Perhaps worth noting that not all nationalities need to pay for a visa. Admittedly I have no idea re US passports though.
I'm not sure where one would wait in the baggage hall, but I had to spend 45min waiting for a hotel shuttle recently in int'l arrivals.
Gloria Jean's is to the left in arrivals after going through customs - much more pleasant than the baggage area. And one can't go wrong with Starbucks either (recommendation above).
http://www.ataturkairport.com/en-EN/...ges/Cafes.aspx