The best food to be found at US airports, according to frequent travelers

Airport lounges have elevated their food offerings even as they remain pricey and require memberships or a certain credit card or frequent-flier status.

For the average traveler, regular airport restaurants are still costly, partly due to real estate costs and the challenge of getting staff and ingredients through security, Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel industry expert, told Fox News Digital. 

They operate in tight spaces and are run by a single concession operator, leading to an "incredible sameness," Leff added. 

"It's not simple to run a restaurant inside an airport," noting it can be a "recipe for bad food."

There is one exception, he said.

"I even choose to connect through Chicago rather than another hub sometimes for it," Leff said.

And while Leff thinks One Flew South, a southern and sushi fusion restaurant at Georgia's Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), is "overrated," many tout that as their favorite flying pit stop.

Another southern hub with sought-after food is Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Texas.

"Dallas-Fort Worth is a massive airport with numerous dining options," said Melanie Musson, an insurance expert from Montana who frequently travels with her husband and six kids.

"Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen delivers every time."

Musson's other favorite place to stop is Root Down at Denver International Airport (DEN) in Colorado, where she and her family have been going for years.

Reddit users also say they appreciate the variety at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in California.

"It's simple, warm and soulful, perfect before a long flight," Gentile said.

After SFO and her hometown Newark Liberty International Airport, Gentile said she enjoys eating at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in Washington.

Gentile also recommended the fried chicken at The Country Cat at Oregon's Portland International Airport (PDX).

Employees at travel site The Points Guy also recommended PDX as well as Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah, according to its managing editor, Clint Henderson, in part because they're reasonable. Both prohibit restaurants and shops from charging more than they would outside the airport.

"LaGuardia's Delta Terminal C is now full of some of my favorite restaurants, including Calista Taverna, Prime, Soleil Brasserie, Chuko Ramen and, of course, Bubby's," he told Fox News Digital.