Fill Up on Local Flavors Before You Fly

The next time you head to CVG, I really want to encourage you to arrive early… and hungry.

Yes, hungry!

That’s because there are so many delicious options to fill up before you fly. From familiar favorites to food you didn’t know was available at an airport, here’s where to head when you need to grab a bite:

Bengals Bar & Kitchen

Who Dey think gonna beat these burgers and beers? (Nooooooo-body!)

Located just up the escalator in Concourse B, Bengals Bar & Kitchen is the only official Cincinnati Bengals bar in the city. Every meal has the energy of Bengals game day with cool autographed memorabilia adorning the walls, TVs showing sports games and highlights, and tasty menu items including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Tip: Be sure to check out their breakfast menu.

Escape Lounge

I remember the first time I stopped into the Escape Lounge and thought “wow, this is such a relaxing vibe before a flight… I might stay too long and miss my flight!”

If you haven’t had a chance to visit the expanded Escape Lounge near gate B12, you’ll want to make sure to arrive early to CVG for your flight to experience all of the amenities.

Enjoy a delicious menu prepared by top chefs, sip creative cocktails at the sleek bar, or get some work done before takeoff in a quiet comfortable corner. The best part is that you don’t need to be on a specific airline or have any sort of status to visit. A daily admission price gets you in and children under three are free.

Tip: If you have certain credit cards, including American Express Platinum and Delta SkyMiles Reserve, you can enjoy the Escape Lounge for free.

VV The Italian Experience

What began as a family business in the small town of Puglia, Italy made its way to the Tri-State with a beautiful restaurant in Mount Lookout. Now, the flavors of VV The Italian Experience are waiting for you at CVG!

Located next to gate B17, you can enjoy a taste of Italy with their delicious entrees, soups, salads, and sandwiches made from high-quality ingredients. Relax with a beverage before your flight as you enjoy the warm hospitality of a Cincinnati favorite.

Tip: Grab a table near the railing along the concourse and pretend you’re heading off to Italy, even if you’re getting ready to board your flight to Atlanta.

A great meal from a vending machine? Yep!

If you’re like me and sometimes arrive at the airport a little later than you should (it happens to all of us, right?), you can still enjoy a quick meal in the terminal or grab something quick to take aboard your flight.

I really like Farmer’s Fridge when I’m in a hurry and trying to eat healthy. They feature a number of ready to eat salads in jars and can be found in multiple locations around CVG including near gate A7, B13, and in the ticketing area near the welcome point.

Be sure to check out the new automated food vending machines in Concourse B including:

• Wow Bao: You may have visited Wow Bao in Sharonville and now you can grab hot bao and dumplings from a vending machine!

• Amish Pretzel: Grab a hot, delicious pretzel before you board. A great option for those with allergies or sensitivities since they offer pretzels made without dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, or preservatives.

• Tres Locos: Enjoy street style tacos, burritos, and other Mexican favorites without the wait. Just grab and go!

The best part is that these vending machines are serving up food during off-peak times when restaurants might be closed.

Oh, one more vending machine that’s really neat? The Bicycle Playing Cards machine at near gate B11 offers a variety of cool playing cards. (Fun fact: they’ve been making these in Cincinnati and Erlanger since 1885!) Grab a deck as a cool Cincinnati souvenir or a screen-free activity on your next flight.

I’d love to hear about your favorite travel “hack” for an upcoming Jet with Jay. If you’ve got a great tip that saves money or time, please reach out at @JayKruzOfficial on Facebook and Instagram.

-Jay