination called Runway Chalet at The Pool Bar.
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Izzy Baskette is a writer for Thrillist New York. Find her on Instagram.
