The Five Best Restaurants at the Las Vegas Airport

"Oh my gosh, airport food is soooo yummy!" said no one, ever. Airport restaurants catch a lot of flak for offering food that is not only terrible but expensive – talk about adding insult to injury.

McCarran Airport in Las Vegas is determined to prove the haters wrong and they're actually making progress. They have a multitude of convenience food options, including Baja Fresh, California Pizza Kitchen and Jersey Mike's Subs. If you want to sit down, they also have you covered: whether you're in early and waiting for others to arrive or on your way out and looking to fuel up for the long journey home, McCarran has plenty to choose from. Here are five good places to eat at the Las Vegas Airport.

See 7 tips, like when to book your ticket, from the Hopper research team that can save travelers hundreds on their flights to Las Vegas.

Enjoy a last round of shots at Jose Cuervo Tequileria

Photo by rpavich/Flickr.

Leaving Las Vegas, but not quite ready to stop the party? Nothing is over until you say it's over! At Jose Cuervo Tequileria, you can go out on a high note with tequila shots, margaritas, tequila poppers... you get the picture. They have a full selection of beers also, in case you want to pump the brakes. Warm chips and spicy salsa are the preview for a Tex-Mex menu that has the favorites you expect: burritos, fajitas, tacos and combo plates, all surprisingly tasty and in generous portions. Adiós!

Also check out Hopper's article on the five best bars in the Las Vegas airport for more suggestions on where to drink

Fine American dining at Las Vegas Chophouse & Brewery

Photo by Robert S. Donovan/Flickr.

The full, classic steakhouse experience in a convenient airport setting. Looking for sirloin steaks, filet mignon, crab cakes and salmon? You are in the right place. Big salads and savory side dishes are part of the deal. This is also a great breakfast place for early flyers, the steak & eggs are as delicious as you might expect. Dozens of beers on tap and in bottles and enough televisions to catch all the sports action. The perfect way to put an exclamation point on a winning weekend.

The Hopper guide to Las Vegas for beer drinkers is a great resource for while you're in Las Vegas, as it has a lot of brewery recommendations

Rock out with your tacos out at Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill

Photo via their official website.

How can you say no to Sammy Hagar? That's a trick question, you can't! Sammy's serves a menu of American classics, with an island twist. Think dishes like ceviche, seasoned fries, hot wings, massive burgers heaped with onion rings, tacos and quesadillas and more. Sammy's signature cocktails usually include his own Cabo Wabo Tequila, load up prior to boarding to ensure a smooth flight. Sammy Hagar fans can delight in the memorabilia and pictures on the walls. Hope you like Van Halen, they play it non-stop!

Before it's drinking at the airport time, check out these five great cocktail bars in Las Vegas during your trip

Fast and fine dining at Wolfgang Puck Express

Photo by uıɐɾ ʞ ʇɐɯɐs/Flickr.

The name "Wolfgang Puck" is synonymous with healthy gourmet dining and the McCarran location more than lives up to the reputation. Fast-casual setting with affordable prices, they still manage to serve the same favorite gourmet pizzas, salads, soups and sandwiches. The Chinois Chicken Salad tops the list and the handcrafted pizzas are always in demand. There are two locations, one an Express and the other To-Go, be warned that both can draw a crowd during prime time.

While you're in the city, check out these five celebrity chef restaurants in Las Vegas for a real fine-dining experience

Smoke 'em if you got 'em at Barney's Lounge

Barney's Lounge offers smoke-friendly dining, an appreciated convenience for anyone dreading a long flight with no nicotine. The food selection is limited but good: sandwiches and wraps, along with snacks to enjoy them with. This is a lounge so you can enjoy a drink with your smoke and sandwich, and there are plenty of poker machines and slots to satisfy your itch to gamble. This is a great place to wind down on your way out of town, or rev up if you're just coming in.

Take a look at this list of the five best airport lounges in the Las Vegas Airport to wait for your flight in style