Discovering the Spirit of Aviation at First In Flight Bar
Nestled in the vibrant city of Charlotte, North Carolina, the First In Flight Bar stands as a unique destination that seamlessly blends culinary excellence with a deep appreciation for aviation history. Located strategically at 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208, United States, this establishment offers more than just a meal or a drink; it provides an immersive experience rooted in the pioneering spirit of flight. The very name evokes the rich heritage of North Carolina, the birthplace of aviation, and the bar strives to embody that sense of innovation, adventure, and forward momentum in every aspect of its operation.
For locals and visitors alike seeking an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and relaxed, First In Flight Bar has carved out a distinct niche. It serves as a gathering point where conversations flow as smoothly as the beverages served, all while surrounded by subtle nods to the golden age of air travel and modern aerospace achievements. Whether you are stopping by after a long day or planning an evening out with friends, the ambiance is carefully curated to transport you, offering a momentary escape from the everyday hustle.
The commitment to quality extends beyond the theme. The culinary team focuses on crafting memorable dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. This dedication ensures that every item on the menu, from appetizers to main courses, meets a high standard of flavor and presentation. Furthermore, the bar prides itself on an extensive selection of craft beers, fine wines, and expertly mixed cocktails, catering to diverse palates. It is this harmonious blend of thematic depth, quality food, and exceptional service that defines the First In Flight experience.
Understanding what makes this location a must-visit requires looking closer at the elements that set it apart from other dining and social venues in the Charlotte area. The dedication to creating a cohesive and engaging environment is palpable, making it a landmark destination for those who appreciate history, good company, and superior hospitality.
Key Highlights of the First In Flight Bar Experience
The unique character of First In Flight Bar is built upon several foundational pillars that contribute to its enduring appeal. These highlights showcase why the venue consistently draws attention:
Aviation-Inspired Ambiance: The decor and atmosphere are thoughtfully designed to pay homage to the history of flight, particularly North Carolina's pivotal role. This thematic consistency creates an engaging backdrop for socializing and dining, offering visual interest that goes beyond standard bar aesthetics. It’s an environment that sparks curiosity and conversation among patrons.
Commitment to Culinary Craftsmanship: The menu is developed with an emphasis on quality and creativity. While rooted in familiar favorites, the preparation often incorporates unique twists, utilizing high-quality ingredients to elevate the dining experience. This focus ensures that the food stands up to the high standards set by the venue's overall presentation.
Diverse Beverage Program: Recognizing that patrons seek variety, the bar maintains a robust selection of drinks. This includes rotating taps featuring regional craft brews, a carefully curated wine list suitable for pairing with various dishes, and a cocktail menu featuring both classic recipes and signature creations inspired by the aviation theme.
Prime Location for Accessibility: Situated conveniently on Josh Birmingham Parkway, the bar is easily accessible, making it an ideal stop for those traveling through the area or residents looking for a reliable local spot. Its location contributes to its role as a central gathering place within the local community landscape.
These elements combine to form a venue that is both historically resonant and thoroughly contemporary. It’s a place where the legacy of innovation meets the pleasure of modern leisure, offering something memorable for every guest who walks through the door.
Concluding Thoughts on a Destination Worth Exploring
The First In Flight Bar at 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy is more than just a location; it represents a dedication to creating an exceptional social and culinary environment in Charlotte. It successfully marries a compelling historical narrative with high-quality service and offerings. For anyone seeking an establishment that offers both substance and style, this bar provides a compelling proposition.
We invite you to experience the unique atmosphere firsthand. Whether your interest lies in savoring a perfectly crafted drink, enjoying thoughtfully prepared food, or simply soaking in an environment rich with the spirit of adventure, First In Flight Bar promises a visit that is both enjoyable and distinctive. It stands ready to welcome you, offering a taste of history alongside the best of contemporary hospitality.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Fast service
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy
Crowd
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs
Menus
Appetizers
EdamameUS$5.99
Miso SoupUS$5.89
Squid SaladUS$7.99
Nigiri and Sashimi
NigiriUS$7.49
Sashimi
Maki Rolls
California RollUS$10.19
Eel RollUS$11.79
Bagel RollUS$10.69
Hissho's Specials
Firecracker RollUS$13.00
Outer Banks RollUS$14.99
Photos
Reviews First In Flight Bar
Ben Ruddell
30-05-2026
First in Flight Bar is my go to for killing time at CLT. Sushi, decent service, and the best atmosphere at the airport are to be had here., including sometime live music. Thanks, FIFB! More
王君平
25-05-2026
Awful service. And the sushi is frozen even with ice on the cucumber. We ordered one tea and the cashier took two and said us angrily “what do you want me to do , call the manager? " kind of racism face. NEVER EVER COME TO THE STORE.
Christopher Thompson
19-05-2026
A central, high trafficked bar with good sushi and sashimi, miso soup and salads. They also have a range of beers, cocktails and saki. If you like to people watch in airports, it's a great place to get a bite.
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Viktoria Holoiukh
04-04-2026
The first and most important thing in food is quality and taste. It want to be better. The fish was so watery taste that it has no fishy taste at all. The price is reasonable, and if the quality of the dish was what it should be, the price … More
James Edwards
29-03-2026
Literally made ne sick before my flight. I ordered one of the cooked rolls (dream or dragon something). Be careful.
Food: 1
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Heather Stemmerman
29-03-2026
I am so impressed with the sushi. Not only is it delicious for airport sushi, it's better than most sushi restaurants I've been to. So much better than all the rest of the surrounding restaurants and I get to listen to beautiful music from … More
Brian Keller
20-03-2026
So I'm a Sushi Chef and VERY critical of pre made Sushi. So I picked up a rainbow roll on our way to Detroit. The. best Premade Sushi I ever had. I thought it a fluke so on my return I purchased another. Equally as impressive. The checkout is a breeze. A tray pricey but when you think of where you are and the quality it's a no brainer.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Madison
18-03-2026
This place is running a scam. My sushi was $10.80, and i wasn’t given the option of tipping or receiving a receipt. However, a couple of days later, i get an email from my bank warning me about a 37% tip on my bill. I did NOT tip because it … More
Doug J.
18-03-2026
Good sushi didn't have any issues but I had 10 minutes to eat it I got their carryout sushi and wanted a beer at the bar and they wouldn't let me eat their sushi after carry out and buy a beer. The bartender missed out on a $5 or $10 tip … More
Eugene
11-02-2026
Overall good service. I ordered the black dragon roll combo and was a bit disapdissappointed by the shrimp tempura in it. Not crispy at all, and soft in fact, which is not what you'd expect from something that's fried. Good portion of seaweed salad though, which I love!
Kelsi Kustelski
01-02-2026
Many people have already stated this in the reviews but don’t buy the to go food and then try to sit and eat your food here. The waitress was very rude and didn’t want me even eating at the empty bar after I paid for my to go food.
Service
Take out
Price per person
$10–20
Group size
1 person
Jeremy Reece
21-01-2026
As far as airport restaurants go, this one is very good. Reasonable prices for food, as all airport restaurants, drinks are still very high. But the service was very good and the food was fresh and delicious.
Adolfo “Fito21Corn” Cornavaca
04-01-2026
This P lo ace is top notch. I ordered a Tomato with a panini, Man that was Awesome. Ordered a Semi Sweet Wine from Washington was Good but I was expecting to be more Sweet. The Service was Great. I'll be there again
Dan O'Donnell
26-12-2025
First In Flight - A Hidden Gem at CLT!
First In Flight has always been one of my go-to spots whenever I fly through Charlotte, and it never disappoints! The miso soup is consistently hot, flavorful, and comforting – a perfect way to start a meal. On this visit, I had the Sunset Roll, which was fresh, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious.
The service was just as impressive as the food. A big thank you to Ed for taking such great care of me – attentive, friendly, and made the experience even better.
If you’re traveling through CLT and have some time, I highly recommend stopping by First In Flight. Great food, excellent service, and a relaxing atmosphere – you won’t regret it!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Miso Soup, Sunset Roll
Stephanie Law
12-12-2025
Waited for ten minutes and no server came. I bought sushi at the to go cover and sat down. A server finally appeared and rudely informed me that the seating was only for dine in guests. When I informed her that I tried to be a dime in guest but she never showed up, she just repeated that I had leave. Do not recommend
John Crosby
09-12-2025
Great fast service. I had a Moscow Mule and despite being served in a plastic cup, it was exceptional. For airport sushi, this was wonderful far exceeding my expectations. Better than many dedicated sushi restaurants I have eaten at. More
Luke Latham
25-11-2025
As others have said here, the sushi is fantastic. I had the Orville and Wilbur, and it was AMAZING! It was very well prepared on the plate, and it was delicious! Wonderful job. However, the drinks were WAY overpriced. The margaritas were tasty, but they were $22 EACH! ... in a medium-sized plastic cup half-full of ice! Yikes! I really should've paid more attention to the drink prices. So, they get the highest mark on the food, but they get a low score on drinks due to pricing. I'll definitely eat here again, but ONLY eat! No drinks at these 30,000 foot prices!!!
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3
Reservation
Walk-ins only
Noise level
Moderate noise
Bequita
24-11-2025
Really great food. The squid salad was delicious. It's pretty expensive, but then everywhere at the airport has inflated prices.
Staff were very friendly.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Wendy G
15-11-2025
Buyer beware. I purchased a grab n go sushi on 10/15. The self serve scanner worked but the credit card processing machine was broken (dark). A middle eastern looking employee directed me to come by him so he could complete the payment transaction on his end. Well, my credit card company contacted me because a $4.00 tip was placed on my $10 order without my knowledge. I'm sure I'm not the only one this happened to that day. Maybe it's still happening. The sushi is good but the employee is dishonest. I know it's only 4 bucks but it's the point... I am filing a claim.
Meal type
Dinner
Austen Meredith
12-10-2025
My opinion - this is the only food spot in the CLT airport that’s worth stopping at. Food and service is consistently great.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Wait time
No wait
Cody Robert
29-09-2025
After American Airlines had a glitch causing us to be stuck at the airport for 9 hours they gave us vouchers to go sit down and eat and recommended this sushi place. We waited in line for over 10 mins to have a lady tell us we had to place our order at the kiosk. So we ordered some sushi rolls and3 miso soups. We got our rolls quickly and sat down and unpacked them then shortly after our soups were delivered in a bag and styrofoam bowls. So we took them out and started eating. The “manger” came almost running over and told us to “get out”. I thought we did something wrong and said uhh is there a problem.? She said this is for paying customers only you need to leave. I said uhh I’m confused are we not paying customers this is food from this restaurant is it not? She said yes but you ordered to go this is for people dining with us. I said ok you need to change the attitude you’re the one that made us order at the kiosk never saying that meant it was to go we wanted to sit and eat we are here for 9 hours. She said not her problem pack it up and get out. I asked can I order something else from you and be considered a dine in customer we literally just opened everything and have all our other stuff with us carry ons and such. She said if you’re actually going to buy something I said I will I need a menu. She hands me the menu and as I take it from her she says “so what do you want?!” I said uhh I haven’t even looked at the menu yet you just handed it to me can I have a minute and she said “no I know you’re not going to order anything” I said so i literally just told you I would I haven’t looked at the menu you just handed it to me what do you recommend other than what we have? She said she will be back in 1 minute and I need to know what I want or get out. She walked away and I waved over another worker that was now standing by the kiosk and said are we not allowed to eat here we didn’t get an option to order with a server or anything we were told to use the kiosk and that employee apologized and said “don’t worry about it you’re fine”. I saw her talk to the manager and the manager came back and I thought she was going to apologize but she walked up and said you need to order now or get out. I said “ok she just said we were fine to sit here but anyway I think I’m ready how is the tuna po…” and she didn’t even let me finish, she interrupted me and told us to get out that she heard me say under my breath that I was going to just stall so we could eat our food. I swear to you on everything that never came out of my mouth and when would I have said it? I waved that other employee over as soon as she left and talked to her for about 15 seconds then I was looking at the menu while that other employee went and talked to the manager then the manager came back all in about 1 minute time. This lady was an absolute nut job. I looked at her and asked is that how you treat paying customers by lying and being on a power trip maybe you should have greeted us and explained how the restaurant works instead of making us wait over 10 mins and just yelling across the bar that we had to use the kiosk to order. She said she was going to get the food court manager and we will be escorted out of the restaurant. That lady comes over tells us sorry you have to leave if you’re not going to order. I said I tried to order and already have ordered but I guess this is considered take out even though we were told we had to order using the kiosk. She goes yes they have signs posted you have to dine in to sit her and pointed to a small sign next to a pillar that you can’t see from the kiosk because the kiosk is literally right in front of it. I told the lady she needs to go back and talk to that manager because I attempted to order so we could stay seated but she’s power tripping and made up in her head she heard me say I would stall until we were done eating, but that lady just kept asking us to leave and apologizing for the rule. A mom alone with 4 small children was also kicked out after unpacking the food she just bought and sitting the kids down.
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 3
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Group size
3-4 people
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Bar area, Counter seating
Phillip Andrada
10-09-2025
Always a great place if you have time to get your fix for sushi or sashimi or a drink. You can also get pre-made sushi to go as well. They have both sashimi four rolls. They also have a small selection of appetizers whether you want seaweed … More
Sam Goldberg
08-09-2025
For an airport meal, this was good. Sushi was nice and the service was fast and friendly. It’s a bummer that the soy sauce comes in individual packets and you have to pour them out into a disposable plastic cup. Also, wine is served in … More
David Golubev
31-07-2025
Let's be honest airport Sushi is not what most people want experience. If you expect your mind to be blown away by this location you going to be disappointed. If your sushi snob you'll be disappointed as well.
If you're looking for great customer service. A quick drink friendly bartenders and a quick meal this is the location for you. The rolls are made freash and only worry your going to have if second drink is needed.
Keith Pierce
19-07-2025
I was blown away by the sushi at First in Flight Bar! Despite being located at an airport, it surpasses even some of the fanciest sushi restaurants I've been to. The fish was incredibly fresh, and my roll was well prepared and presented. Best of all the taste was on point! If you're passing through the Charlotte Airport, this spot is definitely worth a stop!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Sunset Roll
Orion
19-06-2025
This bar, conveniently located in the middle of the airport, offered a remarkably tranquil atmosphere. They served delicious sushi and featured calming live music.
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Riley Lowry
18-06-2025
💥💥💥 Hurry up and wait 💥💥💥
I stop here a few times a year flying out of CLT. They are consistent and it’s a good vibe. My go to is the “Layover” … More
Joshua Knight
03-06-2025
Very tasty sushi and not too expensive! We had a California rolls and the fire cracker. The fire cracker was OK. You get to see them make your sushi right in front of you if you do not choose one out of there front to go boxes. If you want, … More
Syed Zeeshan Hasnain
06-05-2025
Got a sushi tray from this place and sat down in one of many empty chairs at the bar. Someone comes in the middle of my meal which would have lasted less than 4 minutes and asked me to move out, this is a dine in chair and you need to move. Thank for you serving us the first and last time. More
Brenyn Freeman
02-05-2025
I ordered the Orville and Wilbur’s sushi roll, as well as the classic martini. Enjoyed the roll and realized I don’t like martinis, but I think that last part was due to me and not the restaurant.
Service was relatively quick; it took about an hour to get from sitting down, taking order, receiving food, and now more than halfway done, and the seated area was almost full when I sat.
The view from the seating area is wonderful. The concourse windows are huge and overlook the American Airlines plane taxi area, and there’s a lot of foot traffic for people watching right next to the seating area.
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
1 person, 2 people, 3-4 people
Wait time
No wait
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Bar area, Counter seating
Wheelchair accessibility
There were no steps necessary to access the seating, but some tables we’re close together which may make wheeling between them difficult if the restaurant gets busy.
Reviews First In Flight Bar