40 New Restaurants and Shops Coming to Orlando Airport: 4Rivers, Otto's High Dive, and More Local Favorites

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MCO Restaurant and Shopping Updates

Posted: Wednesday December 11, 2024 5:03pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is set to bring a taste of Central Florida to travelers with the addition of several well-known local eateries as part of a major concessions overhaul.

These new dining options will include highly rated 4Rivers, Otto's High Dive, and Kelly's Ice Cream, along with others like Smoke & Donuts and SoDough Detroit Pizza. These additions are part of a larger project to introduce more than 40 restaurants and retail stores included in the first phase of the airport's transformation.

MCO Restaurant and Shopping Updates

Expanding Dining and Retail Options

The new restaurants are part of Phase 1 of a multi-year plan to upgrade over 77,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space. The goal is to introduce a mix of local favorites and nationally recognized brands, providing passengers with dining options that reflect the diverse culinary scene in Central Florida.

Local highlights include:

4Rivers: A popular barbecue spot offering smoked meats and southern sides.
Otto's High Dive: A modern Cuban-inspired bar and restaurant known for its creative dishes and craft cocktails.
Kelly's Ice Cream: A local favorite for handcrafted, small-batch ice cream.
Smoke & Donuts: Known for its unique combination of barbecue and artisanal donuts.

With more than 40 restaurants and retail stores included in the first phase, travelers will have a significantly expanded selection of food and shopping options.

Timeline and Implementation

Design work for the new concessions is set to begin soon, with renovations scheduled to start by mid-2025. While the upgrades are underway, the airport will remain fully operational, ensuring minimal disruption for travelers. Phase 1 is just the beginning—Phases 2 and 3 will further transform areas of Terminals A and B, including updates to flooring, baggage claim areas, and gate seating.

Discuss on the Forums

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mkt22 days ago

There are some good options. Stasios, Milkhouse, Otto's High Dive and Kelly's Ice Cream are awesome. SoDough Detroit Pizza and Smoke & Donuts are good, but not my favorites. 4 Rivers is overrate but not bad. But I'm really not thrilled about Brew Dog, since they're A- not local, and B- have multiple credible accusations of being a toxic workplace where sexual harassment is the norm. With more than a handful of good breweries in Orlando, it really surprises em that the invited them to MCO over a local brewer.

LilofanDec 12, 2024

You are going to get your wish but many travelers won’t feel the same happiness. In a few years all of the rental cars parked across the street from baggage claim will move to a satellite parking lot. That will free up a few thousand parking spaces for locals looking to find a parking space.

sixbagelboyDec 12, 2024

While all of this is good news, the first issue they need to address is the lack of parking available at the airport. They need additional parking a lot more than more dining options.

Epcot82GuyDec 12, 2024

These will be really nice additions. (Otto's is a personal favorite for cocktails in town.) As a Southwest traveler, that terminal isn't bad. But, the others need some help. Glad to see these projects are moving forward.

monothingieDec 12, 2024

Good move. The late 90's early 2000's vibe of MCO Terminal A/B is getting really stale. It's got the dead/dying mall vibe with shuttered retail spaces and food offerings. The airside renovations can't come soon enough. Since I mostly fly United I go through Airside 3 (Gates 30-59) and it is really worn down and dated.

scottb411Dec 12, 2024

These are great selections to represent Orlando along with the existing Cask and Larder. The new terminal C already has great choices. Summer House has great food and atmosphere for an airport restaurant. Forgot for a minute that I was at the airport when eating there.

HauntedPirateDec 11, 2024

wdwmagicDec 11, 2024

Both I believe.

LilofanDec 11, 2024

I wonder if these dining options will be at the Main Terminal for ticketed and non ticketed or after clearing TSA near the gates which is only for ticketed. Some airports the dining options are in the part of the airport for ticketed only.