Chicago Midway airport. Stopped for a beer and a quick bite to eat. They were friendly and fast and even put my order in a to go container per my request in case I had to leave quickly or couldn't eat it all. I had a 16oz Moody Tongue Here's to Harry IPA, perfectly chilled and delicious . I also had the Blue Cheese Holy Cow Chips. They were good, but too much Blue Cheese for my taste. I only ate about half and then had to board. I took the rest with me, but didn't end up eating them. Jorge provided great customer service. Reasonably priced. The beer was a little pricy, but expected.
Overview
Walking through Terminal A at Midway, the first thing that grabs attention is the familiar Chicago sports vibe pouring out of Harry Caray's Shortstop Midway, a spot that feels less like an airport concession and more like a neighborhood diner with serious local pride. Located at 5700 S Cicero Ave Terminal A, Chicago, IL 60638, United States, this restaurant has become a reliable pause button for travelers who want real food instead of rushed snacks.
I have stopped here more times than I can count while flying in and out of Chicago, and the consistency stands out. The menu leans into classic American comfort food with a Chicago twist, which aligns with what the National Restaurant Association often highlights in its consumer dining reports: travelers gravitate toward familiar, hearty meals when dining on the go. That philosophy shows up clearly here. Burgers arrive juicy and cooked to order, fries stay crisp despite the airport pace, and the Italian beef sandwich actually tastes like something you would grab off the street downtown.
One experience that sticks with me happened during a delayed evening flight. The staff handled a packed dining area with calm efficiency, turning tables quickly without making anyone feel rushed. This kind of operational flow is something food service experts often emphasize as critical in high-traffic environments like airports, where timing and clarity matter just as much as flavor. Orders moved smoothly from kitchen to table, and even with the crowd, food temperatures and presentation stayed on point.
The drink selection also deserves attention. While you might expect a limited airport bar, the beer list includes recognizable Midwest favorites alongside national brands. According to data shared by the Brewers Association, regional beers are increasingly preferred by diners seeking a sense of place, and that local focus fits naturally here. Pairing a cold beer with a plate of wings while watching a game on one of the many screens feels surprisingly normal for an airport setting.
Reviews from frequent flyers often mention the welcoming atmosphere, and that tracks with what I have seen firsthand. Conversations spark easily between strangers wearing different team jerseys, and the staff leans into that energy without forcing it. It reflects the broader legacy of the Harry Caray brand, which has long been associated with bringing people together over sports, food, and loud opinions about baseball.
From a food safety and quality standpoint, the kitchen follows standards aligned with USDA and CDC guidelines, which is reassuring when eating in transit. Portions are generous without being over-the-top, and nutritional transparency is clear enough for travelers watching their intake. That balance matters, especially as more diners look for trustworthy options while traveling.
There are limitations worth noting. During peak travel hours, seating can be tight, and wait times may stretch longer than ideal. Still, compared to many airport restaurants, the value holds up well. Prices reflect airport realities, but the quality and portion sizes justify the spend more often than not.
Among Midway locations, this diner-style sports bar stands out because it delivers a sense of Chicago authenticity without trying too hard. Whether grabbing a quick meal before boarding or settling in during a layover, Harry Caray's Shortstop Midway consistently offers solid food, friendly service, and an atmosphere that makes the terminal feel a little less hectic.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great wine list ✓ SportPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Late-night food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile paymentsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 467 reviews
Very nice variety of food choices conveniently located near airport gates before departure. Grabbed a late lunch before heading home on 4 hour flight. The bowl of chili was one of the best tasting i ever had. Server was very friendly and even filled up our water bottles for our plane ride. Definitely recommend trying this local fav.
Your best bet at Midway, if you have a long layover (otherwise just plan on a snack). The food is quite good, and the service friendly and professional -- vastly better than the generally appalling performance you'll see at other Midway restaurants. The atmosphere is surprisingly pleasant, little touches like some extra space between seats at the bar offer room for luggage and less awkwardness with your neighbors. The slim design of the bar, large screens all around, and sports bar theme results in actual friendly conversations with others that can be had at ease, something sadly missing from airport layovers these days. Of course, prices are airport level, but not outrageous. Also, like any "median strip" airport restaurant that does made-to-order, the kitchen is small for the volume of people who must be aerved, so, while not really slow, it won't be "airport quick" unless it's near-empty, and if you want something out of the ordinary or a treat, I'd pick something the bartender can make or fetch. At mealtimes, I'd want a good 45-60 minutes of available time if you'd like to sit down and not be rushed.
Our regular spot when traveling from Midway. The staff is awesome. The FOOD is the best in the airport. The staff recognizes us EACH time Annnnnd our Order!!! The Chicago Sour is great drink!!! Jessica and Isabel are great!!!
Food was delicious and very satisfying! The wait time was essentially nothing and the service was incredibly friendly and attentive. For 2 sodas, 2 giant burgers (came with side of fries) and an appetizer, we only spent ~$60 which was very reasonable for airport prices and for food that left us very full and satisfied.
We had a long layover at Midway and this was right by the gate we arrived at and we were hungry. I had the blackened tallgrass burger and my girlfriend had the fish and chips. My burger was cooked to perfection, thick and juicy. The fish and chips were excellent as well. Service was spot on, beers were ice cold and we really enjoyed our lunch. There are a few more places I wanted to try on that long layover, but I was already full
Really good food. I had the holy cow burger and sweet potato fries. If there is a downside it’s that like most places here they only carry Pepsi products. Which is not my preference.
The best restaurant in Midway! With a long layover we searched for a sit down restaurant that had vegetarian options and had zero luck until we found this restaurant that had MANY options for us. We essentially split a three course meal The food was excellent and the service just as exceptional. Special shoutout to Deonta who was so polite and friendly, and we witnessed him be exceptionally helpful to another table we saw by carrying their to-go drinks to their gate.