Can I leave security and then go back through security at the Chicago O Hare airport during my layover?

I will have a longer layover at the O Hare airport on Sept 11. I have a friend who lives in Chicago who would like to possibly meet me for a drink. I know he won't be able to meet me at the terminals, but can I meet him on the other side of security and then go back through security to catch my connecting flight? Also is there anywhere to get a drink on other side of security in the airport? If not is there anything right outside the airport? This will be my first time at O Hare airport and I'm unfamiliar with it. Any help would be great.

You will have to go through again

Yes, you can do that. Just make sure to allow yourself enough time to go through security again when you come back to the airport. Airports have websites which show what places there are to eat, drink, and shop. I don't know O'Hare, but all the large airports I've been to are not what I'd call close to anything. They certainly don't have restaurants 'right outside'. A ten-minute cab ride away, probably.

There's a Starbucks at baggage claim and connected to Terminal 2 is the O'Hare Hilton. They have the Sports Edition Bar and the Gaslight Club which is pretty neat - a 1920's themed restuarant

Your best bet is to get a drink at the Hilton O'Hare, which is attached to the airport. Follow the signs and you'll find it easily. I think the only thing in the airport where your friend could meet is a Starbucks around baggage claim, but it's really just a stand if I recall. There's nothing else that is convenient enough.

You will want to make sure you allow yourself at least 1-1.5 hours (depending on the time) to get back through security and to your gate for your next flight.

Are you coming or going from an international flight? The last time I was in O'Hare, in May, they were re-doing the train between terminals, so everyone had to go out of the terminal and transfer by bus, then go back through security. It would help to know if one of your legs is international- we can then tell you which terminals you'll be in and where you can meet your friend.

Yes. The onsite Hilton has a bar. Or you can take the CTA blue line one stop to Rosemont and there are several hotels with bars within walking distance.
Or if your friend has a car, they can pick you up and there's a lot of places in the Rosemont area

You can leave and when you return you will need to go through security again.

However, O'hare is in the middle of a massive remodel and redoing terminals and many flights are having to exit and go through security again so your wait in the security checkpoint line may be unusually long.

There are though several places near the airport where you can meet up. There's a hilton hotel (which has bars) that is attached to the airport.

Exactly how long is your layover? All international flights coming in, de-board, get their baggage and then go through security again at all airports in general and O'Hare is a common spot for a lay over.

O'hare is a PITA.

You can meet your friend on the public side of the terminal… But please keep your boarding pass and ID with you when you need to re-enter the terminal.

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