LAX is undergoing a massive transformation and I’m really happy about all most of the changes. The Tom Bradley International Terminal is an oasis in international travel, American’s Terminal 4 has really improved the pre-flight dining experience, and other terminals have gotten major facelifts as well. That’s why it’s so disappointing to hear what the plans are for Terminal 6.
First, let’s be real. The majority of travelers never set foot in T6 at LAX. It’s home to Alaska, US Airways (for now), Copa, and Great Lakes which means that the traffic there is fairly low. As of right now, the only places to eat are Ruby’s Dinette, Monet’s California Deli, Home Town Express, Plane Box Food Co., and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Not exactly inspiring, is it?
Based on the other renovations at LAX that have brought in great chefs and healthier food, I would expect Terminal 6 to follow a similar path — especially considering that Westfield is the company that’s overseeing the transformation and they’ve been in charge of TBIT as well as Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Unfortunately, the new additions leave a lot to be desired. Here’s the list from the press release:
- Taste traditional old-world Italian cuisine at Osteria by Fabio Viviani; a debut L.A. concept created by the famed Top Chef;
- Indulge in juicy California-style charburgers at The Habit Burger Grill;
- Chow down on a menu of eclectic fusion fare with a Hawaiian vibe at Wahoo’s Fish Taco;
- Experience L.A. beach-inspired cuisine at Blu2o;
- Delight in healthy fresh juices and fresh salads for a signature California lifestyle at Earth Bar;
- Sample world-class craft beers by a local craft brewery at Point the Way Café;
- Sip on the world’s best known coffees at (2) Starbucks locations;
- Pick up must-have travel essentials at Los Angeles News, Access Hollywood, Sunset News, and MARKET 8600;
- Discover the best designer apparel for men, women and kids from one of Southern California’s most chic boutiques at M. Fredric;
- Shop the leading international business, accessory and travel lifestyle brand at Tumi;
- Relax at XpresSpa, with massage, nail and facial services and a retail selection of locally produced beauty and travel products;
- Stock up on quality cosmetics for the makeup addict at MAC Cosmetics;
- Choose from over 100 different candies and chocolates with rich heritage at See’s Candies; and
- Find the latest in electronics and cutting-edge technology at Belkin.
Now, perhaps I’ve gotten spoiled by the other terminals, but Osteria by Fabio Viviani doesn’t excite me much and The Habit and Wahoo’s aren’t even legends in their own fields. I don’t know what Blu2Go, Earth Bar, and Point the Way Cafe are supposed to be, but they sound like the same generic concepts that used to open up in airports. Is it too much to expect the same level of exciting options that Westfield has brought to the other terminals, even if there’s less traffic? I don’t think so.
Don’t get me wrong: this is an upgrade from the existing options, but I wouldn’t say this is a major step up. That’s a shame.
Photo credit: Westfield
So, you don’t know what they are, but they’re bad? If it’s the same Blu2o as the east coast, it’s a pretty decent seafood grill. And point the way cafe would indicate maybe local Goldenroad Brewing will be involved. Let’s face it, a juice bar is a juice bar, but it’s nice to see something other than Jamba. Personally, I think it sounds like a good mix of nicer and more casual options. Not everyone wants to sit down to a 4 star chef inspired meal at the airport; sometimes grabbing a burger is just fine.
Sorry, Hunnerwoof — I should have been more specific. By not naming the provenance of those restaurants, I have a feeling their the same generic outlets that have offered uninspired food to travelers for years. If Golden Road was involved (which would be a wonderful idea!), I really think they would have mentioned it.
And who says I don’t want to grab a burger at the airport? Fly&Dine is about finding the best food options while you travel, from the high end to the low end (in terms of price, not quality). If Plan Check or Golden State was opening up at the airport, I’d be ecstatic. The Habit — that casual burger place that’s opening in T6 — just doesn’t do it for me.
Hope this all explains my thinking here. Thanks, as always, for reading.
FWIW, Delta also operates a decent number of flights out of T6. I just wish any improvements made to T6 include moving walkways between T5 and T6. I really despise long underground tunnels between terminals that only offer walking or a cart that may or may not be running regularly.
And yes, I’m also looking at you ATL and your horrible Terminal E setup for local passengers arriving from international flights!
I have to say that I totally dont agree with your article at all. Yes some of the other terminals have added some great places but just like hunerwoof said; there is a great mix and choice of places. You are letting your personal views and tastes buds dictate this article which it shouldnt. All of thise additions are a step up to what is offered currently.
My personal views and taste buds dictate pretty much all of my posts. This isn’t an objective article, Kort. Clearly I’m editorializing. Glad to know you’re excited about Terminal 6, though! I hope you enjoy it and I bet I will, too, once it’s open and completed.
Wahoo’s isn’t a legend in it’s own field? what??? I suppose you have never been there.
Didn’t T6 just undergo a big renovation to the rotunda? Now they’re going to waste money again to re-style it while adding the restaurants.
Not sure what you mean that US Airways is there “for now.” US/AA are taking permanent residence at T6.
Also not only is Wahoo’s absolutely delicious, its a great value among the slew of upscale eateries invading LAX.