BWI Airport in Running for Country's Best Dining Honor

HANOVER, MD — It isn't the world's busiest airport, but Baltimore Washington International Airport is up for an important accolade among the flights and bites set: Best airport food. You can vouch for the Maryland seafood and microbrews offered by voting daily for BWI's offerings.

The dining experience of BWI is up against the larger Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, JFK in New York, Newark Liberty International and Los Angeles International, among others, in the USA Today Readers' Digest 10Best, which lists the choicest establishments voted on by consumers. On Thursday afternoon, BWI was in ninth place out of 20 contenders; the leader is Long Beach Airport in California, followed by Detroit Metropolitan Airport and Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport.

BWI features Maryland seafood with Obrycki's Restaurant and Bar and Phillips Seafood. Maryland microbrews have a presence with DuClaw Brewing Company, says USA Today. "But in addition to popular chains like Arby's and Potbelly, passengers can also get Mexican from Zona Cocina and American food in a diner setting at Silver Diner."

While other airports feature some pretty good eateries, BWI's food establishments make it an automatic favorite among voters, who have until noon ET on Feb. 13 to cast their virtual ballots.

New food options coming to BWI announced last summer include a Steak n' Shake, Harbor Grille, DC-3 Hot Dogs and a wine bar called Brix & Wine. Also, a Family Meal location from celebrity chef Bryan Voltaggio will open in Concourse A, and Mike Isballa will open Kapnos Marketa, reports DC Eater.

If you find yourself with plenty of time to kill at the airport, check out these suggestions from Eater for dining at BWI:

1) Obrycki's Restaurant & Bar: The restaurant is known for its steamed crabs: crab cakes, soft crab and crab soup all won a thumbs-up. (Concourse B).
2) Vino Volo Wine Bar: The wine bar has a small menu of small bites, sandwiches, and charcuterie, including smoked salmon rolls, braised pork tacos, and a tuscan chicken sandwich. (Concourse A).
3) Sky Azure: You’ll find craft cocktails, unique beers and small plates here, like watermelon salad and guacamole. (Main Terminal, Concourse B/C)
4) Silver Diner: A revamped menu emphasizes local produce and healthier fare. (Concourse A/B)
5) BGR: The Burger Joint: Look for extraordinary burgers served with interesting flavor combinations, as well as a tasty veggie burger, along with fries and other staples. (Concourse B).

»Image via Baltimore Washington International Airport