Dallas Love Field (DAL), often simply referred to as Dallas Love Airport, is a convenient and well-loved airport, especially for those familiar with Southwest Airlines. If you’re asking “Where Is Dallas Love Airport?”, you’re likely planning a trip through this Texan hub and want to get your bearings. Located a mere 6 miles northwest of downtown Dallas, its central location makes it a popular choice for domestic travelers seeking a more streamlined airport experience compared to the larger Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
For those in the know, DAL offers a more manageable and less overwhelming atmosphere. I’ve personally found it a refreshing alternative to the sprawling DFW, despite my usual routes taking me through the latter. While I’ve only transited through Dallas Love a couple of times, its bright, clean terminals and selection of shops have left a positive impression. My only minor gripe? The need for more water refill stations – a small point in an otherwise excellent airport.
Speaking of positive impressions, navigating airport dining can often be a challenge for health-conscious travelers. While the allure of Dunkin’ Donuts and Paciugo Gelato is undeniable, Dallas Love Airport actually offers some surprisingly healthy and delicious options. So, whether you’re just pinpointing “where is Dallas Love Airport” on the map or already planning your layover, let’s explore some of the best healthy eats you can find within its terminals.
Healthy and fresh food options at Dallas Love Airport restaurants.
Cool River Cafe: A Relaxing Sit-Down Meal in Concession Village
If you have some time to spare before your flight, Cool River Cafe in Concession Village provides a welcome opportunity to relax and enjoy a more substantial meal. This sit-down restaurant offers a slightly upscale menu with options ranging from appetizers like Ahi Tuna to heartier steak dishes. While perhaps not groundbreaking cuisine, Cool River Cafe stands out as one of the healthier and few full-service dining options at Dallas Love. They also conveniently offer a to-go section for quicker bites.
Healthy Picks at Cool River Cafe:
Breakfast:
- Three Egg Omelet: Customize your omelet with fresh ingredient choices and opt for fruit on the side instead of potatoes and toast for a lighter, brighter start to your day ($10.99).
- Cool Breakfast: Enjoy a refreshing combination of yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit. A convenient to-go version is also available for those on the move ($9.55).
Lunch/Dinner:
- Ahi Tuna: Savor seared Ahi Tuna crusted in black pepper, accompanied by a flavorful wasabi slaw ($14.95).
- T.B.L.A.S.T. (Turkey, Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, Swiss, & Tomato): A customizable and protein-rich option. For a healthier twist, skip the bread and enjoy it as a turkey wrap or deconstructed salad ($12.95). To-go option available.
- Pommeray Salmon: Indulge in salmon with pommeray mustard cream sauce and shiitake wild rice. Request the sauce on the side and substitute seasonal vegetables for the rice to lighten the dish ($18.95).
- Peppadew Chicken: Experience a flavorful Peppadew Chicken with a spicy pepper-peach glaze served with genesee greens ($18.95).
To-Go Snacks:
While the pre-made salads and sandwiches might not immediately catch the eye, Cool River Cafe’s to-go section offers a couple of decent snack choices:
- Cheese & Fruit Plate: A simple yet satisfying snack featuring brie and cheddar cheese, red grapes, crackers, and fresh strawberries. Pairs well with in-flight wine for a relaxing treat.
- Kind Bar: A reliable airport snack staple, and surprisingly reasonably priced here compared to some other airports ($2.29).
Close-up of healthy salad options at Dallas Love Airport.
Cantina Laredo: Tex-Mex Flavors Near Gate 6
No trip to Texas is complete without experiencing authentic Tex-Mex cuisine! Located conveniently across from Gate 6, Cantina Laredo offers a chance to indulge in some pre-flight Mexican flavors in a comfortable sit-down setting. While their breakfast menu leans less towards healthy options, their lunch and dinner selections provide some lighter choices.
Healthy Picks at Cantina Laredo:
Breakfast
- Asada y Huevos: For a protein-packed start, consider the grilled steak with marinated onions and chimichurri sauce, served with two eggs with guajillo sauce ($13.99).
Lunch / Dinner
- Ensalada De Espinaca y Pollo: A refreshing and flavorful spinach salad with tender chicken, red onion, mushrooms, roasted almonds, queso fresco, and a raspberry-chipotle dressing ($11.99).
- Pollo Chipotle: Opt for the grilled chicken breast topped with chipotle-wine sauce and melted jack cheese. To reduce fat content, request it without cheese ($12.49).
- Fajitas: A customizable and interactive option. Choose the chicken fajitas for a leaner protein source ($16.99).
Variety of fresh and healthy grab-and-go meals at Dallas Love Airport.
La Madeleine: Grab-and-Go Goodness Next to Gate 6
For travelers needing a quick and healthy option, La Madeleine, situated next to Gate 6, is a fantastic choice. While Cool River Cafe and Cantina Laredo are great for sit-down meals, La Madeleine excels in providing delicious and fresh to-go options. They have a refrigerated section stocked with grab-and-go items, and they also prepare fresh food quickly for those in a hurry.
Healthy Picks at La Madeleine:
Breakfast
- Custom Omelette: Create your own healthy omelette by choosing any 3 ingredients from spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, red bell peppers, swiss, cheddar, bacon, chicken, sausage, or ham ($8.29, additional ingredients $0.89 each).
- Oatmeal: Enjoy a warm bowl of oatmeal with your choice of two toppings: blueberries, strawberries, pecans, almonds, raisins, or brown sugar ($4.59).
- Yogurt Parfait: A light and refreshing parfait with low-fat vanilla yogurt, strawberries, blueberries, and muesli ($4.99).
- Muesli & Strawberries: A simple and wholesome combination ($4.99).
Lunch / Dinner
- Chicken Spinach Salad: A flavorful and nutritious salad featuring chicken, spinach, mushrooms, roasted pecans, bacon, red bell peppers, strawberries, and balsamic vinaigrette ($9.89).
- Chicken la Madeleine: Chicken with mushroom sauce served with rice provencal and steamed broccoli. Opt to skip the rice for a lower-carb meal ($9.39).
Selection of healthy drinks and snacks available at Dallas Love Airport cafes.
Starbucks: Airport Staple at Gates 7 and 13
No airport dining guide is complete without mentioning Starbucks. Conveniently located in two spots at Dallas Love, across from Gate 7 and Gate 13, Starbucks is a reliable option for healthy drinks and some lighter food choices. While it’s tempting to indulge in Frappuccinos and sugary lattes, opt for healthier coffee choices like an Americano or Cold Brew. For food, consider the Hearty Blueberry Whole-Grain Oatmeal, Protein Bistro Box, or the Hearty Veggie & Brown Rice Salad Bowl. Starbucks also offers a variety of healthy snacks, including freeze-dried mango and popcorn.
Navigating Dallas Love Airport and finding healthy food doesn’t have to be stressful. With these options in mind, you can easily maintain your healthy eating habits while traveling through DAL. So next time you’re wondering “where is Dallas Love Airport?” remember it’s not just a conveniently located airport, but also one that caters to health-conscious travelers.
Safe and healthy travels!
Best,
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