Someday I want to write a book titled “Good Places to Eat in American Airports.” So far, it would be a short story. Most airport eateries are good places to get un-hungry. You eat there because you must, not because you want to.
There’s a great bar-b-cue place in one of the Texas airports, but I never can remember which one. There’s been a great little restaurant at the Monroe, LA airport for years. I remember eating there in the very early 1970s and 1980s.
Then there’s Paschal’s at—of all places—the Atlanta airport (ATL). Paschal’s is just different. When connecting through ATL I can always figure out how to have a meal at Paschal’s.
The Paschals—an African-American family (why in the world can’t I use the word “black” or Negro?)—has owned and operated restaurants in the city of Atlanta since the 1940s. Years ago they opened at ATL, and put the fun back into connecting in ATL.
Paschal’s is famous for what some call soul food. They specialize in fried chicken (‘scuze me—that should be SOUTHERN fried chicken), collard greens, and other southern delights, served with iced tea, of course, and other beverages. My regular order is meat loaf, but that chicken does lure me into too many carbs upon occasion.
You’re not likely to just stumble across Paschal’s by mistake. They know that people come to them on purpose without a splashy sign out front. Just go up the escalator from the train at concourse C and ask any vendor. Waiters will take your order and serve it to you just like at a “real” restaurant—which it is. Prices are quite reasonable, and the service is, as my mother used to say, “heap better” than at other airport eateries.
If you aren’t (yet) fond of cornbread muffins—properly called “cawnbread” muffins—be sure to tell them you prefer rolls. Or, be daring and try the muffins. You just might develop a habit right there on the spot.
Please let me know how you like the place. If you have your own airport favorite, please let me know—this could turn into a book.
To comment, just scroll down this page ‘til you see the comment spot.
About the Author
Ralph Hood
Certified Speaking Professional
Ralph Hood is a Certified Speaking Professional who has addressed aviation groups throughout North America. A pilot since 1969, he's insured and sold airplanes at retail and distributor levels and taught aviation management for Southern Illinois University.
Ralph Hood is also an award-winning columnist (he writes for several publications), a salesman and sales manager (he sold airplanes, for crying out loud!), a teacher (he taught college-level aviation management) and a professional public speaker who has entertained and enlightened audiences from Hawaii to Spain, and from Fairbanks to Puerto Rico.
- Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), National Speakers Association
- Past member, National Ethics Committee, National Speakers Association
- Past president of Alabama Speakers Association
- Member, Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame
- Past National Marketing Mentor, AOPA Project Pilot