Burgers on the Fly: Newarks Terminal A

Airport terminals are rarely considered meccas of quality dining. The plethora of eateries one usually finds post-security seem to offer one of two benefits: a quick bite or a comfortable bar stool.

No more. Since opening last year, Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport has been raising airport fare to a new level. Along with its Jersey-centric design featuring everything from Rutgers’ logos, a Just Jersey gift shop, and illuminated photos of NJ’s beloved Shore and other icons, Terminal A is home to a number of favorite Jersey restaurant outposts, including Felina Cucina from Ridgewood, Smoke-house BBQ of Trenton, and Jersey City’s Kitchen Step, as well as quality national eateries like Shake Shack and Flavor-town Kitchen by Guy Fieri.

Which all begs the question: who has the Best Burger?

In August, the Terminal decided to find out by hosting its first-ever Best Burger Cooking Competition. Organized by Victor Domine, marketing and communications manager of the terminal’s management group, the blind tasting was open to any Terminal vendor with burgers on their menus. To be eligible, burgers had to currently appear on the restaurants’ Terminal A menu and could not include any special ingredients, preparation or branding.

While curious travelers strolled past the judging table in the Central Concourse area, an independent panel of judges from Dining Out New Jersey, Edible Jersey and the Eaterie food app tasted their way through nine entrants, grading burgers on appearance, taste, and freshness.

At the end of the festivities, the winner was clear. The Best Burger of 2024 moniker, trophy and bragging rights went to Bluestone Lane for their Bayside Burger, a juicy all beef patty adorned with cheddar cheese, caramelized onion, pickles, fig jam, aioli, arugula, and tomato on a brioche bun.

Next up? Cocktails or tacos, anyone?