Philadelphia

When you're at Philadelphia International, have a drink at Cibo's, the cozy bistro with outlets on Terminals A-West and B. There are about three dozen wines available by the glass. But hold your appetite for another local favorite: Chickie's and Pete's, the local seafood chain-cum-sports bars that has opened branches in Terminals A-West, C and E. Meanwhile, if you’re into some off-the-airport excitement, try Bomb Bomb BBQ Grill and Italian Restaurant, a place that could only exist in South Philly. The traditional Southern Italian menu (tomato sauce is called gravy here) somehow co-exists with a roster of award-winning baby-back ribs and chicken dishes. It's eight miles from Philadelphia International.

Miami

Miami International is big and sprawling and, it seems, constantly under construction. But you'll be safe at the La Carreta in North Terminal near Gate D37. This 24-hour branch of the Miami mini-chain makes a great Cuban sandwich. About four miles from the airport on Coral Gables' restaurant row, you'll find Francesco, a Peruvian place that offers little in the way of décor but plenty of flavor in the cerviches and tiraditos. Surprisingly good pastas too.

Seattle

The unquestioned dining star of Seattle-Tacoma Airport is Dish D'Lish, the takeout food concept of Seattle superstar chef Kathy Casey. The menu is varied, tasty, and fresh. Every airport should be so lucky. There are branches in the Central Terminal and the Main Ticketing areas. Sea-Tac is one of the places where you'll eat better in the airport than nearby, but, if you must escape, try the good Thai food at the original Bai Tong, two miles from the airport.

Charlotte

Charlotte Douglas International is one of the most pleasant airports in the country. It even has a leafy and relaxing central Atrium. But food? Not so much. You'll probably do best at Brookwood Farms BBQ, the airport branch of the big commercial processor about 100 miles away in Siler City. Less than eight miles from the airport, however, the South Boulevard branch of the slick Villa Antonio has a fanatic following for both lunch and dinner. It makes a great pork sandwich—even if it is Italian style (the loin meat is topped with mozzarella, sautéed mushrooms, onions, and citrus aioli) in the middle of barbecue country.

Boston

What would a visit to Boston be without a stop at Legal Sea Foods, the city's omnipresent chain of high-quality fish houses. If you miss one in town, Logan Airport has two traditional Legal outlets (Terminals B and C) and a specially configured restaurant called Legal Test Kitchen (Terminal A), which can serve up a real meal in less than 30 minutes. Want to indulge in pizza, Boston's other obsession? Santarpio's is less than two miles away and remains the gold standard of Boston pies. But beware: It isn't as consistent as it used to be and the waits can be off-putting for business travelers.

Salt Lake City

The Western hub for Delta Air Lines, Salt Lake City International is consistently one of the nation's most-timely airports, so don't bank on a lavish between-flights repast. Grab a fresh, juicy burrito at the Blue Burrito Grille (Terminal One, Concourse B) or a terrific beer on tap at the airport branch of Park City's Wastach Brew Pub (Terminal Two, Concourse D). If you insist on an off-airport meal, the Red Iguana serves up Southwestern cuisine as well as excellent regional Mexican specialties. It's one of Utah's best and best-known restaurants and it's only six miles away.

Honolulu

Honolulu International Airport is now bereft of even one reliable dining experience. But less than a mile from the runways is Mitch's Fish Market & Sushi Bar, a haven for fish-obsessed Hawaiians. Try the toro (the costly, ultra-rich belly of the tuna) or the pricey, but genuine, abalone. Always call ahead for a reservation because the place is a shoebox. Just a few miles further away is Sam Choy's, a rambling warehouse of a place with an on-site brewery, bountiful breakfasts, and serviceable lunch and dinners.

San Diego

Construction begins next month at San Diego International, so you'll probably need the buzz from one of the nicely crafted microbrews at the Karl Strauss Brewing Company. It has locations in both Terminal 1 and 2. If that won't do, try Hexagone, a charming Modern French dining room just two miles from the runway.

The Fine Print ...

It's a miserable week for business travelers flying to, from, or through Europe. Lufthansa canceled about a thousand flights worldwide on Monday on the first day of what was due to be a four-day pilot's strike. The two sides have agreed to resume talks and the strike is suspended until March 8. French air-traffic controllers began a five-day strike for on Tuesday. And British Airways' cabin crews again voted to strike over new work rules imposed by the carrier's management. That work action could begin as early as next month.

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Joe Brancatelli writes Portfolio.com’s business travel column, Seat 2B. Brancatelli is the former executive editor of Frequent Flyer magazine and operates the membership site JoeSentMe.com. You can reach him at jbrancatelli@portfolio.com.