As someone who flies in and out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) regularly, I’m always excited when the airport adds something that makes the travel experience better. And today’s announcement is one I’m particularly happy about because one of my all-time favorite Los Angeles food spots is finally returning to LAX.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) announced today (October 26, 2026) that two iconic Los Angeles restaurants, Kogi BBQ and Marathon Burger, have officially opened in Terminal 1. It’s part of a larger effort to bring more authentic LA experiences to the airport ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
While I’m looking forward to trying Marathon Burger, I’m especially excited about Kogi BBQ because my wife and I have been huge fans for well over a decade. In fact, there’s a pretty funny story about just how much my wife loves their tacos.
Why I’m so excited Kogi BBQ is back at LAX
Why I’m so excited Kogi BBQ is back at LAXIf you’ve never had Kogi BBQ, you’re missing out on one of Los Angeles’ most iconic food experiences. Chef Roy Choi co-founded Kogi in 2008, combining Korean BBQ with Mexican street food and helping launch the modern gourmet food truck craze.
Their Korean short-rib tacos are legendary, and I can tell you firsthand that they live up to the hype. Back in 2015, Kogi had a food truck inside LAX’s Terminal 4, which was then American Airlines’ main terminal. My wife Natalie and I used to stop there whenever we were flying through. The tacos were so good that Natalie, who is Canadian and used to prefer flying Air Canada, actually started choosing American Airlines just so she could get her Kogi fix at LAX. I’m not kidding. That’s how much she loved them!
Unfortunately, the Kogi truck only lasted about six months before LAX rotated it out for other food trucks. I thought that was a huge mistake at the time. Whenever I passed Kogi, there seemed to be a line of hungry travelers waiting for tacos, while the replacement trucks never appeared nearly as popular.
I even wrote about it back then because I couldn’t understand why the airport would get rid of something travelers clearly loved.
We also used to visit Kogi’s former location inside the Whole Foods in El Segundo, just a few miles south of LAX. I remember stopping by shortly before it officially opened and finding Chef Roy Choi himself handing out samples. There was practically no line, which was a rare treat considering how popular his food trucks had become.
We’ve been fans ever since, so seeing Kogi return to LAX feels like a long-overdue homecoming.
What travelers can expect from the new Kogi BBQ at LAX
The new Terminal 1 location is designed to capture the spirit of Kogi’s original food truck experience, but in a more convenient airport setting. According to LAWA, the menu includes Kogi’s signature Korean-Mexican favorites, including tacos, burritos and quesadillas. There’s also a full bar for travelers looking to grab a drink before their flight.
Chef Roy Choi seems just as excited about the opening as I am. “From the streets to the skies, Kogi is eternal,” Choi said in the airport’s announcement. “I can’t wait to see faces light up when they see Kogi at the airport.”
What I especially love about this addition is that travelers who are just connecting through LAX can finally experience a genuine taste of Los Angeles without ever leaving the airport.
LA has so many incredible restaurants, but if you’re only passing through on a connection, you usually don’t get the opportunity to experience them. Kogi changes that, at least for travelers who can conveniently access Terminal 1.
And unlike the original food trucks, which became famous for making customers track their locations online, this one isn’t going anywhere, at least not on a daily basis.
Marathon Burger also opens its first airport location
Kogi isn’t the only big addition to Terminal 1. Marathon Burger, the restaurant brand connected to the legacy of late Los Angeles rapper and entrepreneur Nipsey Hussle, has also opened its first airport location. The Marathon Brand was founded by Hussle in 2010, and his family and team, including his brother Samiel “Blacc Sam” Asghedom, have continued building on his vision.
Marathon Burger opened its flagship restaurant on Melrose Avenue in 2025 and has become known for its made-to-order Wagyu smash burgers featuring special seasoning, house-made Fresno peppers and a secret sauce.
At LAX, travelers can order burgers, fries, hot wings and breakfast items, along with cocktails. There’s also a new pop-up retail shop selling Marathon merchandise.
I haven’t tried Marathon Burger yet, but I’m looking forward to checking it out on a future trip through Terminal 1.
LAX is getting more than 25 new or refreshed shops and restaurants
These openings are part of a much bigger transformation underway at LAX. According to airport officials, more than 25 shopping and dining locations are being introduced or refreshed across Terminals 1, 2, 3, 6 and Tom Bradley International Terminal.
The goal is to showcase more of Los Angeles’ local food, culture and businesses, especially as the city prepares to welcome visitors from around the world for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
I’m all for it. I’ve traveled through airports around the world, and some of my favorites are the ones that give you a real sense of place through their food and shops. There’s nothing wrong with familiar national chains, but I would much rather see an airport showcase the restaurants and businesses that make its city special.
LAX is also in the middle of a massive $30 billion modernization program, which includes the upcoming automated people mover, improved ground transportation connections and terminal upgrades.
Of course, there’s still plenty of work to be done, especially when it comes to traffic and getting to and from the airport. But bringing in more authentic local food options is definitely a step in the right direction.
A few tips before you head to Terminal 1
Both new restaurants are located in Terminal 1, so they’re especially convenient for passengers departing from that terminal. If you’re flying from another terminal, check your gate location, terminal connections and how much time you have before making a special trip.
LAX has post-security connections between its terminals, but that doesn’t mean you should attempt a long walk across the airport when boarding is about to begin.
And if you’re flying through LAX for the first time, remember that airport restaurants can get busy during peak travel periods. Give yourself extra time if you’re planning to sit down for a meal or pick up food before boarding.
One other tip: If you’re bringing tacos or a burrito onto the plane, be considerate of your seatmates and avoid making a mess. Personally, I’d much rather enjoy my Kogi tacos in the terminal while they’re fresh.
My take
I think this is fantastic news for LAX and for travelers. Kogi BBQ isn’t just another airport restaurant. It’s part of Los Angeles’ culinary history, and it represents the kind of creativity and cultural diversity that makes this city such an incredible place to visit.
I’ve been lucky enough to eat Kogi tacos for years, and I’m excited that travelers from around the world will now have the chance to try them, too.
As for Natalie, I have a feeling we’re going to be finding more excuses to pass through Terminal 1. And if the tacos are as good as we remember, we might have to start planning our flights around them again.
Have you ever tried Kogi BBQ or Marathon Burger? And what’s your favorite airport restaurant? I’d love to hear your recommendations.
