When my friend texted to ask if I wanted to try restaurant services at the relatively new TWA Hotel at JFK, I eagerly accepted the invitation, as I had been wanting to visit since their opening about 5 years ago.

I browsed the offerings online to see what was available before heading to the airport. Once we arrived in the terminal — heading back to the 1960s — we headed to the grab-and-go food hall, where each venue resembles a check-in counter rather than a traditional restaurant.

There’s the Corner Store, which sells pre-packaged snacks; Fly-By Bagels, offering egg sandwiches, muffins, and bagels; Vinny’s Panini, serving their namesake sandwiches on freshly baked bread along with soups and salads; Feltman’s of Coney Island for beef hot dogs; Crêpes Your Way; and Mr. Softee ice cream.

Before heading upstairs to Jean-Georges’ restaurant, Paris Café, we stopped by The Sunken Lounge to explore its offerings. The music from the 1960s created a nostalgic atmosphere as we wandered around, taking it all in.

We started with their cocktails. I sampled the cherry yuzu old fashioned ($23) made with Maker’s Mark whiskey and cherry yuzu; my dining partner had the ginger margarita ($20)

We shared a fresh, beautifully presented (and oddly named) “sucrene and arugula” salad ($20) with avocado, radishes and a spicy fresh corn vinaigrette.  We added their BEC pizza with crispy bacon, egg and three cheeses to that. Amazingly good food, especially for an airport.

We’ll definitely need to return since Connie—the actual airplane cocktail lounge on the tarmac—didn’t open until 4 PM. Additionally, it wasn’t quite pool weather, and the conference center, featuring many more 1960s installations, was closed.

I’m looking forward to going back!

Paris Cafe at TWA
TWA Hotel
6 Central Terminal Area,
Jamaica, NY 11430
(212) 806-9000
twahotel.com/food-drink/paris-cafe